The Theology of Beauty and the Sacred Liturgy
This course investigates the theological concept of Beauty in the classical realist tradition.
Enroll in Course
Every sacrament of the Church involves encounter with the things of heaven, bringing aesthetic knowledge of things outside of the natural realm through earthly matter, leading to the concept of “sacramental aesthetics.” This course investigates the theological concept of Beauty in the classical realist tradition, defining beauty as the revelation of the nature of things as understood in the mind of God, which in turn leads to investigation of the Truth of things. Dr. McNamara will explain beauty as it is understood in the West, influenced by Thomas Aquinas, and as in the East in the tradition of iconography. Then all will be tied together in understanding the nature of the Sacred Liturgy as a beautiful revelation of God’s own self to His creatures.
Your Instructor
The Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies and the Master of Arts in Liturgy programs at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, prepares its students in a context of prayer and scholarship with the Church’s future priests, deacons, pastors and ministers to bring solid theological knowledge, critical reasoning and practical skills to bear on the challenges opened by the exciting phase of liturgical renewal emerging in recent years.