Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in Religious Studies

You are invited to experience the life-changing power of Dominican spirituality in this inspiring retreat with St. Dominic. Dominican spirituality calls all of us to bear witness to the power of God in our own lives. As you journey through the life and lands of St. Dominic, you will come to realize this power more fully.

What would it be like to listen to great figures of our faith discuss their struggles, life lessons, and spiritual insights? A number of remarkable Christians have bequeathed to us their autobiographies. Now, you can access their words and understand the contexts in which they lived with a master scholar and teacher as your guide.

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.

Beginning with the seemingly simple question "what is human?" Fr. FitzGerald investigates the implications of modern science. Several lectures are devoted to stem cells. What are they, where do they come from, and how are they used? Does it matter if a stem cell comes from an embryo versus bone marrow, the placenta, or skin? Examine the promise and dangers of stem cell research. The world marveled at Dolly, the first cloned sheep, and now cloning is widespread. What is cloning, how is it done, and are humans being cloned now?

Known by many names - Lucifer, Beelzebub, Mephistopheles, and Satan, to name but a few - the Devil is universally recognized as the embodiment of pure evil and rebellion in Christianity. Although little is said about this figure in the Bible, the Devil has, throughout history, served as an abstract canvas onto which human beings have projected their greatest fears and adversarial forces. Depictions of the Devil also come complete with the allure and romance that accompanies characters associated with rebellion and transgression.

Immerse yourself in the diverse teachings of the world’s greatest spiritual masters through this illuminating and unifying audio course. Your guide is Dr. Kenneth Rose (PhD, Harvard University), an acclaimed expert in comparative religion. Under his tutelage, you'll discover the lives and teachings of 11 holy persons throughout the ages and from around the world.

For much of Western history, belief in God seemed universal. As society has grown more secular, however, people have increasingly expressed disbelief in God. Today, a quarter of Americans are religiously unaffiliated, with many identifying as atheists. As the number of atheists has grown, so too have debates around the legitimacy of religion. Too often, these debates have been marked by misunderstanding on both sides.

Thomas Merton was one of the greatest spiritual writers and social critics of the past century. For thousands of men and women, he remains a guide and model for contemplative living, interreligious dialogue, and intellectual exploration. While many have encountered Merton through his best-selling books on spirituality and contemplation, few are familiar with his powerful - and often prescient - insights about vital social and cultural issues of his day.

Recorded by a monk and mystic who changed the world, these newly remastered lectures showcase Thomas Merton's brilliant teaching. Originally delivered at the Abbey of Gethsemani to his fellow monks, Thomas Merton's talks invite you on a journey through monastic and contemplative history. Under his guidance, you will encounter the great figures of the Christian monastic tradition: St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Benedict, John Cassian, Basil, and Charlemagne.

Taught by one the world's leading Ignatian spirituality experts, this course is a must-have for any Christian giving or finding spiritual direction. Available as a 12-part course, Finding Spiritual Direction was carefully crafted to help you navigate the rich currents among Christians seeking, giving, or getting spiritual direction. Drawing on 50 years of experience, engaging spirituality leader Rev. Tetlow, SJ, explores spiritual direction in its most basic reality: the personal relationship of two disciples guided by the Holy Spirit.

The apocalypse is one of the most often discussed yet least understood topics in Christianity. In her essential course, Dr. Dorothy Jonaitis invites you to unravel the mysteries surrounding the final days of the world. Our culture is saturated with depictions of the "End Times", and many Christians derive their understanding of eschatology from books and novels. But scripture rarely supports such popular (and often doom-filled) representations, creating more misinformation than not.

Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380) is one of the most beloved saints of the Christian tradition. In this captivating course, you will explore her life, faith, and works under the guidance of Sr. Suzanne Noffke, OP, PhD, an internationally acclaimed expert on Catherine. One of 25 children of a Tuscan wool-dyer guildsman and his irascible wife, Catherine was unschooled and had a humble upbringing. Despite her lack of formal education, her mind was too sharp and her heart too honest to settle for a blind embrace of doctrine.

In your life, your heart has undoubtedly been touched by mentors who have guided your spiritual journey. Through over 60 years of priestly ministry, Fr. Frank McNulty has served as one such mentor to countless men and women. Now, this unique audio retreat lets you learn from Fr. McNulty anytime and anywhere. Once known as the "most famous priest in America", Fr. McNulty was selected to address Pope John Paul II on behalf of all the nation's priests.

From acclaimed classicist Gregory Carlson, discover new insights into one of the greatest works of literature ever composed: Homer’s Odyssey. Why does this ancient epic poem continue to enthrall readers/listeners from all walks of life? You’re undoubtedly familiar with the Odyssey in some form. Now, this exciting audio course invites you to discover Homer’s text with new eyes.

Take a spiritual journey with one of the leading living Jesuit retreat masters: Fr. Joseph Tetlow, SJ (PhD Brown University.) In this 12-conference program, Fr. Tetlow draws from decades of experience with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He will guide you to choose Christ in the world, discover your authentic desire under God, and seek God in all things. Designed to fit into your own schedule, his retreat gives you the flexibility to take an Ignatian retreat over the course of a few days or months.

Mercy is one of God's great gifts to humankind. Now, in 12 lectures by spiritual leader Fr. Dan Crosby, you will explore mercy in Scripture, Catholic Church teaching, and modern culture. In addition to exploring scriptural passages, you will look at Dives in Misericordia ("Rich in Mercy"), Saint John Paul II's encyclical on mercy. Divine Mercy marked every aspect of his pontificate, and you will see how Pope Francis carries on this legacy. Indeed, as Pope Francis writes, mercy is "the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us" (Misericordiae Vultus).

Walk in the footprints of Jesus Christ with St. Francis as your guide. In this Franciscan retreat, best-selling author Fr. Michael Crosby leads you on a powerful journey of prayer and reflection. As you will discover, the lessons of spirituality, faith, love, and humility that Francis of Assisi taught are more vital today than ever.

This concise, three-segment audio series by award-winning Catholic historian Christopher Bellitto is designed to thoughtfully answer your questions. In Picking Popes, Dr. Bellitto reviews the colorful history of picking popes, conclaves, and cardinals. You'll find plenty of anecdotes and analyses from a history professor who works with the media during papal transitions.

How many parishes do you know of that are truly great? In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins makes the point that good is the enemy of great. What does a great parish look like? Obviously it nurtures the spirituality of its parishioners, but it must do more than that. To be truly great, a parish must also have the temporal side in order. It must be a welcoming, community building place where people want to be. And it must be well-managed.

What if 10 minutes of your day could add 10 years to your life? While this is far from a proven rule, studies have shown that spending just 10 minutes in prayer everyday can significantly affect your health. Join leading spirituality expert, Fr. Richard Woods, in exploring the timeless connections between health, faith, and spirituality.