Luther's Theology of Beauty

Lutheran reflections on theological aesthetics, the theory of beauty in relation to God and how the senses contribute to matters of faith, have been few and far between. This is not for a lack of Lutheran achievements in music, architecture, poetry, painting, and sculpture. But rarely do thinkers connect the dots between the beautiful artifacts of Lutheran faith and Lutheranism's sturdy theology. This essay sets forth Luther's aesthetics, grounded in "gospel beauty," as it is revealed, paradoxically, in the ugliness of Jesus Christ who bears human sin. Just so humanity redeemed and beautified by God through faith. As re-ordered to God through faith, believers not only live as Christs for the wellbeing of their neighbors and this good earth, but also enjoy the beauty that God has fashioned in creation.