Nathan E. Lewis

Pagan: So, you are standing outside the museum today protesting the featured exhibit of NEA art?
Christian: It’s an abomination to my God and to my faith.
Pagan: I think that would be its purpose. There are a few of us around who don’t particularly revere your God or share your faith.
Christian: Does that give you the right to publicly desecrate God? What about freedom of religion?
Pagan: I believe that the exhibit is protected by the freedom of speech. By the way, what kind of art do you like?
Christian: Oh, I’m not much interested in art. This is the first time I’ve been to this museum.
Pagan: You mean, this is the first time you have actually stood on the steps of the museum. Give me some examples of 20th century art produced by your Church that would make a fine exhibition in this museum.
Christian: (pregnant pause) I don’t rightly know of any. Our church doesn’t encourage the arts.
Pagan: By the way, most of the art in this museum, the featured NEA exhibit excepted, was patronized by the Church in past centuries. You should go inside sometime soon, I mean, after the NEA art is gone. Here’s a complimentary pass to use at any time.

Christian: Thank you. Where did you get this pass?
Pagan: I’m the curator of the museum.

(later in the very same city…)

Dad: You clearly have artistic talents, dear. Do you enjoy painting?
Daughter: I love to paint! But my teacher says that painting is not the best vocation when it comes to paying the bills.
Dad: Never mind about that issue. I need to know if you are interested in art lessons. I have discovered a teacher, who is an accomplished artist herself and she is also a gifted instructor. Would you be interested in taking art lessons?
Daughter: Can I start today, Daddy?!
Dad: Listen, my dear. God has gifted each of us is different ways. We glorify God as we use our gifts, talents, and skills. My desire is that you would use your artistic interests and skills to produce art that would reflect God’s beauty, goodness, and truth.
Daughter: I think I could do that. Does that mean I have to paint Bible stories? Can I paint still life, nature, and non-biblical events?
Dad: I was hoping you would do so. My dream is that you would produce the best art possible! Who knows, someday, you might think of becoming the curator of our local art museum? Or perhaps, your younger brother, who is not much of an artist, but has strong leadership skills and may be a bit of a marketer, would be the next curator. Then you would have a foot in the door to show your art.
Daughter: O Dad, if my art is truly good, even a pagan curator would show my art.