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!
@@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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
"With beauty you enjoy the desire without the satisfaction" - well, it's beauty. You enjoy the beauty itself, the contemplation of it is satisfying.🤷🏻♂️
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.
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.
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! 🤠
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.
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❤
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. ☦️✝️⛪
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
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!
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.
"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
"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!
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,
I hesitate to write this comment because I fear the intent of it will be misinterpreted, but regardless, here I go. It's funny that you made a video discussing a topic like this, because it has been on my mind recently. I've noticed a growing number of objectively attractive, young, Christian women posting more and more on UA-cam and other social media platforms. Often, the videos *appear* (emphasis on appear) to be directed toward other young women, but the result almost always ends up being that men become the dominant audience (which I am very confident this has been the result for your channel, although obviously I don't know for sure without seeing your channel's up-to-date analytics.) Whether or not this is intentional is subject to each person, I suppose. Regardless, that is not the point of my comment: whatever the intent of the young women doing this is, I must say that it is actually quite genius, in my opinion. Men who would normally not be even slightly interested in Christian content end up watching these videos for an often immoral reason and leave the video better than they found it, unlike the other, morally deplorable online content with attractive women. I was introduced to your channel through the Christian gender gap video you made, and in total honesty, while the topic of the video did catch my interest, I more than likely would not have watched if you had not been in the thumbnail. I don't need to reiterate what I'm sure countless other single (well, hopefully single) men have commented on about your appearance, but one thing that made me want to listen to you discuss the topic was the way you were *dressed.* You cannot imagine how frustrating it is as a single guy to even attempt to think purely while perusing social media. Even if you are not seeking it, nudity is everywhere, sadly even among so-called "Christian" content. To be able to safely admire someone's beauty and listen to their discussion without having to battle lustful thoughts is a legitimate blessing. I think that you are "using" the beauty God has so graciously given you in the best way you possibly can. As someone who is objectively unattractive, it has made me appreciate the beauty of others even more than I may have had I been blessed with handsome features. Further, it has caused me to work to improve the parts of me that I cannot change about myself; I attempt to dress well and maintain godly character, I try to work harder, longer, and faster than my peers, and I have worked on battling my naturally awkward, introverted personality and forcing myself to be as outgoing and friendly as I can to those around me. In a way, I realize that even though I may not have physical "beauty," I can work toward having something that God may value far, far more than outward attractiveness-inward holiness. Just a few meandering thoughts from a once-anonymous viewer. This was a well-spoken, excellent video, Biblical Bookworm! I hope you continue to use the great beauty (both external and, far more importantly, internal) God has bestowed on you for His glory and the edification of your viewers. Blessings in Christ.
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! 🙏✝😁
'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
"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.
I agree with the atheists that say we shouldn’t glorify buildings with gold but feed the poor. The poor christians. The church is the body of believers. We should be investing in each other. I work as a missionary, on my own dime. I’ve seen first hand how we spend all our money on people who hate God and let the Christians starve. If another missionary comes in with better funding, the people we were thinking we were witnessing to left us for the new missionary with greater gifts to give. We spend all of Gods blessings hoping to convert a sinner while neglecting our brothers. It is our inner beauty that we are to show the world, not our riches.
Gold's main use is in decoration, without which it has little value. So, not using gold in churches wouldn't necessarily do that much to feed the poor at it would devalue gold
A church built in crisis poverty, for a hypothetical, should indeed be rather utilitarian. But as a professional commercial contractor, I’d like to get away from building a boring box, full of boring boxes, with white or fake wood cabinets. I’d like to practice real skill someday, real craftsmanship. My dad is helping to renovate an old church, and came back with a set of door hinges. After taking many layers of paint off, one could see they were decoratively cast. Even the door hinges were beautiful! Now the church body renovating the building can’t afford to restore the pipe organ, so likely the world will lose that beautiful instrument. What does it say to the world if we abandon beauty to the atheists? Certainly the beauty of our buildings should come after the spiritual and physical care of the stains, and not at the expense of spreading the gospel. That said, if our buildings are all poverty tier, who would want to be in one? In modern countries this may encourage people to forego fellowship when their home is more beautiful and comfortable than the church building. Please always take pause to think and converse with your fellow Christian when you find yourself agreeing with an atheist
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.
Sarah, Esther, Jezebel, Delilah, Saul, David, Absalom, Bathsheba, and Daniel are all recognized as individuals of notable physical beauty, possessing the freedom to utilize this attribute for either benevolent or malevolent purposes. Beauty, akin to any other gift, serves as a powerful instrument intended to attract attention and evoke pleasure in others. It is evident among those have, who are revered as devout servants of God, their beauty was employed to capture the attention of the influential or the populace for the advancement of God's work.
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.
Most flowers are aesthetically similar, and the same species of animals too for the most part - humans come in differing facial features that run the gambit - Hair color skin, eyebrows, noses, ears, body shape, height .Etc.. ( This is going to sound terrible, but you look at some people - and you wonder if they're the same species of homo sapiens, as far as physiology is concerned)
Not surprising if we notice how the Blessed Mother is always portrayed as a young beautiful woman in the flower of life. Most historians and academics coincide that the Blessed Mother was just an impoverished teenager when she gave birth to Our Lord and Savior, no gold jewelry or fine clothes, no perfectly cared skin.
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 designs of almost everything, cars, buildings, boats, fountains, ect years ago were very beautiful, with pinstriping, flairs, scrolls, bright colors and function AND beauty. Now we have gaudy, cheap, throwaway garbage that is plastic and gives a sickly almost unusable appearance
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. 🙂🙏
There’s a difference between beauty and sensuality. A Godly woman would take care not to get the two mixed up and to dress in a way that would draw attention to her face and not her body.
I highly recommend to everyone the book: Your Life Your Game by keezano📖 I read it and it changed my life, it shows how connecting with God and your inner self can lead to spiritual growth and financial success. A must read…God bless😌
One more subscriber here. This is just a sane piece. Not these superficial me me propagandists. True beauty doesn't present itself for itself but for God. The rest would be chain reaction. First you seek God, the rest will come chasing you, not that we should lose focus and turn to them but just that these things dont matter more than Christ. Thank you.
Vanity's actual core quality is finitude, something that goes away; what the whole book of Ecclesiastes is about. The word tries to translate the Hebrew "hevel", a smoke. That's everything in this life, like James 4:14 says. If you think about it, every pleasure we can feel through our senses, including to quench thirst and hunger, is a finite little taste to the infinite bliss of God's triune love it points to. Paraphrasing 1Co 13:12, now we know in part, then we shall so fully.
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!
It is not just human beauty, but natural and human-built beauty
“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.
9:23 I love this point. Objectifying someone else is a choice. You aren't forced to.
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!
we?
so ugly people (and there are millions of ugly people) are what? a manifestation of what?.
Elisabeth's impression of "That's a face only a hunter could love!" had me laughing!
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.
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.
Thank you for your insights Elizabeth! We're happy to hear that "God is Beauty" was a blessing to you!
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.
One example is ESTHER. The beautiful queen ❤
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.
*beauty will save the world*. - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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.
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!
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.
"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.
This was well articulated and very thought provoking. Definitely enlightened my views on God & beauty
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...
I appreciate that you synthesized your viewers input. The philosophy of aesthetics is gripping.
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.
Thanks to God He created beauty. You are beautiful.
The Power of Beauty:
Elisabeth's face
Checkmate. 👍
_"Beauty will save the world."_
-- Prince Myshkin, from _The Idiot_ by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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! 🤠
It's nice to see and hear a smart, classy, beautiful young gal. We need more of like her.
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.
I have heard a lot of wonderful things about Kathleen Mary Vella on the news but didn't believe it until now. I'm definitely trying her out
Very interesting your beauty both interior and exterior comes through in your videos God Bless 🙏
Glad to see a female that understands this concept
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.
I am a software developer. I always strive to write beautiful code, even if it just as a way to glorify God.
Anyone got good book recommendations on this subject ?
Excellent as always!
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❤
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. ☦️✝️⛪
Since we're talking beauty let me just say your hair is beautiful. Very healthy and shiny.
Very well said! Really underrated 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
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!
Love your videos sister! Sending love from Australia ❤
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.
Great video, especially the garden analogy.
This was amazing! Thank you!
Thanks! This is a very good and healthy approach!🙌
I can see by your expression/radiance that you understand what you say!
This video simultaneously supports normative concepts of beauty and at the same time discredits all concepts of beauty.
"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
Amen !
God bless you and your house Sister 🕊🕊🕊
Very well said🙏🏾🙏🏾
May the Lord bless you 😊
Excellent video, thank you for this and all your hard work.
Soren Kirkgard's sickness onto death explains love perfectly.
"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!
Many thanks for your insight.
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.
I’ve seen a few of your videos and I happen to think your contribution is pretty wonderful. Wow you.
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,
I hesitate to write this comment because I fear the intent of it will be misinterpreted, but regardless, here I go. It's funny that you made a video discussing a topic like this, because it has been on my mind recently. I've noticed a growing number of objectively attractive, young, Christian women posting more and more on UA-cam and other social media platforms. Often, the videos *appear* (emphasis on appear) to be directed toward other young women, but the result almost always ends up being that men become the dominant audience (which I am very confident this has been the result for your channel, although obviously I don't know for sure without seeing your channel's up-to-date analytics.) Whether or not this is intentional is subject to each person, I suppose. Regardless, that is not the point of my comment: whatever the intent of the young women doing this is, I must say that it is actually quite genius, in my opinion. Men who would normally not be even slightly interested in Christian content end up watching these videos for an often immoral reason and leave the video better than they found it, unlike the other, morally deplorable online content with attractive women.
I was introduced to your channel through the Christian gender gap video you made, and in total honesty, while the topic of the video did catch my interest, I more than likely would not have watched if you had not been in the thumbnail. I don't need to reiterate what I'm sure countless other single (well, hopefully single) men have commented on about your appearance, but one thing that made me want to listen to you discuss the topic was the way you were *dressed.* You cannot imagine how frustrating it is as a single guy to even attempt to think purely while perusing social media. Even if you are not seeking it, nudity is everywhere, sadly even among so-called "Christian" content. To be able to safely admire someone's beauty and listen to their discussion without having to battle lustful thoughts is a legitimate blessing. I think that you are "using" the beauty God has so graciously given you in the best way you possibly can.
As someone who is objectively unattractive, it has made me appreciate the beauty of others even more than I may have had I been blessed with handsome features. Further, it has caused me to work to improve the parts of me that I cannot change about myself; I attempt to dress well and maintain godly character, I try to work harder, longer, and faster than my peers, and I have worked on battling my naturally awkward, introverted personality and forcing myself to be as outgoing and friendly as I can to those around me. In a way, I realize that even though I may not have physical "beauty," I can work toward having something that God may value far, far more than outward attractiveness-inward holiness.
Just a few meandering thoughts from a once-anonymous viewer. This was a well-spoken, excellent video, Biblical Bookworm! I hope you continue to use the great beauty (both external and, far more importantly, internal) God has bestowed on you for His glory and the edification of your viewers. Blessings in Christ.
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! 🙏✝😁
beauty is a topic that has been going on with me and God at this time thanks
'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
"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.
This is so incredible. YES!!!!! 😊❤
awesome topic
I agree with the atheists that say we shouldn’t glorify buildings with gold but feed the poor. The poor christians. The church is the body of believers. We should be investing in each other. I work as a missionary, on my own dime. I’ve seen first hand how we spend all our money on people who hate God and let the Christians starve. If another missionary comes in with better funding, the people we were thinking we were witnessing to left us for the new missionary with greater gifts to give. We spend all of Gods blessings hoping to convert a sinner while neglecting our brothers. It is our inner beauty that we are to show the world, not our riches.
Gold's main use is in decoration, without which it has little value. So, not using gold in churches wouldn't necessarily do that much to feed the poor at it would devalue gold
A church built in crisis poverty, for a hypothetical, should indeed be rather utilitarian. But as a professional commercial contractor, I’d like to get away from building a boring box, full of boring boxes, with white or fake wood cabinets. I’d like to practice real skill someday, real craftsmanship.
My dad is helping to renovate an old church, and came back with a set of door hinges. After taking many layers of paint off, one could see they were decoratively cast. Even the door hinges were beautiful! Now the church body renovating the building can’t afford to restore the pipe organ, so likely the world will lose that beautiful instrument.
What does it say to the world if we abandon beauty to the atheists? Certainly the beauty of our buildings should come after the spiritual and physical care of the stains, and not at the expense of spreading the gospel. That said, if our buildings are all poverty tier, who would want to be in one? In modern countries this may encourage people to forego fellowship when their home is more beautiful and comfortable than the church building.
Please always take pause to think and converse with your fellow Christian when you find yourself agreeing with an atheist
Just discovered your channel and subscribed. Appreciate your references and you're thoroughness in your thought and presentation.
There are two things that open the human heart, beauty and pain.
The fascinating thing about God being both beauty and truth, is that that means that both of those things are fundamentally expressions of love.
Fascinating thoughts dear sister. Thank Ahaya asher Ahaya YaHuWaH Tsavuot Most High for your beauty and your soul.
Brilliant presentation. Thank you 🙏🏼
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.
Aw. I love this 💕🌸💞
Sarah, Esther, Jezebel, Delilah, Saul, David, Absalom, Bathsheba, and Daniel are all recognized as individuals of notable physical beauty, possessing the freedom to utilize this attribute for either benevolent or malevolent purposes. Beauty, akin to any other gift, serves as a powerful instrument intended to attract attention and evoke pleasure in others. It is evident among those have, who are revered as devout servants of God, their beauty was employed to capture the attention of the influential or the populace for the advancement of God's work.
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.
great job. Thank you.
I love preaching about 1 Corinthian Chapters 13 about love and its traits
Great video!
Ruth in the Bible is my favorite example of this! ☺️
Thank you for this brilliant insight
Okay, makes sense, but kinda hard to comprehend, thanx
You make very good points.
Most flowers are aesthetically similar, and the same species of animals too for the most part - humans come in differing facial features that run the gambit - Hair color skin, eyebrows, noses, ears, body shape, height .Etc.. ( This is going to sound terrible, but you look at some people - and you wonder if they're the same species of homo sapiens, as far as physiology is concerned)
Good vid!
Not surprising if we notice how the Blessed Mother is always portrayed as a young beautiful woman in the flower of life. Most historians and academics coincide that the Blessed Mother was just an impoverished teenager when she gave birth to Our Lord and Savior, no gold jewelry or fine clothes, no perfectly cared skin.
Such incredible wisdom and a wonderful explanation. This is so true.
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 designs of almost everything, cars, buildings, boats, fountains, ect years ago were very beautiful, with pinstriping, flairs, scrolls, bright colors and function AND beauty. Now we have gaudy, cheap, throwaway garbage that is plastic and gives a sickly almost unusable appearance
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!
There’s a difference between beauty and sensuality. A Godly woman would take care not to get the two mixed up and to dress in a way that would draw attention to her face and not her body.
You are beautiful inside out. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, and God bless .
The Word speaks truth.
If you still sin,
You are not yet saved.
Believe it or not,
This is the Word of God.
Beauty is fleeting.
Wonderful video
I highly recommend to everyone the book: Your Life Your Game by keezano📖 I read it and it changed my life, it shows how connecting with God and your inner self can lead to spiritual growth and financial success. A must read…God bless😌
"Il y a un spectacle plus grand que la mer, c'est le ciel; il y a un spectacle plus grand que le ciel, c'est l'intérieur de l'âme."
Victor Hugo
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.
One more subscriber here. This is just a sane piece. Not these superficial me me propagandists. True beauty doesn't present itself for itself but for God. The rest would be chain reaction.
First you seek God, the rest will come chasing you, not that we should lose focus and turn to them but just that these things dont matter more than Christ. Thank you.
Very interesting video, thank you
I love your content.
Vanity's actual core quality is finitude, something that goes away; what the whole book of Ecclesiastes is about. The word tries to translate the Hebrew "hevel", a smoke. That's everything in this life, like James 4:14 says. If you think about it, every pleasure we can feel through our senses, including to quench thirst and hunger, is a finite little taste to the infinite bliss of God's triune love it points to. Paraphrasing 1Co 13:12, now we know in part, then we shall so fully.