Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Religious Studies

You are invited to sit at the feet of a contemplative master. In the words of renowned theologian Fr. Lawrence Cunningham, Thomas Merton was perhaps "the greatest spiritual writer and spiritual master of the 20th century". With a poet's sensibility, an intellectual's inquiring mind, and a prophet's courage, Merton has captured the hearts of readers and listeners around the world.

Journey through the life, thought, and works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. One of the most celebrated spiritual minds of the 20th century, Teilhard de Chardin was both a respected scientist and a Jesuit priest. He combined an evolutionary worldview with his commitment to his Christian tradition and Catholic faith. A pioneer in the dialogue between religion and science, he remains a widely influential mystical voice.

"Thy kingdom come." Christians frequently recite these words. But what is God's kingdom? Such a question has fascinated the faithful for more than two millennia. Throughout history we have pondered our ultimate salvation and the "end times", from St. Paul's eschatological epistles to modern best sellers like the Left Behind series. Now this brilliant course introduces you to that history and practice of eschatology, or the study of the final events in history.

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.

Explore the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas with Thomas Merton as your guide. While he was a student at Columbia University, Thomas Merton stumbled upon The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy by renowned neo-Thomistic philosopher Étienne Gilson. An essential work on St. Thomas and other Christian philosophers, it led him down a path of spiritual seeking that would culminate with his conversion to the Catholic Church and entrance into a Trappist monastery.

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.

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.

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".

Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) is one of the most inspiring figures in Christianity: a Doctor of the Church, visionary mystic, powerful composer of hymns, artist, and philosopher. Now, you have the opportunity to know Hildegard intimately in this program on her life and spirituality.

Celtic Christianity has produced a kaleidoscopic array of saints, monks, and poets. In this series, Dominican Prof. Richard Woods cultivates more than 1,500 years of Celtic spirituality's rich traditions to acquaint you with the insight that these fascinating figures can offer us today.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? How do we slake our thirst for justice in an unjust world? What do forgiveness and compassion look like in practice? Pursue these questions and more with Capuchin Michael Crosby as he unlocks the meaning of the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Fr. Crosby has been teaching Catholics for 30 years, and his book The Beatitudes is cherished by the faithful worldwide.