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THE BEAUTY OF CREATION GUIDES US TO GOD!

Gabriel-Victor Baclea, Alin Ionica, Ion Croitoru

First published: 2024https://doi.org/10.35603/sws.iscss.2024/s09/72View metrics

Abstract

This study investigates the teachings of Saint Porphyrios the Kafsokalivite on how the appreciation of beauty in creation can lead believers closer to God. Despite his lack of formal theological training, Saint Porphyrios offered profound experiential insights into divine beauty manifest in nature, art, and music. He passionately argued that the beauty surrounding us is a reflection of divine grace, urging believers to perceive these manifestations as direct links to the Creator. Saint Porphyrios highlighted the spiritual dimensions of beauty, fostering gratitude and reverence for God’s gifts. This study employs a qualitative methodology, analyzing primary sources such as the writings and recorded teachings of Saint Porphyrios, alongside secondary sources including theological commentaries and contemporary scholarly interpretations. The study’s findings reveal that engaging with the world’s beauty cultivates a closer relationship with Christ and enriches spiritual life through continuous praise and glorification of God. By articulating the role of beauty in the spiritual journey, this paper emphasizes its importance in drawing the soul toward higher realms of divine reality. The contribution to the field lies in demonstrating that recognizing and valuing beauty in creation is both an act of worship and a method of theological reflection, leading to a deeper union with the divine. Therefore, in order to emphasize the subject of this study, in addition to the above-mentioned method, we have used both the analytical and the synthesis method, in accordance with the values of Orthodoxy in general.

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Publication details

Title
THE BEAUTY OF CREATION GUIDES US TO GOD!
Authors
Gabriel-Victor Baclea, Alin Ionica, Ion Croitoru
Proceedings
Proceedings of 11th SWS International Scientific Conference on Social Sciences - ISCSS 2024
Publisher
SGEM WORLD SCIENCE (SWS) Scholarly Society
Year
2024
Pages
367-374
SWS Citekey
Baclea202427367374
ISSN
2682-9959
ISBN
978-3-903438-14-9
Language
en
Publication type
Proceedings Paper
Proceedings contents
Open official contents
Keywords
GodSaint Porphyrios the Kafsokalivitebeautycreationdoxology
References15

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