Our Life Together Volume 3, Number 5, February 4, 1975

(Note -- the pages are in order, but they read from bottom up rather than top down.)


The arts in general were a major component of our life at First Baptist of Chula Vista. Community allowed us to pursue art in a very serious manner. The forms of art included dance, drama, choir (classical), various music groups (folk, rock, bluegrass and even Christian pop), solo artists and composers of music. At the center was Abba Craft. This ministry was not really connected with the other forms of art mentioned, but many of the artists in Abba Craft were also musicians. I was a late comer (I was in the Navy), but when I got out, I became Choir Director, and Minister of Music. I was also a part of the drama ministry later. Even after Abba Craft dissolved, various kinds of art have flourished at FBCCV even to this day.


Gary Bell was a wonderful apologist for art. I love art but have about zero talent and very little knowledge; I am dependent upon someone like Gary to explain things. He does so in the two articles on art contained in this issue. The first article gives a rationale for Christian art. He traces the roots of art clear back to the time of the building of the Tabernacle. He also differentiates between art that glorified God and art that became idolatry. In his letter to the art student, he discussed how art has degenerated in our generation, but how a Christian artist can still stand out as a minister to glorify God.


The pictures are also wonderful. They bring back memories to me. These young men and women were so talented and so committed to their ministry. They blessed me a lot.


Ken's article brings out a theme that was very important in the life of the community; we really do need one another. I agree with Ken that this is a strong Biblical theme for any time and any place, but it was extremely important in the life of the community. Of course each of us was/is important in our own right, but none of us us sufficient in and of ourselves.


Larry in discussing integrity brings a note of reality into our community life. It was always easy to point the finger to someone else while excusing our own lack of responsibility. Larry tells us that we are each personally responsible for our own behavior. Jesus wants us to be people of integrity. I have written elsewhere in this blog about this problem.