Wm., that doesn’t sound patronizing at all. In fact, that’s one of the highest compliments you could give the book, in my opinion.

I think her observations about art changing us is spot-on. Perhaps the reason art affects only subtly is because we no longer grant art the time required to understand and ponder. Art is not just a pretty picture, it is a chance to glimpse the world through another’s eyes. If we explore that opportunity, how could it not change us?

I think great art can model for us how to live our lives (narrative art especially). And this can help us see how we might want to change.

And great art can reassure us of who we are. There were many years when I walked the few blocks to Houston’s Cy Twombly Gallery for peace and introspection and sat in front of his “Say Goodbye, Catullus, to the Shores of Asia Minor.” A lot closer than the hour long drive to the temple, more physically engaging than scripture study, and often an answer to prayer.

I think a lot of my reaction has to do with expectations. Certainly, it does very well what it’s trying to do, and we would all benefit from following many of the habits and taking on the attitudes L’Engle outlines. This is going to sound a little weird and perhaps even patronizing, but for me Walking on Water was like a really, really well-written conference talk — I didn’t learn anything new, per se, but it sure was a good reminder of the things I’m supposed to be doing, and as a reminder, it expressed itself very well.

Neal:

I think that’s exactly right — and that’s really what L’Engle is saying here — when we have the attitude that great art can change is then it’s more likely to be able to effectuate that change. I think the same is true with any encounter with something that seeks to inspire and convince. And I don’t think that there’s anything essentially wrong with that, especially when the art and the reception of the art is couched in the Christian principles that L’Engle discusses.

On the other hand, let’s not lose sight of the fact that basic good living habits and acts of kindness and service create as much if not more change in people as art.

By acting as if great art or literature can change our life—by feeling more Named thereby, as it were—how do we effect that change?

William, you may be skeptical about the ability of these things to change our lives dramatically, but if we expect a change to occur, does it not often happen?

I feel that great art has changed my life in many ways.