Exploring the Role of Beauty in Personal and Spiritual Growth

The speaker reflects on the role of beauty in his life, sharing three transformative experiences: an art class at Notre Dame, a visit to the U.S. Capitol, and a retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey. He emphasizes the objective nature of beauty, comparing it to truth and goodness, and encourages taking beauty seriously in evangelization.

What was the speaker's primary interest during his childhood?

• Art

• Science

• Sports

• Music

Who was the professor that influenced the speaker's appreciation for Gothic cathedrals?

• John Henry Newman

• Dr. Dennis McNamara

• Thomas Aquinas

• Robert Leader

What architectural feature did the speaker find particularly moving at Notre Dame?

• The spires

• The stained glass windows

• The gargoyles

• The flying buttresses

What was the speaker's reaction upon seeing the U.S. Capitol?

• He jumped with joy

• He was disappointed

• He felt indifferent

• He was confused

During his pre-priesthood retreat, what aspect of the monastic experience deeply affected the speaker?

• The silence of the surroundings

• The food at the guest house

• The architecture of the abbey

• The chanting of the monks

Where did the speaker go for his pre-priesthood retreat?

• Catholic University

• Benedictine College

• St. Meinrad Archabbey

• Notre Dame

What does the speaker compare the objectivity of beauty to?

• Subjectivity and emotions

• Truth and goodness

• Art and music

• Mathematics and science

According to the speaker, what should not determine the value of beauty?

• Cultural norms

• Historical context

• Personal preferences

• Artistic trends

What does the speaker urge the audience to take seriously in the work of evangelization?

• The significance of beauty

• The importance of sports

• The role of music

• The value of education

Which philosopher does the speaker mention in relation to assent?

• Plato

• Aristotle

• John Henry Newman

• Thomas Aquinas