#3
Why does our society value Celebrities and Artists so much? Celebrities are often praised and considered above average. Many of them get away with the law easily. People have also put a higher value on Artists and Musicians (even those who are not famous). Sometimes people with artistic abilities are given a permission slip to be late, not pay their bills, have terrible attitudes and tempers, to be extra emotional or irrational, or treat other people badly.
The book, THRIVING AS AN ARTIST IN THE CHURCH, by Rory Noland explained it clearly. I would recommend this book to any creative person (artists, writers, painters, designers, photographers, singers, dancers, guitarists, stage designers etc.) whether you are in the church or not. I’m learning a lot. I also feel like someone understands me, as a creative person, and the inner struggles I face.
Anyways…
The reason why people praised Artists so much, according to the book, started early in history. At the dawn of the Renaissance in the early 1300s, an Artist’s stature became quickly elevated. Before this time, people didn’t care for Artists as much. During the Renaissance, there was an increase in demands for artistic works. The Roman Catholic Church also became a major benefactor of the arts. Artists compete with each other to perfect their art and in creating new and innovative paintings and music. They became local heroes. This was the first time that it possible to make a good living in the “fine arts”.
By the Romantic Period, in the early 1800s, Artists were even more praised and exalted. Some enjoyed the same status as an intellectual. Art became Art with a capital A and Artist with a capital A. “For the first time in history, a successful Artist was more likely than a scholar, priest, or scientist to be labeled a genius (15). The artistic temperament became viewed as mysterious, and a godlike quality. Since people began thinking of Artists as super humans and not of this world, the immoral, antisocial, and terrible temperamental behaviors of Artists were celebrated.
As Beethoven grew in popularity, he became notorious for his tempers, moods, rage, and for treating his friends terribly. However, people loved him and was “ready to help him in every way they could” (16). Likewise, the famous Poet, Percy Shelley, was known for his multiple love affairs and for lending lots of money from his friends without returning any. Even though few people would be allowed to behave like Shelley and Beethoven without facing serious consequences, but “because he was an artistic genius, his lack of character was excused” (17).
Carrying on to today, our society idolizes entertainers and artists. “They have become the new philosophers of our day” (17). Even though they might not have received a high education, but people value their opinions on every topic from religion to politics. We often place them on a high pedestal.
HOWEVER, as Christian artists, we must not carry this attitude and view of Artists, Musicians, Celebrities, and Writers into the church.
We need to be aware that every artist (including you) inherits this prideful mindset. If we are honest with ourselves and realize this, we can detect when we start to think of ourselves and other artists in a highly manner and control it. It will help us to understand that servanthood and humility don’t come easily to us. Therefore, we must work harder to constantly improve our character and attitude.
We should not carry around the permission slip that the world gives to Artists in our pocket and wave it around. We should not take the permission slip either, if someone gives it to us. We are no different than others. God is the only One, deserving to be put on a pedestal. In fact, we must understand that God has given us these artistic talents and gifts to bless and serve others, not so that we can be praised and be lifted up. Moreover, we should not show favoritism to Artists and idolized them, but show mercy to everyone without judgment (James 2:1-12).
This is a call for us to put a lower case “a” back in “artists” and keep the capital “G” in “God” and God alone.
