Tuesday, August 28, 2018

A Biblical Approach to Aesthetics


A Biblical Approach to Aesthetics

As I have often stated, the Christian should not develop an aesthetic approach to religion, but rather a religious (biblical) approach to aesthetics.  Music aesthetics is by no means the bellwether of Christianity or the doorway to the kingdom of God.  Having an aesthetic experience with music does not form any proof, or is it any indication that the Holy Spirit has placed His anointing or approval on a musical performance or on the performer.  However, aesthetics and aesthetic experiences with music are important and must be considered in our discussion of musical paradigm, music philosophy and music praxis. 

A musician’s concept and understanding of beauty is an important part of a musician’s perception of the nature, value and meaning of the music he or she utilizes in worship. A Christian musician’s aesthetic paradigm will affect how that musician is able to communicate understandable meaning to the listener.  A Christian musician communicates the message of the Bible by the use of an aesthetic medium (music) rather than communicating aesthetic meaning to an audience by using sacred music as a vehicle.

Thought for the Day

A person’s perceived understanding of truth about music and musicing is often more important to that musician than the “true truth” taught in the Bible.  The situation is even more complex when a person erroneously believes that there is no objective truth.


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