The bible as art

[bulfinch]

I've encountered many atheists who believe that the bible is not art, which made me think about the artistic value of the bible and whether it has any.

[ralfyman]

It's been part of various lists referring to canonical lit, together with works from other religions and philosophical views.

[Charles Darnay]

The stories are very well crafted - and some of the metaphors and imagery rival the canonical poets. So yes, I would say the Bible is a work of art. And if not in itself, then it is the inspiration or archetype for the majority of art (of any kind).

[cacian]

The bible? Art? Well then that makes it sense about the rest of arts.

[Sea]

If the Bible had no artistic quality I would be at a loss to explain why it has been so frequently alluded to by artists.

[Charles Darnay]

^To gain favour with religious patrons?

[jmanu86]

I'm not sure an atheist could say if the bible is art; its like asking a christian about it, they might say yes. I think it could be, since most of the books are very poetic (like Job). From that, i'd say yes in some parts. The question might be: was the bible intended to be an artistic book, rather than just a bunch of magical stories?

[Dark Star]

I've seen the issue discussed through the lens not of 'is the Bible art?' or 'is the Bible literature?' but 'is the Bible good literature?[/i] and I suspect this is the question those atheists are asking. Personally, I find it rather hit-or-miss, at least when using a more literal translation like the ESV. Some sections are well written and/or tell interesting stories, but some sections (in particular in the OT) just come across as many, many variations upon the same theme and end up dragging on.

[hypatia_]

If the Bible had no artistic quality I would be at a loss to explain why it has been so frequently alluded to by artists.


^To gain favour with religious patrons?

Very good point, though I still consider the Bible a "work of art."