The word “Christian” does not only mean a person who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. “Christian” is now a genre, just like romance, comedy, rock, and country. We label music, movies, and novels with the term “Christian,” and give them their own section in Books-A-Million. Of course, this tactic is merely meant to simplify the search for certain titles, but our willingness to categorize Christianity and the arts this way introduces an important question: is there really such a thing as Christian art?
On one hand, the answer to this question is not really. People can be Christians; a song, movie, or painting cannot. We do not learn “Christian math.” We do not drive “Christian cars.” We do not eat “Christian carrots.” Some artists are Christians; their work is not.
On the other hand, the answer is yes. The answer to a math problem does not change if solved by a Christian, but authors or musicians can completely alter the process and product of their art based on their religion. Some films, songs, and books are specifically created with a Christian message for a Christian audience.
This question is a lot more difficult to answer than it seems to be. I find it somewhat helpful to examine how the message of a work of art interacts with Christianity. To further complicate the question, some works of art neither directly support nor defame biblical teaching. Do we define a symphony as Christian or secular? What about a De Stijl painting?
At other times, the message conveys the exact opposite of what the Bible teaches. This category does not include every movie, song, book, poem, or painting made by a non-Christian, however, there are works whose main theme directly opposes biblical truths. These are the movies and books Christians try to avoid by using “Christian” as a genre.
Other works can be truthful. This category complicates our question. It includes art from both secular and Christian beginnings. Art seeks to reveal truth in a way that speaks to our souls. I am sure most of us can think of a symphony, a poem, a painting, or a film that moved us or jarred us. A popular maxim states, “All truth is God’s truth,” however, "The Odyssey" is not a "Christian" work just because Homer shows the true distress of a man trying to find his way home and the profound bond of a successful marriage.
Some artists intentionally honor God in their art. This category contains the majority of “Christian” art. It is made with the goal of conveying biblical truth and turning the audience to God. Even these works of art present difficulties. Does a work have to mention God or Jesus to be “Christian”? If that were so, both The Song of Solomon and Esther would not be “Christian.” Is God-honoring art meant only for a Christian audience? "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" bears obvious marks of C. S. Lewis’ faith and allusions to Christ, but it is enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike. While most Christians would call it Christian literature, I doubt everyone would agree.
Finally, the message and the content of a work of art can purely convey worship to God. Many songs fall under this category. Some musicians compose music solely to praise God. These songs will be played on Christian radio and sung in church. This is perhaps the only category that can be called “Christian” without raising any doubts.
Maybe the only thing I have accomplished is thoroughly complicating the topic. So, if I had to answer the question, “Is there Christian Art?” I would say no. There are Christian artists, and there are works that bring glory to God. I do not think we should stop describing music, movies, and books as Christian; it does help people find the material they want. I merely believe that rather than focusing on whether or not a movie or a song is “Christian,” we should notice which artists produce work that honors God or, even more simply, which artists produce work that supports truth.
