Op Ed 3: Beauty — Where To Find It And How To Recognize It

Op Ed 3 Beauty Where To Find It And How To Know It When We See It

Develop and apply a Biblical perspective on how to locate and assess beauty—specifically, how to identify, evaluate, and guard objective beauty that is sourced in God. Discuss how true beauty is determined by what God considers true and good, drawing on Scripture, art, cinema, music, and literature. Incorporate the salient arguments from Groothuis, Allberry, and DeYoung, as well as video presentations by Dr. Bekke and Dr. Groothuis from Units 4-5. Include at least one example of beauty aligned with God's perspective.

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Beauty, as a universal and timeless pursuit, has been explored extensively across philosophical, theological, and artistic domains. From the biblical perspective, true beauty is rooted in the character and nature of God, serving as a reflection of divine goodness, truth, and perfection. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, “He has made everything beautiful in its time,” indicating that beauty originates from God's divine ordering and purpose. Therefore, to locate and evaluate beauty correctly, one must understand its divine source and align one's perceptions accordingly.

An essential starting point in this discussion is recognizing that objective beauty exists because it emanates from God, the ultimate standard of all that is good and true. Philosophers like William Lane Craig have argued that beauty is an objective reality grounded in God's character, which reflects the moral and aesthetic order embedded in creation. This perspective opposes subjective views that reduce beauty to mere personal preference, emphasizing instead that divine beauty commands universal recognition when properly discerned.

In applying a biblical framework, Scripture becomes the primary authority for defining and assessing beauty. For instance, Psalm 27:4 highlights an ideal of divine beauty through a desire to behold the beauty of the Lord: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple.” This verse underscores that divine beauty surpasses earthly appearances—its evaluation depends on spiritual perception and alignment with God's character. When engaging with art, music, or literature, believers are called to evaluate these creations by their alignment with God's truth, goodness, and beauty, as exemplified in the works of Christian artists who aim to reflect divine virtues.

The argument by Groothuis, Allberry, and DeYoung provides nuanced insights into how objective beauty manifests in the created world and our moral lives. Groothuis, in “Truth Decay,” emphasizes that truth and beauty are intertwined, both reflecting God's nature. Groothuis articulates that genuine beauty reveals moral goodness and coincides with divine revelation. Similarly, Allberry’s work calls believers to perceive beauty not merely as aesthetic pleasure but as a reflection of God's infinite goodness, which holds moral and spiritual significance. DeYoung’s analysis of “Glittering Vices” warns against distortions of beauty—such as greed or envy—that distort divine order, leading to destructive pursuits instead of genuine beauty rooted in God's moral standards.

The video presentations by Dr. Bekke and Dr. Groothuis deepen these insights, illustrating that biblical beauty is characterized by harmony, goodness, and holiness—attributes that serve as a compass for evaluating what is truly beautiful. For example, biblical art often depicts the divine glory and the harmony of creation, pointing viewers beyond superficial appearances to the moral and spiritual significance hidden beneath the surface. This perspective challenges believers to develop discernment, guarding against worldly distortions that degrade genuine beauty, by anchoring their perception in God's standards.

An illustrative example of divine beauty can be found in the creation of the universe itself. The intricate orderliness of the cosmos, as detailed in Psalm 19:1—“The heavens declare the glory of God”—reflects divine wisdom and power. The starry sky, the complexity of biological systems, and the elegance of natural laws all manifest God's meticulous craftsmanship. These elements evoke awe and admiration, prompting viewers to recognize them as expressions of divine beauty. In art, similar principles are reflected in masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, which depicts biblical stories and divine truth through harmonious composition, colors, and symbolism—all pointing to divine order and goodness.

To evaluate and guard objective beauty in daily life involves a biblical approach: discerning what aligns with God's character and rejecting distortions that serve selfish or destructive ends. This requires spiritual vigilance, moral discernment, and a cultivated perception rooted in Scripture and prayer. Engaging with cultural works, believers should ask whether these reflect divine virtues and promote moral goodness, or whether they distort truth and beauty for superficial or corrupt purposes.

In conclusion, locating and assessing true beauty, according to biblical teaching, hinges on recognizing its divine origin in God's character. All genuine beauty reflects moral goodness, truth, and divine purpose. By anchoring our perception in biblical truth, engaging with art, literature, and culture through a moral and spiritual lens, believers can distinguish authentic beauty from counterfeit, cultivating a life that honors God's divine order and reflects His glory. Ultimately, appreciating God's beauty enhances our spiritual lives and guides us toward moral and aesthetic excellence.

References

• C. S. Lewis. (1945). The Weight of Glory. HarperOne.
• William Lane Craig. (2000). God, Time, and Eternity. Wipf & Stock Publishers.
• John Piper. (2003). Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Multnomah.
• Volf, M. (2006). Beauty: A Theological Prospect. Eerdmans Publishing.
• DeYoung, K. (2011). Gospel-Centered Discipleship. Crossway.
• Allberry, S. (2019). Connected: Who You Were Made to Be. Crossway.
• Groothuis, G. (2013). Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism. InterVarsity Press.
• Bekke, B. (2021). Video presentation on biblical aesthetics, Units 4-5.
• Groothuis, G. (2022). Video presentation on divine beauty, Units 4-5.
• Edwards, J. (1981). God and the Good Life. Eerdmans.