I am grateful for the artists of the past who shared the message of the gospel of Christ. Every work of art matters—even those that might not resonate with contemporary beliefs or practices—because they ask us to consider the eternal expanse of the gospel and how we might live it more fully. They inspire the next generation to continue making, thinking, and living their faith.
However, as an artist and an educator, I believe arguing for one image that represents the full theology of the faith places us on a terrifying path. The image that best represents our theology is what I’ll call “the next one.”
We have excellent examples of art made with high levels of faith and skill, but they are stepping stones to “the next one.” The “next one” is any art currently being created by the worldwide community of faith, as they bring together their life experience, culture, tools, skills, and discipleship.
Every artist’s voice paired with their vision of gospel theology is vital—for themselves, for the viewers, and for the world.
David "HABBENINK" Habben is an illustrator, artist, and educator based in Utah. He's currently Area Head and Associate Professor in the Illustration program at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah.
Art by Raoul Dufy (1877-1953).
This essay concludes Wayfare’s Visual Theology series.
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