A Reclaiming of Artistic Talents
In a world that has moved toward the “God is dead” mindset, the performing arts provide powerful opportunities to make a positive change. Christian infiltration in the arts is necessary for this to become a reality. As aspiring artists receive biblically-based training, they can be shaped into not only quality performers but also performers who can reclaim the industry for the glory of God.
Regent University’s Theatre Arts mission statement notes that it “seeks to express life’s most profound truths” and to “train artists to have a positive and spirit-filled impact upon the professional stage.” Regent’s mainstage productions for this season, including Decision Height, Babette’s Feast, Voice of the Prairie, and the Sound of Music, encourage viewers to reflect on redemptive themes such as justice, identity, longing, and forgiveness and actors to portray their respective roles for the glory of God. This needs to be encouraged across the industry.
Christian artists, including Regent students, can and must engage in the reclaiming of the performing arts if we are to see a revival in an industry that tends to portray Christianity in a demeaning way. Ultimately, the arts can have an impact throughout all facets of life. The Christian artist can lead the way because God Himself is a creative being and he created man in His image. His Word is filled with examples that the artist can and should emulate. God and His Word, through the Christian artist, must penetrate the industry.
However, this creativity instilled in the performer is tarnished. The Fall introduced hurdles that artists must overcome. Idolatry, self-glorification, and fear of failure can dissuade the Christian from pursuing his or her calling in the ways God has ordered it. Instead of allowing hurdles to hinder them, artists can reclaim creativity through the performing arts by exploring and understanding cultural standards, trends, and successes. This can be accomplished by establishing boundaries for involvement in the arts consistent with Christ-like characteristics and refocusing performance on how it impacts others instead of indulging in a self-seeking career.
The path of Christianity engaging in the performance industry is far from untrodden. It does not lack the footprints of those who have successfully contributed to the reclaiming process. Professors, faculty, and staff at Regent are determined to equip aspiring performers with the tools necessary to make an impact for Christ. In applying this education, it is the duty of students at Regent University to use their God-granted gifts wisely. Aspiring Christian artists ought to carry on the legacy of those who have preceded them and glorify the One who proposed creativity from the beginning of time – for all the world is His stage. The Dede Robertson Theatre is a powerful platform that can reclaim the arts and refocus the minds and hearts of the audience. Ultimately, as actors in the performing arts, we can serve as Christian leaders who not only change this industry but also change the world.
