For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:20–21 If therefore we must accord to art an independent existence, and along with it grant the arena of beauty an independent character, then we need to investigate what view of beauty, and consequently, what view of art itself, we should construct.