I love the great community you can find online. I have made some great new new friends through Twitter and blogging. One of those people, Sam Mahlstadt, asked if I would be interested in a copy of his e-book, Creative Theology. I’m always up for new reads.
I was surprised when I began reading it. This is not just a book. It’s a creative work of art.
The premise of the book is that creativity is rooted in theology. Sam looks at examples of creativity from Scripture, reminding the reader that creativity is a gift from God, and thus should be given back to Him.
A response to beauty is a response to the Artist.
A response to creation is a response to the Creator.
He urges the reader to turn to creation for inspiration, to celebrate the beauty that God has placed around us. Sam goes on to share how there’s been a disconnect between creativity and theology. And yet there is still an intense longing to connect with creation and the Creator.
One of the things that spoke to me was how the church used to be a leader in creative arts, but sadly today, provides art that is simply… simple.
The church used to foster creative expression
from those in her pews. The church used
to respond to beauty in a passionate way.
This convicts me. It reminds me that my creative spirit is a way that I worship. Because I serve such a big God, I should create something worthy of Him.
This book is not just written words on a page. Taking his own advice, each page is beautifully designed or illustrated in a unique way that proves his point. I found myself anxiously looking forward to the next page to see what was coming next.
The book is available in a hardback copy or as an e-book. I’d recommend the hardback copy, because I found myself on more than one occasion wanting to hold the book in my hand and physically take it all in. It was hard to get the full effect on a computer screen.
Thanks for sharing your art, Sam.