Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Religious Studies

What does it really mean to be a Christian today? What is "good" about the good news Christians profess? Join acclaimed spirituality scholar, author, and professor Sr. Ilia Delio in exploring the Christian adventure.

These are some of the most fascinating Thomas Merton lectures ever recorded. Recorded in the last year of his life, these talks capture Merton as he ponders profound questions in an accessible, down-to-earth way. You will glean insight from Merton on a wide range of subjects, all held together by his conviction in our call to live in freeing obedience to the Holy Spirit.

The Desert Fathers - Christian monks in the ancient Egyptian and Palestinian wilderness - strove to understand the causes and remedies of human sin and were the first to categorize temptations under the headings of the "deadly sins". This course will draw on their wisdom to gain a better understanding of how each deadly sin conflicts with God's plan of creation, redemption, and sanctification.

Explore the rich spiritual world of Eastern Christian and its 2,000-year history of faith. Tracing their history back to the Apostolic Age, Eastern Christian churches keep alive ancient traditions. Their perspectives are fresh yet steeped in history, familiar yet unique. Now, this 12-lecture course offers you a glimpse into the living faith of the Eastern Christian churches and the early traditions that shaped all of Christianity, Eastern and Western.

The mystics show us the deepest recesses of the human spirit. Now, this remarkable series gives you the rare opportunity to take one of the world's leading experts on mysticism as your personal guide. Boston College's Fr. Harvey Egan draws on 50 years of teaching the Christian mystics. Brilliantly taught, his lectures are filled with faithful insights. Under his guidance, you will explore the mystical life by focusing upon 11 significant figures. You will begin with Ignatius of Loyola and his finding of God in all things.

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.

For Merton, being contemplative meant living out the essential elements of the spiritual life. Having lived out the challenges and triumphs of a contemplative life, Merton had a plethora of practical advice to offer. If the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is truly at work daily, then what does it look like? How can we identify its authentic presence? If it's important to spend time in silence with God, how do we go about entering into it fruitfully?

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.

Christian theology may not believe in Marxism, and Marxism may think that God is dead, but the two ideologies still have much to say to one another. Thomas Merton, one of the world’s greatest modern Christian intellectuals, was fascinated by the dialogue between Marxists and Christians. Now, by listening to these nine masterful talks, which Merton delivered to the novices at the Abbey of Gethsemani in 1965 and 1966, you can join in these conversations.

You are invited on the most powerful journey that you can take in your life: the journey from your head to your heart. On August 11, 1938, Bill Wilson created the first 12-step fellowship. Since then, countless men and women have participated in this powerful program. The spirituality of the 12 steps transcends multiple religious and secular traditions. This is truly a spiritual approach for everyone. Now, renowned spiritual expert Fr. Anthony Ciorra, PhD, will guide you through the deep spirituality behind the 12 steps.

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."

How do you find God? When your soul longs for the spiritual, how do you find the time to turn within? Now, this profound series invites you to look to the contemplative tradition for inspiration and answers. Prayer is one of the most essential acts of the Christian life. In this spiritually edifying 24-lecture series, you will join celebrated author and Pauline sister Kathryn James Hermes, F.S.P., in exploring the tradition of contemplative prayer.

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.

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.

The rarely heard sermons and reflective talks in this set attest to the depths of Thomas Merton’s brilliance. You’ll witness the evolution of Merton’s thought as he moved away from a narrow, cloistered mindset to an ecumenical and socially engaged outlook. This curated collection spans five years of his life and comprises four talks that showcase the themes close to Merton’s heart: the authentic Christian life, contemporary society, contemplation, Marxism, and the relationship of literature to religion.

An atheist for the beginning of his adulthood, C.S. Lewis later converted to Christianity, largely due to the influence of Catholic writers J. R. R. Tolkien and G. K. Chesterton. He then went on to become one of the most powerful Christian writers of his time, penning such quintessential apologetic works as Mere Christianity. Today, he is cherished by Christians and non-Christians throughout the world.

Now you too can discover the inspiring model of St. Francis as outlined by St. Bonaventure. Bonaventure talks about this spiritual journey as taking place in six steps, like the six days of creation. On each step of the journey, he explores a new dimension of our relationship with God. Bonaventure presents us with a mystical theology, leading us step by step from reflection on the world around us, through reflection on our inner world as human beings, toward the world above us, the divine life of the Holy Trinity.

Explore and experience Ignatian spirituality with one of its leading living experts, Fr. Joseph Tetlow, as your personal guide. Whether you are a layperson unfamiliar with Ignatian spirituality or a Jesuit seeped in its tradition, you will benefit from this unique series. Enter into Ignatian prayer forms: consideration, meditation and contemplation. Explore Jesuit spirituality's leading concepts and convictions. This series demonstrates how 500 years of Jesuit spiritual practice can enrich your own life, faith and relationships.

To "put out into the deep", whether in reference to interpersonal relationships, fishing, or professional decisions, always entails risk, exploration, and commitment. This retreat locates the well-known phrase in a faith context, providing practical answers for tapping into the depths of Catholic teaching. It is designed for those in search of a bold new approach to growing in their relationship to God that is, at the same time, steeped in scripture and tradition.

If you've ever had questions about Islam, this course is for you. It is impossible to overestimate the influence of Islam, which brings inspiration and meaning to the lives of many millions of people worldwide. At the same time, misunderstandings about Islam abound. Now, in Introduction to Islam, you will explore the full sweep of the religion of Islam.