How Should I Approach Art?

by R.C. Sproul

Art is all around us. Every day, we encounter images, music, and architecture that someone has created. But is there more to art than personal enjoyment and self-expression? How should Christians think about the songs they listen to, the books they read, and the films they watch? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that Christians should care about the arts because God is the foundation of all things good, true, and beautiful. When we understand art biblically, we can use it to glorify our Creator in our lives and in the church. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

87 pages, ebook

Published February 23, 2023

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This booklet contained some insightful comments on a Christian worldview of the arts. I found myself disagreeing with several of the author’s conclusions. It was his opinion and the book wasn’t long enough to give a biblical or theological grounding to the opinions. I wish he would have spent that space sharing more about what the Bible says on the topic, as the title suggested would happen.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and thought out book, with very clear arguments for his position. You may not like what is said, but it does make you think about what is being said and reflect on it... well worth a read.

[Avi Ramchandani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful categories and terms to help structure ones thinking about the topic of art.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s weak. If this was the only Sproul I was introduced to I wouldn’t be impressed.