Acts 17:22-31 - We conclude our series with an exploration of what it might look like to treat art appreciation as a spiritual discipline, or, to practice art appreciation in the name of the Lord. We look to Paul’s example at the Areopagus (or Mars Hill) and his engagement with Greek poetry for a few basic principles related to receiving art, wisely discerning art, and encountering God through art. May we recognize the unique power beauty has to help people see the goodness and truth of God. May we learn to look the world to His grace, both common and saving. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 6 of our series "Looking the World to Grace: Art, Makers and the Christian Life"]
Questions for reflection: 1) Have you ever considered art appreciation as a spiritual discipline? What might the potential value be? 2) Describe Paul’s missionary strategy in his speech in Acts 17:22-31. 3) How do we see Paul expressing receptivity, discernment, or God-encounter through the Greek poetry he quotes? 4) What experience do you have discerning which works of art you should or shouldn’t view through the lens of temptation and sin? 5) Have you ever encountered God through art in any of the ways Terry Glaspey described (or another)? 6) What connection is there between beauty where we encounter it and the grace of God in Christ?
