Towards a Culture of Beauty

In this article, Artist-in-Residence of Thomas More College of the Liberal Arts, David Clayton, describes how beauty, the liturgy, and the recognition of man's true nature can renew Catholic culture.
Clayton explains that man is body, soul, and spirit. He distinguishes between soul and spirit, referencing the medievals. The spirit, aka nous or intellectus, is the "mind's eye", the faculty by which we are open to beauty.
PS - make sure to check out the linked article "Beauty, Contemplation and the Virgin Mary" by Sister Thomas Mary McBride, OP.

Here are some snippets:

"A true Catholic culture is one that not only reflects the liturgy, but through its compelling beauty, is so powerful that it overcomes other cultures and dominates the profane (ie the wider culture outside the domain of religious practice)."

"Equating it with the intellectus of the Western medievals or the nous of the Eastern Church in the tradition of Church Fathers, the spirit is the spiritual receptive knowing power of the human mind. This is the aspect that ‘sees’, so to speak, God and is receptive to grace."

"Our participation in the liturgy is the primary educator in the Faith at all levels. A true conformity of body, soul and spirit is what is desired."

TJTM,
V

Mumford, Shakespeare, and Christianity

I just had to post this article by Sophie Caldecott on Mumford and Sons, Shakespeare, and Christianity. It's a delightful read; please enjoy!

While you're at it, check out Second Spring: A Journal of Faith and Culture. A wonderful contribution to the New Evangelization.

TJTM,
V

Quotes to Keep You Going -->

"You are here for a reason, and your life testifies to MORE than you have imagined. Don't be afraid to offer yourself completely to God."

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Whatever your work is, put your HEART into it...it is CHRIST THE LORD that you are serving."

- Colossians 3:23-24


Persevere in prudence.
TJTM,
V

It's a New Day.

I quite like haikus.
Here: I'll share a few with you.
Won't you write one, too?

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Tis a pleasant day -
chai tea, poetry, papers -
pitter pat, Rain Drops.

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new day approaches -
look out now, world - here she comes!
Beauty is calling.

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It's never too late to be creative.
Share Beauty with the world.

TJTM,

V