Will Beauty Save the World?

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 to seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27:4 NIV)

A famous Russian author (Fyodor Dostoevsky) once said, “Beauty will save the world,” and that statement strikes me at a deep level. Is this true? And if so, what does it mean for us as Christians?

As a novelist, poet, choreographer, and dancer, I’ve spent a lot of time delving into the concepts of art and beauty. They are primary ways I connect with God. I’ve even studied two separate Christian nonfiction books, both titled Beauty Will Save the World.

I believe that this generation is not merely looking for a logical, rational faith with sound systematic theology, but rather for beauty and wonder and relationship with the Creator of the universe. The Scripture above from Psalm 27 clearly indicates the importance and value of this divine beauty.

What if Christianity was never meant to be about power and politics but about beauty and love? Maybe the man who said that beauty will change the world learned this lesson from history. Around 1,000 years ago, a Russian prince named Vladimir was looking for a new religion for his people. The prince sent envoys to study other religions of the world. Here is the report he received about Christianity.

Then we went to Constantinople and they led us to the place where they worship their God, and we knew not whether we were in heaven or earth, for on earth there is no such vision nor beauty, and we do not know how to describe it; we only know that God dwells among men. We cannot forget that beauty.

And so Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity as the new religion of Russia. This is the sort of Christianity that draws people like a magnet.

Just look at the popularity of flash mobs. Does anyone watch those videos of uplifting spiritual songs and dances and say, “Why are you trying to shove your religion down our throats?” Do the performers get accused of being close-minded or judgmental? Not that I’ve heard of. Art has a way of transcending our preconceptions and going straight to the heart. It’s the perfect means of introducing the world to the beauty of our God.

Through utilizing the gift of God’s beauty, we usher in the kingdom of God here on earth even now. God created artists of all types with a distinctive sensitivity to bring special messages to His people. To bring the wonders of the spiritual universe just a bit closer to our grasp through song, dance, paintings, drama, poetry, etc. … To bring a little piece of heaven here to earth. However, each one of us is capable of living a beautiful life full of love, mercy, and grace. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus gives us an amazing portrait of a beautifully lived life.

Will beauty save the world? Not beauty for beauty’s sake. But beauty that gently woos people to the Savior of the world—that sort of beauty most certainly will. Whether you consider yourself an “artist” or not, let’s all challenge ourselves to be conduits of God’s beauty. To be a prophetic people bringing beautiful glimpses of heaven to earth. To do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Introducing to others to the unparalleled wonder of our Savior. Let’s do that in our art and in our lives.

What beautiful things have touched you lately? What draws you closer to God? How can you be a conduit for beauty?

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