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Abstract
Jean Vanier offers a unique concept of beauty in which beauty is described as inherent in all human beings and revealed in right relationships. According to Vanier, revealing the beauty of every individual is part of the Christian mission and one that requires Christians to properly see and care for persons with disabilities. This essay explores how Vanier’s conception of beauty fits into the larger context of Christian notions of beauty, as well as ways in which revealing beauty through art can be transformative for Christians. The essay begins with a short history of the Western conception of beauty, focusing on the “Great Theory of Beauty” and how it was taken up by Christian theologians. Next, the authors explore Vanier’s own writings on beauty to see how they cohere with and depart from other philosophical and theological conceptions. Finally, the authors discuss how disability art can provide another way in which to recognize the beauty of disability as Vanier understands it.
Notes
1 To view all her prints, see Dariangoldinstahl.com.