Showing results by publisher "Learn25" in All Categories

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.

World-renowned liturgical theologian Fr. John Baldovin, S.J. explores the richness of two of our most vital liturgical seasons: Advent and Christmas. This essential and inspiring audio course is perfect for pastors, deacons, and laypersons alike. Baldovin captures the spirit of Advent through his keen observations on its liturgical prayers, Scripture readings, music, and poetry.

Did you know that the Catholic Bible contains seven books that are not included in the Protestant Bible? These special books of the Bible — Sirach, Wisdom, Tobit, 1 Maccabees, Judith, additions to Daniel, and Esther — contain harrowing stories of family, resurrection, and prayer. In this 12-lecture audio course, 7 Catholic Treasures: Understanding the Deuterocanonical Books of the Catholic Bible, Dr. Dorothy Jonaitis, DMin, eloquently elaborates on these interesting and historically significant Scriptures

What are the apocryphal gospels? Purporting to fill in the missing pieces of Jesus' life story, these books are often the subject of popular discussion and heated debates. Few, however, truly understand their context and meaning. In The Apocryphal Gospels: Exploring the Lost Books of the Bible, you have the opportunity to explore these gripping texts with one of Catholicism's great scholars.

Now you can join esteemed political scientist Professor Michael Zuckert for a fascinating exploration of America’s enduring passion for rights as sparked by these two documents. In 15 gripping audio lectures, Prof. Zuckert examines the doctrine of rights as it finds first expression in these early documents, exploring American thinking about rights from the founding up to recent battles over controversial rights such as the right to same-sex marriage.

When Thomas Merton published The Seven Storey Mountain in 1948, no one could have expected it to become an international sensation. An autobiography of his conversion to Catholicism, it became a wildly popular best seller, propelling this humble Trappist monk to literary fame. Today, it is widely regarded as a spiritual classic. While it remains his most famous work, The Seven Storey Mountain is only the tip of the iceberg in Merton's rich, multi-layered oeuvre.

As international master of wine Rob Geddes explains, every bottle of wine is a book that tells three stories: where it came from, who made it, and what it's made of. But - and here's the rub - each of the stories comes in coded form, and you would be wise to seek an experienced guide who can help teach you to read them. In this audio course, Rob gives you a key to decipher one - and perhaps the most influential - of the codes, the one that tells you what the wine is made of.

Perhaps the world’s leading expert on forgiveness research, Everett Worthington distills decades of wisdom into 15 life-changing lectures. The author or editor of more than 38 books on marriage, family, and forgiveness, Prof. Worthington received the Humanitarian Award from the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling. Now you can learn to practice his groundbreaking REACH Forgiveness model through these 15 engaging lectures.

Gerard Manley Hopkins is undoubtedly one of the greatest poets in the English language. Under the influence of Cardinal John Henry Newman, Hopkins became a Jesuit priest. Now celebrated as a masterful poet, he inspires people throughout the world with his words and example. Hopkins was not only a brilliant poet but also a deeply spiritual man whose works explored religious themes such as Jesuit spirituality and the presence of God in nature.

With about 1.7 billion members and growing, Islam is the second largest religion in the world. The relationship between Muslim and Christian theology is complex and often misunderstood. In this illuminating audio series, you will examine the ways Islam addresses Christian teaching and come to a fuller understanding of Islam in its own right.

Understand what the Bible says about morality, law, and justice. Begin by exploring modern ideas of justice and morality and how these concepts are similar to and different from biblical notions. Examine the meaning of the classic term for justice, "Mishpat", and see how law, morality, and justice are discussed in different types of biblical literature, from the early Hebrew writings and traditions through to the New Testament era - over 1,000 years of biblical history.

Join one of America's leading theologians in exploring a question of timeless importance: What does it mean to lead a good life? Your professor for this provocative 24-lecture course is Kenneth R. Himes, O.F.M. (PhD, Duke University), an award-winning author and professor of theology at Boston College.

Is there other intelligent life in the universe, or are we all alone? Now you can explore this question through 17 compelling conversations with leading experts on extraterrestrial life. The prospect of alien intelligences has long captivated cosmologists, perplexed theologians, and provided rich fodder for science fiction writers. While we may doubt that the large-eyed, green-skinned figures of sci-fi films will one day descend to Earth in UFOs, it is far harder to reject wholesale the possibility that intelligent life - in some form yet unknown - exists.

In this provocative audio course, you will explore Greek philosophy in its historical context, in which philosophy was not just an intellectual pursuit but a way of life integrating the mind, body, and cosmos. By delving into the works of Greece’s greatest thinkers, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, you’ll gain powerful tools for self-discovery.

Alexander the Great (ca. 356-323 BCE) was a Macedonian general who brought Greek civilization to the edge of modern-day India. After studying the Iliad, he believed himself to be Achilles reincarnated, imitating the hero of the epic poem in his own military campaigns. Even before he died barely into his 30s, the legends surrounding him were larger than life. In this compelling new audio course, you’ll explore the history and lore surrounding this real man and mythic figure, often by consulting the ancient sources themselves.

The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John form an exquisite kaleidoscope that reflects the life and teachings of Jesus. Under the guidance of acclaimed biblical scholar Felix Just, SJ (PhD, Yale University), you will consider the different historical contexts, intended messages, and emphases of each evangelist.

Jesus was a figure thoroughly grounded in the religious traditions of Judaism, and his Jewish context illuminates his mission and ministry. Two millennia after the death of Jesus of Nazareth, the story of his life and teachings continues to compel scholars and the faithful alike to seek more information about him as a person - living in a particular place at a particular time.

More than any other Gospel, Matthew reflects Christianity’s Jewish roots. As the first book of the New Testament, it provides a fitting transition from the Old Testament. Revered as the “Church’s Gospel”, Matthew draws on Jewish Law while anticipating a Church “of all nations”. Now, Fr. Donald Senior, a leading expert on Matthew, helps you discover anew the evangelist’s profound themes and literary features.

Let the beauty of astronomy inspire your contemplation of creation. An Introduction to the Universe: The Big Ideas of Astronomy will give you a deeper appreciation of the sky and our ever-growing understanding of astronomy. Your guide for this journey through the cosmos is Dr. Guy Consolmagno (PhD, University of Arizona), a renowned astronomer and director of the Vatican's astronomical observatory. In his engaging lectures, you'll deepen your sense of joy as you gaze at the stars and planets.

Most scholars agree that the Gospel according to Mark is the earliest of the four canonical gospels. It is also the shortest, with swift dramatic turns throughout its fast-paced narrative. Because of its brevity, Mark's Gospel leaves many questions unanswered, and it has often been overlooked in the history of Christianity. As you will discover, though, Mark's Gospel is compelling in its combination of simplicity and sophistication. This audio course guides you through Mark's Gospel sequentially, offering you fresh insights and a deeper understanding of its overall shape.