Hey thank you so much for the replies everyone I am very grateful for your contributions
I apologize for this large wall of text, but I wanted to try to reply to everyone.
Crossfire wrote:Unless you're drawing pornographic images or something.
haha I love the Jackie Chan pic XD
to be honest I try to stay away from drawing porn as much as possible. I haven't even really drawn nudes very much, (frankly I don't even want to) if at all. What I'm afraid will happen is my drawing might be unintentionally suggestive of mature themes because I do draw a lot of girls.
bigsleepj wrote:Unless its pornographic or sick on some level with no value then there is no way that creating art is a sin. A lot of art have been created in glory of God. Arguably some bad, some better, or some that are theologically neutral, but unless you're drawing something extremely perverse with no moral merit then... no, I don't see how it can seperate you from God.
Like I told Crossfire I try to steer clear of that kind of material in my drawings. You make a really good point about artwork having the ability to glorify God. It's just one of those things we have to be careful about I guess.
rocklobster wrote:Michelangelo's art glorified God, and even his David wasn't covered up. Something to consider.
Very good point, I guess it is the artists intention that really counts.
K. Ayato wrote:I hope you're not trying to deny the hard fact that any form of art is a means of self-expression. Does that mean Michelangelo was a pervert because his portraits that encapsulated the beauty of the Sistine Chapel contained nudity? Probably not. Every period of artwork was marked by something unique to that time, whether it was use of color, extreme detailing on clothing, emotions, or simply the beauty of the human form.
Your art is an expression of what you feel and how you perceive the world. If your artwork has a lot of "dark" characters, then it could mean you're aware that we live in a fallen world and there's darkness pervading everything around us. It doesn't mean you're into cults or Satan worship (then again, if that is what you're involved in...different story).
It is true that art is a self expression, and I guess it is a really good way to learn about ones own motives. I hate the fact that nudity is so often associated with sexuality and not seen for the beauty God made it to be, and you are right. Michelangelo wasn't a pervert just because he drew nudes. I am just afraid of putting a stumbling block in someones way by creating an artwork that could potentially make someone think perverse thoughts when that is not my intention.
We do live in a dark world unfortunately, but I wouldn't draw anything demonic. (Although drawing gothic art of people is fun
) It's mostly drawing people the wrong way I am worried about. Gods creation should be glorified in a good way. perhaps the pen (or pencil in this case) is just too dangerous a tool?
Xeno wrote:So is it that you have to draw the human form that is making you feel uneasy? Because if it is, think of it this way: god supposedly created humanity in his own image. Thus, the human body is something to be appreciated as a piece of art by itself (though it can be art to those of us who are atheists too, but that's another discussion). There is nothing inherently sinful in learning to illustrate the human form, be it male or female, whether final product will be clothed or unclothed. Modern society has an issue with nudity being displayed publicly, but as long as it is tasteful and not profane then there is nothing wrong with it, it is part of nature. Anything you're feeling in regards to art as being "against god" or sinful is in your head.
Thank you for sharing your opinion! I agree that drawing people is not bad in itself, just as money isn't bad in itself, music, or literature and so forth. It's not just because I am worried about getting God mad at me, its also the idea that it would feel awkward to draw nudes, and showing those drawings to others.
I think you are right, I might just be making a big stink over nothing because God even used artists to create furniture for His temples. I just don't want to give someone a means in which they can cheat on their spouse by lusting after characters I draw, and I just don't want to cause trouble in someones relationship to another. Yeah overly dramatic, I know, but cheating is a very serious thing that causes emotional pain.
rocklobster wrote:Everything you are is a gift. Including your sexuality.
Yes it is, and all the more reason not to abuse that gift, and not to lead others to abuse that gift.
goldenspines wrote: You seem to underestimate the love of God. While you can indeed use the act of drawing to sin, it doesn't mean you are going to hell. Unless you believe that any sin (lying, stealing, etc.) will make you go to hell. If so, you need to backtrack a bit and review what Jesus actually died for.
Otherwise, the case may be that you are using your God given skills for some type of sinful act? (I can't imagine what, though. Being an artist myself, though, I'm used to most things anyone can dish out. Art history classes will do that to you.)
I've always had the bad habit of having doubts about God's image of me, and his love. I know Jesus died to save us from all sin, I guess it is just hard to understand that he will love us no matter what. It's hard to think like God because we are so human, and because we are so prone to have a conditional love when God doesn't.
goldenspines wrote: Could you provide some biblical reference, perhaps? (probably in PM to avoid a huge discussion here) What made you come to the conclusion that it "seems" this way?
Sure I can PM you
goldenspines wrote: This is a bit vague, though I think this can happen with anything, not just drawing. For example, I like food, often a bit too much. Therefore, instead of going to God when I'm troubled, I will sometimes go to food for relief. Thus, it makes food harmful to my relationship with God. Does that mean I should stop eating altogether? Or does it mean I should still eat, but put God first before food? It's the same with drawing.
The big problem I have is I'm having a hard time recognizing what is sinful to draw, and what is not. I mean of course explicit sexual themes are off limits, and I know that, but what about characters dressed in bikinis? Is it always wrong to draw characters like that? is it bad to draw characters falling in love? or kissing? I am afraid of being the tempter that the Bible says would have been better off not being born.
goldenspines wrote: Don't love drawing more than God. It's seriously not worth it and drawing will sadly not love you back. IN FACT, drawing will hate you, but still be like a clingy ex-boyfriend who is constantly whining in your ear. Yes, I am being serious.
Thankfully, unlike drawing, God is merciful and gracious. Thus, He's worth putting higher than drawing.
Since I answered the other previous questions, I'll answer the last one specifically, because I've definitely been there.
I remember when I had to take a figure drawing class. It's rough because you don't know what you expect, but thankfully because we're artists, we can see things in a different way than the "oheemgee, nekid ppls!" and get all uncomfortable or immature about it.
When I draw a figure, I draw it like a still life, I see shapes and values that create a bigger picture. That's not to downgrade the human body in any way, but that's just how I draw. I don't look as the person as I person, I look at the person and all their shapes and values as something I am drawing.
And if you're still not convinced, God created that human body. Why on earth would God send anyone to hell for drawing what He created? I mean, it's no different from drawing a tree or a rock that God created. (man, if you get sent to hell for drawing trees, I am so screwed. XD; )
Now, if drawing the nude figure is not your trouble, I'm not sure what you mean, then.
Yes you are right, God is more important than drawing ever will be. I guess an activity we love to partake in can be a possible idol as well, but God just needs to be first. Thanks for pointing that out.
I really respect you for taking the topic of life drawing with a mature attitude. I wish that more people could look at it that way than thinking "oh my gosh! you want to draw naked people! your gross!" It just degrading to be thought of as a pervert for wanting to draw people correctly -_- artists need to look at objects as being shapes to get better anyways. It just seems impossible to see something as it is while getting the shapes right. Thank you for sharing that story, it was encouraging
My problem isn't so much drawing nudes (because I steer clear of that anyway) It's drawing characters clothed but still causing perverse thoughts for the viewer. for example, I am afraid of drawing characters in bikinis.
goldenspines wrote: Ah, you must be an artist. We are pros at being overly dramatic. :3 (I mean that in a very lovable and kindred spirit way)
Question time!
Who created you (with all your personality traits and skills of drawing)?
Using the answer to the previous question, why would a creator who gave you these skills be like, "lol, if you use those skills I gave you and you specifically, you will be sent to hell. My bad. kthxbai."?
well the secret is out!
lol. no offense taken, actually I see that as a compliment
thank you!
Answer!
God created everyone!
I wouldn't think God would be like that. It seems he would give his creations gifts because he wants for them to be used (more specifically for his purposes).
Yes, nothing can separate us from his righteous right hand! I will have to study God's love more and get a better understanding of it.
goldenspines wrote: tl;dr
No, you're not going to hell. But pray about it with God if you are still uneasy and I'm sure He will provide you with a sure answer for your issues.
Very well said, thank you very much for this thoughtful, and carefully written comment
God bless you!
Nate wrote:I'm going to assume you feel this way because as an artist, you'll have to take life drawing classes which involves drawing nude/barely clothed people.
I don't know how to help you, except to say I'm sorry that some people have made you feel like you're sinning for perfectly normal feelings of arousal. This is a major problem with certain sects of Christianity, and it's very dangerous and evil thinking for reasons exactly like this, harming people who are doing nothing wrong.
All I can say is you are doing nothing wrong, and I hope you can overcome the terrible things people have done to you so that you can do what you enjoy and are gifted with.
I've always seen the Christian thinking as thinking designed to help keep me, and others out of the situation of cheating on (and hurting) loved ones. I've always seen it as a way of getting myself ready for loyalty and commitment to my future wife. I've always seen it as an act of triumph to have the ability to contain myself. I don't see what I would be doing wrong in listening to Christian teachings other than keeping myself from selfishly enjoying myself. Just saying.
Thank you for your kind thoughts, I do appreciate them. *hugs*
Ante Bellum wrote:^ That, that right there. All of it. THANK YOU. ^
Anyway, do you think an athlete's going to hell? A programmer? Maybe a cook? (Though, arguably, some of these might overlap with art, considering how wide of an area "art" really is.) How is drawing any different? The human body IS ART. It's a living canvas, a subject, even a tool, if you're so inclined.
If you're passionate about art, go for it. Part of being an artist is to extend outside your comfort zone, but it will stop bothering you. It's then that you start to realize your potential, so don't let anything hold you back!
No honestly I don't think athletes, programmers, or cooks will go to hell because their job doesn't make them a bad person. I simply don't want to wrong someone, or lead someone to wrong someone else with my artwork. I don't want to cause relationship issues or other problems that could arise from the potential of the pen, a weapon mightier than any sword. (yes cliche, but it seemed appropriate)
That is quite a poetic way to put it. and I'd have to say I agree the human body is a beautiful thing, but I do not want to abuse that beauty.
Thank you very much for your encouragement, I'll give it a shot