The Part the Muses Give Us: Poetry as First Art | James Matthew Wilson

Christendom College welcomed acclaimed poet James Matthew Wilson on September 24, 2025. Wilson, professor of creative writing at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, delivered an address titled “The Part the Muses Give Us: Poetry as First Art.” The lecture was part of the Collegiate Lecture Series.

What is Christendom College Lectures?

At Christendom College, we believe education is more than gaining knowledge—it’s about pursuing true wisdom. As a Catholic liberal arts college, our mission is to guide students on the path to Christian wisdom, grounded in the love and contemplation of both natural and divinely revealed truth. This journey doesn’t happen in the classroom alone. Through vibrant campus life, community events, and spiritual opportunities, students are encouraged to cultivate the moral virtues and habits of Christian living. These virtues prepare them to properly order the material and spiritual goods of life, equipping them for a higher purpose. To enrich this formation, the college regularly hosts speakers who inspire and challenge our students to grow in mind, heart, and soul. We invite you to be part of this journey by joining us for these thought-provoking lectures. These talks provide a chance to engage with the ideas shaping our students and to explore how faith and reason together lead to truth. Come listen, learn, and grow with us.