Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity

by Michael Card

Paper Edition was voted 2002 Publisher's Weekly Best Adult Religion Book of the Year!"It was art and it was theater at the same time, but it was more. It was what he did not say that spoke most powerfully to the mob that morning. It was a cup of cold water for a thirsty adulteress and an ice-cold drenching in the face to a group of angry Pharisees."To this day we have not the slightest idea what it was Jesus twice scribbled in the sand. By and large the commentaries have asked the wrong question through the ages. They labor over the content, over what he might have written. They ask what without ever realizing that the real question is why. It was not the content that mattered but why he did it. Unexpected. Irritating. Creative." (From chapter one)Singer, songwriter and diligent student of Scripture, Michael Card is well known for the depth of his lyrics and the artistry of his music. But far more significant than the songs he has penned is the source of his inspiration--the creativity embodied in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God.In this book Card explores the biblical foundations of true Christian creativity. Whether we think of ourselves as creative or not, all of us are created in the image of our Creator God, and thus creativity is a vital expression of our discipleship. With Jesus as his model, Card shows how understanding God?s creative imagination leads to a lifestyle of humility, obedience and servanthood. And he invites us to follow God's creative call through worship and community.Through Jesus, God has spoken to us in a word we can understand. Likewise, Michael Card has articulated the story of Jesus to others through his own scribblings in the sand. This book shows us how we can do the same.

Genres: Christian, Writing, Theology, Nonfiction, Art, Faith, Christian Living

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Michael Card (born April 11, 1957) is an American Christian singer-songwriter, musician, author, and radio host from Franklin, Tennessee. He is best known for his contributions in contemporary Christian music, which couple folk-style melodies and instrumentation with lyrics that stem from intensive study of the Bible. Since his debut in 1981, he has sold more than 4 million albums and has written 19 No. 1 singles.He has also authored several books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner A Sacred Sorrow.

http://www.michaelcard.com/#/about-mi...

Reviews

[Becka the Book Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best known as a singer/songwriter, Michael Card is also a gifted author and teacher. In Scribbling in the Sand, he looks at a familiar narrative from an imaginative perspective and highlights aspects of the story that we may not have seen before.

A woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus. “What do you say we should do with her?” the good men of the town asked. His response was not any of the answers they had anticipated. He didn’t come down emphatically on the side of the law. Neither did he set aside the law and offer her a free pass, just this once. He stooped and wrote – we don’t know what – in the sand.

“What Jesus did that morning created a space in time that allowed for the angry mob first to cool down, then to hear his word, and finally to think about it, be convicted by it and respond – or not. It made time stand still. It was original. It was unexpected. It was a response to the noise and confusion and busyness all around him, yet it was not in the least tainted by the noise. Instead, Jesus’ action created a frame around the silence – the kind of silence in which God speaks to the heart. In short, it was a supreme act of creativity. It was art.”

Card helps us to see that our innate longing for beauty is a hunger for the God who created us in his image, and that our impulse to create is not so much imitation as response. “The order, the balance and the beauty of creation are…a shadow, like the shadow of the earth on the moon, which speaks of the essence of God. Such beauty draws us: it encourages and inspires us to worship. It even convicts us. The beauty of God demands a response from us.” In fact, “the call to creativity is a call to worship,” and it extends to us all. He goes on to share insights into Biblical understanding of the imagination, the character and lifestyle of creativity, and the importance of community in the life of the artist.

Scribbling in the Sand is one of the books I return to time after time for affirmation, exhortation, encouragement, challenge. I recommend it to anyone seeking to better understand and offer up their creativity for the glory of God.

[Chris VanAllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book of the year so far. I have always loved Michael Card's music, and this was just as good. He has thought so deeply about how Christians should think of and make art, and it was powerful and convicting. I hope you will add this to your want to read list. So, so good!

[Timothy Hoiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his excellent book Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity (InterVarsity Press), singer, songwriter and Biblical scholar Michael Card makes the connection between art and the biblical prophets, emphasizing the generally overlooked spiritual significance of the imagination.

“Through the prophets we come to understand that God is out to recapture all that we are or can hope to be,” he writes, “not just the mind or the heart but the mind of the heart, the heart of the mind, which is the imagination.” Looking at the biblical prophets, we see that the imagination is recaptured mostly through images and parables, but also, at times, through what can only be considered “bizarre activity.” The burden of the prophets was to show the people of God the error of their ways, to plea with them to change course, to return to God, and to do so without wasting another day...

- See more at: http://tjhoiland.com/wordpress/2011/1...

[Allison Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My main takeaways: Writings are meant to bless others and the Lord, write in community, and be open to criticism (it’s not where your identity is found). Helpful truths to cling to as I develop my song writing process.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read for Christian creatives! Or anyone who is curious how art and following Jesus intersects🫶🏼

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the book that I made people read at my Visual Journaling workshop in 2005. It is a very good book. It was the first time I realized that in the Bible it actually says that Jesus kneels down and scribbles in the sand, before he decides what to do with the woman the people want to stone. Now I'm very used to the idea, so it doesn't have the power it did in 2004. I've gotten to hear Michael Card sing, play piano, and speak at Calvin College. He makes you cry. He is very true. I like that he says "we are not our gifts."

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Michael Card’s Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity. An excellent and inspiring set of essays on how to be a Christian artist, this book gave me a lot to think about as a writer. While Card doesn’t think that Christians should use their art (music, writing, painting, what-have-you) as a bludgeon for evangelism, he does have unique insights into how being a Christian changes how you’re an artist.

{Read my full review here}

[Jason Kanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be creative. I really do. Professionally, I work as a neuropsychologist, which is typically not known for its creative side. But I desire to love God completely--not only with my mind, but with all of who I am. Michael Card has been a wonderful guide for me, helping me to open up my soul and to be awake to the wonder of life.

Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, I would strongly recommend this book.

[Marion Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book about the role of Christ and Creativity. A good read!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic thoughts about the value of creativity to a follower of Christ. The kind of thoughts I hadn't heard in a lifetime of sermons.

[Irina Trancă · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring and Christ-centered. Michael Card's book really directs your focus and thoughts toward God and Jesus and makes you want to know Him and to love Him and to obey Him more.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read & understand. Challenging to live by.

[Bethel Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real creativity is hard to find in the church today. We struggle with making our services original. We can’t seem to find a way to try something different for our youth programs. We have no idea how to create new events that will draw people in. In fact, most people will question if creativity is necessary in the church. If pastors and church leaders struggling with doing things creatively for the Kingdom, then how are we supposed to be able to do anything creatively? Many have ideas that don’t ever get off the ground, because they don’t its importance or significance. They listen to the voices of our culture telling them that they will never be heard or they will never be famous. They want to make an impact on the world for Christ, but they can’t seem to find the way to do it. It makes us ask the questions: Does Christ call us to creativity? And how are we supposed to live that out?

​In Michael Card’s award-winning book, Scribbling in the Sand, we see creativity demonstrated in Christ’s own life, in the lives of His people, and we are shown how we are able to live it out. Card walks us through the some of the stories of the Old Testament and points out to pattern of creativity that was designed into the natural order. We walk through the words of Scripture that are believed to be an ancient hymn and see what it reveals about creativity centered on Christ. Then, we are reminded how to live out this special Christ-centered creativity in many ways, including listening well and creativity in the context of community. What results in the end is a realization that we were created with the inborn desire and purpose of living a creative life in worship to our heavenly Father. It compels to you to pursue creativity in ways you never thought you would. Card’s writing is powerful, packed with solid but understandable theology. His style of story-telling and lesson teaching is compelling. This book is a great book for any Christian to read, especially those that work in ministry or those with creative pursuits on their horizon.

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from my church library and loved it so much that I bought my own copy just so I could "mark it up." Michael Card is a legendary musician and songwriter in the wold of Christian music so I was really interested in what he had to say to Christian artists. Building off of Jesus writing in the dirt from the story of the woman caught in adultery, Card gives a fantastic guide book for artists in the church. I read this as part of studying for my dissertation and my biggest concern is that I may have quoted it too much. This is truly great stuff. Probably my favorite chapter of this book was his Letters to Christian Artists chapter, in which Card compiled a group of letters written to artists by experts in the field. The insights in that chapter alone were worth the price of the book. This is a book I will reference regularly. It's a great read. Pick it up!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting to think about loving and serving as creative acts, but that's exactly what Card preaches in this book. His insights into how creativity is a gift from God and a necessary outlet for praise and worship are inspiring. Thinking about the imagination as the space between mind and soul makes so much sense to me, and thinking about using any creativity we have as an act of worship is something I've felt for a long time but never put into words. Great read for the Christian artist (of any form).

[Joe Oaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Card is a gifted song writer and teacher. He really digs into the creativity of the soul and how our creativity honors the living God. Honestly the best chapter in the book was not written by him, it was a collection of letters to young artists. I found those letters extremely encouraging and am passing along this book to a young artist I know with specific instructions to read that chapter.

[Charles Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an audio book that I "read" along with my wife across several long drives. It was good, even if I enjoyed it more than she did. This is the sort of topic that just thrills me, an examination of religious creativity, imagination, the arts, etc. As an audio book it was absolutely splendid, along with guest moments from people Card references and works with. All very enlightening and enjoyable.

[Tesha Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the divine nature of creativity and the surrendering of these gifts as an act of worship. I love the biblical explanations and the appeal to the heart of the artist to gather in community. As a creative person, this book blessed me by describing struggles I could not articulate, and offering solutions through Christ.

READ IT!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book immensely. I felt I needed to ponder each chapter so I just read one chapter a day and let it sink deep into my brain. My main frustration with book was the realization that it was a library book and I therefore could not underline, highlight, make side comments, etc.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved any book that Michael Card has ever written and this one is no exception. His clear and solid teaching has enhanced my understanding of many spiritual truths. He's a among such good company as Brennan Manning, Richard Foster and Dallas Willard.

[debbie-anne Hogarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
One of those books read in perfect timing within my own faith journey.
If you are a Christian artist exploring being a Christian and creativity this is a book worthy of a read.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up on his songs and I’d love to hear him talk about how to faithfully exercise a creative call for Jesus’s sake. My favorite parts of this book—that overall felt a little loosely articulated—were the letters to Christian artists and Card’s own Jesus-shaped practical advice.

[Miluska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read ... Fresh sound a good description of God's power beauty and power. Describe God as the only one Creator

[Ada Epps · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great way to focus on other creative aspects of Christ. I enjoyed it lots!

[Barbara Seidle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose the audio version of this book. It was abridged, which I normally shy away from, but it included interviews and music that you did not get in the print version which I also have. It didn't appear that much was left out of the print version. I highly recommend the audio format.

[Martie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on creativity I have read. Very inspiring! Bought it as gift to various friends.

[Lydia Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't connect with this book as much as I thought I would, hence the three stars. I have a feeling that if I were to re-read it I would up the rating to four stars.

I've enjoyed Michael Card's music for my entire life and had the privilege of attending one of his concerts and meeting him in person last month. He, and his music, have been a huge inspiration for me as a novelist. Despite having spent almost half of my young life deep in the world of writing, I've rarely read any books on the creativity as a whole - mostly I stick to works the pertain only to the world of writing. It was interesting to step out of my norm and read this book. "Scribbling in the Sand" was an overview of how a christian artist should view creativity and how it is a gift from God, but it's not what should define us.

Overall I found the book to be encouraging and I agreed with a fair amount of what was shared. Mr. Card's descriptive writing style was engaging and I enjoyed it enough to almost bump the rating up to four stars. Sadly, the concepts that he was sharing were a bit ambiguous to my brain, although that's probably my fault as I tend to read rather quickly.

I do hope to re-read this book in the future and think there are some very helpful concepts within the pages.

[Amanda Stoeckmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

The chapter “Letters to Christian Artists” contains a letter from Hans Rookmaker, a Dutch art professor who had survived a Nazi concentration camp. I was not moved by the book as a whole, but I loved Rookmaker’s letter — here’s an excerpt:

“‘Art for art’s sake’ was an invention of the last century to loosen the ties between art and morality; that is, to give art the freedom to depict all kinds of sins as if they were not sinful, but simply human. The human understanding of depravity, of morality, of good and bad was thereby undermined or erased…. Much abstract art today is art, yes; but it has little meaning because it is only art. All its ties with reality have been cut.”

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally good and at times excellent where this Christ-centered book resonated strongly for me. Short of 5 stars only because it didn’t offer actionable information or lessons except through the addendum that addressed this critique as a sort of literary afterthought. Loved the personal references to stargazing and God's creation.

[Sarah Ronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I expected! It was recommended to me, so I got it w/o knowing really what it was about. I marked up my book and will have to go back and review my notes and maybe blog about this one.