BEAUTY AND ITS PROJECTION IN CHRISTIAN AND ISLAMIC TRADITION

Abstract

This essay deals with the conception of beauty and its manner of reflection in Christian and Islamic tradition concisely. Thus some influential thinkers in both traditions are chosen in order to exemplify the common conception of beauty. Christian tradition embraced Greek conception of beauty and art; however it brought a metaphysical depth to Greek conception of beauty in the hands of Christian thinkers. The conception of beauty in Islamic tradition was inspired by the religion and the Hellenistic heritage. However, the most elaborated theories on beauty in both Christian and Islamic tradition were done by mystic philosophers. In both traditions beauty is interpreted as something ontological. Accordingly, beauty is being, not a property added to it accidentally. However, the projections of this common conception of beauty differentiate from each other in some respects. While Christian art emphasizes divine intimacy and tragedy in naturalist perspective, Islamic art concentrates on the statement of the unity, transcendence, and eternity of God in stylized form. Yet, this essay does not overlook counter-examples and different artistic ages in the history.