While I would frame the argument rather differently, I enjoyed reading this recent piece by Steve Stockman. Here’s a taste: ‘Without art there can be no grace! … Grace is not a cold creedal confession but the energy that interrupts our lives with an alternative way to live … When we are locked into the malaise of our culture whether it is materialism, racism, sectarianism, environmental catastrophe or war then grace comes alive in alternative possibilities. Grace is more valued with those who need its interruption. But when grace interrupts those who receive its benefits, it should cause those who are turned upside down to start using it, not for their own selfish ends but for the good of others; it is the fruit of grace’s interruption. For followers of Christ who aim to bring God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, the respect that they give art in their community will deem whether they make any impression in interpreting how it is on earth to conjure how it is going to be in heaven. Grace is a thought that can change the world but it is also an imaginative engine to propel the change. Demean the artist at the cost of the Kingdom.’ Read the whole article here.

On another note, Dan has posted a worthwhile piece on ‘A Few Theses on Christianity and Patriotism‘. It reminded me of Peter Leithart’s great little book Against Christianity.