Gregory E. Lamb, "Art as Therapeutic Beauty and a Visible 'Sermon' to the World," Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 34.1-2 (2022): 97–116 By Gregory Lamb, Ph.D.

https://www.academia.edu/78861271/Gregory_E_Lamb_Art_as_Therapeutic_Beauty_and_a_Visible_Sermon_to_the_World_Journal_of_Interdisciplinary_Studies_34_1_2_2022_97_116?nav_from=4d8d0e7f-ba80-4bd6-afcf-fb16f5deb74f ABSTRACT: Throughout Scripture, YHWH is depicted as the artistic Creator of all that is beautiful, true, and transcendent. The Bible attests YHWH’s creation of humanity in the imago Dei—sharing YHWH’s innate creativity—and divine gifting of Spirit-inspired artisans utilizing their talents for God’s glory. Yet, over the centuries, “art” has been oft misunderstood and grossly neglected in Christ’s church. Philip Ryken explains how medieval skeptics began removing and destroying art believed to violate the Decalogue. Imbalanced suspicions toward art in Christendom still persist, despite the positive, inspirational effects of icons in Catholic and Orthodox traditions and scientific research that shows the therapeutic value of art across a broad spectrum of mental and physical challenges—including isolation and depression. This essay contends that God created humanity as his co-creators to bring him glory with one’s entire being—including imagination and creativity. Makoto Fujimura posits that Christian creatives possess a common faith as “border-walkers,” and can affect phoenix-like positive cultural and ecclesial change by reintroducing beauty as a visible “sermon” into this dystopian, fragmented, post-pandemic world. ---------------------------------- CALL FOR PAPERS JOURNAL OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES XXXIV 2022 THE ARTS & TRANSCENDENCE: IN SEARCH OF BEAUTY, TRUTH & GOODNESS In a postmodern era that questions all Absolutes except the subjective self, the arts may help rebuild the bridge to objectivity and transcendence. Heinz Kohut’s psychology of the self notes the underlying malaise of postmodern man punctuated by fleeting images and disordered sound. The arts probe the innermost recesses of the human soul and recall its quest for perfection, redemption, and immortality. Indeed, the human capacities to appreciate beauty, truth and goodness constitute a roadmap to transcendence. In The Sound of Beauty (2019), Michael Kurek, a classical composer, explores how classical music reveals both God’s immanence and transcendence, and that it speaks a universal language beyond preference and prejudice. Empirical research confirms that classical music enhances human cognitive abilities, creativity, perception, and memory, which echoes Immanuel Kant’s philosophical proposition concerning the architectonic structure of the human mind. Neuroscientific studies show also that children who undergo musical training have better verbal memory, language skills, reading ability, and executive functions. Learning to play an instrument as a child may predict academic performance and IQ in young adulthood. The question arises: Can the arts that reflect the transcendentals of beauty, truth, and goodness be a gateway to mending the broken self and restoring human aspirations for social bonding and happiness? Mss. Deadline: April 15, 2022. Send 1 electronic file (in MS Word or RTF), including 150-175 word Abstract, typed, double-spaced, in-text citation format, via e-mail attachment + 1 Both-Sided copy of: 15-25 page manuscript (ca. 5,000-7,500 words), author identification on a separate sheet, via regular mail, to: Dr. O. Gruenwald, JIS Editor, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, 1065 Pine Bluff Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA. Early mss. submissions recommended. View Mss. Guidelines. E-mail inquiries: info at jis3.org. ---------------------------------- About the Journal for Interdisciplinary Studies: The Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, a new model of higher education for the 21st century, encourages a Renaissance of the liberal arts re-connecting knowledge, ethics and faith via dialogue across all disciplines. The quest for the unity of knowledge broadens intellectual horizons exploring challenges of scientific know-how, ethical choices, and spiritual discernment essential for human flourishing. The refereed Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, a major resource for college-level instruction, especially honors courses, builds on the classical paideia of educating the whole person. This educational endeavor aspires to a new Summa on Judeo-Christian ethical and intellectual foundations that all can cherish. Annual conferences attract creative interdisciplinary scholars, with papers considered for publication.