Do you think Catholic schools should ban evily inspired artworks done in art classes?Tell me what you think?

Question

I am planning on becoming an art teacher but I am a devout catholic and it really bothers me when i enter catholic schools and see disturbing artworks with peoples heads being blown off. I understand that art is a free expression of the mind, but I feel that in Catholic schools, these dark disturbing images should not be allowed because it undermines catholic doctrines. I dont think that Jesus would want children to draw images that advocate nudity, violence or demonic horrific images found in horror movies, in a place which teaches us about God. I understand that we live in a world full of violence, caos and corruption, but it is does not give rights for children to draw whatever they please. I feel that catholic shcools should be more strict on artworks because it reflects the solemnity and dignity of the school. If a student is evily inspired to draw horrific images, then i feel that they should do them in public schools where religion does not interfere with it? What do you think?

Answer 1

It all depends on the context. The Bible is full of imagery that can be described as "dark" and disturbing" - but it's in there because God is using this dark and disturbing imagery to teach a Dogmatic Truth.

Therefore dark and disturbing imagery, in and of itself, does not undermine Catholic Doctrine. It can undermine it, or it can confirm it - it all depends on how the imagery is utilized. Are you going to ban a students "dark and disturbing" pictoral vision of hell simply because it's dark and disturbing? I would hope not, because dark and disturbing images, in this context, is teaching a Dogmatic Truth about hell.

Artwork that depicts dark and disturbing imagery for the sake of dark and disturbing imagery definitively should not be allowed.

Nudity - This is not necessarily a bad thing. Spouses can be nude in each other's presence without anything "dark or disturbing" going on.

Violence - If one must resort to violent self-defense in order to defend him/herself and/or those he/she loves, there's nothing wrong with this. Catholicism is peaceloving, but not pacifist.

Chaos and Corruption - To deny these is to deny the state "of the world". What better way to teach how Christians are merely "in the world", unless they are responsibly taught about the chaotic and corruptive ways "of the world"?

Children do not have the right to draw whatever they want under the false banner of "freedom of expression". There are limits to everything - but there are allowances to.

If these kids feel so compelled to draw dark and disturbing imagery, it should be allowed ONLY within the context of a Dogmatic teaching. Students who cannot find a way to make dark and disturbing images in context with Dogma shouldn't be drawing them.

Answer 2

Is that really all Christianity is nowadays? Just a bunch of censorship and restrictions? That's what it seems, at least. You never hear Christians pushing FOR something unless it's a ban on something else.
More related, I think a child drawing disturbing images is a sign to send him to a counselor and check him out. I don't know if it's a common thing, but I'm pretty sure not every child is doing it. Especially for children, disturbing art may be a window into a disturbed mind.
You can't solve everything by making it 'against the rules.' You have to realize it's happening for a reason, and stop that reason instead of taking the easy way out.

Answer 3

Basically, I agree with you. Catholic schools need to stand for something. The Catholic faith isn't something that you do only on Sunday; it's part of who you are. Likewise, it isn't something confined to just one class period; it should be something that is part of the whole package.

In a Catholic school, every subject should be taught in such a way that, at the very least, Catholic sensibilities are taken into consideration and shown every due respect. The Church has a rich history of having inspired great art, music, and literature; all other things being equal, these should be given pride of place in a Catholic curriculum.

Answer 4

I certainly wouldn't display the art work, but I wouldn't outright ban it, either. Instead, when a child comes out with something like that, it's a sign that he/she needs some help/counsel. These kids are probably crying out for some sort of spiritual assistance -- if you ban the artwork, you're cutting off an opportunity to find out which kids need your help and prayers.

Answer 5

I think you should think a little more deeply about what art is if you want to teach it. It is not simply a tool for promoting your particular worldview. Teaching is not simply an exercise in imposing your anxieties about the world on other people.

On the other hand, I agree that a lot of popular culture trivialises violence and sexuality. One of the purposes of art should be to put these parts of life in their appropriate context.

Answer 6

No doubt each Catholic school has guidelines for this.. You might inquire of the Principal or Pastor of the Parish.

Answer 7

I agree that children, Catholic or otherwise, should not be exposed to such influences.

Answer 8

i couldn't agree more.