Art Is How God Loves Us: The Sacred Beauty of Created Things

by Merideth Hite Estevez

When you hear beautiful music or stand before a work of art, have you ever felt a stirring within, a sense of something more?

Art Is How God Loves Us is a radiant exploration of art as a spiritual gateway. In this deeply personal and spiritually rich book, Merideth Hite Estevez—Juilliard-trained oboist, writer, and creative coach—beautifully illustrates how a spiritual perspective on art guides us toward our Creator and our most authentic selves.

Through stories of music, visual art, nature, and everyday life, Estevez reveals how beauty and brokenness alike can become places of divine connection. Whether standing before van Gogh's olive trees, listening to Brahms in a moment of doubt, or witnessing the chaos of parenting, we see how God's love is expressed through the creative process—both for those who appreciate art and for those who create it.

Estevez redefines art not as a measure of talent but as "Atoms Responding to Transcendence"—a way God speaks, heals, and draws us closer. With poetic language and theological depth, she encourages us to see ourselves as works of beloved, unfinished, and held by a Creator who never stops creating.

Complete with reflective exercises ("Ars Nova"), a study guide, and a creative creed, this book is ideal for artists, spiritual seekers, and anyone longing to reconnect with joy, beauty, and divine presence. Art Is How God Loves Us is a celebration of creativity as communion—and a call to live as God's art in the world.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Art

193 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Anna Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a cool breeze on a hot day. It was wonderfully written. The title was perfect. I came away from reading feeling more than ever that Art is how God loves us. The personal stories about the author’s life moved me. Her birth story was especially real. I felt like I was in the room as I read it.

Since Merideth also has a podcast that I listen to, I found myself hearing her voice as I read the book. I bet the audio book with her reading it would be amazing as well as the printed copy.

I will be taking time to go back and go through the meditations at the end of each chapter. This book is more than just a book. It’s a companion for any artist.

[Katherine Leigh]

This book is one that I was looking forward to based on the title once I saw it in Netgalley, but unfortunately, I made it only 12% before shelving it as I did not finish. It quickly became fairly difficult to read based on the author's perspective and reminded me of another recent read from Netgalley that is opposite in many ways to the true saving gospel message of Christ. (The other book is called "Never Alone" by Michael A Beck, if you want to reference - I would suspect that based on the similar phrases used, these two authors are in a similar denominational - more likely Universalist - belief and background in writing. That is only a correlation I have noticed, which has not been confirmed). Known false teachers were referenced (Sarah Bessey is one example), as well as a universalist theme of Ultimate Reality - which is something I hadn't heard of until the other book mentioned in the same or similar perspective which I recenty attempted to read.

I was actually looking forward to this based on the title--because of the combination of creativity, art, beauty, and faith in the premise. Yet if you don't fall into the same camp of belief, it becomes incredibly difficult to read, so it was unfortunate to realize this and need to shelve for the sake of time. I'll share a few quotes and thoughts to relay a better idea of what I am saying about the premise and execution:

"Ultimate Reality broke down the door and beckoned me to enter... Ultimate Reality sang to me, and it was a miracle."
---This concept of Ultimate Reality is found absolutely nowhere in Scripture. All truth is God's truth. The concept of reality being taught in scripture is that reality is objective and determined by God and His word. Jesus is the source of all truth. He speaks to us through scripture. Contrast that basic understanding of the Bible to what this author claims, and you find that this book is more philosophical in nature and stems from Buddhism - which is unlike Christianity in every way. The definition of Ultimate Reality is "the supreme, final, and fundamental power or fact in all reality" and is a contemporary expression of Buddhist principles, which I will not get into here. This is a full apologetic topic for another day.

"Creativity's deeply spiritual invitation to joy"
---While understanding that a quote without context can be troubling in a review, I will point out here that joy is a fruit of the spirit, not creativity. When I see a phrase "spiritual invitation" I think of inviting a friend to church or community in some way to share the gospel and fruit of my faith, not necessarily an artistic expression of an understanding of faith. I'm troubled to find a firm foundation in the book in which to understand what this phrase actually means. Does exhibiting creativity in art bring one joy? Absolutely. Can that joy which comes from creating art bring one closer to the Lord? Yes, absolutely. But this doesn't come from creativity itself but the Creator, God, who gave us humans the capacity to create in His image. We create as a mirror of the Creator. Creative pursuits are certainly a way to connect with God and bring us joy. This connection of creativity and God and His relationship with us people may be what is missing in this expression.

"Naming the source of creativity - Ultimate Reality - as something outside of myself"
---Again, Ultimate Reality is a concept founded in universalist and buddhist teachings, and is not something that should be in a book marketed to Christians, unless it is an apologetic of the concept. The source of creativity is God - He is a creative God and He created us humans with the capacity to mirror His image and create art! It's beautiful and rich in expression, what we are capable of, with how God created us. Humans have created incredible artwork in museums all over the world, skyscraper architecture, engineering feats, and the list goes on. When we create, we reflect the Creator. And it has nothing to do with "Ultimate Reality."

A few other alarms in the book included the author speaking of multiple pronouns for God, which is not what He says about Himself. Trying to project your own desires on God, who created all things and therefore defines all things - including words and the context and meaning - is foolish.

The phrase "an expansive understanding of the divine" is, like others found in the book, a bit confusing. We understand God based on what He states in His word. What is being expanded, and what does the author mean by "the divine?" Just use the word God, and if you don't say His name, then be clear and honest about the fact that you are speaking about something not found in scripture, and instead trying to redefine God and His truth to fit your narrative.

The idea of seeing eastern and western faith traditions intersect "on the common ground of the transcendent nature of creativity and share their unique understanding of art" is another new one that I'm not that familiar with. Does this relate to how creative expressions can transcend our ordinary understanding of life and connect you to something outside of yourself? If so, then it may make sense. But the false teachings present in other faith traditions deter one's true understanding of creativity as exhibited through God and the creativity we reflect as His people. Faith traditions found in western and eastern cultures do not fully intersect fundamentally, only with individual concepts - such as loving others more than yourself, honoring your father and mother, etc. A unique understanding of art is not one of those intersections of faith which one would normally think of - perhaps more specific examples of this in the book would be helpful, rather than a passive and abstract mention.

"I might reach for words like god or spirit to describe it."
--Given the context thus far of the book, the author isn't standing on anything firm - this understanding of creativity and faith is very emotionally driven. In the Bible, both Father and the Holy Spirit are defined as two persons of the trinity (God). The perspective being written from is a shaky one, as the author doesn't know which word to use to describe something fundamental to Christian belief. A study of apologetics would help with these definitions.

There are many more specific examples to pull from which illustrate why this book was not finished and with a low rating at that, but I'll mainly end by stating that sadly, this expression of faith can lead many people away from the true saving gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is an unfortunate reality that there are now books published under the guise and label of "Christian" which are completely antithetical to the Gospel message and the hope we find in Jesus. Now if this book wasn't labeled as Christian and it was honest with its worldview from the start, then my review would be different, because the book would be true to itself, in so many words, by not trying to masquerade as something it is not. Sadly ,that is not the case, and this is now the second book I have started to read for review this year which was more universalist and buddhist in expression than anything remotely resembling the Christian faith, even though it wanted to be, apparently.

This is a fantastic topic that needs to be handled with care and truth so as to not lead others astray, especially in such an individualist post-modern culture as today. In fact, others have already written well about it in recent years. Here are some other books I would instead recomend on the intersection of faith, creativity, and art: Walking on Water by Madeline L'Engle, Art and Faith by Makoto Fujimura, The Heart of the Maker by Jake Weidmann, Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey, Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey,

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ebook copy of this book to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Dee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s be honest: the first thing that catches you is the cover. It is, without exaggeration, absolutely stunning. It’s one of those books you want to leave face-up on your coffee table just so people ask you about it. But as the old adage goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Thankfully, what’s inside Art Is How God Loves Us largely lives up to the gorgeous jacket.

For anyone who has ever felt a divine spark while creating, this book feels like a warm, deeply needed validation.

What makes this book stand out is its incredible inclusivity toward the definition of "art." If you’re like me, you might open a book with this title and think, “Well, I don't paint landscapes or sculpt marble, so is this really for me?” The answer is a resounding yes. The author does a masterful job of reaching all creators, no matter their style, medium, or skill level. Whether you are a professional graphic designer, a hobbyist knitter, a backyard gardener, or someone who just rearranges their living room to feel a sense of balance, she welcomes you to the table. She deconstructs the elitism often tied to the art world and rebuilds it as an inherent human trait.

The beating heart of this book is its exploration of art as worship and art as therapy.

[Expression] ───► Art as Worship ───► Divine Connection
/
Human Creator
\
[Process] ───► Art as Therapy ───► Internal Healing

She beautifully unpacks the idea that creating isn’t just a human pastime; it’s a form of prayer. When we create, we mimic the ultimate Creator. But she doesn’t just leave it in the spiritual clouds; she grounds it in the deeply therapeutic reality of the creative process. She addresses how making things helps us process grief, anxiety, and the quiet aches of being alive. It’s about the process, not just the product.

If the core message is so beautiful, why drop a star?
Looking at the broader consensus among readers, a common theme emerges: the book can occasionally feel a bit academic and dense. There are chapters where the prose gets bogged down in heavy theological or philosophical theory, which can pull you out of the intuitive, emotional experience of creating. It requires a bit of mental heavy lifting at times, and a few sections feel like they are repeating the same core thesis in slightly different vocabulary.

Despite a few moments of dense reading, Art Is How God Loves Us is a profound breath of fresh air. It's a book to be read slowly, perhaps with a highlighter in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. If you are a creator suffering from burnout, or a believer trying to figure out why a song, a poem, or a painting makes you feel closer to eternity than a sermon ever could, pick this up. It will heal something in you.

Favorite Quote: > "We do not create to prove our worth to the Creator; we create because we are already loved by Him, and our making is the echo of His breath in our lungs."

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Art Is How God Loves Us: The Sacred Beauty of Created Things by Merideth Hite Estevez intrigued me because of its title. I wasn't familiar with the author, but the combination of art, faith, and beauty sounded promising.

Looking back, I probably should have realized that this book is written more for artists, creatives, and those interested in the arts than for readers who are not especially artistic themselves. A quote often attributed to Hans Christian Andersen seems to capture much of the book's spirit: "Where words fail, music speaks." That emphasis makes sense, as Estevez is a musician.

The author often communicates through metaphors, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. However, readers who prefer direct, simple answers may find it frustrating. This is a book that requires reflection and thought. Her ideas are not always presented in black-and-white terms. For example, she writes, "Tenderness is a dangerous thing for an artist to lose," and, "At the intersection of art and faith, of creativity and spirituality, is an outstretched hand. It is calling on you to go next, not to perform but to simply attend, to listen, to join in when you feel ready."

One thing I appreciated was how the book challenged me to rethink my understanding of art. Estevez writes, "As long as we define art in connection with the skills we must cultivate or the products we must make, we will live in perpetual disappointment and anxiety." Whether or not I agreed with everything she said, she certainly made me think.

My favourite part of the book was the practical exercises. The author provides a QR code (which also links to a website) where readers can view works of art and listen to pieces of music that accompany some of the exercises. I found this feature helpful and engaging.

That said, I did have two significant reservations. First, in Chapter 5, "Shadow Careers and Simple Gifts," readers are directed to view a piece of art that includes nudity. If, like me, you are uncomfortable with artistic depictions of unclothed people, you may wish to skip that section. I realize many people today view such works in the name of culture or artistic appreciation, but I personally was disappointed to encounter this in a Christian book. While it is only a small part of the overall work, I think potential readers should be aware of it.

My second concern was that the author includes a great many stories and examples from her own life. Some readers may enjoy that personal approach, but for me there were perhaps too many autobiographical anecdotes.

Overall, this book contained some thought-provoking ideas about art, creativity, and faith, and I especially appreciated the exercises. However, the inclusion of artwork containing nudity and the heavy reliance on personal stories prevented me from enjoying it as much as I had hoped.

[Mara Eller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is thoughtfully and lovingly crafted inside and out. While the first category listed on the back is Christian living, the book is far more inclusive and expansive than the narrow (and, too often, self-righteous or simplistic) articulations that the category typically offers. While Estevez is herself an orthodox believer—her husband is a pastor—she intentionally presents the reader with a Creator bigger than any denominational categories, wider than any one faith tradition or culture’s linguistic predilections. For this reason, it may leave those looking for standard Christian fare… displeased. For the rest of us, it is a much-needed breath of fresh air.

The book is an invitation to seek and encounter the divine in the beauty around us, whether in “fine” art or folk art or the rush of a river. It’s a reminder to notice the invitation already on offer all around us—to recognize created things (and people) as different forms of the same spiritual song, “a portal to beauty, curiosity, and faith.”

Estevez writes with a contemplative and deeply personal approach, leading the reader through her own encounters of Ultimate Reality (one name she uses for God) through art and allowing them to reach their own conclusions alongside her. Never dogmatic, her purpose is clearly to provoke thought and spark self-reflection, which she makes explicit in the exercises that accompany each chapter.

One of my favorite passages is about her experience with the First Nations Translation of the New Testament and the name they chose for Jesus: Creator Sets Free. She writes, “I like thinking about Jesus as a wild, creative force set free in the world, not coming to condemn us like I feared he would when I was a child, but meeting the raw materials of the broken human experience with joy, patiently shaping them into something more beautiful than terrible; transforming us, like a potter at the wheel, one heart at a time” (155). She continues, “What is creation, what is art, if not the work of setting free? Of being set free? Of overcoming the terror of the world by daring to create beauty anyway?” (157).

It’s a book that’s hard to put on a shelf: part memoir in essays, part prescriptive self-help for creatives, part (expansive) Christian spirituality. But if you come to it with an open mind, it will surely speak to you, itself a tender, creative offering of love.

[Brittani (Book_Byrd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an eARC of this book!
I will qualify that this book is meant for Christian Artists and Musicians. If you don't fit that category, you may not get as much out of this as I personally did.
I am a Christian, who God has gifted the talent of drawing/painting. I also dabbled in Piano as a child, and was in Choir in High School. This book was 100% the perfect fit for me. I was drawn in by the beautiful art of the cover to request this, and I was not disappointed.
Normally I go into topical Christian Non-fiction nowadays a little hesitant because so many lean heavily toward “christian living” and never bring up the bible hardly at all. I was pleased that this author chose to continuously support the connections to the bible that her discussion about creativity and art had.
This book speaks to the perfectionism, the impostor syndrome, and the fear we all get with creating art.
I happened to start reading this book at the exact moment I needed to be. In a world where ego and skill comparison run amok, it is always good to have a grounded reminder of why as a Christian we create. We create because of the Great Creator. He loves us and in turn we show our love for Him by reflecting that creation through song, written word or pictures. Also, with the rise of AI taking over all of those things, it is also a good reminder of our WHY, as humans, we need to create.
There are activities after each chapter for meditative or creative exercises. I personally didn't take the time to do them, because they didn't interest me as a visual artist, but I know others could find them helpful. There are also discussion questions at the end of the book if this is something you'd like to try at a Church Small Group Book Club.
This book is a must read for any Christian artist!

[Joan Fopma-Loy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art is How God Loves Us is a beautiful book, rich with personal stories, vulnerability, and descriptions (and links to) the works of art that opened Hite-Estevez to greater compassion and an ever evolving faith in the depth of the Creator's love. She leads the reader into experiences that show how art, in all its varied forms, can help us name and hold all our "messy" emotions and be a spiritual gateway, an invitation to wonder and belonging. As I read I reflected, cried, whispered "You too?", experienced AHA's and new questions. I didn't want the book to end. But, it hasn't because this is one of the books I won't read just once. I will return to it again and again because what I take away will shift and grow as circumstances and my inner and spiritual life deepens. The ARS NOVAS and study questions for each chapter provide additional pathways to further insights and questions. I want to gift this book to all my friends and family. Art is How God Loves Us is a book for everyone who longs to more fully open to the beauty in themselves and the world.

[Karis Easler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going through a major transition in my life, this ARC fell into my lap at a perfect time. The book takes a Christan perspective on art and music through the life experiences of the author. She mentions specific literature and references from the Bible to reinforce her ideas and to create a better understanding of how God works through individuals like J. S. Bach, Frederic Chopin, and many others. Art is like an expression that has the ability to move us closer to God. Every artist has a personal journey to follow whether through spiritual or emotional means. Meredith Estevez explains this well through her musical journey as an oboist.
My enjoyment of this book is only surpassed by my appreciation in building my confidence as a Christian entering into a creative field. Parts of this book are very relevant to my personal life, and I am thankful to have stumbled upon this incredible novel.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Art is How God Loves Us” is part Christian living, part personal memoir by the author. While I typically do not love when Christian authors mix personal stories with spiritual guidance, “Art is How God Loves Us” is definitely the exception. While it’s clear the target audience is professional creatives, I found this speaking deeply to me (a stressed out mom to young kids who struggles to find any time to pursue my once beloved hobbies). I found myself weeping multiple times reading this while rocking my kids to sleep at night.

I firmly believe Christians should be the world’s biggest supporters and lovers of art and the creative mind. Reading “Art is How God Loves Us” would be a great step for professional artists and amateurs alike to rediscover their love of any kind of ART (atoms responding to transcendence).

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!

Thanks to NetGalley & Broadleaf Books for the complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Tracee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art Is How God Loves Us is an inspiring and deeply vulnerable book that reminds us of something we often forget: creativity isn’t just reserved for artists—it’s what makes us human.

Through honest stories from her own life and spiritual journey, the author offers encouragement without pretending the creative life is always easy. Her personal anecdotes make the book feel genuine and inviting, while the practical exercises provide accessible ways to incorporate the arts into everyday life and faith.

I highly recommend this thoughtful, encouraging book to anyone seeking a deeper connection between creativity, faith, and everyday life.

[Carrie Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art is How God Loves Us, and this book is a work of art in itself. It’s not only visceral feel-it-in-your bones good storytelling, but it’s also thought-provoking and prompts deep reflection. Estevez writes with vivid, beautiful and descriptive language that helps readers understand the Creator and themselves as creators. You don’t have to be an “Artist” to enjoy this book. If you want to feel and experience love through an artistic lens, I highly recommend it.

[Joy Marker · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how you see yourself, artist, creative, wanna be creative but haven't found your stride, this book is a beautiful gift of encouragement.

I keep coming back to a few questions that popped into my head while reading, how different would we live if we viewed the life we're creating as art? What gifts have I been given that might help the world heal, and am I using them?

This book will show you life and Gods love from a beautifully different perspective.

[Sarah Westfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to peek into an early copy of Art is How God Loves Us and could not have been more eager to endorse this stunning offering from Meredith Hite-Estevez. With good storytelling and depth of insight, this book is for all of us chronic overachievers and strivers who long to know we are already loved.

[Robin B Brinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The way various forms of art are woven into the book is beautiful. The context and stories that flow from each piece of art and the reflections at the end of each chapter are thought provoking. The honesty and vulnerability of this book will make you laugh, cry, and see God in works of art in ways that you haven’t considered before. I highly recommend it!

[Cristina Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a wonderful job of creating a bridge between God and the artist. Her explanations of God’s love through art and human struggle was beautifully done. The book is more complete if you do the exercises at the end of the book.

[Kyra Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for the soul.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful reflection on God’s hand in every aspect of life, but most especially through the arts.