Imagine a place dedicated to rebuilding authentic culture through the arts.

I would call it The Karol House – in honor of Blessed John Paul the Great, whose zealous support of the arts preserved Polish faith and culture in the midst of twentieth century Nazi and Communist regimes.

The question for us today is who is going to save our American culture from itself? From the creeping secular humanism that pervades our politics, media, and education system? Not to mention the entertainment industry and other artistic and cultural enterprises?

As our Western society grows increasingly bored with itself, thereby falling into a deeper secular humanism every day, I can imagine few greater and more influential sources of renewal than that which can come through faithful creativity. A faithful creativity that honors Truth, Beauty, and Goodness – each of which are found quintessentially in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Tonight, I attended the 20^th anniversary celebration of Art House America, an organization in Nashville with the vision of “nurturing creative artists and anyone looking to explore an artful, faithful life.” By focusing on the imago Dei within each one of us, Art House America seeks to cultivate creative community for the common good. As I sat and listened to great music, observed thoughtful and creative speakers, and enjoyed some beautiful works of art, I was filled with many inspirations and resolutions.

I am convinced, more than ever, that Beauty will save the world. Not the love of beauty, but the beauty of love. The world needs art that can help rebuild authentic human culture. We need literary societies (like those started by the Chestertons and Tolkiens of days gone by), songwriters associations, and communities of artists who see themselves primarily as co-creators with God – seeking to transform the culture at large.

In his esteemed work Art and the Bible, Francis Schaeffer wrote, “He may have no gift of writing, no gift of composing or singing, but each man has the gift of creativity in terms of the way he lives his life. In this sense, the Christian’s life is to be an art work. The Christian’s life is to be a thing of truth and also a thing of beauty in the midst of a lost and despairing world.”

Tonight, I will begin praying for the Karol House, a place where artists and intellectuals will one day gather to be of mutual conviction, encouragement, and challenge. Where the young can be mentored by the wise, and the wise enlivened by the young. Where families and young adults will gather, and where Truth and Beauty will be seen not as means to an end but the very manifestation of God in the world.

The beauty of the love will save the world. Let it be done! Blessed John Paul the Great, pray for us!

Sincerely yours, Jimmy