When You Do Not Fit In: Ugliness as a Theological Problem

Abstract

The article draws attention to the ethical and pastoral dangers associated with the theological subordination of ugliness to other purposes, such as universal harmony and order, the search for the immutable, or divination. It also traces the tendency to conflate moral and aesthetic ugliness, which has led to the marginalisation or even persecution of others on the basis of their outward appearance. As a counterpoint to these tendencies, the article emphasises the idea of the ugly suffering servant Christ, which contains pastoral and countercultural potential.