For those of you not familiar with the word apologetics, it is derived from the Greek word Apologia and we find it in the Scriptures, in 1 Peter 3:15: where it reads

But in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as Holy, always be ready to make a defence (an apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;

Christianity has a rich intellectual history that we can be proud of and I encourage you as students to look back as you move forward into the future, to see the amazing works of those who have gone before especially in the area of the Arts.

Art is often a forgotten yet incredibly powerful tool for apologetics.

Christian Intellectual, Nancy Pearcey wrote: The Truth is that artists interact deeply with the thought of their day, translating worldviews into stories and images.

From the time of Christ’s resurrection artists have used their skills to succinctly portray the power of the gospel story. Art has a way of connecting the mind AND heart.

Artists also have used their skills to define the generation within which they live.

I encourage each of you who have an artistic gift to use it bravely as your apologia to influence your culture for good.

To quote Marcel Proust: ‘Through art we can know another’s view of the universe.”

As Christian artists I encourage you to share your view of the universe and the Creator who made it, with the world.

I’m Michelle Englehardt from Thinking Matters visit us at thinkingmatters.org.nz