Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Religion & Spirituality

With roots in Greco-Roman antiquity, natural law - the idea that human nature is guided by certain universal principles - has been a cornerstone of Western moral and political thought for centuries. Over the course of 12 lectures, award-winning professor Cary J. Nederman (PhD, York University in Toronto) traces the development of natural law theory from Aristotle (384-322 BCE) into the post-World War II era. Throughout, you will get a flavor for the highly consequential ways in which natural law has both shaped our social institutions and been shaped by Christian thought.

Taught by one of Catholicism’s most influential biblical scholars, this series explores the reform efforts undertaken by three great Councils of the Church: Trent, Vatican I, and Vatican II. Stimulating theological discussions, amusing anecdotes, personal recollections, and touches of British humor are never in short supply with Fr. Henry Wansbrough, OSB - a member of the University of Oxford’s theology faculty, general editor of The New Jerusalem Bible, Benedictine monk of Ampleforth Abbey, and onetime member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission (1997-2007).

How does John’s portrait of Jesus differ from those by the authors of the Synoptic Gospels? What windows does he provide us - in the 21st century - onto Jesus and his disciples? Is having faith the same as believing? Experience the full power of John’s Gospel with one of America’s leading Bible teachers, Felix Just, SJ (PhD, Yale University). This short talk is part of a larger audio series, Fr. Felix Just’s acclaimed Introduction to the New Testament.

How does Acts complement Luke’s Gospel? Can you read one without the other? Does the order in which they were written have any bearing on their meaning for 21st-century readers like you? With one of America’s leading Bible teachers, Felix Just, S.J. (PhD, Yale University), you will delve into compelling new research about Luke’s two-volume project. As you consider some of the finer points - like the probable date of authorship and the significance of the structural outline each follows - you’ll uncover untold depths of meaning.

In this talk, you’ll explore Matthew’s distinct take on Jesus and his disciples. The first book of the New Testament, Matthew’s writing sets the tone for the remainder of the Gospels. As you tune your thoughts to Matthew’s contributions to Christology - or, the study of the person of Jesus - you will pay particular attention to the way in which Matthew introduces Jesus as fulfilling the Old Testament. Under the tutelage of Fr. Felix Just, S.J., you’ll develop strategies for probing its form and meaning.

William Faulkner was undoubtedly one of the greatest American writers. Now, you can take Thomas Merton as your personal guide in discovering the literary and spiritual genius of Faulkner’s works.

Building on Jewish foundations, Christians today are the heirs of a 2,000-year-old tradition of wrestling with questions of right and wrong. By drawing on this rich ethical tradition, we can better understand vital contemporary issues while avoiding past mistakes. To help you address some of the great challenges of our day, Father Edward “Monk” Malloy (PhD, Vanderbilt University) teaches you how to apply time-honored principles from the Christian tradition to the modern world.

This set of captivating talks brings you face-to-face with an intimate side of Thomas Merton - the monk, poet, scholar of literature, and social activist who rocked the 20th century. As with so many of the talks that Merton gave to his novice monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani, these talks put the progression of his thinking - from cloistered monastic life to issues of social justice and interreligious understanding - on view.

Stories about Jesus' miracles have enthralled men and women for the past 2,000 years. Now you can gain deeper knowledge about the miraculous stories in the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the letters of Paul.

In this must-have course, you will encounter Christian anthropology: the branch of theology that articulates the meaning of human existence in light of Christ's revelation. With expert presenter Sr. Sara Fairbanks as your guide, you will examine the multifaceted Christian perspective on humanity's place in the evolving universe. As you ask the deep questions of ultimate meaning, you will explore our origin, purpose, goal, and future destiny.

With powerful theology and mysterious authorship, the Gospel according to John offers profound theological insights into Jesus and his mission. But John has also baffled scholars and generated countless questions for millenia. In this talk, Felix Just, S.J. offers you a compass to navigate the disorienting, albeit beautifully rendered, passages of John’s Gospel. By learning how to interpret its key features, you will not only discover new depths in its ancient pages, but also arrive at a fuller picture of its relationship to the Synoptic Gospels.