A very very long time ago, I was asked in the middle of a very strange conversation, What defines Beauty?




Which is an amazing question, but as it was in passing I was unable to offer my views on it.



Something reminded me of it recently, and so I felt the need for a blog post about it, but in reference to Jebus also :)



Beauty is difficult to define, because it is so subjective. You cannot say that a particular feature of a person is beautiful, because another may not find it so. Whereas some people see the sunset, or various views, as beautiful, another may have no interest and disagree.

When I typed in Beauty in Google, the first result was predictably Wikipedia, but then was for Boots Skincare, maps of where to find beauty services, and make up sites.

This acts as another example- There’s a difference between what is defined as Natural Beauty and Manufactured beauty. Is there such a difference that a person may be unable to be beautiful without make up?



Jesus was unremarkable in appearance, so the bible tells us. But does that mean that he was not beautiful?

Can you honestly not apply the word Beautiful to our saviour?



I would call Jesus beautiful any day. In the same way I would say every single one of my friends are beautiful. The same way a song is beautiful, or a day, or a painting.



I believe that beauty is defined by the feeling it invokes. I believe the weeks I spend at Soul Survivor are full of Beautiful moments. The songs are often Beautiful. The Holy Spirit is beautiful.

Because of how it feels. I can feel awe and pride and through that sense beauty. It’s like when you hear a story of hope, and you might describe it as beautiful. When people overcome struggles, that's beautiful. And when you know how beautiful someone is inside, you know that makes them beautiful on the outside.



Now was cheesy as all that sounds, I therefore disagree entirely with Helen. (I'm sorry, but on your blog you did say you liked alternate opinions and wanted our ideas on worship songs...). I adore the song You're Beautiful, because it’s a compliment to God that I know I can’t do any better. I can’t think of a higher tribute than beautiful. And to be honest, 'Oy Jebus- you're pretty fit', doesn’t quite work :)

I also think it sums up the feelings I have for God. I see your face...When I'm in his presence, around him, I can see his beauty. He might be unremarkable on the outside, but I know that means nothing. Beauty is feeling. Someone defined as ugly will have beautiful features. When I feel close enough to see God's face, I know he's beautiful.