Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Christianity

As Christians, we profess to believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, but what exactly does this mean? In this fundamental course, you will explore the origin, context, and meanings of the Christian beliefs about the afterlife.

Born in the fourth century, Saint John Cassian (AD 360 - 435) lived when tensions between the traditional and innovative peaked. A monk and theologian, Cassian made the Christian tradition relevant for the needs of his day in his spiritual works. Indeed, his spirituality remains essential today; he influenced Saints Benedict and Ignatius of Loyola, and his works continue to be read worldwide.

Renew your prayer life with Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton was one of the great spiritual masters: a Trappist monk, profound mystic, and brilliant writer. He inspired men and women from all walks of life with his dedication to prayer and contemplation. In 1967, near the end of his life, Merton gave a powerful set of lectures on prayer to the Sisters of Loretto. He channeled a lifetime full of wisdom, piety, and prayerfulness into these erudite yet down-to-earth talks.

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.

St. John of the Cross is one of the most inspiring figures in the history of Christianity: a saint of profound faith, a compelling mystic, and an immensely gifted poet. Now, you can explore the life, teachings, writings, and reflections of St. John of the Cross.

Capuchin Fr. Dan Crosby, master retreat leader, invites you to look anew at Jesus' call to discipleship, and at what that call means for us in our lives. Enjoy these talks and gain fresh insight into scripture and the Christian life.

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.

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.

Ten watershed dates forever shaped Israel's history and the development of Jewish and Christian identity. The Old Testament may seem vast and at times overwhelming to even the most dedicated. By grasping the significance of these 10 seminal events, you will better understand your faith and the traditions shared by billions. This unique course is full of gripping tales, though-provoking theology, engaging personal stories, and historical frameworks that make easy recalling and conveying the history of the Old Testament.

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.

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.

You will love this fascinating and exceptionally well-taught course. What really happened at the Council of Trent? After Luther, Calvin, and Henry VIII, the Council of Trent is one of the most frequently invoked names regarding the Reformation. Even so, few know much about it. As renowned historian Fr. John O'Malley demonstrates, the reality of Trent differs radically from how you probably conceive of it.

Whether you seek a deeper personal understanding or wish to be able to better answer questions posed by family, friends, or parishioners, this program is essential. Your professor and guide, Fr. Bill Byron, is past president of three Catholic universities, including the Catholic University of America, and has ministered to thousands of Catholics over nearly six decades.

In this tour de force, the University of Oxford’s Dr. Tim Mawson turns a thoughtful eye to the questions about existence you have undoubtedly asked yourself. An expert on the philosophy of religion, Dr. Mawson combines wit with masterful scholarship to explain deep philosophical topics in an easy-to-understand yet erudite manner.

Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen were extraordinary architects of our spiritual landscape. A masterful study by the leading biographer of both men, this audio course brings two 20th-century titans together for the first time. Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen: Spiritual Guides for the 21st Century folds Dr. Michael W. Higgins’ lifetime of dedicated research, writing, and teaching into a single spiritually edifying series. In 12 exuberant lectures, you will take turns examining Thomas Merton’s and Henri Nouwen’s lives and legacies.

Karl Rahner was one of the most influential theologians of our time. He was an important contributor to the Second Vatican Council, a Jesuit priest, a prolific author, a formidable professor of theology, and a leading voice of ecumenical dialogue. But until now, few have experienced his profound and edifying spirituality. Now, Radical Grace: A Retreat with Karl Rahner introduces you to the remarkable spirituality behind his theology.

As an influential religious founder and model of poverty, St. Clare of Assisi left us with a legacy that is at once humble and immense. In this audio course, you will join an internationally acclaimed expert on the life and literature of St. Clare. Drawing on decades as a scholar and translator of St. Clare, Sr. Joan Mueller, OSC, PhD invites you to explore Clare's rich literary heritage. Through her remarkable writings, you will discover a window into the timeless wisdom of 13th-century medieval women.

Despite her lack of formal education, Teresa of Avila became an inspirational mystic, an influential reformer, and the first female Doctor of the Church. Today, her spiritual works are widely acclaimed as timeless masterpieces. Now, guided by Carmelite spirituality expert Dr. Keith Egan, you will explore St. Teresa’s most beloved work, The Interior Castle.

In this audio program, Merton will challenge you with questions about man's individual destiny, the human condition, prayer, and the nature of time. Originally delivered in 1965, these timeless lectures have been remastered and released as a set for your enjoyment. Delivered with wit and profound insight, these recordings will transport you into the abbey where Merton taught and imparted his spiritual wisdom.