Posts Tagged ‘creativity’

Uncovering the Image of God in Creativity

// May 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // Christian Living, Video

I discovered a cool new blog today, and consequently this TED Talks video. This is author Elizabeth Gilbert talking about the source of our creativity, that denying that there is a “divine source” to our creativity actually stifles the creative mind of the artist and may be at the heart of why so many of our most talented artists have self-destructed.

Obviously, this is not coming from anywhere close to a Biblical world view. However, I think the application here is obvious.

I loved what she said at the end about the performer who “transcends” in the moment as though there is something (Someone…) divine being displayed through that person. My opinion: Art for the Christian ultimately is about uncovering the image of God in us, and then displaying it in such a way that God is glorified and the artist is all but unnoticed. The artist (Christian or otherwise) feels angst when he/she gets confused about who gets glory.

I would love to hear your reactions in the comments.

Bobby McFerrin and Richard Bona Improvisation

// April 26th, 2009 // No Comments » // Church Life, Music, Random Thoughts, Video

Many don’t know that there’s a lot more to Bobby McFerrin than “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.  A lot.  Not only can he sing well, he uses his voice like an instrument (lots of them, sometimes playing all at one time).  This is skat singing x 100.  This is true, live, improv.  Awesome.

And, of course, Richard Bona is incredible as well.  Enjoy.

The audio and video is a little out of sync, sorry… I didn’t make the video.

Innovation and Creativity in the Church

// April 3rd, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Church Life

I saw this video and immediately thought, “Why don’t I see this kind of innovation and creativity in the Church?”.  How is it that we know the Creator personally, but tend to kill creativity and innovative, out-of-the-box thinking?

What qualities would a church culture have to possess in order for this kind of thing to come from it in a way that is impregnated with worship and the gospel?