Boston College Stm Online: Encore Podcast

The Francis Pontificate: Historical Anomaly or the Beginning of a Postmodern Papacy? November 10, 2016 Presenter: Richard Gaillardetz Both supporters and critics have recognized the distinctive character of the pontificate of our first Jesuit and South American pope.  Some have been skeptical, however, as to whether the “newness” is a matter of style or substance.  Is the Francis moment just that, a moment, one easily set aside by his successors, or are we seeing the beginning of a new ecclesial trajectory for the ministry of the Bishop of Rome? Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and The Church in the 21st Century Center  Richard Gaillardetz is Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology, and chair, Boston College Department of Theology

The Psalms: Jewish-Catholic Dialogue through Shared Praise LECTURE   March 2, 2017 Presenter:  Andrew R. Davis This lecture explores the Psalter as a valuable resource for Jewish-Christian dialogue.  Christian readers of Scripture have long been enlightened and inspired by Jewish exegesis, and today we have more opportunities than ever to read Scripture through the eyes of other faith traditions.  Reading “shoulder to shoulder” with Jews is a way to learn the Psalms’ significance in Jewish tradition and also to reflect in new ways about their importance for Christian faith.  Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and  the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning Andrew R. Davis is STM assistant professor of Old Testament.

Deepening Catholic Citizenship Today: Drawing from Scripture and Tradition LECTURE March 9, 2017 Presenters:  Richard J. Clifford, S.J. and Thomas Massaro, S.J. In the wake of the 2016 campaign season and election, a number of concerns have surfaced regarding the dual identify of Catholics as committed believers and citizens.  This presentation addresses how Catholics today may draw from the Church’s tradition of reflection on public affairs in ways that honor Catholic moral teachings and foster agency.  To help articulate the Catholic voice, Fr. Clifford will speak on the biblical tradition of the Old Testament prophets, and Fr. Massaro will present elements of Catholic Social Teaching that provide a framework for critically engaging key issues through our unique perspective as citizens.   Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry Richard J. Clifford, S.J., is STM Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, and Thomas Massaro, S.J., is professor of moral theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Sant

Hope in a Time of Climate Change: A Conversation between Religion and Science ANNUAL LECTURE IN HONOR OF RICHARD J. CLIFFORD, S.J. Thursday, April 6, 2017 Presenter:  Carol A. Newsom Human induced climate change is the most serious problem confronting the ecology of our planet.  Was this an inevitable consequence of the appearance of humans in the ecosystem?  How should we think about how we got to this terrifying state, and how can we think hopefully about the future?  Anthropologists who study the emergence of homo sapiens present an account of our origins that engages in intriguing ways with the Israelite reflections on human origins in Genesis 1-11.  Here is a conversation between religion and science that offers true insight into how our unique nature is both a danger and a promise in this fragile world. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry,  and generously supported by the Kitz Family in honor of Richard J. Clifford, S.J. Carol A. Newsom is the C. H. Candler Professor of Old Testament

The Treasure of Hispanic American Catholicism PANEL DISCUSSION February 11, 2016 Panelists: Marilú Del Toro and Hosffman Ospino Moderator: Thomas H. Groome American Catholicism in the 21st century is in the midst of a major demographic and cultural transformation driven.  It is driven largely by the fast-growing presence of Hispanics, who currently make up about half of all Catholics in the United States. This presentation reflects on the challenges and possibilities of being Catholic in the United States in an increasingly Hispanic Church. How does such transformation affect our commitments to Catholic ministry, social action, and theological reflection?   Cosponsored by The Church in the 21st Century Center  and the School of Theology and Ministry Marilú Del Toro is an STM student, and Hosffman Ospino is STM assistant professor of Hispanic ministry and religious education.  Moderator, Thomas H. Groome is director of The Church in the 21st Century Center. 

Evolution and the Primacy of Love ANNUAL EVELYN UNDERHILL LECTURE IN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY July 16, 2016Presenter: Ilia Delio, O.S.F.  According to Teilhard de Chardin, evolution ushered in a new understanding of reality based on love-energy.  This year's annual lecture explores Teilhard's philosophy of love and the import of conscious love for the direction of human evolution. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry Ilia Delio, O.S.F., is the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair of Christian Theology at Villanova University. Presentation Transcript

Who are the "Nones"? LECTURE February 25, 2016 Presenter: Nancy T. Ammerman Roughly one-third of younger adults now say they have no religious affiliation; but who are they and why aren’t they in church?  What do they mean when they protest that they are “spiritual”?  This presentation examines the demographic, political, and cultural trends that have expanded the ranks of the unaffiliated, and asks what local communities of faith can do in response. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry Nancy T. Ammerman is professor of sociology of religion at Boston University.

  Ask the Beasts: Spirituality and the Evolving Earth EVELYN UNDERHILL LECTURE IN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY July 13, 2013Presenter: Elizabeth A. Johnson, C.S.J.  “Ask the beasts and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth and they will instruct you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you ... “ (Job 12:7-8) Guided by this often unheeded advice, this lecture asks the creatures formed by life’s evolution for their wisdom about the creative love of the living God. Their beauty and agonies disclose in new ways the energizing presence of the Spirit, the solidarity of Jesus in the flesh of suffering, and the immense power of the Origin and Goal of all. As a fellow species, human beings are summoned to a spirituality of relationship and ethic of care in this time of ecological distress.  Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry Elizabeth A. Johnson, C.S.J., is the Distinguished Professor of Theology, Fordham University, and author of the forthcomi

Thomas Merton: A Prophet for Our Time LECTURE October 29, 2015 Presenter: Colleen M. Griffith In an age of unrest and distraction, Thomas Merton poses many challenges to contemporary culture, inviting a deeper sense of the human, a broadened grasp of catholicity, and a way of communal solidarity.  Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Merton's birth, this presentation recognizes the degree to which Merton's contemplative vision has become only more prophetic in our time.   Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and The Church in the 21st Century Center Colleen M. Griffith is STM associate professor of the practice of theology and faculty director of spirituality studies.

The Practical Theology of Jean Vanier: Faith in a Vulnerable Community ANNUAL PYNE MEMORIAL PRESENTATION October 13, 2016 Presenter: David O. Jenkins   The theology of Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche and Faith and Light, continues to be formed within intentional communities of adults with intellectual disabilities and those who share community with them.  The particular daily practices of these communities reveal theological convictions about the vulnerability of humanity and the vulnerability of God, about the location of faith itself, and about the significance of individual and communal bodies for revealing our capacity for transformative relationships. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and generously supported by the Pyne Endowment Trust in memory of Professor Margaret E. Pyne, a lifelong advocate for persons with disabilities.  David O. Jenkins is associate professor in the practice of practical theology, Candler School of Theology, Emory University. About Jean Vanier...  For more tha

Islam for Catholics 101 LECTURE   March 5, 2015 Presenter: Natana J. DeLong-Bas This presentation covers major themes in Islam, including the role of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad, the 5 Pillars, and common beliefs and scriptural ties between Islam and Christianity. Specific attention is given to the status of Jesus and where Muslims and Christians agree and disagree.  We also address issues of contemporary concern, including the status of women, Islamic law, jihad—what it is and isn't—and interfaith dialogue and relations.  Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry   Natana J. DeLong-Bas is editor-in-chief, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Women, and visiting assistant professor, Boston College Theology Department and Islamic Civilization and Societies Program.

Lament and Hope: The Contributions of the Biblical Lament Psalms LECTURE IN HONOR OF RICHARD J. CLIFFORD, S.J. October 6, 2010 Presenter: Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., STM professor of New Testament Fr. Harrington offers reflections on the key elements of the biblical laments, including Psalms 3, 5, and 22, and their message for those who suffer today. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and generously supported by the Kitz Family in honor of Richard J. Clifford, S.J.

Politics, Faith, and Prophetic Witness EVELYN UNDERHILL LECTURE IN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY July 12, 2014 Presenter: Simone Campbell, S.S.S. Too often the intersection of faith and politics becomes a crossroad of judgment and certitude; but trying to follow Christ requires a different approach. This lecture explores the call to touch the pain of the world and release hope into the darkness. Only a broken heart can lead to anything even approaching prophetic witness. Using current examples, we will wrestle with this challenge for 2014. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry Simone Campbell, S.S.S., is executive director of NETWORK, a Catholic social justice lobby organization.  She has been instrumental in organizing the "Nuns on the Bus" tours, and is the author of A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community (HarperCollins, 2014).

The Gospel of John and the "Parting of the Ways" LECTURE April 8, 2014 Presenter: Adele Reinhartz The question of when and how the Jesus movement—one first-century Jewish group among many—became a separate and distinct set of institutions, communities, beliefs, and practices, is perhaps the most contentious issue in the study of early Christianity.  A key text in this debate is the Gospel of John, which is thought by many to allude to the expulsion of Jewish believers in Jesus from the synagogue.  This lecture examines the ways in which the Fourth Gospel has been used in this debate, and considers the expulsion theory as well as its alternatives in the context of the larger question of the “Parting of the Ways.” Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning  Adele Reinhartz is general editor, Journal of Biblical Literature, and professor and director of Graduate Programs, Department of Classics and Religious Studies, University of Ottawa.

The Practices of Discipleship LECTURE October 18, 2011 Presenter:  Terrence W. Tilley, Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., Professor of Catholic Theology and chair,Theology Department, Fordham University This presentation explores the Gospels and the Creed to understand, in part, how disciples embody and transmit the faith through Christian practices. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry

Hope in a Wintry Season Lecture October 14, 2010. Rev. Michael J. Himes, professor of theology, Boston College Theology Department Hope, which should never be confused with optimism, is much more about the present than the future.  This lecture discusses how it is not a matter of keeping one's fingers crossed about tomorrow, but rather of remaining attentive to today.  Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and the Boston College Alumni Association

Telling Stories about Women EIGHTH ANNUAL MARY OF MAGDALA CELEBRATION July 22, 2016 Presenter: Amy-Jill Levine A woman hides yeast; a widow threatens a judge; a woman seeks a coin; wise and foolish virgins await a bridegroom….  These parables can be read as universal teachings about theology or salvation.  They should also correct erroneous stereotypes of Jewish women, prompt necessary questions about gender, and offer provocative insights into ancient and modern relationships. This celebration of the feast day of St. Mary of Magdala began with Mass, followed by lunch and a lecture. Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry   Amy-Jill Levine is  University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt University.

Mission, Evangelization, and Discipleship   PLENARY ADDRESS "THE NEW EVANGELIZATION: RENEWING THE CHURCH," 2013 Presenter: Anthony Gittins, C.S.Sp., professor emeritus of mission and culture, Catholic Theological Union With more than 80 definitions of "evangelization" presently circulating, we should perhaps recall that the word applies, first and foremost, to Jesus.  This plenary address from the 2013 conference, The New Evangelization: Renewing the Church, considers what Jesus did and why, and poses the question: what happens to evangelization after the resurrection and ascension?  The answer links God's eternal mission with our own Christian response. Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and Paulist Reconciliation MInistries

Women and Interreligious Dialogue LECTURE   September 20, 2012 Presenter: Rosemary Radford Ruether Respondents: Nelly van Doorn-Harder and Marianne Moyaert This lecture takes stock of the contributions of women to interreligious dialogue and of interreligious dialogue to feminist thinking within particular religions, while also critically reflecting on present and future challenges and avenues for reflection and collaboration. Rosemary Radford Ruether is the Carpenter Emerita Professor of Feminist Theology at the Pacific School of Religion and the Graduate Theological Union. 

Jesus: A Pilgrimage LECTURE   September 25, 2014 Presenter: James Martin, S.J. Encounter Jesus in a new way.  Father Martin offers fascinating details about the "historical Jesus," the real-life man who walked the earth in first-century Palestine, and also invites you to meditate on the "Christ of faith," the one risen from the dead.   As he does in his new book Jesus: A Pilgrimage, Fr. Martin combines stories from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the most up-to-date biblical study, and profound spiritual insights to help answer the question that Jesus first posed to his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" Cosponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry and The Church in the 21st Century Center James Martin, S.J., is editor-at-large of America magazine, bestselling author, and “official chaplain” of The Colbert Report.