This is our newest, exciting release from Darrow Miller. This all-encompassing book starts at the heart of creativity and encourages artists and believers to rediscover the calling of the balladeer, and reminds the artists of the crucial role they play in society. Darrow Miller calls out the artist’s power and responsibility to bring transformative impact by bringing truth, goodness, dignity, and God-given value to each individual. He gives a theological framework for why art and beauty matter to the Christian, the church, and the world.

From the introduction:

The book is divided into three sections.

The first is The Need for Balladeers. In this section we learn that culture is upstream from the social, economic, and political institutions of society, and it is downstream from worship. The artist is called not only to critique existing culture, but, through his or her messaging and artistry, to contribute to the creation of a culture bound by beauty, goodness, and truth. The artist, or balladeer, thus profoundly shapes the direction and the future of a nation.

The second section is The Bible and the Balladeers. Here we answer the question, from where does the impulse for art come? While there have been artists throughout history and in every culture, not every philosophy or religion provides an impulse for the arts and the artist. The opening lines of the biblical narrative, however, provide the answer: In the beginning, God created! God is the First Artist, and human beings are made imago Dei to be creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial. In this section we will examine the arts through the lens of the four major eras of history: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation.

The third and final section is Beauty and the Balladeers, in which we explore the cultural trinity of beauty, goodness, and truth, rooted in the character of the Triune God. His character establishes a culture of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, the culture of the Kingdom of God. Too often, like the world, the church has neglected beauty for utility and pragmatism. Beauty is a moral necessity, because it glorifies the Good and illuminates the Truth. Beauty will save the world.

At the end of each chapter, you will find a series of questions that will help with your personal or group’s reflections on the content of the chapter. The purpose of the Study Guide is to aid you in deeper reflections and discussions on the material.

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