In Search of Beauty

A few weeks ago we were talking about sexual identity. and this interesting essay. 

You will recall that the writer postulated that the concept of sex-based identity for humans is a modern construct and that the terms, heterosexual and homosexual, which have multiplied and produced a plethora of sex-based identities for post-moderns to choose from, did not exist before the mid-1800s and were popularized by Freud in the early 1900s (the behaviors were, of course labeled and discussed before that time but those behaviors were not considered to have to do with a person’s core identity but rather the result of being a sinful, fallen human being whether male or female).

I’ve lately become more and more interested in Church and Medieval history, well, not history per say but interested in early and medieval thought, especial in the life of the Church. That’s because I like C.S. Lewis. Lewis, for me is one of the marker stones that I always come back to for understanding of theology, philosophy and practical Christian life. Whether it’s Meditations on the Taro, Hermeticism, or Plato, Lewis’ profound understanding of medieval literature coming from a life devoted to its study is a sure pathway.

Anyway, one thing led to another which led to this interesting essay by Anthony Esolen about friendship and how it has been defiled by arbitrary and convenient redefinition

His fine essay takes me back to my experiences as a boy and young man. Mine was, I’m sure fairly typical for men my age – distant parents who were working hard to make a materially better life for themselves and their children while at the same time leaving the yeoman’s work of discipline, direction and affirmation to the schools and the Church and mostly for the kids to figure out on their own. Our parents came from an age where that was possible. Boys and young men could possibly have relationships with extended family and others in the community without much fear of the dangers that plague families and communities today.

In Captains Courageous, Kipling paints a beautiful picture of healthy relationships between men and boys, “Tis beautiful to see how he takes to ut,’ said Long Jack, when Harvey (a 14 year old) was looking out by the windlass one thick noon. ‘I’ll lay my wage an’ share ‘tis mor’n half play-actin’ to him, an’ he constates himself he’s a bowld mariner. Watch his little bit av a back now!’

            “That’s the way we all begin,” said Tom Platt. “The boys they make believe all the time till they’ve cheated ‘emselves into bein’ men, an’ so till they die – pretendin’ an’ pretendin’”

I think I can state pretty confidently that I’m not the only man my age that would have benefited greatly from more influence in my young life from unconfused, honest, older men. I am, at the same time very thankful for the men that did have an influence on my life like my father and grandfather. When I was a little older there was a burly German mechanic who worked for a Porsche racing shop where I hung out every chance I had. A little later another German Porsche mechanic taught me how to tear down and rebuild 6-cylender Porsche engines and to drink St Pauli Girl and Courvoisier. And, a little later yet, and most influential was a Pastor who was willing to put up with this brash, confused and insecure young man. He and I spent many an hour drinking coffee till my eyes couldn’t focus for the jitters. For his patience and kindness I will forever be grateful.

This essay and others are pointing to something. Esolen does a fine job of stating the problem but, as a Christian, what can I do to make it better instead of wringing my hands, restating the problem and lobbing condemnation on the media, the politicians and the schools? What is the missing ingredient? What am I not understanding?

Lately I’m beginning to think that the missing ingredient has to do with beauty and our response to it.

But more on this later