Yesterday, our Christianity Matters class concluded its three-week series on Christians and the Arts. Bruce and Aaron led the class in a discussion and Q&A. And there were a couple of points we concluded regarding value judgments that are worth discussing. I’m going to state them and then, Bruce, I need to ask you a question.

First, one of the qualities Christians should be looking for in art, particularly literature, drama, and music, is the promotion of virtue. Admittedly, this is all too often lacking in contemporary expressions of art. As for the arts in general, though there are various genres in each medium, there aren’t many moral parameters.

The second characteristic Christians should look for is “refinement of thought and skill and the exercise of self-control.” This came up primarily as we discussed music, but it could be applied to all forms. The artist should have some precision of artistic skill in his/her expression.

That’s a brief summary. Bruce, feel free to add anything. But let me ask you a question about the conclusion that could be drawn. Okay, I can conclude that where these two characteristics are present I can thereby call the art “good.” That’s simple enough. But what if only one is present? (I know this may be an oversimplification, but entertain me for a moment.) What if the art form doesn’t promote virtuous qualities but does express the highest level of refinement and artistic skill or vice versa; is it still good? (Usually the former is more contentious.)

For example, the award winning and Oscar nominated There Will Be Blood meets and sets the highest standard for film making. However, it tells the fictional story of one of the most narcissistic, greedy oil tycoons. But the tycoon isn’t in it for the money but the competition. “I have a competition in me,” said Daniel Plainview played by Daniel Day-Lewis. “I don’t want anyone else to succeed.” He’s like a star-athlete playing the game not for victory but in order to prevent others from winning. There Will Be Blood portrays some of the complexities of the dark, selfish, depraved soul with holding out little hope of redemption.

Bruce, I know you can’t speak to that specific example. But hopefully it illustrates my question.

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