Issues, Etc. A New York Times Feature, “Anthony Hopkins on Quitting Drinking and Finding God” – Terry Mattingly, 10/30/25 (3033)
Oct 30, 2025
Terry Mattingly, a Senior Fellow at St. Constantine College and author of Rational Sheep, dives into Anthony Hopkins' transformative journey of sobriety and faith. He describes Hopkins’ profound encounter with a voice that led to his alcohol cessation. They discuss how religious experiences are often mishandled by the media, emphasizing the importance of direct questions about faith. Mattingly highlights Hopkins' ongoing gratitude and connections to Catholicism, suggesting that genuine thankfulness in public figures deserves deeper exploration.
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Voice That Ended His Drinking
- Terry Mattingly highlights Anthony Hopkins' claim that a voice told him "it's all over, now you can start living," which ended his craving for alcohol.
- This event shows a profound personal conversion marked by thankfulness rather than doctrinal detail.
Chapel Visit And College Talks
- Mattingly recounts Hopkins visiting Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel and later addressing Catholic students about his gratitude to God.
- Hopkins returned to play a piano piece and developed a quiet relationship with the college.
Thankfulness As Spiritual Signal
- Mattingly notes Hopkins repeatedly frames his experience as thankfulness rather than theological claims or explicit conversion language.
- That gratitude is rare and can signal sincere spiritual searching even when specifics are withheld.
