Art used to be made in the name of faith. We made cathedrals, we

Opening Scene

The room is softly lit by the glow of a table lamp, casting warm shadows on the walls as the evening sets in. Outside, the hum of the city fades, and the air feels quiet and reflective. Jack sits at the table, flipping through a sketchbook, while Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the city below. The atmosphere is calm, but there's a sense that a conversation about art, faith, and the purpose of creativity is about to unfold.

Host: After a few moments, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice steady but filled with thought, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Julia Cameron that really struck me. She said, ‘Art used to be made in the name of faith. We made cathedrals, we made stained-glass windows, we made murals.’ It made me think about how art has historically been created as a form of expression and devotion — a way to reflect faith and the sacred. What do you think about that? How has the role of art in society shifted, especially when it comes to spirituality and purpose?”

Jack: “That’s such an interesting thought. I think Cameron is pointing to something really important — how art was once deeply tied to faith and spirituality. The creation of cathedrals, stained-glass windows, and murals was often an offering, a way to express devotion and connect with something greater than ourselves. Art wasn’t just about beauty or personal expression; it was about creating a sense of awe and reverence. In a way, it was meant to be a reflection of something divine, not just human.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Art was a way to bring people closer to something greater than themselves. It was a form of worship, a reflection of the sacred that wasn’t just about the artist, but about the community. When you think about the cathedrals, for example, they weren’t just structures; they were living expressions of faith, designed to inspire awe and reverence. The art itself was a tool to connect the human and the divine. I think Cameron’s quote really highlights how art, at its core, was once a form of service to a higher purpose.”

Jack: “Right, and I think that’s part of what makes art so powerful — it transcends personal experience and becomes a collective expression. In those days, artists weren’t just creating for themselves or for fame. They were contributing to something much larger. They were helping to shape the cultural and spiritual identity of a whole community, even of a whole society. That sense of purpose and responsibility is something that’s often lost in modern art, which can sometimes be more self-centered or individualistic.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer to the table, sitting across from Jack. Her voice is calm but reflective as she continues.

Jeeny: “I think that’s where the disconnect sometimes happens. We live in a world where personal expression has become the dominant form of art. It’s not necessarily about serving a larger purpose or representing something divine. But there’s something powerful in art created for a higher calling, like those stained-glass windows that tell stories of faith, or the murals that captured moments of history. Today, we might still create for beauty, for culture, for activism — but it’s not as often created in the name of faith or a shared sense of purpose.”

Jack: “That’s a good point. There’s a certain humility and sacrifice in art made for a larger purpose. It’s not about self-promotion or achieving fame; it’s about serving the community, elevating the collective experience. I think art in the past was about trying to capture the divine, whether it was through religious imagery, historical scenes, or symbolic representations of human experience. Today, the focus has shifted more towards personal narrative, personal vision, and self-expression.”

Jeeny: “And I think that’s why some art today can feel disconnected or even empty. Without that sense of deeper purpose, art can become more about the artist’s own experience or desire for recognition. But when art is created for a higher calling — like faith or the collective good — it has the power to inspire something much greater. It becomes a way to elevate the soul, to create a sense of unity among people. That’s something we’re missing in the world today, especially in the noise of our digital, consumer-driven society.”

Jack: “Absolutely. Art that’s created in the service of something greater than the artist has the power to transcend time and place. It speaks to universal truths. Whether it’s a cathedral, a painting, or a sculpture, it reflects something that resonates on a deeper level, beyond the individual. It connects us to the past, to our spirituality, and to each other. In that sense, I think art has the potential to be more than just entertainment or decoration — it can be a bridge between the human and the divine.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as if the weight of their reflections has settled between them. Outside, the world continues, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a realization about the deeper purpose of art in society.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that art doesn’t just have to be about personal expression or aesthetic beauty. It can be about creating something that reflects a greater purpose, something that speaks to the collective experience of humanity and connects us to something beyond ourselves.”

Jack: “Exactly. Art made in the name of faith or for a higher purpose has the ability to inspire, to elevate, and to bring us closer to the divine. It’s a reminder that art can serve a purpose beyond the individual, creating something that resonates on a universal level.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Art has always been a means of connection — to faith, to history, and to each other. While the role of art has evolved over time, the power of creating for a higher purpose still holds immense potential. Art, when made with a sense of purpose, can inspire, uplift, and unite, reminding us of our shared humanity and our connection to something greater.