Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Religion & Spirituality

Pope Francis is a pope of firsts: the first Jesuit, the first to take the name Francis, and the first pope from the Americas. His papacy has been marked by a style of simplicity, warmth, and an emphasis on the heart of the Gospel. In his opening conference in a retreat to the bishops of Latin America, Francis said, "What moves us most is the desire to thank God and to praise him." Like Pope Francis, we are all called to conversion, impelled towards the renewal of our faith.

This series explores the Bible through the fascinating lens of feminism. How can feminist methods help you better understand Scripture? What do these methods entail, and why are they important to both men and women? You will answer these questions with a variety of examples from both the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, award-winning professor Sr. Barbara Reid will teach you different ways to approach the Scriptures from a feminist perspective.

Merton first looks at the "Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy," which is, as Merton calls it, a work of supreme faith and the most important document on the liturgy in 1,600 years. He then explored the Vatican II's schemata on the religious life, which eventually culminated in the "Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life." Merton's lectures took place before this document was issued, so you will get a fascinating look at the inner workings of the church.

Since the age of the apostles, great scholars and lay Christians alike have reflected upon the meaning of Scripture, the nature of divinity, the call to discipleship, and countless other topics in our religious tradition. This practice, known as theology, is as important to Christian life today as ever. And yet, theology can sometimes seem remote from the everyday life of faith; too often, we view it as an obscure activity conducted in the ivory towers of academic life.

In the midst of poverty and oppression, liberation theology emerged in 20th-century Latin America as a beacon of hope. By thinking about their faith in innovative ways, believers wrestled with these profound social problems. Dramatic in its context and sweeping in its scope, liberation theology continues to offer fascinating ways to engage with issues such as inequality, violence, and ecological concerns. Now, Liberation Theology gives you the opportunity to understand its context and implications today.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430) is unquestionably one of the most influential figures in Western civilization. This audio course will bring you to the heart of St. Augustine’s works, revealing how his words speak to us across the centuries. According to his rival and contemporary St. Jerome, Augustine “established anew the ancient faith”.

For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have followed the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, called Messiah or Christ in the New Testament. Indeed, no other person has had such a wide-ranging and powerful impact on the history of the Western world. This has compelled scholars and the faithful alike to undertake the quest for knowledge about his life. Now, you too can take this quest.

Explore one of the most exciting books of the New Testament with early Christianity expert Sr. Laurie Brink as your guide. In this brilliantly taught Bible study course, you will gain powerful insight into early Christianity, the lives of the disciples, and Christ's mission.

The very word "reformation" is shrouded in conflict, bringing to mind new beginnings, partisan church politics, and the dawn of a modern world vision. Indeed, when you hear it, you probably think of a single event - Martin Luther posting The Ninety-Five Theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517. The truth, however, is much more nuanced - and interesting - than that. Join award-winning historian, Prof. Christopher M. Bellitto, PhD, in The Reformations, a fascinating journey through Church history.

Explore the profound spirituality of Hans Urs von Balthasar. Born in Switzerland, Balthasar (1905-1988) was one of the most prolific and sophisticated Catholic thinkers of the 20th century. As you will discover, Balthasar's theology provides a powerful model for the Catholic Church in the modern world. In Hans Urs von Balthasar: Rediscovering Holistic Christianity, you will join Balthasar expert Dr. Kevin Mongrain (PhD, Yale University) in exploring this great theologian.

Join Thomas Merton in spellbinding lectures on two essential philosophical topics. In this audio program, you will learn about the meaning of life and the essence of beauty with Thomas Merton, one of the 20th century's great thinkers. Delivered with unrivaled brilliance and insight, these remastered recordings of Merton himself will transport you into the abbey where he taught and imparted his spiritual wisdom.

Taught by one the world's leading Ignatian spirituality experts, this course is a must-have for any Christian giving or finding spiritual direction. Available as a 12-part course, Finding Spiritual Direction was carefully crafted to help you navigate the rich currents among Christians seeking, giving, or getting spiritual direction. Drawing on 50 years of experience, engaging spirituality leader Rev. Tetlow, SJ, explores spiritual direction in its most basic reality: the personal relationship of two disciples guided by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" For two millennia, believers have tackled this profound question. Now, you are invited to join one of Catholicism’s top theology professors as you explore this question and edify your faith. Under the guidance of award-winning Catholic Theological Union professor Fr. Robin Ryan, CP, you will examine the Christologies of the New Testament.

Trained as a scientist and ordained as a Jesuit priest, Teilhard was one of the most profound spiritual writers of the 20th century. He was a mystic with a cosmic vision, and his spirituality continues to enthrall people around the world. He seamlessly wove together science and theology, creating a powerful vision of the universe.

From the time of the early Christians, the book of Revelation has fascinated and puzzled its readers in equal measure. Now you can join one of the world’s leading experts in exploring this important - and often misunderstood - biblical book.

Every week, Catholics profess their faith in a “world without end” and “the resurrection of the body.” How can eschatology - the study of the Last Things - strengthen your hope in these beliefs? Filled with fresh and fascinating perspectives, Eschatology: The Theology of Ultimate Hope gives you the tools to understand the Last Things. Your guide, veteran Boston College professor Father Harvey Egan, will change the way you think about existence, both in this life and beyond it.

Is extrasensory perception or “ESP” real? The possibility of ESP fascinates us, providing the plot for countless films and television shows. Think of The Shining or The Twilight Zone. No one denies how much ESP has captured the popular imagination, but is there any factual basis for it? Some say yes - even leading scientists. Recently, researchers have begun giving serious attention to what was once thought a pseudo-science. As human concepts of reality keep expanding, the existence of ESP appears ever more plausible.

Finally! A clear, concise, and informative overview of the beliefs and practices of the world’s great world religions. As both a wellspring of hope and an author of tragedy, religion has profoundly shaped the great civilizations of human history. An unequivocal force in the ancient world, religion continues to fire the imagination of millions in our own time and remains a fascinating index of human aspiration and creativity.

Nearly eight years in the making, Mary: Mirror of God Who Sees, Hears, Cares, and Comes is neither “pious chatter” nor “frilly theology.” It is born, rather, of Fr. Crosby’s serious questions about Mary’s rightful place in Christian faith, his constant grappling with the “So what?” of effective preaching, and his insights into the importance that God desires Mary to have in our lives.

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.