Patrick Callahan

Patrick Callahan, director of the Newman Institute and Assistant Professor of English, discusses making art that leads to God. They explore Thomas Aquinas' principles of beauty and the human person, the causes of a man-made object, the concept of beauty and its relation to God, the sublime in art, and the importance of finding beauty and the sublime in art and life.

Professor Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses Thomas Aquinas' principles on beauty and the human person, explores the concept of beauty in relation to God and the natural world, and delves into the qualities of the sublime in art, highlighting the distinction between commercialized and selfless art.

In this discussion, Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture, explores the poetic brilliance of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He examines Aquinas' views on beauty, emphasizing the importance of proportion and clarity in art and spirituality. Callahan dives into the intersection of art, language, and theology in Aquinas' hymns, revealing the richness of poetic devices and their deep theological meanings. The conversation uncovers how these elements enhance one's understanding of faith and devotion.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute and Assistant Professor at St. Gregory the Great Seminary, illuminates the essential role of poetry in the Christian life. He explores how poetry reflects Christ-like speech and fosters deeper contemplation. Callahan delves into the intersection of art, love, and philosophy, drawing insights from thinkers like Joseph Pieper and St. Augustine. He emphasizes the transformative power of language and the integration of poetry in liturgy, highlighting its ability to connect individuals to the divine and to community.

Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture, dives into the relationship between art and spirituality. He discusses how philosophy and contemplation enhance our experience of the arts and connect us to divine truths. Callahan explores the essence of beauty, linking it to goodness and contrasting divine and created beauty. He also examines the concept of the sublime in art, citing poets like Dante and Shakespeare, and emphasizes how art can awaken spiritual wonder and deeper human desires.