Beauty is a concept that touches many different areas of our lives: art, nature, morality, etc. Beauty has historically been seen as whatever is good or whatever is pleasing to the senses. But what truly makes something beautiful? Most of modern culture sees beauty as best defined in the eye of the beholder. Whether it is in art, ethics, or appearance, beauty is seen as something to be determined by individuals or the culture one lives in. In an individualistic or humanistic society, people are often encouraged to pursue beauty through their own means. However, is this approach truly satisfying?
The Danger of Subjective & Pragmatic Beauty
The beauty defined by the world is a secular one. Beauty isn’t seen as a quality to be discovered in God’s creation, it is an idea to be defined according to one’s preferences. However, if beauty isn’t objective, then there isn’t anything about nature, harmony, or even justice that is inherently beautiful, because those standards are invented by either ourselves or the culture we are living in. Also, as culture changes, so will the standards of beauty, meaning beauty becomes a goalpost that is constantly moving with the times. There are still other ways people will try to define beauty in a secular manner. For example, in naturalist philosophies, beauty is pragmatic; a worldview that is explained in a chapter on beauty in “How to Know God Exists” by Josh McDowell and Thomas Williams. According to the naturalist view, the only beauty is found in the functionality of something. The mechanics of a thing are then viewed as its essence rather than any meaning it produces. From this view however, finding any meaning beyond the pragmatic becomes difficult. The central problem with these approaches to beauty is that they trivialize its meaning by suggesting that nothing is inherently beautiful. These perspectives often leave people jaded and cynical as they struggle to find the beauty in anything.
Finding an Answer in Objective Beauty
Rather than viewing beauty as pragmatic or an emotional response, what about viewing beauty as an ideal? In ancient cultures, beauty was viewed more objectively than how we might think of it today. The Greeks pursued beauty through mathematics and philosophy, seeing it as an objective ideal to be pursued similar to goodness or truth. Beauty was believed to be found or discovered in symmetry and order, and this worldview expressed itself through architecture and art. These designers and artists sought beauty as an objective quality and found it in the symmetrical and the orderly. The ancients were well aware that this order, symmetry and beauty were not happenstance, but intentionally put in place by a Designer.
Related: The Argument from Beauty: Does True Beauty Point to God?
The Intentionality of Beauty: A Sign of a Designer
Beauty has intentionality behind it. This shouldn’t be surprising to us thousands of years later, as we can still find beauty in the symmetry and order all around, in nature and in the art we make. There is an order to the natural world that is intended to be good and fulfilling. The Greeks found beauty in order, which they incorporated into their architecture. Without God, that natural beauty loses its meaning and nature is chaotic and purposeless. What is a testament to God’s glory becomes a mess of carbon and atoms that kind of just exist.
Beauty is more than function or personal taste. In Psalm 19:1-2, the Psalmist David writes, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.” Creation is ultimately a testament to God’s glory and goodness. That is what makes nature beautiful; it’s not the source of beauty – it gives a glimpse into the majesty of its creator.
Jesus: The Ultimate Source of True Beauty
Just as there is beauty in what God has created, there is also beauty in his goodness. Specifically, how he provides for our needs and guides us with his wisdom.
Beauty in God’s Provision and Character
Jesus promises in the sermon on the mount that those who seek the kingdom of God will not need to worry about anything (Matthew 6:25-34). Just as God provides for something as small as a bird or a flower, he will certainly provide for what he created in his own image. Many Psalms and poems in the Bible also praise God for his wisdom and power, understanding that he is the true source of goodness and strength. Psalm 118 is David praising the Lord for his protection and love in the face of difficulty. David, through artistic expression, recognizes the trustworthy and righteous character of God.
Beauty in Christ’s Perfect Example
To follow God’s commands and recognize his character through righteous behavior, especially toward others is to see the beauty in goodness and morality that can only be seen through God’s eyes. A beauty, according to Hebrews 1:3, that is perfectly exemplified in Christ.
Though secular views tend to characterize beauty as subjective, these views are unfulfilling. Beauty can truly be found by recognizing nature as God’s design and seeking him in our daily lives. Whether it’s in nature, the art we make, or even how we treat others, we find beauty by first seeing God’s hand in what he has created.
More From Cru: Teaching True Beauty to Kids
Bringing Beauty Into Your Next Conversation
Bring these ideas to life in the next conversation you have with a friend or loved one about the natural beauty of the world. As you discuss the sunset you saw on your last vacation; the awe-inspiring view of the stars on a clear night, or simply the beauty of a currently shared view; use beauty as a conversation starter. Ask a simple question like, “Have you wondered why we marvel at natural beauty?” or “Have you ever considered why scenery like this makes us catch our breath?” Let them share with you what they think and take the opportunity to share why there is an actual reason we see beauty in these things. It’s because they were designed to be beautiful and to point to the greater beauty of the Designer. Talk through what makes something beautiful and why there is always intentionality and order in the things we find beautiful. From there, you can talk about God’s goodness and how he created a beautiful world for us to live in. Don’t miss an opportunity to take a simple moment and turn it into something beautiful.
