Return of the Prodigal Son

The role of visual art as more than just image is often dismissed in today’s fast-paced, unreflective culture.  As can be seen from Henri Nouwen’s writings, Rembandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son is not to be relegated to hanging on a wall for visual appreciation, but it is a call to self-reflection and repentance. The fact that Nouwen’s life was so changed not just by a painting, but by the implications and theological teaching of a painting is thought-provoking and inspiring.  Good art is capable of teaching truth.

What stuck with me most about the beginning chapters of Return were Sue Mosteller’s advice to Nouwen: “Whether you are the younger son or the elder son, you have to realize that you are called to become the father.”  As I read, I was considering which role fit me more: the rebellious, adventurous child, or the haughty, jealous, self-righteous older brother?  Nouwen’s friend brought up an important point; while Christians often think about their faults, which sins they might be committing, what kind of rebellion in which we might be taking part, it is easy to forget that the purpose of such self-reflection is to strive to become more like the Father. 

I find it somewhat difficult to identify with a son becoming like a father, though, because it is such a masculine image.  I do not really want to take on a role or character like a father as Nouwen talks about, but perhaps the call to spiritual maturity can be heeded nonetheless. 

The Heart of the Artist: Managing Emotions and the Spiritual Disciplines

It seems that a lot of Rory Noland’s message for artists is actually for all Christians. The topics of jealousy and envy, leadership, and spiritual discipline can apply to most believers. Even the topic of moodiness is not just for ‘those artsy types.’ Although managing emotions is especially important for artists, I found that this really focused on stereotypical artists who are in a state of chronic melancholy. I think that this image is not as true as most people, perhaps even Noland, might think. A lot of artists are as emotionally well-balanced as the average person.
I appreciate the point that Noland makes with the last chapter of the book about the role of spiritual disciplines in the lives of artists. Since every part of a person’s life is affected by their relationship with God, one’s ministry will be lacking if ‘quiet time’ with God is being neglected. In the same way, an artist’s art will suffer if they are neglecting their spiritual disciplines. What are the implications of this information for gifted non-Christian artists? Is “Christian” art actually better in some ways? How would Andy Warhol’s cutting-edge pop art be different or improved if he had been a Christian? This point could be used to say that Christians use God as a crutch for their creativity, while non-Christians are able to pull inspiration up by themselves. Nonetheless, I agree that my personal art probably contains much more depth when I am keeping up with my devotions.