Art Quote by Francis A. Schaeffer
““We should realize that if something untrue or immoral is stated in great art, it can be far more devastating than if it is expressed in poor art. The greater the artistic expression, the more important it is to consciously bring it and it's worldview under the judgment of Christ and the Bible. The common reaction among many however, is just the opposite. Ordinarily, many seem to feel that the greater the art, the less we ought to be critical of its worldview. This we must reverse.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Who Is There, Francis A. Schaeffer, 1975
Art that is powerful can shape beliefs; if it presents false or immoral ideas, its impact can be deeper than low‑quality art, so it must be evaluated against biblical truth.
In simple terms: Great art can spread harmful ideas, so test it with Scripture.
Key Takeaway
Check influential art against biblical standards.
Themes
faith
culture
art criticism
truth
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
theological
critical
reflective
When to use this quote
- church teaching
- media literacy
- personal reflection
- art education
Key Concepts
theology
media influence
worldview analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does you assess an artwork's worldview?
- What criteria guide you in judging artistic truth?
A Different Perspective
Art can also inspire good; not all powerful art is harmful.
