An exploration of a biblical theology of beauty. The nature of beauty, and the aesthetic dimension more broadly considered, is the starting point. The student focuses on considering an aspect of God’s self-revelation generally overlooked when we speak about the doctrines of creation, fall, incarnation, redemption, and consummation, namely, the “aesthetic” aspect.
Some cultures have a greater, and certainly different, understanding of beauty and how it should be expressed. The missional student inevitably encounters what they may initially deem to be offensive, crass, or vulgar, or moving, inspiring, and enchanting. This course gives students a Biblical foundation for engaging and evaluating a variety of cultural aesthetic understandings.
Theological aesthetics is grounded in the beauty of the character and creative nature of God. Expressions of beauty are an example of the diversity of God’s creation. This course helps the student understand, appreciate, and engage in cultural expressions of beauty from a Biblical perspective and with a missional heart.
The concept of beauty is grounded in the nature of God, who also created all things good. The course examines beauty as understood and sought out in Scripture.
Aesthetics is not usually thought of as being missional; however, all cultures and peoples have concepts of beauty, which provide points of contact and relationship and bridges for the gospel story.
The course examines aesthetics in context; i.e. definition, understandings, applications, and practice.
The course examines both supra-cultural theological aesthetics and beauty as found in various cultures.
This course equips students with some practical resources to engage others missionally through theological aesthetics.
The student explores and experiences theological and contextual aesthetics.
