Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts

Really challenging thought provoking book. The author is a cutting edge thinker and it shows.

This is my favorite book on the arts overall. Steve Turner is a music journalist, which means that (1) his examples tend to come more from the world of music and (2) he is an excellent writer. Imagine addresses most (perhaps all?) of the pertinent issues related to what art is, what it means for art to be Christian (or not), what it looks like for a Christian to create art, how we can benefit from all types of art (whether created by a Christian or not), etc. His writing style is compelling and he is consistently insightful on this topic. If you’re going to read one book on Christianity and the arts in general, this is where you should start. For my brief review on this book and most of the books out there on Christianity and the arts, see: theologyforreallife.com/artsbooks

I have to admit, I was skeptical about this book. I thought it would be the typical heavy handed resolution of a Staunch, fundamentalist who wanted all art produced by Christians to be coated with the ideals of Christianity. Hardly so! The author presents Christians in the arts as it should be: an opportunity to express ourselves as Christ lives in us! Art should be influenced by the presence of God in our life as he appears in our relationship with our family and friends. He is not the only topic we talk about, but his influence is felt In our life and choices!

This book provides an excellent concept for Christians who want to make a difference through their art, but it is just as relevant for those, artists or not, who just want to make a difference. Christians artists are encouraged to be relevant by understanding issues in society and speaking out about them from a godly perspective, and to find the way they can most effectively get their message across through the way they approach their art, and their lives. I would strongly recommend this book for any Christian who wants to evangelise more effectively, but especially, of course, for those involved in the arts.

This book was a real eye-opener for me as I am not involved in the arts. It helped to open up a whole new world of possibilities within the scope of Christendom. The arts play a huge role in culture and Christians have so many opportunities to express themselves outside of the traditional box. There is a fundamental difference between a "Christian artist" and an artist that just so happens to be a Christian. Christians are not limited to merely painting religious pictures...

The author has put into words what I have been trying to say for so many years. The reasons for why I have an art studio with classes is for all the reasons he points out in this book. Thank you for giving me the words to keep on track!

One of the best books I have read on the subject: Modern and relevant, respectful and briefly comprehensive, and not only why, but HOW. I am utterly inspired and excited! Thank you Mr. Turner for this book! ! ! ! ! I want to promote it/loan it/buy it for every artist friend I have, young people/students and Pastors. I will loan my copy but only to people who will give it back because I'll be reading it again.

This book does a good job of talking about Christianity and the arts. The author has experience with the subject across multiple mediums and he is a great writer. It made me really ponder how we categorize music and what I can do as an artist to glorify Christ. Solid Pick.

An excellent, clearly written, engaging introduction to the subject. A must-read for any Christian interested in the arts. And a should-read for any Christian not (yet) interested in the arts.

Steven Turner has done a fine job writing about Christians working in the cultural industry. Most of his examples are drawn from the music world since that's the sphere he knows best--he's been writing about the music scene since the early 70s. Not fringe art, but big business music. He knows his stuff without being pedantic or preachy.He knocks much of the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and provides an anecdote to illustrate his point. As a staff writer for a major (secular) music magazine, Turner handed his editor a sample of CCM for his boss's professional opinion. After listening to the sample, his editor reluctantly said exactly what Turner already knew: it was superficial, outdated, and second-rate. OUCH! But so true. If Christians wish to hear music that's artistically sophisticated, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally mature they're forced to leave CCM in the dust and turn to secular artists for satisfaction. It doesn't need to be that way, but Christian artists who choose to work within the CCM scene are severely restricted by an extremely peurile worldview. After regeneration, I tried listening to CCM for a few years, because I thought it was my duty. But it drove me crazy. No meat, just milk and cookies.The great thing is, Turner isn't a sell out. He doesn't advocate conforming to worldly standards. Far from it. He warns of those who have compromised and have fallen from grace (my term, not his). A story of a friend who began life as a leader in the Christian music scene, went through many changes, and ended life dying in a car crash hopped-up on drugs is absolutely heartbreaking. 'In the world, not of the world' is the challenge all Christians face--and Christian artists are no different. We do so by grace.Turner provides a thoughtful discussion of the ways that Christian artists may remain faithful to the Lord, keep growing intellectually, and produce art that is mature, well-rounded, insightful and current with the best art of the day. He cites U2 as a band that kept their faith (mostly) while remaining cutting edge during their prime years. Although, as I said, he writes about the music world, his comments are applicable to other artistic spheres as well.Worth the read. Very thought-provoking.

Great book, interesting read

Great book and really insightful. It's definitely inspired me as an artist and put into words some thoughts I've always difficult to articulate

Well balanced and informative