On Beauty.

Good art causes us to see again in a new way, as well. One of the differences between quality art and the mere shock schlock of the world is that the latter is indulgence, which only blinds and dulls. The Marilyn Mansons of the world have to continually think of new and more outrageous ways of shocking us because they really have nothing to say. All they can think to do is stab the numbed nerve harder in the hope that we'll again react to the electric bolt of outraged sensibilities. When they're done, we're utterly desensitized. In contrast, when a good artist is done with his work, we see, hear, and feel in new and deeper ways. We're changed by recognizing anew what we, at some level, both already knew and didn't know at all.

Source: Crisis Magazine - In Praise of Praise by Mark P. Shea

The above passage I believe will be gone with the new issue due out in about a month, so hurry and check it out.

First off his statement on art in our world is spot on and he words it wonderfully. I could go back to Holy Hill and be awed each and every time, find something new and beautiful about this scene but much of "modern art" is like a narcotic, more is required to get the same sensation.

The article quoted does not explicitly talk about beauty but about praising God. The article explains it in a very good way. God is not a petulant child demanding praise or an autocrat who just expects it. Mark P. Shea says just recognizing the beauty and majesty of God leads one to praise God naturally. Often times when we see or hear something beautiful we want to share that something with others, and we are naturally disappointed when praise does not come forth from those we share the item of beauty with.

So too it is with God. Those who recognize the beauty and majesty of God offer praise because it is a natural reaction. We try to share that beauty with others and encourage others to praise along with us.

Good night & God bless you!