These days most Christians who are passionate about influencing the world focus on issues of social justice. Or maybe they develop an allegiance to certain types of theology. Very few people, it seems, turn their time and attention to the arts, and not just popular forms of art you so often see in music and film, but serious art like literature and painting that endure through the centuries.

Thankfully, there are a few people who are serious about their craft and who create art, not for art's sake, but for the sake of Christ and his Kingdom. In literature, Marilynne Robinson comes to mind. In the world of painting, no one shines brighter than Makoto Fujimura. Not only is Makoto one of the world's most highly regarded artists, but he is that rare breed of creative geniuses who has given his life to uniting artists with "Christ-centered spiritual direction."

Joe looked across the coffee table from me, a spark in his eyes revealing his eagerness.  He leaned into his next question.  "So.  What did you think?  I really want to know,"  he asked between sips of his latte.  "And don't hold back either.  I want to get some good feedback that I can take with me."

It was three weeks earlier that Joe had first contacted me about a play he was producing at a local church.  He had written and produced it over the last three years, and fancied himself a serious writer and craftsman.  Passionate and energetic, it was obvious that he was driven to produce this play, and was personally attached to it at many levels.  And so he sought out people in the area, "influential" people I suspect, to help further his production and gain credibility.