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When thinking about social justice, art and spirituality may not be the first things that come to mind. Art, in all its forms — painting, drawing, poetry, music, writing, photography, pottery, cooking, baking, and beyond — can express spiritual experiences, challenge injustice, and promote social awareness and change.
Music
Throughout history, artists have harnessed their creativity to promote justice and healing. In the mid-1980s, activist and entertainer Harry Belafonte established the United Support of Artists for Africa (USA for Africa) to provide food and relief aid to famine victims in Ethiopia. Belafonte envisioned a powerful musical collaboration to raise funds and awareness for the famine that occurred from 1983 to 1985.
“We Are the World,” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and recorded by 45 of the top U.S. musical artists, became a worldwide hit and a landmark moment in the history of socially engaged art. Since its release, the song has raised over $80 million for humanitarian aid, with 90% directed toward African relief efforts. These efforts included short-term food assistance and long-term initiatives like birth control education and food production.
“We Are the World” exemplifies how art can function as a powerful spiritual and social force. The song calls on listeners to act with compassion and solidarity, reflecting core spiritual values such as empathy, justice, and unity.
Christians for Social Action spoke with Carrie Newcomer about the intersection of music and justice, contemplative spirituality, and her new project with author Parker Palmer. She said, “art and music are an expression of the human condition. Compassionate stories of the human condition often touch on issues of justice and art that are authentic, and leaning into a growing edge has an intrinsic political context. I write from my own experience of the world, but always with an eye and ear for where we connect, where my story is also a human story.
“Art has the power to challenge stereotypes, amplify marginalized voices, and foster a deeper understanding among people. By engaging with art, individuals are encouraged to explore the important connections between spirituality and justice, often motivating them to take meaningful action.”
Visual Art
Rob Talley says that “ultimately art holds the power not only to reflect the world as it is, but to imagine the world as it should be: more just, more compassionate, and more connected. Art offers an accessible form of self-expression that can be targeted toward anyone who might need to hear it. It allows protestors to drive home their message by creating a unique visual representation of their values. Additionally, art as a protest serves as a catalyst for change by bringing people together in solidarity around a shared cause.”
Nick Ut Vietnamese photographer, captured Phan Thj Kim Phuc and villagers running in this famous photo known as Napalm Girl.
Maya Ying Lin designed the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial faced negative criticism for its minimalist design, black walls, and placement below ground level. (AI Overview, 5/30/2026). The visitor moves through the artwork and progresses “deeper” into the war before making the turn and seeing the path – war – wind down before him. As art becomes more accessible to everyone, it transforms our personal connection to it, shaping the way we experience and interpret its beauty and meaning.
The Written Word
Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, poet, and writer, believed that art could “attune the soul to God,” and that engaging with beautiful things could lead to a deeper appreciation for the divine.
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Merton developed a deep appreciation for Judaism, viewing it as a path of spiritual growth and recognizing its relevance to his own Catholic faith. While he remained a committed Catholic, Merton’s engagement with Judaism enriched his understanding of spirituality and his interfaith dialogue.
This drawing “Lady” by Thomas Merton can be seen here. What do you see in this image?
Finally, a last comment on written words. The Bible is the most translated book in history, with translations into more than 3,384 languages, including parts of the text. Following closely behind are The Little Prince, with translations into more than 380 languages, and The Adventures of Pinocchio, translated into around 260 languages. This list is from Wikipedia, but is, nevertheless, very interesting.
Call to Action
What pieces inspire you? Music? Visual Art? Written Word?
What is your artistic expression? After all, we all have at least one.
How can you use your artistic expression to address social injustice or promote social justice?
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, are a congregation of Roman Catholic women religious (sisters) who minister throughout the United States and Taiwan. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence in 1840. The congregation has a mission of being God's Providence in the world by committing to performing works of love, mercy and justice in service among God's people.
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