Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Christianity

Understand what the Bible says about morality, law, and justice. Begin by exploring modern ideas of justice and morality and how these concepts are similar to and different from biblical notions. Examine the meaning of the classic term for justice, "Mishpat", and see how law, morality, and justice are discussed in different types of biblical literature, from the early Hebrew writings and traditions through to the New Testament era - over 1,000 years of biblical history.

Join one of America's leading theologians in exploring a question of timeless importance: What does it mean to lead a good life? Your professor for this provocative 24-lecture course is Kenneth R. Himes, O.F.M. (PhD, Duke University), an award-winning author and professor of theology at Boston College.

For two millennia, the Christian tradition has developed tried-and-true methods for finding peace and dwelling in the presence of God. These time-honored practices have helped countless men and women lead more meaningful lives. But wielding the spiritual tools forged by our spiritual ancestors can be difficult amid the bustle of modern life.

The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John form an exquisite kaleidoscope that reflects the life and teachings of Jesus. Under the guidance of acclaimed biblical scholar Felix Just, SJ (PhD, Yale University), you will consider the different historical contexts, intended messages, and emphases of each evangelist.

Jesus was a figure thoroughly grounded in the religious traditions of Judaism, and his Jewish context illuminates his mission and ministry. Two millennia after the death of Jesus of Nazareth, the story of his life and teachings continues to compel scholars and the faithful alike to seek more information about him as a person - living in a particular place at a particular time.

More than any other Gospel, Matthew reflects Christianity’s Jewish roots. As the first book of the New Testament, it provides a fitting transition from the Old Testament. Revered as the “Church’s Gospel”, Matthew draws on Jewish Law while anticipating a Church “of all nations”. Now, Fr. Donald Senior, a leading expert on Matthew, helps you discover anew the evangelist’s profound themes and literary features.

Let the beauty of astronomy inspire your contemplation of creation. An Introduction to the Universe: The Big Ideas of Astronomy will give you a deeper appreciation of the sky and our ever-growing understanding of astronomy. Your guide for this journey through the cosmos is Dr. Guy Consolmagno (PhD, University of Arizona), a renowned astronomer and director of the Vatican's astronomical observatory. In his engaging lectures, you'll deepen your sense of joy as you gaze at the stars and planets.

A retreat with the Gospel of Matthew will enable you to spend prayerful time with Jesus Christ. Containing prayerful reflections, outstanding biblical scholarship, and an engaging presentation style, this audio retreat is brilliantly presented by Fr. Felix Just, SJ (PhD, Yale), an award-winning biblical retreat leader. His acclaimed conferences combine insightful examinations of Matthew's Gospel with three methods of biblical prayer: reflective meditation, imaginative contemplation, and centering prayer.

As with any great work of the literary imagination, the Confessions of Saint Augustine defies categorization. It is part spiritual autobiography, part theological meditation - but above all, it is one of the most superb masterpieces ever written. In St. Augustine's Confessions: The Arc of Conversion, you will join leading Augustine expert and award-winning professor James Wetzel in exploring this timeless work anew.

The Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi invites you to learn from the Franciscan tradition of living the Gospel. In this inspiring course, you will look at the spiritual writings of St. Francis and his followers as well as how they put their beliefs into practice. Br. William Short's powerful yet accessible lectures deliver you the heart of the treasures from this "little poor man of Assisi".

At the end our lives, we look forward to eternal life. Now you can take a fascinating journey through eschatology, the theology of the Last Things. In these 12 lectures, you will join renowned theologian Dr. Peter Phan in encountering De Novissimis - the "Last Things". You will explore the realities that occur at the end of life (i.e., death and dying) as well as those that occur in the afterlife (i.e., judgment, purgatory, hell, heaven, the resurrection, and the consummation of the world).

In this unique audio series from acclaimed theologian, professor, and author Fr. Brian McDermott, you will discover extraordinary answers to these questions and others from scripture and 2,000 years of tradition. The lectures will address the fundamental issues of the Catholic faith in a directly relevant way. Under McDermott’s guidance, you will explore the development of the Catholic understanding of the meaning of Jesus Christ.

Under the guidance of leading theologian Fr. Richard Lennan, you will explore the impact of Vatican II and how it shaped our understanding of the church. Through exploring the ideas of such noted theologians as Yves Congar and Walter Kasper, you will gain new insights into the theology of the church.

How do you understand Grace and sin? How are they spiritually connected? In the Western church, the understanding of grace, sin, and God's good creation has been shaped by theologians responding to the challenges specific to their times while using the resources of theology, philosophy, and personal religious experience. With the help of Father Brian McDermott, SJ, you will be able to address these and other questions as well as gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of God's grace.

“Do this in memory of me.” You hear this commandment every week at Mass, but what does it really mean? Now you can discover how to become the Eucharist as Christ desired. The celebration of the Eucharist is one of the most sacred and ancient traditions in Christianity. Catholics rightly consider the Eucharist to be the heart of our faith.

Most people recognize forgiveness as an important value, one for which we should all strive. But even with the best intentions, “just letting it go” can be easier said than done. Now, Humanitas Prize chairman Fr. Frank Desidero answers the central question of how to forgive the past and move into a brighter future.

Other than the Virgin Mary, no woman has so captivated our attention as Mary from Magdala. From her portrayal as a prostitute to speculation that she was Jesus’ wife in popular fiction like The Da Vinci Code, images of Mary have abounded for centuries. These portrayals, however, often have very little basis in truth. In this fascinating audio course from Fr. Raymond F. Collins, you will explore Mary Magdalene in the Gospels, Gnosticism, and popular culture.

In the 21st century, men face technological advances, a relentless pace of living and working, and constant demands on their time and attention. Men are searching for meaning - in their careers, relationships, and society. This inspiring retreat provides a path for nurturing faith and sustaining a truly spiritual approach to life. Men of all ages, cultures, and positions will find tremendous spiritual insight under the guidance of Rev. James Clarke, PhD.

Join acclaimed New Testament professor Ian Boxall, author of Discovering Matthew, to gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable Gospel’s shape and message. The Great biblical scholar Dom Henry Wansbrough notes that Prof. Boxall “has a talent for expressing profound and illuminating truths in a succinct and understandable form,” making him the perfect guide for this exploration.

The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles are two parts of a single triumphant work. Each an epic work in its own right, together they proclaim the gospel message and narrate the gripping story of the Church’s early days. Using the metaphor of a double helix, Fr. William Burton asks you to imagine Luke’s gospel and Acts as a single account with many parallels or rungs connecting the two sides of the twisted ladder.