The Cultural Mandate

"The doctrine of creation also affirms music and the arts. Although there is nothing specific about this in Genesis 1 and 2, what we do with sight and sound is part of the inherent potentiality of creation. Our creator tells us, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Phil 4:8). And don't just think about them: talk about them, sing about them, dance about them, paint about them, and explore their truth and beauty in all the arts.

"Together these various aspects of human life give us what theologians call the "Cultural Mandate." We have a God-given responsibility to develop the possibilities of creation in ways that reveal our Maker's praise, and thus to fill the whole earth with his glory. We are to do this in science, politics, business, sports, literature, film, and all the arts. It is not just one part of life that ought to glorify God, but all of life, in all its fullness. This is the way that things were meant to be."

What Is The Christian Worldview?, Philip Graham Ryken, pg. 24