Creativity is good, but not all that comes from it is

Francis-Schaeffer

As a Christian we know why a work of art has value. Why? First, because a work of art is a work of creativity, and creativity has value because God is the Creator.… Second, an art work has value as a creation because man is made in the image of God, and therefore man not only can love and think and feel emotion but also has the capacity to create. Being in the image of the Creator, we are called upon to have creativity.… All people are to some degree creative. Creativity is intrinsic to our mannishness.

But we must be careful not to reverse this. Not every creation is great art. Nor is all that man makes good either intellectually or morally. So, while creativity is a good thing in itself, it does not mean that everything that comes out of man’s creativity is good. For while man was made in the image of God, he is fallen. Furthermore, since men have various gifts and talents, everyone cannot create everything equally well. However, the main point is that creativity as creativity is a good thing as such.

Francis Schaeffer, Art and the Bible

Posted by Aaron Armstrong

Aaron is the author of several books for adults and children, as well as multiple documentaries and Bible studies. His latest book, I'm a Christian—Now What?: A Guide to Your New Life with Christ is available now.

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One Reply to “Creativity is good, but not all that comes from it is”

  1. I’ve been working through Schaeffer’s Complete works over the last few months–I’ve got about 17 books done. He is prophetic. More Christians should get into Schaeffer.

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