Unveiling the hidden gems of Christianity through the centuries.

There is a seemingly obscure marker of the Gospel on society, which over time would become extremely important to the church and culture: Art & Music

Art was established and promoted early on in church history.

Their motivation was to honour God and serve a predominantly illiterate population. Imagine for a moment, that you couldn’t read, and none of your friends or family could either. Paintings and sculptures became communication tools to tell Biblical stories and share the Gospel.

Looking back, artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael created some of the most celebrated works of art ever produced. Note that all of them were founded within a Christian context, painting Biblical accounts and telling God’s story of salvation to a society that couldn’t read it for themselves.

“Christianity has extended its influence to many works of Western art…Often, their works are designed to have a special effect on the viewer. Some works of art are devotionals, designed to make the viewer think deeply about faith and beliefs. Other works are intended to teach the viewer. Some works are dramatic and emotional, used to make the viewer feel a sense of love, fear, or respect for Christianity.”

Artsmia.org – Christianity and Christian Art

Consider the impact over the centuries. Millions of people, in thousands of societies, over a couple of millennia have been blessed and encouraged, and taught through artwork that never would have existed without the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But art is just one-half of the Gospel’s creative impact on society.

Music is another obscure, yet fascinating positive outcome of Christianity.

Going back to the beginning, music has always been a key component of God’s relationship with humanity. In the Old Testament of the Bible, there is a whole book of songs called Psalms, written to God and about God, while laying out the spiritual connections of life, both joys and sorrows that are part of the human experience, and how God works through it all. These Psalms were put to music and sung throughout church history.

The Church has also been a place to create original pieces of music. Specifically speaking about Western civilization, consider the great composers Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven and many others, who got their start and honed their craft in the Church.

These musicians went on to write some of the most well-known pieces of music in human history and laid the foundations for music as we know it today. Like the artists previously mentioned, these musicians have their foundations in Christianity, telling Biblical stories or proclaiming Gospel truths through their creative outlet.

Fast-forward through history. Many of the beloved hymns and spiritual songs centred around God’s salvation plan through Jesus were tested out in bars and saloons, while crops were being planted and harvested, or while train tracks were being laid.

Over that time, a musical genre developed called “Gospel Music” which played a foundational role in the development of rock and hip-hop, and eventually intertwined itself into the folk and country genres. Throughout history, sounds that became mainstream were established by Christians, written initially with Gospel intent.

To this day, many musicians get their start in the local church, playing songs for God before they ever play songs for people.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How have you witnessed art serve as an effective communication tool for spreading the Gospel?
• Reflecting on the impact of renowned artists and musicians, why do you think their works, rooted in Christianity, continue to be celebrated and admired even in modern times?
• Why do you think the Psalms continue to play a significant role in expressing spiritual connections to God and Biblical truths through song?