Art once aimed to uplift, inspire, and connect us to something greater - be it the divine, the sublime, or the essence of human experience. It was meant to elevate the soul, to provoke thought, to stir emotion, and to offer a glimpse of transcendence. From the soaring spires of Gothic cathedrals to the sublime … Continue reading From the Sublime to the Grotesque: The Betrayal of Beauty in Modern Art
Tag: Faith
Almost Lent, So… In Defence of Mary: A Passionate Rebuttal to the Doubters
As we stand on the cusp of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and profound intimacy with Christ’s suffering, I find myself compelled to address a grievance that resurfaces time and time again. It is an accusation flung at Catholics with an almost tiresome predictability, a claim made not in the spirit of inquiry but … Continue reading Almost Lent, So… In Defence of Mary: A Passionate Rebuttal to the Doubters
Zacchaeus and the Sycamore Tree: A Story of Redemption and Grace
There are few stories in the Gospels that capture the heart of human longing quite like that of Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus. It is a tale of transformation, of a man lost in the world but found by grace. When I reflect on this account from Luke 19:1–10, … Continue reading Zacchaeus and the Sycamore Tree: A Story of Redemption and Grace
A Pathetic and Shadowy Medley: Tolkien’s Catholic Critique of Protestantism
Having spent a considerable amount of time in Durham Cathedral of late, I have also found myself immersed in The Last Office, a compelling work of narrative history that chronicles the sixteenth-century dissolution of the monasteries - most notably, Durham itself. Meanwhile, like many in recent years, I have been hearing the ever-growing clamour for reparations, … Continue reading A Pathetic and Shadowy Medley: Tolkien’s Catholic Critique of Protestantism
Be Still, My Soul – Finding Peace in God’s Embrace
I think I've mentioned before that there are a few hymns that either bring a lump to my throat or tears to my eyes: Be Still, My Soul is one of them. The lyrics were written by Katharina von Schlegel in 1752, and the music was composed by Jean Sibelius in 1909, giving it a … Continue reading Be Still, My Soul – Finding Peace in God’s Embrace
Wording 