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In the midst of poverty and oppression, liberation theology emerged in 20th-century Latin America as a beacon of hope. By thinking about their faith in innovative ways, believers wrestled with these profound social problems. Dramatic in its context and sweeping in its scope, liberation theology continues to offer fascinating ways to engage with issues such as inequality, violence, and ecological concerns. Now, Liberation Theology gives you the opportunity to understand its context and implications today.

Revered as a consummate statesman who cemented America’s place on the global stage, Franklin Delano Roosevelt affected tremendous change in the United States in course of his career. To understand his life is to understand how the nation claimed world leadership in what many call the American Century.

The Gospels calls all Christians to work for justice, even in times of conflict. Under the guidance of celebrated moral theologian Fr. Tom Massaro, you will come to understand the dialogue between religion and society. As you do so, you will gain a deep understanding of the history and application of Catholic social teaching.

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.

Perhaps no one had such a great influence on the Roman Catholic Church in the 20th century as Pope John XXIII, who was canonized by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014. Born Angelo Roncalli (1881-1963), he rose from humble beginnings to become a passionate advocate for social justice and world peace. His papacy was marked by compassion, charity, and love. In this course you will join ecclesial expert and Georgetown professor Gerard Mannion in encountering the enduring charisma of Saint John XXIII.

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

Great Saint Teresa, the Spanish Carmelite of the 16th century, captured the imagination of those seeking God in her own time and beyond. It’s no surprise that she was quickly canonized and, in 1970, became the first woman Doctor of the Church. In this edifying 12-lecture audio course, you’ll understand why her teachings remain transformational today.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke seem to view Jesus "with the same eye" - hence the term Synoptic. Indeed, their narratival and linguistic similarities are so great that they likely shared a common source. Under the guidance of Fr. Felix Just, SJ (PhD, Yale University), you will explore the authorship of the Synoptic Gospels, exploring their fascinating history and curious differences.

With Zach Flanagin (PhD, University Chicago), you will study cutting-edge scholarship that reconstructs the historical Jesus. From The Da Vinci Code and Jesus Christ Superstar to the works of Thomas Jefferson and contemporary scholars, Prof. Flanagin merges popular with scholastic “portraits” for full effect.

The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, but for many it remains an intimidating read. Beginning with the basics, this informative audio series starts by exploring the origins and organization of the Bible. How did we get the Bible? When did chapter and verse numbering begin? What is the King James Bible? Why do we have so many new translations today? Find the answers to these questions and many more.

In this must-have course, you will encounter Christian anthropology: the branch of theology that articulates the meaning of human existence in light of Christ's revelation. With expert presenter Sr. Sara Fairbanks as your guide, you will examine the multifaceted Christian perspective on humanity's place in the evolving universe. As you ask the deep questions of ultimate meaning, you will explore our origin, purpose, goal, and future destiny.

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.

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.

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.

This set of six talks reveals a lesser-known side of Thomas Merton: an eminent critic and teacher of literature. His dual identity as a monk and literati make him the premier guide to poetic expression. As you listen along, you will enjoy moments of penetrating insight and reflection as often as moments of levity and laughter.

Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen were extraordinary architects of our spiritual landscape. A masterful study by the leading biographer of both men, this audio course brings two 20th-century titans together for the first time. Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen: Spiritual Guides for the 21st Century folds Dr. Michael W. Higgins’ lifetime of dedicated research, writing, and teaching into a single spiritually edifying series. In 12 exuberant lectures, you will take turns examining Thomas Merton’s and Henri Nouwen’s lives and legacies.

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.

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.