Art on Mission with the Tabernacle Builders

Abstract

How does art contribute to mission? How might Scripture shape the claims that Christians make about art and mission? This article addresses these questions. It argues, first, that there is a need for fresh work in this area, because existing literature on the biblical theology of mission dedicates scarce attention to art and beauty, also because such literature centers scriptural texts that lack an aesthetic dimension. Second, it provides exegetical setup for its biblical-theological proposal: it observes that Genesis 1 foregrounds beauty and the production of art, and it observes that Genesis 1 belongs integrally together with the Tabernacle texts at the end of Exodus. Third, it interprets the Tabernacle builders as a template for art on mission. Their artistry evidences faithfulness and freedom; and their practice shows the generosity of art.