Andy Crouch Flashcards
What is culture? (According to Andy Crouch)
Culture is what humans make of the world, both materially and meaningfully. It involves creating new things and interpreting the world around us. Culture is a gift from God and should be cultivated and cared for.
What is the nature of art? (Crouch)
Art should not be reduced to its utility or usefulness. Art, like culture, can be taken, blessed, broken, and given. Art is intrinsically valuable and is not merely a means to an end
How is art a gift? (Crouch)
Art is a gift from God, just like culture itself. Because it is a gift, its value should not be measured by its usefulness alone
How is art a calling? (Crouch)
Art is a way to make something of the world with intention. It is a form of communication that goes beyond the technical and communicates something meaningful.
How is art an act of obedience? (Crouch)
Art, like worship, can be an act of obedience to God. It brings humans into a closer relationship with God when approached with reverence. In a Christian context, art is an expression of embodied faith.
What is the role of play and brokenness in art? (Crouch)
Play and pain are intertwined in the process of creating art. Art can be a way to engage with the brokenness of the world and make something beautiful and meaningful.
What is the critique of utility? (Crouch)
The author challenges the modern tendency to value things solely for their utility. Art has value in its own right, outside of any utilitarian framework. The value of art is not tied to its usefulness
What is the relationship between art and worship? (Crouch)
Both art and worship should not be approached with an attitude of utility but with an attitude of reverence. Both are a way of responding to God.
What is the significance of feasting and fasting? (Crouch)
Feasting and fasting are complementary practices within the Christian liturgical year, mirroring the rhythm of art creation, which has times of intense activity and quiet contemplation.
What does it mean to call art an “amuse-bouche”? (Crouch)
Art is like an “amuse-bouche,” a small, surprising taste meant to awaken the senses and prepare one for deeper engagement with the world and with God. It is a table-setting tale
Why are materials significant in art and culture? (Crouch)
God created the world from the “dust of the earth,” and humans use these materials to create culture. Artists should recognize the potential in the raw materials they use. The location of gold and other materials is not for their material value but for their potential in creation.
What is the problem with self-sufficiency? (Crouch)
Human attempts at self-sufficiency are problematic. Culture should not replace our relationship with God, the true source of wisdom. Self-sufficiency is a form of rebellion against the intended order of creation.
What are the dangers of a utilitarian mindset? (Crouch)
Reducing value to usefulness is problematic. Art should not be evaluated solely on its practical applications. Worship is also not to be approached as a means to get what we want from God.
What is the importance of embodiment?
Faith and art are embodied. They engage our full selves, not just our minds. Bread and wine are “creatures of bread and wine” that are taken, blessed, broken and given.
What is the role of the artist as a “draftsman”? (Crouch)
Like a draftsman, an artist creates something meaningful. The process and intention are valuable, even if the final product is a copy of an original. Artful draftsmanship includes all the details that make it meaningful, not just the outline.
What is the proper balance of play and seriousness in art? (Crouch)
Art requires a balance of seriousness and playfulness. The process should be taken seriously, but not so seriously that it results in cynicism or despair. Playfulness is part of the seriousness of art, and is itself serious.
What is the role of brokenness? (Crouch)
The world and human nature are broken. Brokenness is key to art, creativity, and the recognition of Christ’s body being broken.
