Creator Spirit: The Holy Spirit and the Art of Becoming Human

by Steven R. Guthrie

Art is often viewed as being inherently spiritual. But what does it mean to describe an experience of art or beauty as "spiritual"? Is there a relationship between the spiritual experience a person has in the presence of a work of art and the Holy Spirit of Christian faith? Skilled theologian, musician, and educator Steven Guthrie examines areas of overlap between spirituality, human creativity, and the arts with the goal of sharpening and refining how we speak and think about the Holy Spirit. By exploring various connections between art and spirituality, he helps Christians better understand the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and offers a clear, engaging theology of the arts. The book includes a foreword by renowned theologian and musician Jeremy Begbie.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian, Nonfiction, Art, Writing, Faith

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Michelle Raybourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to read this again and possibly with other people? I’m curious how this would go with a group of artists reading this book and taking it slowly with a good bit of discussion.

It was a comfort to hear Steve Guthrie’s thoughtful voice, if even on a page rather than in a classroom or bumping into him around campus. This was needed for my heart and a helpful theological framework for “what role does the Spirit play?”. Although I still have a lot to learn and ponder about this subject, it gave me some helpful places to ground myself and be encouraged.

Unfortunately, for me recently, I feel as though some charismatic traditions I have brushed shoulders with or just cultural practice of faith can throw around the phrase “the spirit is in that!” or say something like “the Spirit told me to tell you [fill in the blank]”. I’m praying for my cynical heart but also my heart that sees the damage of when spirituality can be used in a manipulative way to justify behavior or an idea.

However, I am further convinced of the goodness of God’s design and that the Spirit is a force of good, bringing beauty and a rehumanizing healing in its own wake. Jesus is also Someone we can look at who perfectly lives with the Spirit, which is a truth of the story that I don’t think I have gotten to examine or contemplate a lot.

Feeling hopeful. Grateful for the saints who’ve walked before me and are still walking

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read excerpts for doctrine class

[Grace Wiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

My bestie (theology professor) Steve wrote this & asked me to read it (it was a required textbook for the class he was teaching to me) and I thought it was excellent. Well-written, interesting concepts, and a kind of study of the intersection of faith and art that encompasses a lot of big questions about theology through the lens of what’s beautiful. I’m a fan.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an older book that I’ve had on my shelf and to read least for a number of years. In it Stephen R. Guthrie brings together two theological themes – the Holy Spirit and what it means to be human – in a way that is both beautifully written and fundamentally challenging. With a foreword by Jeremy Begbie, this is also a book deeply engaged in the arts and culture, which is a thread that runs through the book.

https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...

[Raf Nieves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It would work great for an introduction to thinking about spirituality and the arts. Found it quite repetitive, though.

[Tyson Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guthrie's work is a great introduction to an important relationship between art and Christian Pneumatology. Guthrie is well-informed by the patristic literature (esp. Athanasius) which firmly roots the discussion in a Christological view of humanity and the church. I could get nit-picky on some points of the theology, but on the whole, I would recommend this book to artists and theologians, amateur and lay.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thoughtful and Biblical consideration of the person and work of the Holy Spirit together with meaningful and related discussion of the arts in general and specifically in our time and culture. Significant new insights for me on both topics (Holy Spirit and arts). I will be rereading and taking notes--- even though half the book is already underlined! Highly recommend.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A non-dualistic penumatology. Trinitarian, creative, imaginative. Highly recommended. Has helpful interpretive discussions that help reimagine Scripture without the supposed tensions between spirit and body, God's initiative & our activity, etc. The writing constantly drives you forward - it has an allusive, forward-pointing quality that fits well with its subject matter of art & theology.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This remarkable book gives new vocabulary for understanding how the Holy Spirit helps restore people to the form and condition God originally intended for humanity. For anyone who wants to understand the Holy Spirit and live in tune with the Spirit, this is a must-read.

[Beau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I learned so much and thought about so many different aspects about the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend this book.