Embracing the Beauty in Everyone: A Lesson from a Friend's Faith
A friend of mine harbours a profound affection for Jesus. Curious, I once inquired about his denominational allegiance, only to learn he harbours no concern for the divides among Christian sects. His focus lies squarely on the teachings of Jesus and the call to love others. The fervour in his eyes when he discusses this topic is unmistakable.
Recently, I checked in to see how he was faring, and he expressed great happiness, attributing his well-being to Jesus once more. This piqued my curiosity about what Jesus adds to his life. Initially, I anticipated he might speak to the sense of purpose or direction Jesus offers. Yet, his actual response ventured down an unexpected path. He reflected on how Jesus helped him recognize the beauty in God’s creation that is present in everyone. He articulated a belief that we are all made in the image of God, and if we choose to look, we can see that divine reflection in each person.
This perspective, he explained, teaches him to appreciate everyone's inherent beauty, devoid of self-centredness or judgment. Observing him, one can't help but notice the genuine generosity that radiates from him. He engages with everyone with an infectious enthusiasm and positivity, making you feel truly valued in his company.
Linking this to a logical concept from "Logic in the Wild," I would argue that my friend possesses a coherent worldview. His passion for Jesus furnishes him with a framework for engaging with his community and professional life. My personal views on Jesus and Christianity aside, I find a compelling coherence in his outlook. One need not share his religious convictions to recognize the merit in seeing beauty in everyone. While simpler paths to this attitude might exist, invoking Ockham’s razor seems misplaced here.
Engaging in debates over Jesus and Christianity misses the point entirely. The positive and inspiring energy he exudes is what captivates me. Inspired by his example, I, too, would like to be able to see the beauty of everything reflected in everyone.
