Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Christianity

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.

St. Francis of Assisi has for decades been depicted in illustrations, paintings, and even garden birdbaths as a saint with a love for animals. But he is not the only Christian saint associated with animals. In this series of lectures you will approach these stories as hagiography - that is, stories of the saints intended to edify, to communicate a spiritual meaning to their audience.

Explore the Franciscan view of Christ as the center of all creation and of what the incarnate word reveals about life in the Holy Trinity. The Blessed Virgin introduces us to the Franciscan reflection on the human person. Divine and human freedom are explored. Franciscan contributions to the study of Scripture will receive special attention. You will glimpse the inspiration that Francis gave to artists, musicians, novelists, and poets across the centuries.

Take solace in the Franciscans’ powerful faith with one of the world’s leading experts on St. Francis of Assisi. Throughout seven engaging lectures originally produced for Franciscan ministries, you’ll learn what defines the Franciscan view: a focus on the individual, a championing of interdependence, and a dedication to living with open hands.

Where did our modern notions about God, science, and humanity come from? Begin in the Mediterranean world of late antiquity, with the decline of Rome and the ascent of Christianity. Explore vigorous Christian debates over the appropriation of pagan thought along with the implications of these debates for medieval thinking. Follow the lively arguments over the origin of the cosmos, the laws of nature, and the extent of God's direct role in natural changes and miraculous events.

You likely have questions about Catholic canon law. Brilliantly taught and filled with helpful, real-world examples, this survey course was designed with your questions in mind. You are invited to join one of America's leading canon law experts in exploring the principles and rules that govern our religious conduct. In 12 lectures, you will see how religion and the lives of all Catholics are intertwined in spiritual, practical, cultural, and historical ways.

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.

Blessed John Duns Scotus, OFM, (1266 - 1308) lived at the height of medieval scholasticism and became one of its premier luminaries. Commended as the Doctor Subtilis (the "Subtle Doctor") for his keen yet nuanced insights, he is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest philosopher-theologians. He influenced a wide range of writers and philosophers from Hopkins to Heidegger, and his thought remains as important as ever.

Peek into the future of the Catholic Church with leading ecclesiology professor and author, Rev. Thomas P. Rausch. With the birth of the 21st century, the Catholic Church was thrust into its third millennium. It is the world's oldest institution, with a remarkable continuity of governance, structure, and faith. But the centuries have brought exciting developments in each of these areas. Catholicism remains a living tradition, and this course explores the likely future of that tradition.

Join monk and mystic Thomas Merton on a journey through monastic and contemplative history. In these talks delivered by Thomas Merton, you will gain a rich introduction to the monastic period of church history, encountering such figures as St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Benedict, John Cassian, Basil, and Charlemagne. As you will come to discover, the history of monasticism is deeply intertwined with the greater history of Europe and the Christian contemplative tradition.

New York Times best-selling author and monk, Thomas Merton, exploring the literature and spirituality of 20th century’s greatest novelist: James Joyce. Born in 1882 to a Catholic family in Dublin, James Joyce wrote some of the most acclaimed masterpieces of modern literature: Ulysses, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Dubliners, and Finnegans Wake. Educated by Jesuits and deeply influenced by Thomas Aquinas, Joyce wove Catholicism into his works.

In this 18-lecture course, Fr. Just explores the structure and contents of the Lectionary, examines its history and development, and suggests ways you can use it more fully. The content will be valuable not only for people already involved in liturgical ministries but also for anyone who wishes to become more familiar with the Lectionary and the liturgical year. Fr. Just will address all your questions about the Lectionary, including What is the Lectionary for Mass? How was it developed? How is it related to the Bible?

Where do you begin when seeking spiritual direction? Spiritual direction is one of the cornerstones of Catholic spirituality. All who seek to deeper their faith can benefit from the guidance of a spiritual director. While many resources exist for spiritual directors, there is little help for directees - those seeking guidance.

Flourishing is characterized by an enthusiastic commitment to personal and professional growth and resilience in the face of disappointment. Sadly, only 20 percent of the US population appears to be flourishing by this definition. Psychologists traditionally focused on relieving depression and anxiety.

Now you can explore Mary in Scripture, tradition, and devotion with one of the world's leading experts as your personal guide and teacher.The Bible offers a brilliant portrait of Mary. Join Fr. Bert Buby, SM, as he travels with Mary through the Gospels, St. Paul's Letters, and the Book of Revelation. After journeying through the New Testament, see Mary revealed through the liturgical use of Old Testament texts and 46 Masses honoring the mother of Jesus.

Through the centuries, countless faithful men and women have been drawn to Carmel's wisdom about prayer. In this series, you will explore Carmel as a fountain of wisdom about prayer. Pope John Paul II affirms Carmel's place as a school of prayer, describing it as a place "where prayer becomes life and life flourishes in prayer."

In the summer of 1967, religious communities around the world were experiencing a time of renewal and reflection. As monasteries sought to adopt practices prescribed by the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI asked two Cistercian monks to compose a message about the contemplative life. Those monks in turn sought the contributions of a fellow monk and master of contemplation - Thomas Merton.

You are invited to encounter Paul and his remarkable legacy as never before. Your guide is world-renowned Pauline expert Fr. Ronald Witherup, Superior General of the Sulpician Order. Arguably, Paul's influence on Christianity has been greater than that of any other writer. The 13 epistles attributed to Paul have influenced great figures of Christian history from St. Augustine to Martin Luther to contemporary theologians, as well as an untold number of believers.

The sacraments tell the powerful story of the Christian faith. Because these signs of grace are rooted in the work and teaching of Jesus Christ, the celebration of the sacraments is fundamental to all Christians. Now, you can discover the sacraments anew in this captivating course. Join Fordham University professor Fr. Thomas Scirghi, S.J. in this illuminating series on the sacraments.

Travel into the desert with Thomas Merton as your guide. In the third century, men and women journeyed into the deserts of Syria and Egypt. Turning away from the world, they sought to find salvation in solitude. By doing so, they developed new forms of monasticism and spirituality. Now known as the Desert Fathers and Mothers, their wisdom remains as inspirational today as ever.