IAM’s next Encounter will take place February 26-28, 2009, in lower Manhattan, and the theme of the Encounter will be “Art in Action.” When asked about the genesis of the next Encounter’s theme, Makoto Fujimura points to the 1982 book by Nicholas Wolterstorff of the same title. “Art in Action” has remained a staple on the bookshelf of artists and creative catalysts throughout the world who seek to dig deeper into the meaning and purpose for art.

Following is Part Five of Christy Tennant’s recent interview with Makoto Fujimura about the theme of the next IAM Encounter:

CT: You mentioned that merely reacting to things that happen in our society is a violation of Christian love. Can you elaborate on that a bit? What are some of the reactions you are referring to?

MF: Well, stereotyping and disengaging are two of the most dangerous reactions. Everyone is stereotyping one another. Recently, Tony Carnes gave a talk at IAM, and he referred to a NY Times editorial he read that suggested that what we need is for bleeding heart liberals and bleeding heart conservatives to come together – I thought that was great. Rather than taking a stand against sides within our culture, we need to find ways to stand together. Of course we will disagree, but ultimately, when we cling to our disagreements, no one wins. A house divided cannot stand, and as long as we are living side by side on this planet, we are living under the same roof. When it goes down, we all suffer.

I’m not saying there is never a time to “take a stand.” The civil rights movement depended on people taking a stand against racial injustices. But too often, we are pitted against one another rather than being for one another. When we take a stand, with our art or whatever, we need to be sure that what we are standing for benefits everyone. Christ took a stand for justice. Love for enemies benefits both the lover and the loved. Racial equality benefits all of society. And art that becomes language for reconciliation and redemption and justice benefits all of society.