Spiritual Reading

Spiritual reading, or lectio divina, is a way of approaching a book that does not refer to the content of the book, but to the way we read. Eugene Peterson writes,

Reading today is largely a consumer activity – people devour books, magazines, pamphlets, and newspapers for information that will fuel their ambition or careers or competence. The faster the better, the more the better. It is either analytical, figuring things out; or it is frivolous, killing time. Spiritual reading is mostly a lover’s activity – a dalliance with words, reading as much between the lines as in the lines themselves. It is leisurely, as ready to reread an old book as to open a new one. It is playful, anticipating the pleasures of friendship. It is prayerful, convinced that all honest words can involve us in some way, if we read with our hearts as well as our heads, in an eternal conversation that got its start in the Word that “became flesh.” Spiritual reading is at home with Homer as well as Hosea.

Arts Month Reading List

Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer. This is a classic book, which contains two essays on why Christians should embrace the arts and respond to the Creator with creativity.

Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This book explores all the reasons why we don't make art and helps artists overcome the blocks to pursuing our creative instinct.

The View from the Studio Door: How Artists Find Their Way in an Uncertain World by Ted Orland. Another book by Orland on art-making, this time from the philosophical intersection between actual art making and the larger questions that every artist encounters.

Walking on Water: Reflections on Art and Faith by Madeleine L'Engle. Twelve meditations on the spiritual nature of all art and what it means to be a Christian and an artist.

Mortal Beauty, God's Grace by Gerard Manley Hopkins. For those who just want to immerse themselves in beauty, this book of poems by British poet and Jesuit priest Hopkins is a wonder. His language can be complicated, but even if every word does not make sense to the casual reader the overall play with words, the rhythm of the poems and the struggle he had as both an artist and a man of God are inspiring.

Imagine That: Discovering Your Unique Role as a Christian Artist by Manuel Luz. Last, but by no means least, this soon to be released book by our very own Pastor Manuel explores the convergence of art and faith. Look for it in early July.

Additional Resources

On The Web

Dr. Dallas Willard is on a quest to subvert "normal" Christianity. In these two articles from the same issue of Christianity Today, we learn about whoDallas is and where he got his start, the issues he tackles in his spheres of influence, and how his influence has inspired radical changes in churches, Oak Hills included.

Dallas Willard's website: www.dwillard.org

Christianity Today,September 2006

Christianity Today, September 2006

TheWillow Creek Association sat down with five arts leaders from across the country, Manuel Luz included, and discussed arts ministry.

WCAwebsite: http://www.willowcreek.com/

Issue 2, 2006