SPIRIT ALIVE SPRING PROGRAMS 2025
Registration Now Open
Presenter: Laurie Brink, OP, Ph.D., Catholic Theological Union
Dates: Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8
Time: 7– 8:15 p.m. ET
Beginning with Scripture, this course surveys the various interpretations of atonement and how reconciliation with God might be understood in an evolving universe. Topics to be explored include Sacrifice in the Ancient Near Eastern World, Israel’s relationship with God, Interpreting the Passion of Jesus, Ecclesial and Social implications, and the role of Cosmology and Evolution.
Presenter: Thomas Rzeznik, Ph.D., Seton Hall University
Dates: Tuesdays January 28, 2025 through Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Time: 7– 8:15 p.m. ET
History is not just a chronicle of the past, but the stories we share. This series will reexamine common American Catholic narratives and explore some of the ways that recent historical scholarship has contributed to a richer and more complex understanding of U.S. Catholic history, including confronting some of the more challenging realities of the past. It will encourage us to consider how the stories we tell can serve the church’s ongoing mission today.
Presenter: Carol J. Dempsey, OP, Ph.D., University of Portland
Dates: Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13
Time: 7– 8:15 p.m. ET
For centuries, readers and interpreters of the Bible have traditionally read the text “with the grain.” Many have sought to use the Bible for personal and spiritual enrichment and nourishment Today, however, we live in the twenty-first century globalized world, and if we want to achieve global justice, then we have to begin reading the biblical text “against the grain.”and interpreting it critically. New interpretation theories help us to see how cultures and cultural attitudes have shaped the Bible and how the Bible, as the most read book in the world, continues to shape and re-inscribe various oppressive cultural attitudes today that have had an effect on our political, social, economic, and religious institutions. In other words, how does one’s reading of the Bible and its use contribute to present-day patriarchy, kyriarchy, abusive hierarchy, racism, gender discrimination, heteronormatism, ethnocentrism, classism, ableism, anti-Semitism, imperialism, and marginalization in our world today? This presentation explores new ways of reading the prophetic literature of the Bible “against the grain” to discover new understandings of ancient poems and the work to be done for global justice. Included in our discussion is the topic of the gendering of “God” as we explore hegemonic power.
Climate: The New Catholic Imperative
Is Global Climate Change a Catholic concern? In this five-part webinar, scientists and theologians will explain how the Church’s teaching challenges Catholics to think differently about their relationship to the environment, to recognize environmental stewardship as their responsibility, and to change their behavior to promote sustainability.
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Growing in Radiance with Teilhard de Chardin
For Teilhard, contemplation of the Cosmic Christ increases our capacity to grow in radiance. In this course, we will engage passages from Teilhard’s mystical writings.
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Being a Disciple in a Political Season
The 2024 election will be crucial to the future of our country and the world. Guided by gospel values, all Christians must use the privilege and power of the vote to promote peace, justice, and the common good.
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Reading the Prophets 'Against the Grain' for Justice in the Twenty-first Century Globalized World
A Webinar Series That Explores New Ways of Reading The Prophetic Literature of the Bible. View presenter and register below.
American Catholic History: Telling the Story Anew
A Webinar Series That Explores Common American Catholic Narartives.
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Making Sense of the Atonement in Light of the New Cosmology
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Curious Spirits Podcast Partners with U.S. Catholic for Second Season
How can we be pilgrims of hope in a world suffering from the impacts of war, racism, xenophobia and the climate crisis? Join host Zoe Karajian as she speaks with guests about their reasons for keeping hope alive.
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