The Art of Theology

Recently, I asked a young woman what she planned to do after she finished college. She demurely answered that she was looking into attending seminary. During conversation, she wondered if her undergraduate studies in dance were a waste of time, because theology was a more important pursuit. She questioned whether a dancer would find a place in the theological world. She thought it strange that she would be so drawn to theology. It was as if the study of the arts had nothing to do with the study of God.

But I think theology, the study of God and all things in relation to Him, involves one of the greatest aesthetic pursuits given to man.

Throughout history, theologians have asserted that the study of God and all things in relation to him includes the use of our physical senses. However, these assertions are not merely tucked away in the tomes of church history, ideas only accessible to other obscure theologians. God himself directs our senses toward his creation, inviting us to know him through both our intellect and our physical senses. Art, just like the created world, appeals to our physical senses in order to express something true.

As created beings, we have been graced with the capacities of touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell. God gave these to us, along with our intellect, so that he might communicate Himself to us. The garments worn by the priest were for beauty and for glory, so that we might have some idea of the beauty of God. The grass of the field was clothed with flowers that we might have some idea of the character of God. Throughout scripture, He directs our physical senses to the beauty around us so that we might know truth in beauty, and beauty in truth.

Excellent artists strive to express what is truly beautiful. Excellent theologians strive to express what is beautifully true.

Artists are vital to theology, just as theologians are vital to artists. Artists who point to truth in their work will find endless ways to express beauty. Theologians who point to beauty in their work will find endless ways to express truth. So I say, “Theologians, work like artists! Artists, work like theologians! And if you can, do both!”