Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in All Categories

What can science teach us about good and evil? When are people responsible for their actions? What impact do genetics and upbringing have on moral choices? You will explore these and many other questions in Catherine A. Sanderson’s 15-lecture audio course. Professor Sanderson’s clear explanations of the best research from psychology, biology, and neuroscience will equip you with frameworks for understanding human behavior. Early on, you’ll clear an inevitable hurdle: understanding how scientists define the notions of “evil” or “good.”

What can Galileo's extraordinary life and profound legacy teach us today? Galileo's story is a touchstone in debates about science and religion, but our preconceptions inevitably color the way we see the issues. To understand who Galileo was, what he accomplished, and what you can learn from his triumphs and failures, you need a great teacher to place him in context by exploring the cosmologies, political and religious and historical events, and famous people of his generation.

In the near future, developments in bio-enhancement technologies will not only alter how we make a living, communicate, and interact with each other, but will offer direct and precise control over our own physical and mental states. People will be able to sculpt their own selfhood over time, reshaping their bodies, augmenting their cognition, micromanaging their emotions and moods, and reconfiguring their character and personality. In this captivating audio series from Michael Bess, you’ll explore the promise and peril of tinkering with human bodies and identities.

With about 1.7 billion members and growing, Islam is the second largest religion in the world. The relationship between Muslim and Christian theology is complex and often misunderstood. In this illuminating audio series, you will examine the ways Islam addresses Christian teaching and come to a fuller understanding of Islam in its own right.

Follow the contemplative path with Thomas Merton as your guide. In 1942, Thomas Merton relinquished a promising academic career to join the Abbey of Gethsemani. Instead of running away from the world, however, he actually developed his most profound wisdom about it.

An apostle, preacher, bishop, and martyr, Peter is one of the most important figures in early Christianity. Indeed, Catholics believe that the pope is the successor to St. Peter. Now, in this fascinating course, you will explore the powerful portraits of Peter found in the New Testament.

Christianity is a religion of salvation, and Christ is the Savior, but what does it mean to be saved? Through 12 brilliantly taught lectures, you will gain an enhanced understanding of salvation. You will examine such models as revelation, redemption, liberation, justification, expiation, reconciliation, and deification.

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.

Alexander the Great (ca. 356-323 BCE) was a Macedonian general who brought Greek civilization to the edge of modern-day India. After studying the Iliad, he believed himself to be Achilles reincarnated, imitating the hero of the epic poem in his own military campaigns. Even before he died barely into his 30s, the legends surrounding him were larger than life. In this compelling new audio course, you’ll explore the history and lore surrounding this real man and mythic figure, often by consulting the ancient sources themselves.

Explore the captivating contradictions of one of US history’s most divisive figures with the celebrated West Point professor and author of Confounding Father: Thomas Jefferson’s Image in His Own Time.

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.

More than ever, Americans are reclaiming our national identity based on the fundamental principles of America's founding. In this enlightening course, you will explore what defines us as Americans by looking at our founding documents: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. This is the course you always wish you had taken when you were an undergrad. An engaging and gifted teacher, Professor Jeffrey Sikkenga passionately explores the founding principles that make America a great nation.

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".