Abstract

Much has been written on the significance of art and Christianity; the vast majority dealing with as a product. In this thesis the role art-as-process is explored to discover the effects and ramifications of the two approaches on churchly and individual spiritual life. The terminology of art-as-process and art-as-product is introduced to delineate between the former active art making process and the latter focus on end product seen in the church today. The purpose of this study is to discover possibilities for the use of art-as-process as a spiritual discipline. In so doing, the history of art in the Christian church is briefly explored to understand reasons for the focus on art as contemplative tool hence product based. All three major streams of the faith are considered, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant. The problem of idolatry is also addressed in relation to the art-as-product mindset. The role of art in society is linked to idolatry in examining the institution of high arts, kitsch, the effects of consumerism and the situationalist concept of the society of the spectacle. Relevant theological, psychological and philosophical sources are consulted to form a portrait of the benefits of creativity on spirit and psyche. Art is regarded as the vocation of all and not a compartmentalized activity commonly held in art-as-product mindset. Art-as-process is proposed as a valuable spiritual discipline in light of the following revelations of this research: art as antidote to idolatry, as release from the effects of original sin, and as eschatological transformation.