Whether the artist is a painter, poet, writer or sculptor, the art—and the imaginative process that compels the art—bears responsibility and is greatly influenced by faith. Shaw wonderfully captures this process in chapters on celebrating imagination, understanding beauty and utilizing metaphor.

Shaw argues that propositional truth has its place. Nevertheless, she writes, “As writers, we look at the parables of Jesus, acknowledging that they are the word of God, literally. They speak to us in images deliberately chosen to be perceived by our imaginations.”

And that is one of the important callings of an artist: to make visible and apprehensible those things that are invisible and difficult to grasp.

In the second half of the book Shaw explores the creative process with chapters on “Learning to Risk,” “Paying Attention” and “Cultivating Creativity.” Each chapter in this section delves into the specific topic with a prominent theological focus. In the chapter on risk, Shaw encourages the artist to “relinquish control”—for this is the way to truly give oneself to the craft. This is similar to our faith walks. Unless we truly and completely give ourselves to God, we won’t experience the fullness of this relationship. 

Each chapter in this book offers encouragement and advice for the artist at any stage in his or her career. Shaw provides a strong theological focus for the artist in ways that are persuasive and compelling.


‘Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art’
by Madeleine L’Engle, Shaw Books, 240 pages
Many people are familiar with the classic children’s book “A Wrinkle in Time.” Still in publication today, this Newberry Medal winner has influenced children (and adults) for more than 40 years. L’Engle, the author of that classic, passed away recently, but her work continues to uplift and encourage.

“Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art” was originally published nearly 30 years ago, but it has been reprinted for another generation to enjoy its richness. Much like Shaw’s book on art and faith, L’Engle explores the same topic but with a slightly different focus. L’Engle uses her teaching at a writer’s conference (Ayia Napa, Cyprus) as the basis for much of the book. Questions she was asked by those in attendance serve as topics she explores.

L’Engle uses personal story and anecdote to teach readers many of her points. The moving story about her granddaughter, who was hit by a car and spent considerable time recovering, teaches the reader about investment in other people’s lives and pain. Without committing ourselves to love others, we never experience the joys (and pains) this relationship brings.

Maybe one of the most important aspects of this book is not its focus on art, but the focus L’Engle gives to theology and faith. She was a woman of strong faith, and the challenges of the modern world do not in any way cause her faith to wane. And that is probably one of the most important things any artist can hope to attain—unwavering faith.

Book reviews by Scott Noble of Noble Creative, a writing and editing business based in the Twin Cities (www.noblecreative.com).