Against Him those women sin who torment their skin with potions, stain their cheeks with rouge and extend the line of their eyes with black coloring. Doubtless they are dissatisfied with God's plastic skill. In their own persons they convict and censure the Artificer of all things.
Interpretation
This quote criticizes women who alter their appearance with cosmetics, suggesting they are unhappy with their natural beauty.
Tertullian's quote reflects a perspective on beauty and self-acceptance during his time, arguing that those who manipulate their appearance through makeup are expressing dissatisfaction with their God-given forms. He implies that such actions not only signify a lack of appreciation for one's natural features but also challenge the creator's intent and artistry in making each individual unique.
In practice
In a discussion about beauty standards, this quote could highlight the importance of self-acceptance.
Whatever is born is the work of God. So whatever is plastered on, is the devil's work.... How unworthy of the Christian name it is to wear a fictitious face - you on whom simplicity in every form is enjoined! You, to whom lying with the tongue is not lawful, are lying in appearance.
Nature soaks every evil with either fear or shame.
Examine then, and see if He be not the dispenser of kingdoms, who is Lord at once of the world which is ruled, and of man himself who rules; if He have not ordained the changes of dynasties, with their appointed seasons, who was before all time, and made the world a body of times; if the rise and the fall of states are not the work of Him, under whose sovereignty the human race once existed without states at all.
For it is really better for us not to know a thing, because [God] has not revealed it to us, than to know it according to man’s wisdom, because he has been bold enough to assume it.
The first reaction to truth is hatred.
We say, and we say openly, and while ye torture us, mangled and gory we cry out, "We worship God through Christ!" Believe Him a man: it is through Him and in Him that God willeth Himself to be known and worshipped.
But the star thing I can live with. The music I can't live without. And that's how it lays out for me, you know. I got as big an ego and enjoy the attention.
I dreamed I saw the silver spaceships flying in the yellow haze of the sun. There were children crying and colors flying all around the chosen ones.
I do the same thing everyday. I go to work and paint. I try to turn out as many pictures as I can.
I hear the singing of the lives of women. They clear mystery, the offering, and pride.
Men admire the man who can organize their wishes and thoughts in stone and wood and steel and brass.
Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.
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