Beauty is of fundamental importance in our lives. I confess that I started watching your videos because of your obvious exterior beauty, but I stayed and subscribed to the channel because of your interior beauty. Thank you, Elizabeth! God bless you
Physical beauty is a manifestation of God's FINITE creation. I use this when I think about people they are beautiful that I see. Just imagine INFINITE beauty that we will experience in heaven!
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." Comes to mind - wonderful, and I can only hope we all continue to glorify God through our lives!
I am very glad that you talked about beauty. And I am pleased to hear that our thoughts about this subject are very similar. I often say: beauty is an expression of Gods love that we humans can perceive, always and everywhere. It is possible to perceive beauty in almost everything, I believe - and I think this is because God is everywhere. Having said that, for me the greatest beauty (and expression of Gods love) is in fine music. Thank you for your talk.
This is my first time watching one of your videos, and I truly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to exploring more of your content. When you said, "This world needs more good Christian boys and girls," I couldn’t agree more-Amen to that!
Very wise. We don't think enough about beauty, but the beautiful reflects the good. It is interesting to me that when you see people who are demonised in some way, they often try to disfigure themselves: green spiky hair, nose rings, tattoos, loud and indecorous behaviour etc. They try, subconsciously, I think, to outwardly express the ugliness of sin that is disfiguring their souls. Look at any video where people are coming up to harass street preachers: they are almost always presenting themselves in that way, rejecting beauty.
Exactly. I hear a lot of fantasy authors/readers, most not Christians, complain about the traditional connection between beauty and goodness, evil and ugliness in fantasy. But the point was originally to explore spiritual truth, and they don't understand it. I still remember my mother explaining the moral of Disney's Beauty and the Beast to me at age 4: 'If you are ugly on the inside, it will ultimately show on the outside. If you become beautiful inside, it will make you beautiful outside.' In a REAL way, not a socially-dictated standard way.
@@rileykiessling6361You can find it in The Idiot. Part III, Ch. V. In context: “Is it true, Prince, that you once said ‘beauty’ would save the world?” This quote is from the Vintage Classics edition with translators Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky.
I agree. It is so frustrating to me how our society equates beauty with 'sex appeal.' It creates so much abuse and confusion. I can see fellow women, children and even men technically in my 'dating pool' as beautiful without being lustfully attracted to them! Actually I tend to be attracted to less-handsone men; that does not mean I do not aesthetically appreciate the God-given beauty of a more handsome man. Or anyone or anything else that is beautiful without being an option as a spouse. It cuts both ways - it is upsetting both when someone reduces your own or someone else's beauty to 'you are therefore a bedroom object to be desired' AND when people assume that someone merely appreciating someone's beauty is 'harassing' them when they were merely being grateful and admiring. One of the lovliest experiences of my life, which I still remember 4 years on, was when a young man about my own age paused while passing me on the street to compliment how well I looked in my pink dress (which was quite a modest, work-appropriate style of dress, just to confirm. I hadn't dressed to 'attract' attention.) Niether of us really stopped; he wasn't trying to chat me up or ask for my number or objectify me. I said 'thank you so much!' and never saw him again. It was a beautiful moment of simple appreciation and kindness that the world can do with more of. In return I once told a male colleague, whom I am not interested in romantically, that the colour shirt he was wearing suited him on a day he had dressed up a bit for an interview and was a bit nervous. From his reaction, I don't think he was used to being complimented on his appearance, and it seemed to help him relax a bit before the interview. Appreciation of beauty, with appropriate Godly moderation, is a GOOD thing!
The idea not quite right still though. Sexuality is beautiful, and often beauty through attire does allude to it. Especially through modesty. Beauty in sexuality isn't untrue - there is beauty. But what we see today is lust. The exploitation of beauty to give way to lustful pleasure rather than true beauty.
Something profitable to talk about here is the question of "Men objectifying women" It is all the time on people's lips, but they never talk about women objectifying men!! I've had girls treat me like a trophy and sex toy, being treated like a financial source is the same thing by the way.😠 God doesn't like False worship and neither do we humans, when a girl falls in love with an imaginary man that she made up in her head based our appearance this is absolute contempt and objectification.😤😤 To be judged fewer men for not being a giant , or to be judged to be a man for being tall, are both forms of absolute contempt for men. Only sick people would like to be "loved" because of their appearance. It seems that many believe that being a victim of false admiration and respect is a good thing, but it is not, if someone likes it they are sick and disgusting. Here is my outburst.
i would have told the man who complimented you on your pink dress to mind his own business, and that i could not care less whether he liked it or not - because i did not need his approval, because i was not accountable to him, because he has no authority over me. "I approve of what you are wearing" can be terribly patronising, when it comes from a person who has no authority over the other person, therefore the person being judged is under no obligation to dress in a manner that the self-appointed judge approves of. I hope i would be polite enough to simply ask "who made you my judge?" or "what made you reckon you have some right to judge me?"
And if some oafish man was to reply by spouting some non-Biblical nonsense such as "well, i am male and you are female, so i expect you to submissively act in accordance with whatever demands i might expect you to obey" ..... that arrogant and proud misogynist would "get a flea in the ear" that he would not forget easily. I would not ever marry any oafish misogynist with such an oafish and arrogant attitude. Therefore, simply being male (and not married to me) does not entitle any man to expect submission from me, because i don't owe him any submission, because i am not his wife. (The Bible only requires a WIFE to submit to HER OWN HUSBAND. That does not entitle anyone male to expect submission from anyone female who is not his wife).
Thank you for this Elisabeth. I had know idea this video would be about this, which is a topic I’ve been trying to dive into and understand myself as well. I’m so thankful I watched it, I really needed it.
Thank you so much for the garden analogy- I have indeed never seen a flower I considered ugly and this really helps my BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) struggle whereby my mind constantly tells me I stick out in a crowd and am abnormal, even disgusting, to the rest of society. It has begun to consume me in a way no human should ever be consumed, let alone a believer! And of course shame only makes things worse. Biblically of course I know I'm God's precious artwork but mental illness unfortunately comes on stronger than His promises at times if we walk by sight and not faith (which is why I need to intentionally abide in Him every day and remind myself of those promises, to overcome the relentless evil with heavenly good ❤) It's such a wonderfully simple example, yet makes me realise I see everyone this way too- beautiful, in their own individual way.
I really like what you mentioned at 0:31, I relate to it and honestly feel conflicted about this all of the time, feeling like I need to avoid vanity and immodesty as much as possible
I love you tackled this topic!🙌🏻 I was told it was sin to desire beauty and be drawn to it. Thank you for going deep on what many consider superficial…for beauty is essential to a wonderful life.
Great video Elizabeth! Building a good foundation on what true beauty is and a desire for it. One of my favorite quotes you shared, " ...with beauty, you enjoy its desire without its satisfaction". Which you transitioned beautifully (no pun intended) to love and what it means to be "in love with someone" (which it is not always "they both lived happily ever after", but one did by the choice of another). Lastly, contrasting these ideas with pornography, nice punch. Ending with a call to action on teaching the new generation (viewers children or mentees) to avoid it before they encounter it. Outstanding video! 🤠
I love this, thankyou. As a Christian man, I have often struggled with women who are showing too much of their bodies; especially in church where I feel Christian women should be modest. Women often have no idea how tough it is for a man to stay focused on God in church when their eyes are constantly invaded lol. That being said, one thing I have always felt God was speaking to me was that it was possible to be a man who truly appreciates the amazing beauty that God has created in a non-lustful way. Rather than feel upset that they are causing men to sin by showing too much of their bodies, instead I appreciate their God given beauty and also have compassion for their potential insecurities or even ignorance that caused them to dress that way.
I too had to take a figure drawing class in an old college course. For myself and for most people in the class, it was comfortable and professional; for a few it was a little awkward at first. But nobody ever said anything impure or juvenile. I already had prior exposure to many chastity talks and Church formation, but even for those who had no such background, they were able to recognize the beauty of the body (and depict it in whatever medium we were using that week). I like how in The Four Loves, CS Lewis explains how nudity accompanied by erotic love between the spouses is almost a "robe they garb themselves in"; the spouses are at their most vulnerable then, which therefore means, in turn, are even better able to fully express themselves when dressed modestly. The beauty of the nude body, and the intimacy between spouses, is all itself like a formal gown, meant only for that unique occasion.
I don’t understand. So he is saying spouses should dress modestly around each other in order to be able to communicate without the layer of vulnerability from nakedness?
"So he is saying spouses should dress modestly around each other" - Yes. "in order to be able to communicate without the layer of vulnerability from nakedness?" - No, not really, but I find this part of your question / reasoning to be kind of clunky.
@@Multipurpose_Bagel Ok thank you! I think I misunderstood. The part you interpreted as “clunky” was apparently due to a misunderstanding I had with your original comment. It sounded like you were saying that the couple can be more vulnerable with each other when they are dressed modestly. “….are even better able to fully express themselves when dressed modestly.” Ergo, that seems to imply that nakedness hinders full expression. I appreciate you replying! I think a lot is just getting lost in translation… through text. 🤍
Let’s all get a rip in the chat for all the husbands out there who can no longer tell their wives that they are the most beautiful women in the world lol
@shuatock8216 That was a very unappealing joke. A man can and should call his wife the most beautiful woman in the world because she has given her heart, her trust, her all to him. That is a true statement for all husbands. Please look up Karen Wong. There is so much more to this creation than our schools and media have not shown. Take care.
Amazing video, thanks Elisabeth I learned a lot. Thank you. I also want to comment on this "And offer some practical ideas on how to use this gift (beauty) for good" Im glad youre using your beauty for good to evangelize here on youtube 😁😊 Merry Christmas btw, I hope youre having a wondeful time! I wish you the best!
I came across an article in 2011 on National Catholic Register's website titled "The Death of Pretty" by Pat Archbold that is on a similar subject. The death of beauty in our culture is subject that is close to my heart, so it's always refreshing to see that it concerns others as well! Thank you for addressing this issue, more people need to speak up and fight against evil, even the "mundane" forms.
"With beauty you enjoy the desire without the satisfaction" - well, it's beauty. You enjoy the beauty itself, the contemplation of it is satisfying.🤷🏻♂️
This video has to be shared globally. Multiple lives, especially adolescents, are destroyed every second with not comprehending this knowledge. Thank you!
very nice video presenting beauty, I really enjoyed your description and explanation and can testify to the power of Gods gift of beauty as you described. Much love to you for your time and effort❤
I really like your approach to theology, it's just modest and prudent, without being (as you put it) incomplete. Indeed something incomplete, is, in some sense, evil, because it depraves us of a good,
Thank you for this Elisabeth. I wonder if there is also a connection between a type of beauty and vocation. What I mean by this is that we can express something of a beautiful life in the way we serve others in our vocations. Thereby giving glory to God. Maybe I'm stretching things bit but it might be worth thinking about. God bless you. 🙂🙏
With regard to modesty, a preacher friend preached an excellent lesson: neck to knees. In the Garden of Eden, once Adam and Eve sinned, their eyes were opened and they saw they were naked. They sewed fig leaves and covered their loins (Gen 3:7). But even at that, Adam told God he hid from Him because he was naked. Later, after God pronounces the curse, He clothed them with garments of skin (v21). The word in the Greek Septuagint is chiton, which, I believe, is a tunic stretching from the neck to the knees.
"Van Gogh believed that the ability to create art was a gift from God and a profound act of love. He said that painting was an expression of his deepest dreams and emotions." Finally, to presume because a Cathedral or Church was made beautiful that somehow the Church has neglected the poor. In fact, one finds that not to be case. When we are focused on glorifying God, we are more likely to help His people.
In the beginning God created everything and God saw good in all. In the end he created man in his own image and likeness and that's a beauty. He created the nature as beautiful like trees, plants, sun, stars, and a moon. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy spirit so we must takecare of bodies well. Your voice is too sweet and it is so beautiful ❤️ and I tried to tell you this for months, but finally today you discussed the topic of beauty and here I revealed what I thought about your voice being beautiful for months.
Good video on a subject that is rarely even talked about. Modern Christianity has ignored beauty and has become plain. But beauty is just as important as truth and goodness. St Maximus the confessor wrote about God as beauty. It is essential to understand this. If God is not beauty then he is dependent on evil to lead people to him.
As an Orthodox Christian I agree with your video. I personally enjoyed watching the video, especially after months of being surrounded by such negative things. ☦️✝️⛪
And this is why our current God-hating culture has abandonned beauty in art and architecture for instance. Precisely because they are glorifying God and His Creation. When it comes to us humans... well, there is many a arrow aimed at that beauty; porn, plastic surgery, excessive make up, twisted views on a healthy body etc.
Hmm, you're right! I've noticed some of the latest architecture makes buildings look like prisons. I don't think that is a 'godly aesthetic,' but at the same time, it seems to express the very real entrapment that many feel with post modernism, and trying to subsist on material consumption.
@@FireflowerDancer I think it is meant to make people feel small, miserable and suppressed. I call it socialist aesthetics; brutal, un- and inhuman(e), soul- and lifeless.
Oh and on your discussion with the atheist who questioned why not sell the gold in churches and give to the poor: There is a fantastic video by "Breaking in the Habit" youtube channel who covered this topic beautifully, which you also beautifully touched upon, but its still definately worth watching especially for apologetics. Its called "Catholic Church: Sell Everything and Give to the Poor?". Thanks Elisabeth your videos are always amazing! Ho ho ho Merry Christmas once again and happy New Year! 🙏✝😁
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. " - 1 Pet 3: 3-4
There's been a handful of times when I thought to myself "Man, that's an ugly dog/cat", but not in a derogatory way. Usually some part of its body is out of proportion, or maybe its color is unappealing, but these "flaws" make the animal unique and all the more endearing, especially once their little quirks and personalities shine through.
My mother once said something along the lines of the lure someone uses determines the kind of fish they catch, while referring to girl's dress. This comment has always impacted the way I see women who seek attention from men. I love beautiful things and have a hard time seeing the individual behind the mask. It usually takes me some time to see what they are actually like. I also question people giving to beautify churches. I also question them giving to churches so the church can redistribute it. I feel like it would be more impactful and positive for members to give directly to people...and also use these resources not merely to give people fish, but to teach them to fish. (Yeah, no, I'm not really into fish or fishing...it was just a fluke.) It really reminds me of Schindler's List. He starts looking at items he still owned and wondering how many more people he could have saved if he had sold each item and used that money to save more lives. I think a Church (leadership and members) that thinks this way will be far more effective.
'It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.' C.S. Lewis
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, I've personally proved that , the deeper i fell for someone the more beautiful they look to me in the sense that all they flaw become invisible to me or oblivious
"A cow does not look at a sunset and say, 'Mooo!' [at what it sees]" -- Dean Sherman, Relationship Series videos. He covers this well, in his 1980's sweater. He mentions that when he and his wife are together in public, and see a good-looking person, he'll comment on that to his wife. A related gift mistaken for sin is attraction, which is sometimes equated with lust, greed, or idolatry. Attraction to another person isn't necessarily lust. Attraction to financial improvement of one's life isn't necessarily greed. Attraction begets motivation. God doesn't forbid desire, but idolatry -- which is when desires are out of order, especially in the top spot in our hearts, which belongs to God. Keller's Counterfeit Gods is excellent on this topic!
Vanity is an inordinate preoccupation with what people think. That gives the verses in Ecclesiastes a very interesting perspective. "Everything is vanity"
I am a christian as well, but I have a different point of view Beauty, as most things in this world, is based on comparison Someone is beautiful because ugly people also exist(In body, spirit or behavior) Someone is healthy beacuse sick people exist Someone is brave because cowards also exist and so on Thinking that everybody is beautiful is a strange thought Is like saying everybody is good We live in a world of comparison because our perception of reality is still primitive Sexual attraction, imo, is based on vitality I dare you to go to a home for elderly people and fall in love with someone Even the behaviors that are attractive(gentleness, joy, inteligence) are also a manifestation of vitality It serves procreation in the first place Beauty serves nature
Beauty recognizes the perfection of God and the imperfections of man. Beauty also provides motivation for ideal and practical action. The two questions asked by a Christian: 1. How can I conceive and shape my idea of perfection? 2. How can I shape my life to match my abstractions of perfect beauty? These questions are ancient. Equally ancient are the ideas surrounding the cardinal virtues as pathway to perfection.
Beauty vs Hotness .....I think people are commonly mixing these 2 when they should be separate. - being HOT is "being healthy and fit + showing skin as much as possible". we see this a lot at bars, on TV etc - while being beautiful is "being healthy and fit + projecting elegance/grace".... I think the best example is see the fashion of Queen Letizia of Spain To be honest, when I go outside I see a lot of young people trying to be HOT with what they wear and their actions, but I rarely see someone trying to achieve Christian Beauty. Even when I go to church I see this problem
The story of the priest resonated so much with me as an artist. As a Christian, I would sometimes wonder if God thinks it is a sin to observe and draw naked or scantily clad people in order to study and replicate human anatomy. It's a very tricky situation especially in today's age it is has become very normal for some artists to unapologetically draw degenarate things that reduces the human body as a sex object. But, thank the goodness of God, I myself have learned to look at pictures of naked people without feeling lust, but fascination of the human anatomy that God has wonderfully created. It's still a bit a dangerous situation to be in as an artist since some photographs and poses purposefully intend to evoke some sexual arousement. I tend to avoid those and choose ones that express athleticism and shape and form instead, but if I feel my mind and heart are being deceitful, I pray before drawing to calibrate my spirit or just avoid drawing anatomy for that day.
Shalom, I'm a first time viewer in the US. Your accent sounds Scandinavian but I could be wrong. So as a Messianic believer your presentation is very interesting content, I believe the serpent was the most beautiful creature in the garden according to the Torah I also noticed when you speak one side goes to the other, have you ever had jaw pain, due to misaligned jaw, sorry I'm a geeky guy and healthcare professional who notices things Oh and your hair color perfectly complements your beautiful face Take care
The accent is German, I'm from Austria 🙃 Interesting that you mention the jaw, I also noticed that in my videos recently. I don't have pain but my jaw has been making a cracking sound when I open it for the past 1.5 years. If you have an idea what could help, feel free to shoot me an email: thebiblicalbookworm@gmail.com
Thank you for this video! I have reflected a lot in recent times on the problems and manifestations of objectification in my life. As I type this, I realize that part of the spiritual issue is, more specifically than simply seeing another person relative to our own desires, it's that we blind ourselves to their worth that is not of this world. Idolatry, I realized, was a spiritual mixture of codependence and objectification. A simultaneous false subjugation, and sick manipulation for personal gain - the opposite of true worship, where we truthfully give ourselves to the Lord, and then he returns our lives back to us plus grace. I don't want to continue to ramble, but this has truly made me reconsider certain things about my appearance. I learned that my intentional dishevelment was likely, in truth, a defense mechanism due to some child abuse that I experienced. Likewise, many overweight people (a dramatic disproportion - no pun intended) have histories of emotional trauma, and the dissociative sensation that comes to them (and myself, as I'm a compulsive eater, though I'm not overweight) is a symptom of a greater problem. It's a very difficult thing, to be. Still, thank you Father for sending your Spirit to renew the face of the Earth. Amen.
@@TboneWTFI'm going to assume you aren't a bot. The Christian metaphysic describes reality from the perspective of human experience more completely than science possibly could, and so it is a different kind of truth. If a mother told her child, "I love you so much." And a reddit atheist said, "Oh yeah? Prove it." Everyone should and would rightly cringe. There is a visceral directly experienced Truth about the world that comes through our physical existence, and it's that existence, not the propositional or empirical, factual, "cloud of atoms" and it's that *logos* that IS God, that IS Christ. That IS Love. That IS the Holy Spirit. And there is nothing that can really stand in it's place, for any of the arguments against it cannot meet it at it's level, and in it's full dimensionality. As Carl Jung put it, "I do not believe that God is real. I know He is."
Very well made video with thought-provoking reflections. I loved it ;). Also, indeed, not only today is our concept of beauty very artificial and highly manipulable, but after the Enlightenment and the secularization of institutions, the objective of Art and everything that involves the beautiful and the sublime stopped being something objective and that 'seeks' God - since one of the main goals of the Enlightenment was precisely to distance itself as much as possible from God and religion - as it became the complete opposite: Art now (almost) always seeks to subvert and confront existing standards, that is, if any still exist, and to erase traditional standards and values. I agree with Dostoevsky that Beauty will save the world, but... my question is, can beauty be saved before it can save the world?
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
It is not just human beauty, but natural and human-built beauty
Beauty is of fundamental importance in our lives. I confess that I started watching your videos because of your obvious exterior beauty, but I stayed and subscribed to the channel because of your interior beauty. Thank you, Elizabeth! God bless you
"Humans have eyes" I like that, nicely done
Elisabeth's impression of "That's a face only a hunter could love!" had me laughing!
Physical beauty is a manifestation of God's FINITE creation. I use this when I think about people they are beautiful that I see. Just imagine INFINITE beauty that we will experience in heaven!
we?
so ugly people (and there are millions of ugly people) are what? a manifestation of what?.
the infinite cannot create finite because god is one, all, finite implies 2
@@servantprince Found the gnostic. The unironic Demiurge (the enemy) worshiper.
@@servantprincebut God's creation ≠ God himself. The universe exists separately from God
9:23 I love this point. Objectifying someone else is a choice. You aren't forced to.
We've sometimes met people who aren't physically beautiful, but this beauty is transcended and enhanced by their genuine smiles and self-confidence.
It's nice to see and hear a smart, classy, beautiful young gal. We need more of like her.
I am a software developer. I always strive to write beautiful code, even if it just as a way to glorify God.
This
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." Comes to mind - wonderful, and I can only hope we all continue to glorify God through our lives!
I am very glad that you talked about beauty. And I am pleased to hear that our thoughts about this subject are very similar. I often say: beauty is an expression of Gods love that we humans can perceive, always and everywhere. It is possible to perceive beauty in almost everything, I believe - and I think this is because God is everywhere.
Having said that, for me the greatest beauty (and expression of Gods love) is in fine music.
Thank you for your talk.
This is my first time watching one of your videos, and I truly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to exploring more of your content. When you said, "This world needs more good Christian boys and girls," I couldn’t agree more-Amen to that!
Very wise. We don't think enough about beauty, but the beautiful reflects the good. It is interesting to me that when you see people who are demonised in some way, they often try to disfigure themselves: green spiky hair, nose rings, tattoos, loud and indecorous behaviour etc. They try, subconsciously, I think, to outwardly express the ugliness of sin that is disfiguring their souls. Look at any video where people are coming up to harass street preachers: they are almost always presenting themselves in that way, rejecting beauty.
Exactly.
I hear a lot of fantasy authors/readers, most not Christians, complain about the traditional connection between beauty and goodness, evil and ugliness in fantasy. But the point was originally to explore spiritual truth, and they don't understand it.
I still remember my mother explaining the moral of Disney's Beauty and the Beast to me at age 4: 'If you are ugly on the inside, it will ultimately show on the outside. If you become beautiful inside, it will make you beautiful outside.' In a REAL way, not a socially-dictated standard way.
“Beauty will save the world.” - Fyodor Dostoevsky
Or kill the beast - King Kong
The Truth already does that :)
I haven't gotten to read much of his work yet. Is this in one of his books or a direct quote?
I hope it will, beauty can be amazing at also keep the world saved once it gets saved, for the generations to come. Amen. 🙏👍⛪
@@rileykiessling6361You can find it in The Idiot. Part III, Ch. V. In context: “Is it true, Prince, that you once said ‘beauty’ would save the world?” This quote is from the Vintage Classics edition with translators Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky.
I agree. It is so frustrating to me how our society equates beauty with 'sex appeal.' It creates so much abuse and confusion.
I can see fellow women, children and even men technically in my 'dating pool' as beautiful without being lustfully attracted to them! Actually I tend to be attracted to less-handsone men; that does not mean I do not aesthetically appreciate the God-given beauty of a more handsome man. Or anyone or anything else that is beautiful without being an option as a spouse.
It cuts both ways - it is upsetting both when someone reduces your own or someone else's beauty to 'you are therefore a bedroom object to be desired' AND when people assume that someone merely appreciating someone's beauty is 'harassing' them when they were merely being grateful and admiring.
One of the lovliest experiences of my life, which I still remember 4 years on, was when a young man about my own age paused while passing me on the street to compliment how well I looked in my pink dress (which was quite a modest, work-appropriate style of dress, just to confirm. I hadn't dressed to 'attract' attention.) Niether of us really stopped; he wasn't trying to chat me up or ask for my number or objectify me. I said 'thank you so much!' and never saw him again. It was a beautiful moment of simple appreciation and kindness that the world can do with more of.
In return I once told a male colleague, whom I am not interested in romantically, that the colour shirt he was wearing suited him on a day he had dressed up a bit for an interview and was a bit nervous. From his reaction, I don't think he was used to being complimented on his appearance, and it seemed to help him relax a bit before the interview. Appreciation of beauty, with appropriate Godly moderation, is a GOOD thing!
Nope this is nonsense.
The idea not quite right still though. Sexuality is beautiful, and often beauty through attire does allude to it. Especially through modesty.
Beauty in sexuality isn't untrue - there is beauty. But what we see today is lust. The exploitation of beauty to give way to lustful pleasure rather than true beauty.
Something profitable to talk about here is the question of "Men objectifying women"
It is all the time on people's lips, but they never talk about women objectifying men!!
I've had girls treat me like a trophy and sex toy, being treated like a financial source is the same thing by the way.😠
God doesn't like False worship and neither do we humans, when a girl falls in love with an imaginary man that she made up in her head based our appearance this is absolute contempt and objectification.😤😤
To be judged fewer men for not being a giant , or to be judged to be a man for being tall, are both forms of absolute contempt for men.
Only sick people would like to be "loved" because of their appearance.
It seems that many believe that being a victim of false admiration and respect is a good thing, but it is not, if someone likes it they are sick and disgusting.
Here is my outburst.
i would have told the man who complimented you on your pink dress to mind his own business, and that i could not care less whether he liked it or not - because i did not need his approval, because i was not accountable to him, because he has no authority over me.
"I approve of what you are wearing" can be terribly patronising, when it comes from a person who has no authority over the other person, therefore the person being judged is under no obligation to dress in a manner that the self-appointed judge approves of.
I hope i would be polite enough to simply ask "who made you my judge?" or "what made you reckon you have some right to judge me?"
And if some oafish man was to reply by spouting some non-Biblical nonsense such as "well, i am male and you are female, so i expect you to submissively act in accordance with whatever demands i might expect you to obey" ..... that arrogant and proud misogynist would "get a flea in the ear" that he would not forget easily.
I would not ever marry any oafish misogynist with such an oafish and arrogant attitude. Therefore, simply being male (and not married to me) does not entitle any man to expect submission from me, because i don't owe him any submission, because i am not his wife.
(The Bible only requires a WIFE to submit to HER OWN HUSBAND. That does not entitle anyone male to expect submission from anyone female who is not his wife).
One example is ESTHER. The beautiful queen ❤
I appreciate that you synthesized your viewers input. The philosophy of aesthetics is gripping.
Thank you for your insights Elizabeth! We're happy to hear that "God is Beauty" was a blessing to you!
*beauty will save the world*. - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Thank you for this Elisabeth. I had know idea this video would be about this, which is a topic I’ve been trying to dive into and understand myself as well. I’m so thankful I watched it, I really needed it.
This was well articulated and very thought provoking. Definitely enlightened my views on God & beauty
Thank you so much for the garden analogy- I have indeed never seen a flower I considered ugly and this really helps my BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) struggle whereby my mind constantly tells me I stick out in a crowd and am abnormal, even disgusting, to the rest of society. It has begun to consume me in a way no human should ever be consumed, let alone a believer! And of course shame only makes things worse.
Biblically of course I know I'm God's precious artwork but mental illness unfortunately comes on stronger than His promises at times if we walk by sight and not faith (which is why I need to intentionally abide in Him every day and remind myself of those promises, to overcome the relentless evil with heavenly good ❤)
It's such a wonderfully simple example, yet makes me realise I see everyone this way too- beautiful, in their own individual way.
I really like what you mentioned at 0:31, I relate to it and honestly feel conflicted about this all of the time, feeling like I need to avoid vanity and immodesty as much as possible
I love you tackled this topic!🙌🏻
I was told it was sin to desire beauty and be drawn to it.
Thank you for going deep on what many consider superficial…for beauty is essential to a wonderful life.
Great video Elizabeth! Building a good foundation on what true beauty is and a desire for it. One of my favorite quotes you shared, " ...with beauty, you enjoy its desire without its satisfaction". Which you transitioned beautifully (no pun intended) to love and what it means to be "in love with someone" (which it is not always "they both lived happily ever after", but one did by the choice of another). Lastly, contrasting these ideas with pornography, nice punch. Ending with a call to action on teaching the new generation (viewers children or mentees) to avoid it before they encounter it. Outstanding video! 🤠
I love this, thankyou. As a Christian man, I have often struggled with women who are showing too much of their bodies; especially in church where I feel Christian women should be modest. Women often have no idea how tough it is for a man to stay focused on God in church when their eyes are constantly invaded lol. That being said, one thing I have always felt God was speaking to me was that it was possible to be a man who truly appreciates the amazing beauty that God has created in a non-lustful way. Rather than feel upset that they are causing men to sin by showing too much of their bodies, instead I appreciate their God given beauty and also have compassion for their potential insecurities or even ignorance that caused them to dress that way.
I too had to take a figure drawing class in an old college course. For myself and for most people in the class, it was comfortable and professional; for a few it was a little awkward at first. But nobody ever said anything impure or juvenile. I already had prior exposure to many chastity talks and Church formation, but even for those who had no such background, they were able to recognize the beauty of the body (and depict it in whatever medium we were using that week).
I like how in The Four Loves, CS Lewis explains how nudity accompanied by erotic love between the spouses is almost a "robe they garb themselves in"; the spouses are at their most vulnerable then, which therefore means, in turn, are even better able to fully express themselves when dressed modestly. The beauty of the nude body, and the intimacy between spouses, is all itself like a formal gown, meant only for that unique occasion.
I don’t understand. So he is saying spouses should dress modestly around each other in order to be able to communicate without the layer of vulnerability from nakedness?
"So he is saying spouses should dress modestly around each other" - Yes.
"in order to be able to communicate without the layer of vulnerability from nakedness?" - No, not really, but I find this part of your question / reasoning to be kind of clunky.
@@Multipurpose_Bagel Ok thank you! I think I misunderstood. The part you interpreted as “clunky” was apparently due to a misunderstanding I had with your original comment. It sounded like you were saying that the couple can be more vulnerable with each other when they are dressed modestly. “….are even better able to fully express themselves when dressed modestly.”
Ergo, that seems to imply that nakedness hinders full expression. I appreciate you replying! I think a lot is just getting lost in translation… through text. 🤍
Merry Christmas, Bookworm! This will be my first Christmas after declaring myself Christrian
Great job synthesizing so much in just 10 minutes! I'm happy to see more people interacting with John Paul II and Theology of the Body.
Beauty is objective. When I share this, the ugly sometimes emerges from others. 😅
Let’s all get a rip in the chat for all the husbands out there who can no longer tell their wives that they are the most beautiful women in the world lol
@ You don't understand what beauty is. Please look up Karen Wong.
Just wanted to make a joke :(
@shuatock8216 That was a very unappealing joke. A man can and should call his wife the most beautiful woman in the world because she has given her heart, her trust, her all to him. That is a true statement for all husbands. Please look up Karen Wong. There is so much more to this creation than our schools and media have not shown. Take care.
@@lkae4 A 'Karen' or course...
_"Beauty will save the world."_
-- Prince Myshkin, from _The Idiot_ by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Amazing video, thanks Elisabeth I learned a lot. Thank you. I also want to comment on this "And offer some practical ideas on how to use this gift (beauty) for good" Im glad youre using your beauty for good to evangelize here on youtube 😁😊 Merry Christmas btw, I hope youre having a wondeful time! I wish you the best!
I came across an article in 2011 on National Catholic Register's website titled "The Death of Pretty" by Pat Archbold that is on a similar subject. The death of beauty in our culture is subject that is close to my heart, so it's always refreshing to see that it concerns others as well! Thank you for addressing this issue, more people need to speak up and fight against evil, even the "mundane" forms.
this is so well prepared and refreshing! sound and concise.. thank you for sharing 🫶🏽
Very interesting your beauty both interior and exterior comes through in your videos God Bless 🙏
Thanks! This is a very good and healthy approach!🙌
I can see by your expression/radiance that you understand what you say!
I have waited for conversations like these for so long!!! Thank you so much for sharing the wisdom, subscribed
Thanks to God He created beauty. You are beautiful.
"With beauty you enjoy the desire without the satisfaction" - well, it's beauty. You enjoy the beauty itself, the contemplation of it is satisfying.🤷🏻♂️
We can spend hours just contemplating starts, trees, flowers.
@@mohann2007Exactly. Contemplative love is real and non-demanding and far too often overlooked.
The Power of Beauty:
Elisabeth's face
Checkmate. 👍
THE TRUE GIFT OF BEAUTY SHINES FROM THE INSIDE OUT💯🙏🏾🙏🏾
Great video, especially the garden analogy.
I love this. Thank you for speaking so balanced on this topic
This video has to be shared globally. Multiple lives, especially adolescents, are destroyed every second with not comprehending this knowledge.
Thank you!
I’ve seen a few of your videos and I happen to think your contribution is pretty wonderful. Wow you.
Very well said! Really underrated topic.
very nice video presenting beauty, I really enjoyed your description and explanation and can testify to the power of Gods gift of beauty as you described. Much love to you for your time and effort❤
I really like your approach to theology, it's just modest and prudent, without being (as you put it) incomplete. Indeed something incomplete, is, in some sense, evil, because it depraves us of a good,
this is great its about time i have been saying that to anyone that would listen for years AMEN
Excellent video, thank you for this and all your hard work.
BEAUTIFULLY SAID BY A BEAUTIFUL SOUL. WHAT MAKES SOMEONE BEAUTIFUL IS WITHIN. THEN, IT IS PROJECTED OUTWARDS.
Thank you for this Elisabeth. I wonder if there is also a connection between a type of beauty and vocation. What I mean by this is that we can express something of a beautiful life in the way we serve others in our vocations. Thereby giving glory to God. Maybe I'm stretching things bit but it might be worth thinking about. God bless you. 🙂🙏
interesting thought!
With regard to modesty, a preacher friend preached an excellent lesson: neck to knees. In the Garden of Eden, once Adam and Eve sinned, their eyes were opened and they saw they were naked. They sewed fig leaves and covered their loins (Gen 3:7). But even at that, Adam told God he hid from Him because he was naked. Later, after God pronounces the curse, He clothed them with garments of skin (v21). The word in the Greek Septuagint is chiton, which, I believe, is a tunic stretching from the neck to the knees.
"Van Gogh believed that the ability to create art was a gift from God and a profound act of love. He said that painting was an expression of his deepest dreams and emotions." Finally, to presume because a Cathedral or Church was made beautiful that somehow the Church has neglected the poor. In fact, one finds that not to be case. When we are focused on glorifying God, we are more likely to help His people.
In the beginning God created everything and God saw good in all. In the end he created man in his own image and likeness and that's a beauty. He created the nature as beautiful like trees, plants, sun, stars, and a moon. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy spirit so we must takecare of bodies well. Your voice is too sweet and it is so beautiful ❤️ and I tried to tell you this for months, but finally today you discussed the topic of beauty and here I revealed what I thought about your voice being beautiful for months.
Good video on a subject that is rarely even talked about. Modern Christianity has ignored beauty and has become plain. But beauty is just as important as truth and goodness. St Maximus the confessor wrote about God as beauty. It is essential to understand this. If God is not beauty then he is dependent on evil to lead people to him.
Excellent as always!
As an Orthodox Christian I agree with your video. I personally enjoyed watching the video, especially after months of being surrounded by such negative things. ☦️✝️⛪
Amen !
God bless you and your house Sister 🕊🕊🕊
And this is why our current God-hating culture has abandonned beauty in art and architecture for instance. Precisely because they are glorifying God and His Creation.
When it comes to us humans... well, there is many a arrow aimed at that beauty; porn, plastic surgery, excessive make up, twisted views on a healthy body etc.
Hmm, you're right! I've noticed some of the latest architecture makes buildings look like prisons. I don't think that is a 'godly aesthetic,' but at the same time, it seems to express the very real entrapment that many feel with post modernism, and trying to subsist on material consumption.
@@FireflowerDancer I think it is meant to make people feel small, miserable and suppressed. I call it socialist aesthetics; brutal, un- and inhuman(e), soul- and lifeless.
The fascinating thing about God being both beauty and truth, is that that means that both of those things are fundamentally expressions of love.
You're beautiful, and thank You for the beauty that You give.
It really pleased me to listen to You.
You make the world a better place.
Oh and on your discussion with the atheist who questioned why not sell the gold in churches and give to the poor: There is a fantastic video by "Breaking in the Habit" youtube channel who covered this topic beautifully, which you also beautifully touched upon, but its still definately worth watching especially for apologetics. Its called "Catholic Church: Sell Everything and Give to the Poor?". Thanks Elisabeth your videos are always amazing! Ho ho ho Merry Christmas once again and happy New Year! 🙏✝😁
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. " - 1 Pet 3: 3-4
There's been a handful of times when I thought to myself "Man, that's an ugly dog/cat", but not in a derogatory way.
Usually some part of its body is out of proportion, or maybe its color is unappealing, but these "flaws" make the animal unique and all the more endearing, especially once their little quirks and personalities shine through.
My mother once said something along the lines of the lure someone uses determines the kind of fish they catch, while referring to girl's dress. This comment has always impacted the way I see women who seek attention from men. I love beautiful things and have a hard time seeing the individual behind the mask. It usually takes me some time to see what they are actually like.
I also question people giving to beautify churches. I also question them giving to churches so the church can redistribute it. I feel like it would be more impactful and positive for members to give directly to people...and also use these resources not merely to give people fish, but to teach them to fish. (Yeah, no, I'm not really into fish or fishing...it was just a fluke.)
It really reminds me of Schindler's List. He starts looking at items he still owned and wondering how many more people he could have saved if he had sold each item and used that money to save more lives. I think a Church (leadership and members) that thinks this way will be far more effective.
'It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.'
C.S. Lewis
This was amazing! Thank you!
A priest after confession one told me that we all have to be delighted when we see others. True beauty can help with that no doubt
Love your videos sister! Sending love from Australia ❤
Thank you for this, just beautiful!
Such incredible wisdom and a wonderful explanation. This is so true.
Glad to see a female that understands this concept
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, I've personally proved that , the deeper i fell for someone the more beautiful they look to me in the sense that all they flaw become invisible to me or oblivious
I was just pondering this question and had these exact same thoughts but i was asking God to confirm and this came up on my feed 😊
One of the smartest things I’ve heard on RUclips !!
This was good and educative, I would love though if you had an engaging or interactive intro and outro.. You're very unique
Just discovered your channel and subscribed. Appreciate your references and you're thoroughness in your thought and presentation.
"A cow does not look at a sunset and say, 'Mooo!' [at what it sees]" -- Dean Sherman, Relationship Series videos. He covers this well, in his 1980's sweater. He mentions that when he and his wife are together in public, and see a good-looking person, he'll comment on that to his wife.
A related gift mistaken for sin is attraction, which is sometimes equated with lust, greed, or idolatry. Attraction to another person isn't necessarily lust. Attraction to financial improvement of one's life isn't necessarily greed.
Attraction begets motivation. God doesn't forbid desire, but idolatry -- which is when desires are out of order, especially in the top spot in our hearts, which belongs to God.
Keller's Counterfeit Gods is excellent on this topic!
hmmmph. makes sense
This is so incredible. YES!!!!! 😊❤
Brilliant presentation. Thank you 🙏🏼
Since we're talking beauty let me just say your hair is beautiful. Very healthy and shiny.
Vanity is an inordinate preoccupation with what people think. That gives the verses in Ecclesiastes a very interesting perspective. "Everything is vanity"
I am a christian as well, but I have a different point of view
Beauty, as most things in this world, is based on comparison
Someone is beautiful because ugly people also exist(In body, spirit or behavior)
Someone is healthy beacuse sick people exist
Someone is brave because cowards also exist and so on
Thinking that everybody is beautiful is a strange thought
Is like saying everybody is good
We live in a world of comparison because our perception of reality is still primitive
Sexual attraction, imo, is based on vitality
I dare you to go to a home for elderly people and fall in love with someone
Even the behaviors that are attractive(gentleness, joy, inteligence) are also a manifestation of vitality
It serves procreation in the first place
Beauty serves nature
Beauty recognizes the perfection of God and the imperfections of man.
Beauty also provides motivation for ideal and practical action.
The two questions asked by a Christian:
1. How can I conceive and shape my idea of perfection?
2. How can I shape my life to match my abstractions of perfect beauty?
These questions are ancient. Equally ancient are the ideas surrounding the cardinal virtues as pathway to perfection.
Many thanks for your insight.
Beauty vs Hotness
.....I think people are commonly mixing these 2 when they should be separate.
- being HOT is "being healthy and fit + showing skin as much as possible". we see this a lot at bars, on TV etc
- while being beautiful is "being healthy and fit + projecting elegance/grace".... I think the best example is see the fashion of Queen Letizia of Spain
To be honest, when I go outside I see a lot of young people trying to be HOT with what they wear and their actions, but I rarely see someone trying to achieve Christian Beauty. Even when I go to church I see this problem
beauty is a topic that has been going on with me and God at this time thanks
Thank you for this brilliant insight
The story of the priest resonated so much with me as an artist. As a Christian, I would sometimes wonder if God thinks it is a sin to observe and draw naked or scantily clad people in order to study and replicate human anatomy. It's a very tricky situation especially in today's age it is has become very normal for some artists to unapologetically draw degenarate things that reduces the human body as a sex object.
But, thank the goodness of God, I myself have learned to look at pictures of naked people without feeling lust, but fascination of the human anatomy that God has wonderfully created. It's still a bit a dangerous situation to be in as an artist since some photographs and poses purposefully intend to evoke some sexual arousement. I tend to avoid those and choose ones that express athleticism and shape and form instead, but if I feel my mind and heart are being deceitful, I pray before drawing to calibrate my spirit or just avoid drawing anatomy for that day.
There was a lot of missed opportunity to focus on inner beauty. Beauty of family, society. Beauty not just of the eye, but also of heart and action.
Beauty is fleeting.
You make very good points.
Very well said🙏🏾🙏🏾
May the Lord bless you 😊
Shalom,
I'm a first time viewer in the US. Your accent sounds Scandinavian but I could be wrong.
So as a Messianic believer your presentation is very interesting content, I believe the serpent was the most beautiful creature in the garden according to the Torah
I also noticed when you speak one side goes to the other, have you ever had jaw pain, due to misaligned jaw, sorry I'm a geeky guy and healthcare professional who notices things
Oh and your hair color perfectly complements your beautiful face
Take care
The accent is German, I'm from Austria 🙃
Interesting that you mention the jaw, I also noticed that in my videos recently. I don't have pain but my jaw has been making a cracking sound when I open it for the past 1.5 years. If you have an idea what could help, feel free to shoot me an email: thebiblicalbookworm@gmail.com
Thank you for this video! I have reflected a lot in recent times on the problems and manifestations of objectification in my life. As I type this, I realize that part of the spiritual issue is, more specifically than simply seeing another person relative to our own desires, it's that we blind ourselves to their worth that is not of this world. Idolatry, I realized, was a spiritual mixture of codependence and objectification. A simultaneous false subjugation, and sick manipulation for personal gain - the opposite of true worship, where we truthfully give ourselves to the Lord, and then he returns our lives back to us plus grace.
I don't want to continue to ramble, but this has truly made me reconsider certain things about my appearance. I learned that my intentional dishevelment was likely, in truth, a defense mechanism due to some child abuse that I experienced. Likewise, many overweight people (a dramatic disproportion - no pun intended) have histories of emotional trauma, and the dissociative sensation that comes to them (and myself, as I'm a compulsive eater, though I'm not overweight) is a symptom of a greater problem.
It's a very difficult thing, to be. Still, thank you Father for sending your Spirit to renew the face of the Earth. Amen.
Why do you think god is real? Thanks and good luck.
@@TboneWTFI'm going to assume you aren't a bot. The Christian metaphysic describes reality from the perspective of human experience more completely than science possibly could, and so it is a different kind of truth. If a mother told her child, "I love you so much." And a reddit atheist said, "Oh yeah? Prove it." Everyone should and would rightly cringe. There is a visceral directly experienced Truth about the world that comes through our physical existence, and it's that existence, not the propositional or empirical, factual, "cloud of atoms" and it's that *logos* that IS God, that IS Christ. That IS Love. That IS the Holy Spirit. And there is nothing that can really stand in it's place, for any of the arguments against it cannot meet it at it's level, and in it's full dimensionality. As Carl Jung put it, "I do not believe that God is real. I know He is."
I just love you and the way you think so very much ♥️
Soren Kirkgard's sickness onto death explains love perfectly.
This video simultaneously supports normative concepts of beauty and at the same time discredits all concepts of beauty.
Very well made video with thought-provoking reflections. I loved it ;). Also, indeed, not only today is our concept of beauty very artificial and highly manipulable, but after the Enlightenment and the secularization of institutions, the objective of Art and everything that involves the beautiful and the sublime stopped being something objective and that 'seeks' God - since one of the main goals of the Enlightenment was precisely to distance itself as much as possible from God and religion - as it became the complete opposite: Art now (almost) always seeks to subvert and confront existing standards, that is, if any still exist, and to erase traditional standards and values.
I agree with Dostoevsky that Beauty will save the world, but... my question is, can beauty be saved before it can save the world?
Aw. I love this 💕🌸💞