Redeeming the Arts: Why Music and Art Education are Essential for Christian Homeschoolers
Is it possible for Christians to redeem the arts from our “woke” culture? Increasingly, it seems the arts – especially popular music, theater, movies, art movements – are filled with immoral and satanic references (or even blatant perversion and satanic rituals, which the culture celebrates.) So should we, as Christian homeschool parents, even bother with music and art education or involve our children in the arts?
Yes!
Music and art are powerful gifts from God that reflect His beauty and creativity, and they have the potential to shape culture in meaningful and profound ways. In a world that often focuses on the basics of math, science, and language, music and art are frequently viewed as merely electives or extracurricular activities. However, music and art are essential for developing God-given creativity and understanding His creation more deeply.
As Christian homeschoolers, it is vital to prioritize these subjects as they not only nurture creative expression but also foster critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the world God has made. Music and art education are crucial for Christian homeschoolers because they cultivate creativity, sharpen analytical skills, deepen our understanding of God’s handiwork, and equip children to redeem the arts for God’s glory in a culture dominated by secular ideologies. After all, music and art are not just about creativity; they are about using that creativity to glorify God and influence the world around us.
Music and Art Reflect God’s Creativity
From the very first verse of the Bible, we see that God is the ultimate Creator: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). His handiwork is displayed throughout creation, as Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
As image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27), humans are endowed with the ability to create, reflecting His beauty and ingenuity through music and art. Just as God painted the skies with breathtaking sunsets, formed delicate flowers, and orchestrated the melodies of bird songs, He has given us the capacity to compose, design, and express ourselves artistically.
When we teach children music and art, we are nurturing this God-given creativity, allowing them to mirror their Creator and develop their own artistic gifts for His glory. Music and art become acts of worship when they are used to reflect God’s truth, beauty, and goodness, helping children not only to appreciate His creation but also to participate in it as co-creators, offering their talents back to Him in praise.
Music and Art Foster Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Involvement in music and art engages multiple parts of the brain, promoting cognitive development, critical thinking, and creativity. Studies show that learning and practicing music and crafting art enhance analytical skills, memory, and problem-solving abilities by stimulating both the left (logical) and right (creative) hemispheres of the brain. These skills not only improve artistic and musical abilities but also contribute to success in other academic areas such as science, math, and literature.
For example, learning to play an instrument involves understanding rhythm and patterns, which helps children develop skills in mathematics and sequencing. Studying art history fosters attention to detail and helps children understand complex concepts, boosting their ability to think critically.
From a Christian perspective, these abilities are gifts from God, tools He has given his children to navigate and engage with his world in meaningful ways. Music and art teach discipline, perseverance, and focus—essential traits for stewardship. By honing these skills, children are equipped to serve God and others with creativity, solving problems and approaching challenges with a thoughtful, innovative mindset that honors Him.
Music and Art Cultivate a Deeper Appreciation of God’s Creation
Studying music and art cultivates a deeper appreciation for God’s creation by helping children see his hand in both the beauty of nature – God’s canvas – and the creativity of human artworks. Masterworks of art, such as those by Michelangelo and Rembrandt, often carry Christian themes that deepen faith and reveal God’s truth as beautifully expressed through human hands.
For example, Michelangelo spent four years painting exquisite scenes from the Bible on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and sculpted incredible lifelike statues of saints and one of Mary holding the crucified Jesus across her lap (The Pieta).
Rembrandt was known for his detailed portraits and Bible scenes, such as this painting The Return of the Prodigal Son.
These artists used their talents to glorify God, express divine truths, and redeem the arts and culture. By exploring works of Great Artists like Michelangelo and Rembrandt, children can better understand how God’s message of salvation is found in the arts. Even with artists who did not have faith, we can explore worldviews, understand history and culture of each era, and also find God’s creative inspiration in each artist, a human made in God’s image with the ability to be creative like God.
Similarly, classical music, hymns, and compositions by faith-filled musicians like George Frideric Handel, who composed the oratorio Messiah, inspire worship and gratitude, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and beauty. Again, even non-Christian musicians of the classical music tradition reflect God’s creation model in a rise, climax, and then rest in their compositions, as well as their demonstration of the gift of creativity.
All of God’s creation—whether in the grandeur of a mountain range or the delicate petals of a flower—serves as a powerful source of inspiration for both art and music, encouraging children to marvel at and worship the Creator through their own creative expressions.
Christians Must Redeem the Arts in a Culture Shaped by Secular Worldviews
In today’s world, much of art, music, and media are shaped by secular or “woke” ideologies that reject God and his truth. These ideologies use artistic expression to push agendas that undermine Biblical values, promoting messages that are usually at odds with the Christian worldview. This makes it all the more important for Christians to reclaim the arts, ensuring that they reflect God’s truth, beauty, and goodness. Throughout history, faithful Christian artists and musicians, such as Fra Angelico, a monk and artist from the early Renaissance, George Frideric Handel with his oratorio Messiah or Johann Sebastian Bach with his sacred compositions, have used their talents to shape culture in ways that honor God and inspire others to do the same.
As Christians, we are called to redeem the arts by creating works that point back to God’s glory and offer a redemptive perspective in a world full of brokenness. Teaching children art and music from a Christian worldview equips them to engage with culture, create beautiful works that glorify God, and offer a faithful voice in the arts. Resources like The Artist Detective and The Composer Detective help train the next generation to see the beauty of art and music through a Biblical lens, empowering them to carry forward the legacy of faithful Christian artists who have shaped the culture for Christ.
Why Music and Art Are Vital for Faith-Based Education
Music and art are vital for faith-based education because they help students build a Christ-centered worldview that reflects God’s truth, goodness, and beauty in contrast to the brokenness and distortion seen in much of secular culture. By engaging with music and art through a Biblical lens, children learn to appreciate the divine order and creativity woven into creation and human expression.
Learning to create and appreciate music and art also encourages worship, allowing children to use their talents as acts of praise, glorifying God with the gifts He has given them.
Furthermore, these creative disciplines inspire cultural impact, as children who are equipped with a Biblical worldview are empowered to produce art and music that transform culture for Christ. These children can become leaders in the arts, creating works that speak truth, uplift others, and reflect the redemptive power of God in a world that desperately needs it.
How Jus’ Classical Supports Christian Homeschoolers in Teaching Music and Art
Jus’ Classical offers a variety of resources that help Christian homeschoolers teach music and art with confidence and purpose. The Composer Detective course brings music history to life by introducing children to legendary composers like Bach and Handel, both of whom used their music to glorify God. This engaging program not only teaches about these composers but also highlights the ways in which their faith influenced their compositions.
Do you want your children to have a music education but you’re not sure where to start?
Now you CAN help your child learn about classical music and great composers without hours of planning, even if your only experience with music is playing the radio!
INTRODUCING The Composer Detective: Helping homeschool moms and kids investigate the lives and music of some of the world’s great orchestral composers!
In addition to these main courses, Jus’ Classical offers a range of other resources such as drawing lessons, guides on the orchestra, and hands-on projects that make it easy for parents to confidently teach music and art in their homeschool setting, ensuring their children grow in both creativity and faith.
Music and Art are Essential Parts of a Christian Education
Music and art are not just electives or extracurricular subjects—they are essential parts of education and of being human. They cultivate well-rounded, faith-centered adults. These disciplines reflect God’s creativity, help develop critical thinking, deepen our appreciation of His creation, and equip children to redeem the arts in a world influenced by secular ideologies.
Similarly, The Artist Detective teaches children to appreciate art history while recognizing God’s hand in the works of the Great Artists. Through these lessons, children explore the lives and masterpieces of these artists while understanding the worldviews which inspired their art as well as the opportunity to do hands-on projects imitating the works of the Great Artists.
As Christian homeschoolers, it’s crucial to prioritize these subjects in your curriculum, allowing your children to grow in both creativity and faith. By doing so, you’re preparing them to use their talents for God’s glory and make a lasting impact on culture.
I invite you to explore Jus’ Classical resources, such as The Composer Detective and The Artist Detective, and don’t miss the opportunity to join the Music & Art Homeschool Summit (coming March 12-14, 2025). These resources will help you integrate music and art into your homeschool days, empowering your children to glorify God through their creativity and contribute to a culture that reflects His beauty.
Now you CAN help your child learn about Great Artists without hours of planning – includes artist porfolios and hands-on projects!
INTRODUCING The Artist Detective: Helping homeschool moms and kids investigate the lives and artworks of some of the world’s Great Artists!
