genuinely I think one of the most pressing calls for Christians (namely Protestant Christians) today is to stop underestimating the power of beauty
visual beauty, beauty in word, beauty in sound, beauty in story
we have ceded beauty for the past 70 years to the atheistic world and people of all beliefs are realizing that world has failed to carry that standard. people are realizing their daily lives are starved of beauty--especially natural beauty--so they are turning to the entities which recognize its power. entities like paganism, witchcraft, ancestor worship, the New Age. if they are drawn to Christianity (not necessarily believing it), they are more likely to attend a Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox mass.
humans need beauty because humans need God, and beauty belongs to God. which means the church should be the standard-bearer of beauty in this world.
if a church can afford it, they should prioritize building a beautiful church, even if that means it will be smaller or less trendy.
if a church has skilled musicians in their midst, they should prioritize using those musicians in worship, even if it means the style of the music changes.
the church should always prioritize hymns and spiritual songs which exemplify goodness, truth, and beauty in their composition and lyrics, even if it means newcomers don't understand every line yet.
all these forms of beauty should reflect the beauty of the story of the Gospel.
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MC: *has been dragged to Avisos against their will*
Bael, Naberius, and Amon: ...
Beelzebub: This is our new resident. The descendant of Solomon.
MC: *drawing a summoning circle with their heel*
Beelzebub: *erasing it* That can't do.
MC: *clicks their tongue at him*
Beelzebub: Don't make that expression. I'm sure you'll enjoy here in Avisos.
MC: I won't.
Bael: I want to remove your restraints, but...
MC: Don't worry. I think it's for the best I'm restrained now. This will stop me from strangling your king.
Bael: Pft— Well, I forgot to introduce myself. My name's Bael. I guard the king's throne.
MC: Oh, I see.
Bael: ...
Bael: Welcome to Avisos.
MC: ...
Bael: You're not quite the friendly type, are you?
MC: No.
Bael: ...
Bael: Would you like some cookies?
MC: ...
MC: I need to check my book first.
Bael: Why?
MC: I'm sure I've read something about "Never take any of that demon's food." It could be you.
Bael: ...
Bael: You should never judge someone's food before tasting it.
MC: ...So it's awful.
Bael: ...
Satan: Hey, Bel. Bring my friend back. Or I'll come to Avisos to take them.
Beelzebub: *talking to him on the phone* I thought we agreed on sharing the human?
Satan: SHARE MY ASS!
Beelzebub: *chuckles* Chill. The child is enjoying their time here. Unless you're threatened that they might not want to return to Gehenna.
Satan: BEL—
Beelzebub: *ends the call*
Amon: Your Majesty, they're still asleep.
Naberius: Interesting. Not something I expected after they consumed the cookies made by Bael.
Bael: When are they going to wake up? I still need to hear what they think of it.
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Leviathan: What are you doing here in Hades?
Satan: We're here to see the child.
Mammon: They must be feeling lonely. It's been a while since I've last pampered them.
Leviathan: They don't need your pampering.
Beelzebub: Levi, are you aware that your foster child has been dating someone from Avisos?
Leviathan: Dating someone? I doubt that.
Beelzebub: Hm?
Leviathan: I raised that child.
Leviathan: I know they would never be interested to anyone.
Leviathan: So enough with these nonsense and leave.
Satan: Come on. We just want to see MC.
Leviathan: No.
Satan, Mammon, and Beelzebub: ...
Child demon: Descendant of Solomon, will you be forever staying here in Hades?
MC: *carrying him* Hmm... I don't know. I'm not immortal. But sure, I don't mind spending a lifetime here.
Child demon: *giggles* Dying is like living. So you will live forever, descendant of Solomon.
MC: *nods* *accepting his statement*
MC: Anyway, Foras?
Foras: *appears behind them* Yes?
MC: Why can't we return to the castle?
Foras: His Majesty's orders.
MC: ...
MC: He's not kicking me out, is he?
Foras: *smiles* Of course not. Though he needs to take care of something right now.
MC: I see.
Foras: ...
Foras: Would you like to go shopping? I can ask Barbatos to accompany you.
MC: You're already here, Foras. You can accompany me instead.
Foras: If that's what you wish.
Child demon: Can I go with you too, descendant of Solomon?
*the demons around them glaring at the child with jealousy*
MC: ...
MC: Of course. If you promise that you'll be safe after.
Foras: ...
MC: Everything here is similar to the ones I usually wear back in the human world.
Foras: This was the store you used to visit with His Majesty Leviathan.
Foras: In fact, that one baby dress over there was yours.
MC: ...
MC: Why is it on display?
Foras: This has become a memorable place for His Majesty that he ordered this store to stop receiving customers until your return.
Foras: Everything here has been kept in good condition. Shoes, clothes, even the cupcake you dropped on the floor.
MC: ...
Satan, Beelzebub, and Mammon: Levi~.
Leviathan: *is completely annoyed now* *has been trying to shoo them away but they won't listen to him*
Beelzebub: The descendant of Solomon will be needing the devil's energy whether you like it or not. So it's important that they find themselves a partner.
Satan: That's right. You can choose from the demons in Gehenna. Oh, and I almost forgot, they're especially close to Paimon. You can consider him.
Beelzebub: I'm sure they would like Bael most.
Mammon: Bimet is also a good option.
Leviathan: *death glares* How dare you... suggest unworthy demons... to my child?
*meanwhile*
Foras: His Majesty will explode if he sees you wearing that.
MC: *tries on an anklet* Why?
Foras: ...Because it implies that you're married or open to... a lot of things.
MC: ...
MC: I thought it was a good luck charm.
Foras: Oh. I see. Then you can wear it, I'll explain it to His Majesty.
MC: You're quite easy to convince...
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