“Art + Faith: A Theology of Making” Book Review

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I’m thrilled to announce that Vita Poetica has just published my book review of “Art and Faith: A Theology of Making” by Makoto Fujimura. For artists, poets, and contemplatives who feel bothered by metrics of “efficiency” and “usefulness,” this book is good news indeed. I feel empowered to trust the knowledge of God that I gain through the creative process, as well as to share that knowledge with others. Here’s an excerpt from my review:

Even as Art and Faith blasts the pragmatic idolatry of “usefulness,” the book nonetheless demonstrates that art does serve a purpose: The act of Making, which involves using our hands and our bodies to craft physical objects into something new, is actually our deepest epistemological path. As Fujimura explains, “Artists do not seek proof of God’s existence; artists explore the unknown in search of deeper meaning. The mystery of God opens up to those who create.” In other words, there are truths and knowledge that we can only gain through the act of Making.  

Feel free to read the review in its entirety here.

What about you? If you’ve read “Art + Faith,” what did you think? Do you find yourself wondering why Jesus took the time and wept at the tomb of Lazarus (instead of just rushing to raise him from the dead)? Do you wonder what your place is in the marketplace, and the church, as an artist? Do you even find yourself wondering if you have the right to call yourself an artist? I’d love to discuss any/all of these thoughts, and more.