Freedom to Create: Francis Schaeffer on the Arts

You may or may not have heard of Francis Schaeffer (1912-84) before, but he wrote some great things about Art that I think are worth taking note of.

Schaeffer was one of the great thinkers, writers and leaders of last century, and his influence continues today. He was a prolific author who wrote about a number of topics, including the arts. In 1973, he published two essays entitled: “Art and the Bible” and "Some Perspectives on Art". Both are worth a read – and in the second one, he offers a perspective that seems quite radical for 1973…..

He says there are 3 basic approaches to art:

1. The first approach is to create art that is just “there”. There is no meaning to it – it is 100% abstract. “You can't talk about it, you can't analyse it, it doesn't say anything.” Schaeffer argues that no great artist has purely taken this route, noting that even “abstract” artists such as Picasso, still have their philosophy incorporated into their work.
2. The second approach, according to Schaeffer, is to use art purely as an embodiment of a message of some sort. It is nothing more than a “vehicle for propaganda”.
3. The third approach, Schaeffer says, is to go about creating great art and allow your worldview to naturally influence your art.

The third approach is the one that Schaeffer recommends, and I believe all artists would do well to consider his advice. Anyone working in the media in some way can also contextualize his advice in their field. (If one is working as a news reporter, be a GREAT news reporter, and allow your worldview to impact what you do.)

Think of an artist, (or a magazine or radio station) that is truly influential, and it is likely they are taking the third approach.

I’m not saying the second approach is necessarily wrong. Generally speaking however, an audience can tell if you are there to deliver great art/entertainment/news coverage etc, or if you are there with an overt agenda to bring a message. Generally, you are less likely to find influence with a wide audience with the second approach – and most of the audience you do find is likely to already agree with you.

Also, adopting the third approach doesn’t mean that no message can ever come forth. For some, the quest to create “great art” is likely to bring forth a message of some sort. However, when a message is birthed through the creation of genuine and quality art, it is is much more likely to be received and have an impact. Key application: There’s nothing wrong with “Christian music”… but those that choose to simply make “great music” and let their walk with God permeate what they do, are more likely to have more opportunities to be salt and light in the world today (Matthew 5:13-16).