Institute of Catholic Culture

Many Catholics are aware that there were a number of Jewish groups at the time of Jesus–the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, and so on. But what did these groups believe? What were their hopes? On what did they agree–and disagree–with Jesus? This lecture explores these Jewish groups and their relationship with Our Lord.

Many in our culture today point out the truth of Jesus’ magnanimous mercy, but they presume that Jesus’ mercy does not demand conversion from sin. To understand authentic Christian mercy, the mercy that Pope Francis spoke of in his now famous exchange with reporters in 2013, one must distinguish between Divine Mercy, which calls for true conversion, and the diabolical deception of moral relativism.

"Th[e] demand for freedom in human society chiefly regards the quest for the values proper to the human spirit. It regards, in the first place, the free exercise of religion in society."- Dignitatis Humanae

Today there is much talk in our Church about the coming Jubilee Year. But what exactly is a Jubilee Year? Why are we celebrating the Jubilee now, and what is it supposed to accomplish? In this lecture, we will discover why this year is different from all others and, if celebrated according to God’s instruction, will be a year of renewal and restoration for the entire Church.

Plato’s critique of corrupt political orders is fundamentally a moral indictment of the citizens. His views of society and the common good express basic insights shared by the great Christian tradition of moral and political thought. This lecture gives points for self-examination regarding how we contribute to the common good of our society. This lecture was given at two different times and locations. The resources are listed as such.

Today there is much talk in our Church about the coming Jubilee Year. But what exactly is a Jubilee Year? Why are we celebrating the Jubilee now, and what is it supposed to accomplish? In this lecture, we will discover why this year is different from all others and, if celebrated according to God’s instruction, will be a year of renewal and restoration for the entire Church.

Pope Francis has referred to our contemporary social dysfunction as a “throwaway culture.” Abortion, euthanasia, fetal tissue research, and gun violence are human examples of the nexus between the culture of death and the throwaway culture. In this lecture we examine how Church teaching addresses these anti-human impulses and presents a grander vision of human life and existence.

Plato’s Republic is a masterpiece of natural reason in pursuit of the truly good human life. In these two lectures we will consider fundamental Platonic insights into human nature, virtue, community, and happiness, giving special attention to how to apply these insights to our own lives.

Plato’s Republic is a masterpiece of natural reason in pursuit of the truly good human life. In these two lectures we will consider fundamental Platonic insights into human nature, virtue, community, and happiness, giving special attention to how to apply these insights to our own lives.

In every era of biblical history, God sent “mediating agents” to his people, to save, sanctify, and steer them towards Himself. To varying degrees, these individuals anticipate Jesus, God’s divine Son and agent of grace. We will explore two such Old Testament agents, Joseph and Joshua—how they prefigure Jesus, and how, in various ways, He surpasses them.