KENNETH'S KREATIVITY KONFETTI: Creativity & Innovation — “Christian Innovation” Part 2

Here is the concluding part of Professor Gary Oster's piece.

Part 2

Obligations of Christian Innovation

The freedom God provides to Christian innovators comes with concomitant obligations,

“The artist as a Christian is free, but not with a purposeless freedom. He is free in order to praise God and love his neighbors.”27 As the Apostle Paul said, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”28 This certainly extends beyond the wise use of God-given abilities,29 efficient acquisition of revenue for a corporation, and even beyond the “Do no evil” admonishment of Google, Inc., “Those who perceive in themselves this kind of divine spark which is the artistic vocation—as poet, writer, sculptor, architect, musician, actor, and so on—feel at the same time the obligation not to waste this talent but to develop it, in order to put it at the service of their neighbour and of humanity as a whole.”30 As Barna summarizes, “God encourages us to show genuine love by blessing others through affirmation and encouragement, by meeting their physical and emotional needs, and by living and working in a faith-driven community.”31

All innovation begins and ends with the needs of end-users. Christian innovators cannot have customers, with the disposable mentality the word implies. Instead, they have clients, with a special relationship of deep concern ordained by God and specifically outlined in the Bible, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”32 In the Gospel of Luke, we read, “And he [Jesus] answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself’ (Luke 10:27, NASB).

The Greek that we translate in Luke 10:27 is agapao which carries with it a sense of doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason, or in other words,loving someone like a friend. The word occurs 110 times in the New Testament, specifically for behavior between people.”33 Agapao love consistently focuses upon the best interests of clients, “This Greek word refers to a moral love…to love in a social or moral sense, embracing the judgement and the deliberate assent of will as a matter of principle, duty, and propriety.”34 Agapao love that a concerned innovator has for clients has been described as being “selfless,” “altruistic,” or “unconditional.” Whereas, “Agapao love is alive and well today and may be best understood in light of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have themdo unto you, and even more to do with the Platinum Rule of Do unto others as they want you to do unto them.’”35 Christian love for clients is the context for care for them, “The goal is thus to be broadly benefits driven—constantly searching for, investing in, and mastering the technology that will bring unanticipated benefits to humankind.”36 Because of agapao love, corporations are obligated to develop an innovation agenda that not only meets profit targets but also intentionally aligns with the actual needs of clients and society as a whole. As Chewning demonstrates, “Business should approach customers as people of dignity whom they genuinely want to serve. From God’s perspective the purpose of business transactions is to serve people.”37

Windows To God

In consideration of the innovative media of literature, C. S. Lewis says, “Each of us by nature sees the whole world from one point of view with a perspective and a selectiveness peculiar to himself…We want to see with other eyes, to imagine with other imaginations, to feel with other hearts, as well as with our own… We demand windows. Literature as Logos is a series of windows, even of doors…”38

As Card adds, “If what we create, write, dance, or sing can open up such a space in time through which God may speak, imagine the possibilities! Painting might become a window through which a confused world looks and sees the sane order of God’s creation. Music could become an orchestrated echo of the Voice the tired ears of humankind have longed for ages to hear. This is art through which God is seen and heard, in which he is incarnate, is fleshed out in paint and ink, in stone, in creative movement…The art that naturally flows out of our obedient response to the call of God on our lives, as a result of the imprint of the creative mandate, can, by grace, become water to wash the feet of sisters and brothers, cold water to quench the thirst of a unbelieving world.”39

The work of our hands and the example of our being should draw others to God. “The Christian’s life is to be an art work. The Christian’s life is to be a thing of truth and also a thing of beauty in the midst of a lost and despairing world.”40 Pope John Paul II notes, “As Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make it a work of art, a masterpiece.”41

Completing God’s Kingdom

Judaism has long held an interesting concept called Tikkun Olam, which originated in the early rabbinic period. Although altered in modern times to support primarily social goals, the Hebrew phrase refers to “repairing” or “perfecting” the world. In brief, I was thought that God intentionally left undone some creative work in the world so that mankind could joyfully partner with Him in its completion. God continues to use humans, no matter how frail or unprepared, to innovatively accomplish even those things which are “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”42 Like the Psalmist of old, to those who yield their minds, hearts, and hands to His will, God will “Put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”43 We can be the instruments of God’s innovation, “With loving regard, the divine Artist passes on to the human artist a spark of his own surpassing wisdom, calling him to share in his creative power.”44

Innovate Yourself First

A person who is eager to enhance their relationship with God through innovation must first intentionally innovate themselves. Specifically, they should ask God to use their innovation efforts to provide insight, and then be open to whatever His response might be. They should carefully study the Holy Bible to learn how God has innovatively changed people and circumstances throughout history.

Next, they should set quantum objectives for themselves and intentionally confront wicked problems that often confound people. They should study and engage new and unusual things, let their natural curiosity run wild and “get wet” by diving deeply into other cultures, ideas, relationships, and localities. Similarly, they must learn as much as possible about current and prospective clients.

Finally, Christian innovators should journal about their efforts to see God in innovation and communicate with others who share the same journey.

Rough Road of Innovation

Christians willing to be innovative and willing to do God’s will on earth must have courage: “Creativity is dangerous. We cannot open ourselves to new insight without endangering the security of our prior assumptions. We cannot propose new ideas without risking disapproval and rejection. Creative achievement is the boldest initiative of mind, an adventure that takes its hero simultaneously to the rim of knowledge and the limits of propriety.”45 Because of the Fall, people have a natural and sometimes rabid antipathy to any change brought about through innovation. As Von Krogh said, “People are loath to accommodate new knowledge that undermines or runs counter to their stories, especially if that knowledge is conveyed by other group participants with different backgrounds,”46 mirrored by Grudin when he noted, “Many valid new ideas endanger the interests vested in established theories and no professional field, no matter how enthusiastically it endorses innovation, is free from a nagging and purely self-interested resentment of newness.”47 Might we occasionally fail in our innovation efforts? Absolutely! As Grudin clarifies, “To think creatively is to walk at the edge of chaos. In thinking the original, we risk thinking the ridiculous. In opening the way for a few good ideas, we open the way for many bad ones, lopsided equations, false syllogisms, and pure nonsense dished up by unhindered impulse.”48 Schwartz similarly echoes, “Failure is the rule rather than the exception, and every failure contains information… Perseverance must be accompanied by the embrace of failure. Failure is what moves you forward. Listen to failure.”49 Failure is neither a reflection upon the intensity of our faith nor of the power of the One we serve, “a God who makes all things new.”50

Innovation, like all other elements of our lives, must be considered in its eternal context, “The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.”51 Creative innovation is a path we may take to know, praise, communicate, and partner with the remarkably innovative God who made us all.

Concluded

Dr. Gary Oster joined the faculty of the School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship in 2007 after more than two years as Associate Dean for Academics in the Regent University School of Undergraduate Studies and a decade in senior administrative roles at William Tyndale College.

He has served as a classroom and online instructor since 1994. Prior to his academic endeavors, Gary was an executive in high-tech­nology corporations, both domestically and overseas, focusing primarily upon the computer, electronics, and automotive industries. He can be reached for comment via e-mail at garyost@regent.edu.

Notes

1. Schaeffer, F. (1973). Art & the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 61.

2. Davila, T., Epstein, M., & Shelton, R. (2006). Making Innovation Work. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Publishing, Pp. 3.

3. May, R. (1975). The Courage To Create. New York: Norton, Pp. 7.

4. Grudin, R. (1990). The Grace of Great Things. New York: Ticknor & Fields, Pp. 5.

5. Schaeffer, F. (1973). Art & the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 19.

6. Card. M. (2002). Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 122.

7. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

8. Fisher, R. & Martini, P. (2004). Inspiring Leadership: Character And Ethics That Matter. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania: Academy Leadership, Pp. 2.

9. Pearcy, N. (2004). Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, Pp. 23.

10. Moreland, J. (1997). Love Your God With All Your Mind. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, Pp. 174.

11. Schaeffer, F. (1981). A Christian Manifesto. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, Pp. 19.

12. Holmes, A. (1985). The Making of a Christian Mind. Wheaton, IL: InterVarsity, Pp. 11.

13. Noll, M. (1994). The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, Pp. 7.

14. Chewning, R. et. al. (1990). Business Through The Eyes Of Faith. New York: HarperCollins, Pp. 6.

15. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Genesis 1:1.

16. Boa, K. “Change and Innovation.” Bible.org. Downloaded 26 June 08. <http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=3347>.

17. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

18. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Ephesians 2:10.

19. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Psalm 50:2.

20. Card. M. (2002). Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 32.

21. Card. M. (2002). Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 29.

22. Grudin, R. (1990). The Grace of Great Things. New York: Ticknor & Fields, Pp. 14.

23. Schaeffer, F. (1973). Art & the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 10.

24. Peterson. E. (ed.) (2002). The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. Wheaton, IL: NavPress, 1 Corinthians 12:5-7.

25. Viz. Exodus 31: 1-5; Exodus 25:40; Ezek. 1-3.

26. John Paul II, Pope (1999). “Letter To Artists.” Holy See: The Vatican, Rome, Pp. 4.

27. Roekmaker, H. in Card. M. (2002). Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 140.

28. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Philippians 2:4.

29. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Matthew 25:15.

30. John Paul II, Pope (1999). “Letter To Artists.” Holy See: The Vatican, Rome, Pp. 2.

31. Barna, G. (2003). Think Like Jesus. Nashville: Integrity, Pp. 105.

32. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, John 13:34.

33. Winston, B. (2008). “Agapao Leadership.” Regent University School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Inner Resources For Leaders. Downloaded 26 June 08, <http://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/innerresources/vol1iss1/winston_agapao.pdf>.

34. Winston, B. (2002). Be A Leader For God’s Sake. Virginia Beach, VA: School of Leadership Studies, Pp. 5.

35. Ibid., Pp. 8.

36. Hamel, G. and Prahalad, C. K. (1994). Competing For The Future. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, Pp. 321.

37. Chewning, R. et. al. (1990). Business Through The Eyes Of Faith. New York: HarperCollins, Pp. 212.

38. Lewis, C.S. “We Demand Windows” in Ryken, L. (editor) (2002). The Christian Imagination. Colorado Springs: Shaw, Pp. 52.

39. Card. M. (2002). Scribbling in the Sand: Christ and Creativity. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 17.

40. Schaeffer, F. (1973). Art & the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, Pp. 63.

41. John Paul II, Pope (1999). “Letter To Artists.” Holy See: The Vatican, Rome, Pp. 2.

42. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Ephesians 3:20.

43. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Psalm 40:3.

44. John Paul II, Pope (1999). “Letter To Artists.” Holy See: The Vatican, Rome, Pp. 2.

45. Grudin, R. (1990). The Grace of Great Things. New York: Ticknor & Fields, Pp. 9.

46. Von Krogh, G., Ichijo, K., & Nonaka, I. (2000). Enabling Knowledge Creation. Oxford: Oxford Press, Pp 21.

47. Grudin, R. (1990). The Grace of Great Things. New York: Ticknor & Fields, Pp. 98.

48. Grudin, R. (1990). The Grace of Great Things. New York: Ticknor & Fields, Pp. 15.

49. Schwartz, E. (2004). Juice: The Creative Fuel That Drives World-Class Inventors. Boston: Harvard Business School Press, Pp. 143.

50. Thompson, F. (ed.) (1997). The Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Nelson Publishing, Revelation 21:5.

51. Warren, R. (2002). Purpose Driven Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, Pp. 17.