Should We Separate the Art and the Artist?

We’ve previously mentioned Ladd Ehlinger Jr. (Film Ladd on social media) and his excellent series of YouTube videos commenting on artistic and political manners. One of his most recent ones brings up a topic seldom raised in conservative circles: the separation of, or whether there should be a separation of, an artist as a person and the art he or she creates.

Ehlinger Jr.’s video focuses on Wil Wheaton. As an actor, Wheaton’s primary claim to fame is playing Wesley Crusher on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and various offshoots. Wesley Crusher is ship doctor Beverly Crusher’s son and the ship’s primary twerp. In real life, Wheaton has spent years on Twitter as an almost cartoonish progressive talking points spouter.

This is where common conservative practice says have nothing to do with Wheaton, mock and ridicule him at every turn, and despise the guy. Ehlinger Jr. says not so fast. While anything but a fan of Wheaton the political sock puppet, Ehlinger Jr. notes that Wheaton is a competent actor who, on the private side, endured a miserable childhood courtesy of being thrown into the Hollywood machine. What’s more, Ehlinger Jr. comments that were he making a film, and Wheaton would be a good choice for a particular role, he’d cast him without hesitation. It is a matter of art taking precedence over the artist’s personal shortcomings.

This is hardly a widely-held view. Generally, when an artist in whichever medium — film, television, music, etc. — makes a progressive stand, conservatives overwhelmingly say “Check, please” as they make their way to the exits. There is no logic in lining the pockets of someone who viscerally hates you because of your politics. So why not return the favor and hate them right back?

For one thing, regardless of whether you choose to throw any money their way, hatred is not worth the effort or energy. Take an example from sports: LeBron James. Have all the conservative critical brickbats thrown his way diminished his earning power? No. Has it in any fashion diminished his accomplishments on the basketball court? No. Is there any luster taken off his multiple championships and MVP awards? Again, no. James couldn’t care less what conservatives think. So why waste precious time fuming at or about him? Sure, call him out when he goes over the top. But then walk away.

Another aspect is the Scriptural mindset we who believe should bring. In the Bible’s shortest and, in many ways, strangest book, namely Jude, we have this within his warning about pseudo-believers claiming that God’s grace and forgiveness is license to sin:

In the same way, these people — who claim authority from their dreams — live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.

It is fascinating that Michael, who tradition tells us was the leader of the angelic forces who stayed faithful to God and did not follow Lucifer in the great rebellion but instead drove him from heaven, tempered his comments to Satan. If anyone had the right to read the Father of Lies the Riot Act, it would be the original and only archangel. Yet he held his fire (no pun intended). Why? Because he knew the Boss had reserved, does reserve, and will reserve judgment as His own, dispensed as He desires.

Remember how Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthian church, said that while we are here on this earth things are unclear, but when we are, by Christ’s grace and sacrifice, in His presence we will fully understand? The King James Version expresses this beautifully:

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

So, too, while on this earth, we judge in part. Man’s judgment against man is temporal. God’s judgment is eternal.

The left wants us to hate them. It gives them ammunition to prove their self-appointed, self-proclaimed, righteously righteous righteousness over us. Don’t give it to them. Instead, remember what Paul said in his letter to the Roman church:

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
Says the Lord.

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

It’s also a lot more fun.

Stand in unyielding opposition to those seeking the destruction of our way of life and liberties. Always. But, remember, they, too, are sinners in need of repentance and forgiveness even as we acknowledge the same for ourselves. Also, the creative gift is a gift from God regardless of whether the artist acknowledges its source. We can indeed consistently offer the red pill. Yet there is more. We can show them in word and especially deed the red shed blood of Christ washing us of our sin and making us new again, restoring the fellowship with Him lost in the Fall. Of course, we want to see former foes standing beside us, won over to the right way of thinking. However, we should want more to see them standing beside us as we join in worship before Jesus’ heavenly throne one day.

So, should we separate the art and the artist? Yes.