Five Roles of Redemptive Artistry
Portion of American Windows (1977), Marc Chagall. Stained glass window panels in the Art Institute of Chicago
After reading Calvin Seerveld for several years, here is my attempt at restating what I believe to be five roles of what he calls “redemptive artistry.”
In his book, Bearing Fresh Olive Leaves, Seerveld says redemptive artistry can speak a “modern language that both an orthodox Christian and a hard-core secularist can understand” (112). For him, redemptive artistry is like,
“what the dove did for Noah in the ark. Noah was wondering whether the punishing flood had receded and the earth was now habitable again. The dove came back bearing fresh olive leaves (Genesis 8:6-12), a token that the faithful LORD was giving new life on earth after the awful judgment on world sin. Maybe we could consider artistry by the redeemed for their neighbor as simply giving a metaphoric promise of life and hope at the gracious Rule of Jesus Christ on earth, firmly aware of the brokenness within which we live and build, suffer, expect, laugh and cry. Redemptive artistry will be bearing fresh olive leaves.” (112).
With that said, here is what I believe redemptive artistry accomplishes in the world today:
Imagines the kingdom of God through nuance
Rebukes injustice, summons obedience
Stories a nation's imagination
Binds wounds, gives allusive riches to poor saints
Lures the senses to Jesus
Which one is your sweet spot?
