A Brief History Of The Visual Arts In Worship

The history of the visual arts in worship can be traced from biblical times to the present. The twentieth century has witnessed a virtual explosion of the visual arts in worship. Understanding the use of visual arts in the past helps us understand their proper use today. Worship is a way of experiencing the truth about life and gives insight into the meaning of life. It is concerned with a religious interpretation of the world-with creation, fall, redemption, and the fulfillment of the universe. In worship these truths are not only said, they are sung, danced, dramatized, and seen through art. Therefore, visual art in worship functions as means of proclamation of the gospel. Visual Art and Worship During Biblical Times Although the second commandment prohibited the people of Israel from making a graven image of God, there was no lack of artistic symbolism in the worship of Israel. For Israel, God was a spirit who could not be imaged. Nevertheless, the prohibition against imaging G…