Biblical Meditation and the Visual Arts: A Method of Biblical Meditation for a Post- Christian, Visually-Saturated Age

Abstract

In this post-Christian, visually-saturated age, Scripture-guided meditation on the visual arts can serve as a helpful method of biblical meditation. This dissertation argues that a method of biblical meditation—as outlined and practiced in Scripture—can make use of the visual arts as a biblically faithful and exhortative means for healthy biblical spirituality. This dissertation first establishes a strong definition of biblical meditation, contrasting biblical meditation with popular methods and understandings of meditation in today’s culture (particularly transcendental meditation), then presents its definition from Scripture and analyzes it throughout church history (paying special attention to the Puritans). Biblical meditation—a God-centered command for believers—is the careful thinking and pondering primarily upon God’s Word, but also upon God’s works (including his work of creation) and God’s ways, in accordance with Scripture. Biblical meditation is derived from and directed to a Triune God and is a God-given gift for the purpose of the believer’s maturity and sanctification. This project asserts a spirituality based primarily and predominantly upon sola Scriptura that then informs and transforms the understanding of all other avenues of learning as biblically-sound spirituality. Clarifying that the visual arts do not and cannot present new revelation, this dissertation argues that visual arts can be a healthy means for expressing biblical truth and encouraging believers. The dissertation then surveys the varied relationship of the church and the visual arts throughout history, after which a connection from the visual arts to biblical meditation is suggested as one possible method of biblical meditation. Examples are given from various periods of art history, including pieces by Rembrandt van Rijn, Thomas Cole, and Banksy. The last chapter discusses the relevance of applying biblical meditation to the visual arts and its value for the church and individual believers as they navigate a visually-saturated culture in the twenty-first century, as well as provides suggestions on how to implement this method. A development of the relationship between biblical meditation and the visual arts can become a healthy, regular practice for believers to incorporate as they grow into more mature, thoughtful followers of Jesus Christ.