How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and Attractiveness?
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How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and Att... - 8/7/2008 6:07:00 PM
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solomonsprayer
Posts: 866
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Hi Crosswalkers,
I have a multi-faceted question about how, as Christians, we ought to view and understand physical beauty and attractiveness. Scripture tells us that we are created in God's own image and that we are each special and loved by Him. Given that we are each unique individuals (personality-wise) and also have very different physical bodies (based on gender, race, genetics, etc.), how are we to view and understand the concept of physical beauty and attractiveness in a way that values each person equally for who they are, yet makes distinctions based on our own or our society's preferences for what is considered attractive?
For example, has the thought ever crossed your mind about whether it is wrong to consider one person physically unattractive and another person highly attractive/beautiful? Or if it is not wrong, do you ever feel bad about it? Have you ever felt bad about how another person looked?
Similarly, is there such a thing as a universal beauty standard? Does the Bible not mention beauty in such as way as to suggest that some women or men are more physically beautiful than others, thereby reinforcing (or simply explaining) a kind of qualitative hierarchy of physical attractiveness? (I vaguely recall a friend telling me he heard a Christian professor/theologian/pastor? talk about universal beauty and how people who are generally considered beautiful in one culture are also seen as beautiful in another and vice versa.....though I am not sure of the specifics of that statement and idea).
From another perspective, did God create physical beauty as something to be given to us as a gift or distinct attribute of ourselves in the same way He may have given some a greater degree of skill/ability in another area of life - say, for example, mathematical and scientific ability? ... and another person singing ability, etc. Can it be thought of that way?
I am not sure if I am conjuring up and articulating these various layers to the question accurately, but I hope there are enough rough thoughts/ideas and questions here to get a discussion going. Definitely feel free to add some of your own thoughts and questions.
< Message edited by solomonsprayer -- 8/8/2008 12:37:25 PM >
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/7/2008 7:17:01 PM
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Liveloved
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Great question. And I will start with my handle, Liveloved. That is the place the Lord would have each one of us be---to know that we are eternally loved by the Master of the Universe. WOW!!! Is there or could there be anything better than that? Absolutely not.
Once we know that we are eternally loved by the One Who made us, nothing else matters. What others think, say and do can be thrown to the wind. . . because their thoughts, opinions and words are nothing in comparison.
So when we come from that foundation of eternal love through Jesus, we don't have to struggle with things as much such as this topic of physical beauty. I am beautiful to my Maker. And He says I have been fearfully and wonderfully made.
Are some more physically beautiful than others? Yes. He says so. In scripture numerous people are mentioned as having physical beauty. I think of David and Saul for example. And Esther and Rachel. Is the fact that God in His providence chose to dispense 'beauty' as He sees fit, wrong? I don't think so. Certainly there are cultural standards of what is considered as beautiful. Is it OK? I think it is human and sure it is OK. Just as people have differences in intellect. athletic ability, musical ability, and on and on. And there is nothing wrong with exalting those qualities that people have been gifted with. I believe we've done a real disservice to the young people in our culture by trying to level the playing field---it is deceitful and ends up being more of a hindrance than help in the long run.
I think physical beauty tends to be more important to women than men. But I love it that the Lord speaks of our inner beauty such as Ps 45---where it says the King's daughter is all glorious within. Yes, it the inner beauty, the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.  LL
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/7/2008 7:35:11 PM
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TheBibleTRUTH
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There really isn't anything wrong with physical beauty. We are all different as the genetic cookie crumbles. What's important is that we focus on how God thinks of us, like liveloved said.
Beauty standards are created by men (flesh). So they shouldn't be what you really focus on. In fact if you concentrate on them a ton then you will end up hurting yourself bad in the long run. Holding yourself by the measurements of man is a very discouraging way to live life.
Of course, beauty is also in the eye of the beholder. One person may think that Jessica Alba is the hottest woman in the world. Someone else might think that it's Jessica Biel. The point is that a person perceives beauty in different ways. Just because person A thinks person B is ugly, doesn't mean that person C has to feel that way. In fact, person C could think that person B is a very handsome individual.
Ha, what a confusing ordeal. Just focus on what God thinks about you, because in his eyes everyone is very beautiful!
God bless you in the name of Jesus Christ
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/7/2008 7:49:35 PM
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DwB37
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Basically i think it's all some grand "game/test" God has put us in.
Those who are dealt the worst "hands" will probably get much better grades in the end than those who have it all NOW. But just my theory.
As far as how we all see beauty...well that too has been implanted in us by God,but i wouldn't necessarily call it a "gift",however we can use it to glofiy God.
In technical/scientific terms it really all comes down to how are brains process the images our eyes send it and vice-versa. The question here is why we see beauty in nature so differenty than beauty in people?
When in fact they are all mere objects.
Well from a human perspective,one seeks a spouse primarily based on their physical appearance and then personality. Since one first is attracted to some degree by what they see,and then perhaps they "connect" on a deeper emotion/spiritual level. Which in turn could make that person appear much more beautiful to you than to another,simply put. I think some of us just need more incentive to marry someone,hence God sends along that physically attractive someone to add that extra motivation. Otherwise that person who stays single could be a in lot worse "spiritual" shape by themselves than with another.
That is just my theory too,but maybe more truth in it than not.
All I know for sure is that in heaven we will SEE things a whole lot different than we do now,and as Christ said will "be as the angels".
Bottom line is keeping all things in proper perspective,both introspective and externally.
Go with God,
DB
_____________________________
"For this cause also we thank God without ceasing;for when you received the Word which you heard of us,you received it not as the word of men,but as it is in truth,the Word of God,which effectually works also in you that believe."
{1st Thess.-2:13}
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/7/2008 8:27:11 PM
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TrustingGod
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A woman from church told about seeing her future husband for the first time. She was new at a church and saw the "most handsome man" in the choir. In my opinion her husband is far from handsome. But she was totally serious.
We try to amass money ("gold") for expenses, retirement, houses, etc. but God uses it to pave the streets of heaven.
Some people find beauty (deliciousness) in walnuts and I find them awful.
God's idea of beauty and worth are so very different from man's.
When the Bible says David, Saul, Rachael, Esther were beautiful, does it necessarily mean from a physical standpoint. If so, could there have been something specific about their appearance that made them beautiful (maybe some type of mark or trait)?
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/7/2008 8:47:20 PM
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colliefan
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Prov 31:30 (ESV) 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
1 Sam 16:7 (ESV) 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/7/2008 8:59:43 PM
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Kat_D
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quote:
ORIGINAL: colliefan
Prov 31:30 (ESV) 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
1 Sam 16:7 (ESV) 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
^^ That's what I was gonna say!
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 6:54:43 AM
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RJR_fan
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God sovereignly distributes His gifts as it pleases Him. Not every man is equal in wage-earning power. Not every woman is equal in beauty. However, character is something we can do something about. And, as we walk with God, it's not unusual to fully understand and appreciate the value of a spouse only after decades of marriage.
Certain salacious magazines are mailed in plain wrappers. A superficially unattractive woman might be smart, industrious, kind -- and incredibly sensuous. Grateful to be noticed and appreciated for her virtues. A passionate prize for the man who does, at last, with the eyes of faith, look beyond the visible to those qualities of eternal worth.
Romance is over-rated. The mileage you get from kindness, respect, and faithfulness can keep the little motor running vigorously for an entire married life.
_____________________________
Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 7:31:12 AM
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DaveW
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What is physically beautiful or attractive is very culturally driven. If you are fat (short of morbidly obese), in current western culture you are considered unattractive but in ancient Rome and Greece, that would have been an attractive trait. In older Scandinavian clutures, platinum blonde was considered attractive. At the same time, it would have been ugly in sub-Saharan African culture.
So the old saying is true: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you try to de-code the Song of Solomon to find out what he found attractive, you may come up with some interesting results. But what the bible describes as attractive and beautiful are not physical but spiritual and character traits.
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We are now grandparents TWICE!!
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 7:46:57 AM
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mvic
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I'm often told (gently) that God created unattractive people in order to make us appreciate the beautiful ones.
When I sent my photo to a dating agency, they returned it with a note: "We're not that desperate!!!".
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 10:25:24 AM
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timf
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How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and Attractiveness?
Consider how we get to know someone. We may first see a picture, then meet, them, then hear them speak, then observe their character. We learn about people in layers.
There is a concept that could be called "total attractiveness". For example if a beautiful woman was met and the first words out of her mouth sounded like she had been smoking three packs a day for twenty years, her level of "total attractiveneses" would suddenly plummet.
If you worked with a man that was short and bald, you may at first see him as less than attractive. If, as time passed, you discovered he had a good sense of humor and showed genuine compassion and kindness, his level of total attractiveness would rise.
In the movie "The Ten Commandments" a slave tells Moses that "beauty is a curse to our women". Physical attractiveness attracts the superficial. In a way it is a sort of handicap.
The more a person grows in the image of Christ, the less significance something like physical appearance has. The flesh is corrupt and is passing away. A heart rich in love shows the light and love of Jesus and transcends death. Pity the eyes that cannot see the difference.
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 12:30:00 PM
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dawnofthemorning
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no it should not matter, love comes from within, and in turn, beauty shines on the outside.......i don't think Jesus convicted people for what they wore, besides to be Christ-like we need to love the whole entire person and not just the outer parts, for it is nothing but the lust of the flesh.....Jesus is more concerned about the inner-man, the heart, and if Jesus judged people for the clothing they wore and hated it, that would mean he has hatred in his heart, which is murder and Jesus is none of these things.......besides Jesus said loves us just the way we are, so that he can be the only one to change us and not man.......i always that that beauty came from within, and if the person does not have that inside of them it will show on the outside.........no make-over is going to change the person within unless Jesus is there, in there hearts....
< Message edited by dawnofthemorning -- 8/8/2008 12:53:47 PM >
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 2:25:24 PM
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CheshireMuse
Posts: 101
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quote:
ORIGINAL: solomonsprayer
Hi Crosswalkers,
I have a multi-faceted question about how, as Christians, we ought to view and understand physical beauty and attractiveness. Scripture tells us that we are created in God's own image and that we are each special and loved by Him. Given that we are each unique individuals (personality-wise) and also have very different physical bodies (based on gender, race, genetics, etc.), how are we to view and understand the concept of physical beauty and attractiveness in a way that values each person equally for who they are, yet makes distinctions based on our own or our society's preferences for what is considered attractive?
For example, has the thought ever crossed your mind about whether it is wrong to consider one person physically unattractive and another person highly attractive/beautiful? Or if it is not wrong, do you ever feel bad about it? Have you ever felt bad about how another person looked?
Similarly, is there such a thing as a universal beauty standard? Does the Bible not mention beauty in such as way as to suggest that some women or men are more physically beautiful than others, thereby reinforcing (or simply explaining) a kind of qualitative hierarchy of physical attractiveness? (I vaguely recall a friend telling me he heard a Christian professor/theologian/pastor? talk about universal beauty and how people who are generally considered beautiful in one culture are also seen as beautiful in another and vice versa.....though I am not sure of the specifics of that statement and idea).
From another perspective, did God create physical beauty as something to be given to us as a gift or distinct attribute of ourselves in the same way He may have given some a greater degree of skill/ability in another area of life - say, for example, mathematical and scientific ability? ... and another person singing ability, etc. Can it be thought of that way?
I am not sure if I am conjuring up and articulating these various layers to the question accurately, but I hope there are enough rough thoughts/ideas and questions here to get a discussion going. Definitely feel free to add some of your own thoughts and questions.
Scientifically speaking, there is a universal standard of beauty, on a basic level. It's called the Golden Ratio, and was "discovered" by Michelango. It basically says the the more symmetrical a person's features are, the more likely they are to be percieved as being attractive.
On a personal level, I've always found that outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty holds....
Example: Years ago I worked as the manager of a department store. I was on the cashier line one evening, talking to the head cashier when this woman came in. She was the most stunning person I'd ever seen in my life. So physically perfect, that everyone - men and women alike - stopped and stared at her when she walked in. Later, the gorgeous woman came to the registers. Up close, she was even more beautiful. Then she opened her mouth. She was haughty, loud, rude, sarcastic and had an overdeveloped sense of entitlement. As she spoke, the most amazing thing began to happen.... All of a sudden, that beauty began to dim, and by the time we got her out of the store, she was the ugliest woman I'd ever seen.
_____________________________
Peace,
Muse
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 2:43:20 PM
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justajerk
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quote:
Example: Years ago I worked as the manager of a department store. I was on the cashier line one evening, talking to the head cashier when this woman came in. She was the most stunning person I'd ever seen in my life. So physically perfect, that everyone - men and women alike - stopped and stared at her when she walked in. Later, the gorgeous woman came to the registers. Up close, she was even more beautiful. Then she opened her mouth. She was haughty, loud, rude, sarcastic and had an overdeveloped sense of entitlement. As she spoke, the most amazing thing began to happen.... All of a sudden, that beauty began to dim, and by the time we got her out of the store, she was the ugliest woman I'd ever seen.
Rat's.. You've just dashed my image of Hillary.
_____________________________
"Men think all things would be very glorious, if they might be done according to their mind. Perhaps, indeed, they would -- but with their glory, not the glory of God." - John Owen
monergism
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 3:44:54 PM
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rcjames
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Well shucks, I guess this ole man is having a hard time understanding the trend of this thread.
Sone folks are attractive to look at, some folks are as ugly as a pump handle; does not make them bad folks, just ugly.
All folks can have someone love then no matter how attractive or how ugly they are; God is good that way.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/8/2008 11:57:31 PM
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Kath
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Moving from General Faith to Morality/Ethics
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/9/2008 12:15:48 AM
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slimon11
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TrustingGod
When the Bible says David, Saul, Rachael, Esther were beautiful, does it necessarily mean from a physical standpoint. If so, could there have been something specific about their appearance that made them beautiful (maybe some type of mark or trait)?
Hi TrustingGod, I too thought of these people after reading the OP. I do believe that they were phsically beautiful. I think we can learn a lot about what God has to say about beauty from studying the sisters Rachel vs. Leah.
God does specifically say Leah has pretty eyes but, you can see the beauty in her from the choices she makes. You can see her beauty from her praise for the Lord. What exactly did Rachel's looks get her in the end?
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/9/2008 1:22:07 AM
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DreadPirateRandy
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Physical beauty matters to an extent. If you say otherwise, I would question it.
You can say that it's about one's personality or character, but would you be as interested in that individual if they looked like the love child of Hillary Clinton and Austin Powers? I think not. Well... maybe some of you.
We each decipher beauty differently. Then cultural and society tells us whats attractive, and many buy into that standard.
Beauty, to me, is recognizing it for what it is: God's creation. Unless you can fully grasp everything that an individual is, you cannot appreciate beauty in its entirety.
_____________________________
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet, are of imagination all compact.
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/9/2008 3:21:53 AM
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mphilipk
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I think it is the combination of beauty & attactiveness that ''pulls'' 2 people together.. eg Scarlett Johansson is ''looks'' beautifull but do not '''feel'' attracted
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/9/2008 3:24:38 AM
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b_lozano
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we've all got something that we find attractive; for me, i like to look at the eyes 1st; then the lips; i'm not what most would even remotely consider beautiful; but i think 1 Sam 16:7 says it best: But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/9/2008 4:17:49 PM
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lightshineon
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I really do not view people in that manner, in college I had a pick of men from what some would consider nerdy to handsome jocks, I would be attracted to the ones cosidered nerdy more, that had a good heart.
_____________________________
Remember, whenever you have pearls, there are always plenty of pigs nearby who would be glad to step on them.
F.T., 2007
Be sure you vote for those, whose views you want your children to emulate.
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/9/2008 5:45:10 PM
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Liveloved
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quote:
Well shucks, I guess this ole man is having a hard time understanding the trend of this thread.
Sone folks are attractive to look at, some folks are as ugly as a pump handle; does not make them bad folks, just ugly.
All folks can have someone love then no matter how attractive or how ugly they are; God is good that way.
Thanks
RC
Great answer and observation, RC! See, we have trouble being truthful. And this requires truthfulness. You hit the nail on the head. Thanks.
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/9/2008 9:28:56 PM
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lightshineon
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You know I am telling the truth, never wanted to go out with someone prettier than me (LOL), I just never really thought about men, and physical attractiveness except one movie star one time, then discovered he was gay. My husband was prettier than me when we first married (LOL) seriously, I will see if I can get a young photo of us on here as an avatar. His look did not matter though, I liked his ambition, his kindness, and he is very smart, He is still smarter than me. I hear how smart he is all of the time. 
quote:
ORIGINAL: Liveloved
quote:
Well shucks, I guess this ole man is having a hard time understanding the trend of this thread.
Sone folks are attractive to look at, some folks are as ugly as a pump handle; does not make them bad folks, just ugly.
All folks can have someone love then no matter how attractive or how ugly they are; God is good that way.
Thanks
RC
Great answer and observation, RC! See, we have trouble being truthful. And this requires truthfulness. You hit the nail on the head. Thanks.
_____________________________
Remember, whenever you have pearls, there are always plenty of pigs nearby who would be glad to step on them.
F.T., 2007
Be sure you vote for those, whose views you want your children to emulate.
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RE: How Should We View & Understand Physical Beauty and... - 8/10/2008 1:16:58 AM
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SonInMe1
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Rush Limbaugh said feminism was started by ugly women who wanted a date. His premise was, that pretty women, by their attractiveness alone, could garner the best husbands and therefore get wealth and power through those successful men, that the less than attractive women had a hard time getting.
There is truth is that.
Pretty is in the eye of the beholder. I was talking to a guy once who was bragging about his girlfriend, how beautiful she was etc. He pulled out a pic. Well, I think the old saying is true...love certainly is blind.
My pastor had several jobs before he was a pastor. Actor. Physical trainer. His wife was a model and now is a talent agent. They know a lot of people in the entertainment industry and of course, they witness to them....I would say we have the prettiest front row in the Kingdom.... ...and these pretty, wealthy people?
They need Jesus too.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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