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
