The Danger of Accomplishments - Sheila Berube

This episode of Newman on Tap Presents, hosted by Ron Snyder, features guest Sheila Berube, a retired Catholic Studies graduate student who discovered St. John Henry Newman through her coursework. Together they explore Newman's sermon The Danger of Accomplishments (1831), which warns that knowledge, talent, and accomplishment are only good insofar as they lead to virtuous action rather than empty feeling. They discuss how education and "refinement" can create a false sense of piety if it never translates into obedience and duty toward God. Sheila connects this to Newman's idea of the "gentleman" — someone who appears polished but may lack true virtue — and to her own studies on the Catholic novel and grace. The conversation touches on Augustine, Mother Theresa, and Flannery O'Connor as examples of faith requiring real sacrifice, not just intellectual or aesthetic appreciation. They close by reflecting on Newman's own spiritual journey from Anglicanism toward Catholicism, and Ron invites Sheila back as she continues her studies. To approach Newman's majestic thought it is highly recommended to download the formatted sermon at www.newmanontap.com. Comments and suggestions are appreciated on the same site.