The Habit Father Damian Ference on The Hillbilly Thomist.
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Aug 18, 2025 Father Damian Ference, a Cleveland priest and philosophy professor at Borromeo Seminary, discusses the philosophical roots of Flannery O’Connor’s storytelling. He argues that O'Connor’s 'hillbilly Thomist' perspective is deeply influenced by Thomas Aquinas. Delving into how sensory experience shapes our understanding of art and reality, Father Ference emphasizes the interplay between meaning and human experience. He also explores the nuances of storytelling, the pursuit of virtue, and critiques the limitations of artificial intelligence in grasping true human existence.
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Sacramental Sense Of Matter
- O'Connor blends Catholic Thomism with Southern particularity: matter matters and stuff has theological weight.
- Sacred practices and objects participate in meaning beyond mere symbolism.
Springsteen On O'Connor And Humanity
- Father Ference recounts Bruce Springsteen praising O'Connor and saying 'we find our divinity in our humanity.'
- He uses Springsteen's remark to connect Catholic Thomism with everyday human experience.
Cross-Train To See Better
- Cross-train in arts (painting, music) to sharpen perception for your primary craft.
- Use other disciplines to improve how you see and thus how you write.
