Jul 208 min read

How Does the Concept of Beauty Reflect Both Subjective and Objective Realities?

Understanding Beauty: Subjective and Objective Elements

The question of whether beauty is in the eye of the beholder is both complex and multifaceted. Beauty encompasses both subjective and objective elements, intertwining personal taste with inherent truth. This dual nature often leads to confusion about the nature of beauty. The subjective aspect of beauty involves personal perception and taste, which can be cultivated, trained, or, conversely, distorted and dulled. On the other hand, beauty as an objective reality is grounded in truth, existing independently of individual perception.

The Subjective Aspect of Beauty: Cultivation and Distortion

The ability to perceive beauty involves a form of taste that can be developed through disciplined practice. For instance, trained musicians can discern subtle distinctions in tone that others might miss, and painters can perceive additional hues in a sunset. This cultivated taste allows individuals to appreciate beauty in ways that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye or ear.

In contrast, living in a fallen world can lead to a loss of sensitivity to beauty. Inattention, self-absorption, and suffering can dull our appreciation for beauty. Furthermore, individuals can develop a taste for what is ugly, showing how subjective experiences can influence perceptions of beauty negatively. Romans 1:21-25 illustrates this by depicting how people who turn away from God end up distorting and misvaluing what is good, true, and beautiful.

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The Objective Nature of Beauty: Grounded in Truth

Despite the subjective experience of beauty, it remains an objective reality, grounded in truth. Elements like tones and hues are inherent properties of music and sunsets, existing whether or not we are sensitive enough to perceive them. The experience of beauty often involves a sense of being struck by it, sometimes even being taken by surprise. This spontaneous reaction suggests that beauty has an independent existence, meriting responses of awe, gratitude, appreciation, or reverence.

Ultimately, beauty is rooted in the nature of God Himself. Psalm 27:4 speaks to this by expressing a desire to gaze upon the beauty of Jehovah: "One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of Jehovah and to inquire in his temple." This scripture underscores the belief that God is the supremely beautiful being, and His creation reflects His beautiful intentions and artistry.

The Reflection of God's Beauty in Creation

God's creation is a testament to His artistry and beautiful intentions. Genesis 1 recounts the creation narrative, emphasizing the inherent goodness and beauty of the created order. Psalm 50:2 further illustrates this by proclaiming, "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth." These verses highlight the intrinsic beauty present in creation, which reflects the nature of its Creator.

The diversity in the created order also points to the manifold expressions of beauty. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." This passage suggests that the beauty in creation is vast and varied, encompassing a wide range of expressions that can all be considered beautiful in their own right.

The Interconnection of Goodness, Truth, and Beauty

There is a profound connection between goodness, truth, and beauty. Goodness can be seen as a form of moral beauty, and Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." This verse illustrates how the pursuit of goodness and truth is inherently linked to the appreciation of beauty.

The Hebrew concept of shalom conveys this rich interplay of truth, goodness, and beauty. More than merely "peace," shalom represents the wholeness and flourishing of life that integrates these elements. However, the fall has broken this shalom, introducing sin and ugliness into the world. For instance, pornography is an ugly distortion of God's beautiful design for sexuality, demonstrating how evil corrupts what is inherently good and beautiful.

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The Distortion of Beauty in a Fallen World

The fall has marred the world's beauty, introducing sin and resulting in distorted experiences of beauty. Genesis 3:6 recounts the fall of humanity, where Eve is enticed by the perceived beauty of the forbidden fruit: "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate." This passage highlights how the fall led to a misvaluation of beauty, where what appeared attractive led to disobedience and sin.

Similarly, Romans 1:21-25 describes the consequences of humanity's rejection of God, resulting in a corrupted understanding and valuation of beauty: "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things." This rejection of divine beauty in favor of created things illustrates the distortion of beauty due to sin.

The Role of Beauty in Human Life and Worship

Despite the distortion of beauty in a fallen world, humans still have an inherent need for beauty in their lives, relationships, work, and worship. This longing for beauty is an expression of the fundamental human desire for shalom, ultimately for peace with God. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace, or shalom, is the ultimate fulfillment of the human longing for beauty, goodness, and truth.

The appreciation of beauty can also play a valuable role in Christian apologetics. Beauty is part of the common ground shared by all people, as we are made in the image of God and live in a God-created world. The beauty in creation points beyond the physical cosmos to the Creator, serving as a signpost to the divine. Ecclesiastes 3:11 suggests that the beauty of the world and the human longing for it are clues to our ultimate purpose and destiny, pointing us towards God.

Beauty as an Apologetic Tool

Beauty, like goodness and truth, is not a physical property measurable by science. Its reality indicates that the physical world is not all there is, pointing to the existence of a Creator. The beauty of the world reflects the nature of the Divine Artist whose handiwork it is. The human longing for beauty, for shalom, is a hunger that cannot be fully satisfied in this fallen world, suggesting that we were made for more than this life.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." This verse highlights the inherent beauty in creation and the human longing for eternity, pointing to a reality beyond the physical world.

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The Ultimate Fulfillment of Beauty in Christ

The ultimate fulfillment of beauty is found in Christ, who restores and redeems what has been marred by sin. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ brings about the restoration of shalom, reconciling humanity to God and restoring the beauty of creation. Colossians 1:19-20 proclaims, "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

In Christ, the distorted beauty of a fallen world is redeemed and restored. Believers are called to reflect this restored beauty in their lives, living in a way that honors God and reflects His character. Ephesians 2:10 affirms this calling: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." As God's workmanship, Christians are to live out the beauty of the Gospel in their daily lives, reflecting the truth, goodness, and beauty of God to the world.

The Anticipation of Future Glory

While believers experience a measure of restored beauty in this life, the ultimate fulfillment of beauty awaits in the future glory that will be revealed. Romans 8:18-21 speaks of this anticipation: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."

This future glory encompasses the full restoration of creation, where the beauty of the world will be fully realized and unmarred by sin. Revelation 21:1-5 provides a glimpse of this future reality: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

In this new creation, the beauty of God's original design will be fully restored, and His people will dwell in perfect harmony with Him, experiencing the fullness of His beauty, goodness, and truth.

Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of Beauty

The concept of beauty, both subjective and objective, reflects profound truths about the nature of God, creation, and humanity's ultimate purpose. By understanding beauty as an expression of God's character and intentions, Christians can appreciate the significance of beauty in their lives and worship. Despite the distortion of beauty in a fallen world, the promise of restoration in Christ provides hope and anticipation for a future where the fullness of beauty will be revealed.

Through a detailed examination of the subjective and objective elements of beauty, the biblical grounding of beauty in God's nature, and the role of beauty in apologetics and Christian life, we gain a deeper understanding of how beauty reflects the divine and points us toward our ultimate destiny in Christ.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).