It is said that Michelangelo is the greatest influence on western art in the last 500 years. Most of his sculptures, paintings, architecture works, and poetry were in service to the church. When asked how he was able to accomplish his most famous sculpture The Statue of David, he responded simply,
“I just took away everything that didn’t look like David.”
That’s a quote that I often refer to when coaching talent.
Michelangelo lived in a time where most of the art in the world was influenced by the Christian faith. Today, obviously, we live in a much different time. In fact, our faith is virtually absent from culture and the public square. That is, with one exception that perhaps you’ve not thought of.
Contemporary Christian music is the one art form that transcends the boundaries of our churches, schools, denominations, and religious organizations.
I regularly hear Christian music in elevators, ballparks, airports, and businesses small and large. It was a powerful experience in recent years to hear Christian music playing throughout the parks at Walt Disney World in Orlando, the number one tourist destination in the world, during Night of Joy.
The most successful Contemporary Christian radio stations are the ones that connect faith and culture in relevant and compelling ways.
In a sense, this video demonstrates the same concept. There may be no more ordinary a location in our culture than the food court at the mall.
Faith and cultured connected. Enjoy!