Beauty is central to Christian worship, intertwining with spirituality and formation, as believers seek to behold God’s splendor (Psalm 27:4). Jonathan Edwards, a pivotal theologian, synthesized four definitions of beauty—classical, transcendental, subjective, and theological—offering a profound framework for worship. His concept of beauty as “being’s consent to being” emphasizes God’s loving union within the Trinity, where divine beauty radiates through harmony, truth, and goodness. Edwards viewed this primary beauty as the foundation of all beauty, with secondary beauty in creation and human virtue reflecting God’s essence.

In worship, perceiving beauty requires a regenerate heart, enabling believers to experience God’s glory through imagination and contemplation. Edwards’ synthesis suggests that art, music, and poetry—integral to worship (Ephesians 5:19)—are vital for encountering divine beauty. Neglecting beauty in liturgy, influenced by Enlightenment objectivity, has diminished Christian expression. By pursuing beauty, defined as God’s dynamic love, worship becomes a transformative act of union with the Triune God. Edwards’ insights inspire believers to cultivate a vibrant, beauty-centered spirituality, enriching both corporate and private worship with divine harmony and love.