Spirit Alive Programming Fall 2025 – Winter - Spring 2026
Check out the preview of coming programs & mini-courses!
A Webinar Series on Artificial Intelligence
Presenter: Brian Green, Ph.D.
Institution: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Title: Understanding AI
Description:
Dr. Brian Green is the director of technology ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, and he teaches AI ethics in Santa Clara University’s Graduate School of Engineering.
Presenter: Jordan Wales, Ph.D.
Institution: Hillsdale College
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Title: The Human and the Machine: Anthropological Questions
Description:
Dr. Jordan Joseph Wales is an associate professor and the John and Helen Kuczmarski Chair in Theology at Hillsdale College. His scholarly work focuses on early Christianity as well as contemporary questions relating to theology and Artificial Intelligence.
Presenter: Noreen Herzfeld, Ph.D.
Institutions: St. John’s University, Collegeville MN, and The College of St. Benedict
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Title: AI and the Social Impacts on Humans
Description:
Dr. Noreen Herzfeld is the Nicholas and Bernice Reuter Professor of Science and Religion at St. John’s University, Collegeville MN, and The College of St. Benedict.
Presenter: Luis Vera, Ph.D.
Institution: Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Title: AI and Ethical Questions: The Impact on Education
Description:
Dr. Rivera may co-present this webinar with Catherine Moon, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia. She works with the Dicastery of Culture & Education regarding the impact of AI on education.
Presenter: Paul Scherz, Ph.D.
Institution: Notre Dame University
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 7 – 8:15 p.m.
Title: AI and Ethical Questions: The Impact on Health Care
Description:
Dr. Paul Scherz is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Professor of Theology at Notre Dame University. He is part of the AI Research Group for the Centre for Digital Culture of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See.
Presenter: Christiana Zenner, Ph.D.
Institution: Fordham University
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: TBD
Title: AI and the Environmental Impact
Description:
Dr. Christiana Zenner is an Associate Professor of Theology, Science and Ethics in the Department of Theology at Fordham University, where she is affiliated faculty in Environmental Studies and American Studies.
Presenter: Matthew Gaudet, Ph.D.
Institution: The School of Engineering at Santa Clara University
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 7 - 8:15 p.m.
Title: AI and Societal Applications: The Worrisome and the Wonderful
Description:
Dr. Matthew J. Gaudet is a Lecturer and Director of Ethics Programs and Initiatives for the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University.
Mini Courses
Presenter: Evelyn Kirkley, Ph.D.
Institution: University of San Diego
Dates: TUESDAYS – Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17
Time: TBD
Title: From Martin Luther to MAGA: the Evolution of Protestantism
Session 1:
From Jesus and Paul to Constantine, including early heresies, martyrdom, and state Christianity.
Session 2:
Middle Ages to split in 1054 and what Eastern Orthodox believe.
Session 3:
Martin Luther and 1517, early Protestant beliefs.
Session 4:
Protestants after Luther: Anglicans, Calvinists, Anabaptists.
Session 5:
Protestant proliferation in the US: Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, Mormons, Disciples of Christ, Black Churches.
Session 6:
Why does this matter? White Protestant evangelicalism, Christian nationalism, and Trump.
Presenter: Joshua Shapiro, Ph.D.
Institution: UC San Diego Extension
Dates: THURSDAYS – Sept. 18, 25; Oct. 9, 16, 23; Feb. 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: TBD
Title: Buddhism and the Gradual Path to Spiritual Awakening
Sessions:
To be determined.
Presenter: Sandra Schneiders, IHM STD
Institution: University of Santa Clara
Dates: MONDAYS – March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: TBD
Title: Gospel of John
Session 1:
To be determined.