6 Comments
User's avatar
Jeffrey Courtright's avatar

The entire Bible is self-expression. God's Word expressed through human beings who sought to be genuine. Each writer's personality is the vehicle.

Expand full comment
Abigail's avatar

Lately I've been noticing also that Christian art doesn't usually seem very "real." Especially CCM. And I think it's because reality is so complicated and sometimes dark that it's impossible to only sing songs about how everything is happy and pretty and bright ~because God~ and always mean what you're saying. We're not willing to "get naked" and write music/make art as ourselves in the Christian setting because we're not willing to admit to the doubts and the things we don't understand or struggle to believe. We don't believe that those parts of ourselves can be lifted up in worship. But the best Christian art opens up to the stuff that we like to pretend "true believers" don't experience and trusts that God is honored by our honesty. I've been loving some Christian indie artists for music like this, such as the Grey Havens!

Expand full comment
Jeff Miller's avatar

Thanks for sharing that. I will check out Grey Havens. You make some good points. Wouldn’t it be good if we all felt allowed to say out loud what God already knows is going on inside us?

Expand full comment
Sara J Worley's avatar

Bro Coach

Slept 3 hours straight after your kind prayer on Zoom! Thx💕

Self expression puts anyone in a vulnerable position…no one can deny themselves as the author!!!

The AMAZING element is acceptance of everyone’s uniqueness

builds super-strong communities!

THATS a possibility with your class…if each person has a regular opportunity to share!… (I wonder if Angie can take older women…an Abiligail younger? on Tuesday?)

YOU Pray n TEACH then break into small groups.

DID Not expect to write so much

Your Fan, Sis Sara

Did you know the AI Critques were included in your post?

Expand full comment
Jeff Miller's avatar

Ha ha! Yes! I included on purpose!

Expand full comment
Abigail's avatar

I only skimmed Claude's version, but I liked yours better! Claude's was "polished" but bland and formulaic. In my experience AI never really adds meaning, just a pretty structure.

Expand full comment