Christendom College Lectures

Shakespeare’s Catholicism | Dr. Robert Rice

Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Rice reveals compelling evidence that the great Bard, William Shakespeare, was Catholic.

Artificial Intelligence and Decoding ChatGPT (Part Two) | Dr. Eric Jenislawski

In this second part, Christendom College theology professor Eric Jenislawski deepens the conversation by examining the historical development of natural language AI and its often-overlooked ethical and cultural implications. Beginning with early precursors like Eliza and Dissociated Press , Jenislawski traces the evolution of AI language tools up to today’s neural networks, explaining key concepts like embeddings, dataset bias, and the structure of modern models in a clear and accessible way....

Artificial Intelligence and Decoding ChatGPT (Part One) | Dr. Eric Jenislawski

In part one of this thought-provoking lecture, Christendom College theology professor Eric Jenislawski offers an explanation of ChatGPT and its natural language predecessors for a non-technical audience. He explores the nature, development, and implications of artificial intelligence, especially large language models like ChatGPT. With clarity and philosophical depth, Jenislawski guides listeners through key concepts—from how AI models are trained to what it means for machines to simulate human ...

What Is Art, And Why Does It Matter? | Dr. Daniel McInerny w/ Dr. George Harne

Christendom College hosted a thought-provoking discussion on the nature and significance of art, featuring philosophy professor Dr. Daniel McInerny alongside College President George A. Harne, Ph.D. The event, part of the college’s major speaker series, explored the question: “What is Art, and Why Does It Matter?” Dr. McInerny is a passionate speaker and writer on art and beauty, as evidenced in his recent book, "Beauty and Imitation: A Philosophical Reflection on the Arts." When he is not teach...

Jesus in Christianity and Islam: Comparative Christology & Redemptive Suffering | Dr. David Pinault

Beauty as the Well Spring of Action in the Thought of Thomas Aquinas | Dr. David C. Schindler

Join us for the 2025S St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture featuring Dr. David C. Schindler from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Washington, D.C. Delivered on the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, this lecture explores “Beauty as the Well-Spring of Action in the Thought of Thomas Aquinas.” Dr. Schindler, an expert in metaphysics and anthropology, delves into Aquinas’s understanding of beauty—not merely as something to be admired, but as a dynamic force that moves the intellect ...

More Joy in Heaven: A Father's Journey through Murder, Grief, and Forgiveness | John Echaniz

Patience in Its Relation to Human Knowing in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and "The Winter's Tale" | Prof. Daniel Spiotta

What role does patience play in the search for truth and understanding? In this captivating lecture, Prof. Daniel Spiotta, Assistant Professor of English Language and Literature at Christendom College, explores the profound connection between patience and human knowing as revealed in two of Shakespeare’s greatest works, Hamlet and The Winter’s Tale. Drawing on his expertise in classical and medieval influences on early modern literature, Prof. Spiotta illuminates how Shakespeare’s characters wre...

A Father’s Love: Matthew’s Christmas Gift in Anne of Green Gables | Dr. Kathleen Sullivan

What can a humble Christmas gift reveal about the depth of a father’s love? In this lecture, Dr. Kathleen Sullivan, a literature professor at Christendom College, explores the timeless themes of generosity, love, and sacrifice in Anne of Green Gables . Focusing on Matthew Cuthbert’s tender gesture to Anne, Dr. Sullivan illuminates the spiritual and emotional significance of his Christmas gift, inviting listeners to reflect on the quiet yet profound ways love is expressed in our lives. Perfect fo...

The Word Became Flesh: Going to Bethlehem with St. Francis | Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

In this heartwarming lecture from the Christmas at Christendom event, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, invites listeners to journey reflecting on the wonder and humility of the Nativity. Drawing on St. Francis’s creation of the first Nativity scene and God's loving plan in his own life, Fr. Mark-Mary reveals a powerful message for our modern lives. With engaging insights and practical applications, this talk challenges us to embrace simplicity, wonder, and a deeper connection to Christ, who became flesh...

From Politics, to Central Europe, to Art and to Religion—Scruton's Exceptional Voyage | Prof. Ferenc Hörcher

Professor Ferenc Hörcher is a Hungarian political philosopher and historian of political thought, specializing in conservatism, liberalism, and early modern political ideas. He directs the Research Institute of Politics and Government at Hungary’s University of Public Service and is a senior research fellow at the Institute of Philosophy of the Eötvös Loránd Research Network. An author of several books, including A Political Philosophy of Conservatism (2020), he has held visiting positions at re...

The Relation Between the Catholic Faith and Natural Science | Dr. Gregory Townsend

Do you want to learn more about the complementarity of faith and reason and how Catholics should approach the sciences? Listend to this lecture to learn what Pope St. John Paul II and other Catholic teachings have to say on the subject.

Three Ingredients for a Beautiful Liturgy | Chris Carstens

Chris Carstens unpacks the "ars celebrandi" called for by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. A proper ars celebrandi 1) sees God as the proper subject of the liturgical "masterpiece," 2) encourages liturgical ministers to depict this great, divine beauty through docility to the Holy Spirit's inspiration and the Church's rites, and 3) forms the baptized to see God's glory revealed in the liturgical rite through a mystagogical catechesis. In short, when a liturgy centers on Go...

Why the Liberal Arts? A Parent's Perspective | Dr. Kevin Roberts

With his distinguished background as a leader in both Catholic education and public policy and as a Christendom parent, Dr. Kevin Roberts offers a unique perspective on the role and relevance of Christendom’s education in modern American society.

What Happens at Mass? The Priesthood of Christ and Liturgical Participation | Dr. Robert J. Matava

What does it mean to say that the Mass “makes Calvary present”? How does the Church participate in the priestly work of Christ? Are you looking to enter more profoundly into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? If so, this is the lecture for you.

The Post-Constitutional Temptation | Dr. James Stoner

On September 20, Christendom's Tocqueville Forum for Liberal Democracy hosted a lecture by Dr. James Stoner from Louisiana State University on "The Post-Constitutional Temptation." Learn more about Christendom's Political Science and Economics Department at: https://www.christendom.edu/academics/majors-minors/political-science-economics/

Evidence of Eastern Influence in Early Irish Christianity | Connie Marshner

Irish scholar and longtime member of the Christendom community, Connie Marshner, delivered a guest History lecture at Christendom College on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, titled "Evidence of Eastern Influence in Early Irish Christianity." Learn more about Christendom's Department of History at: https://www.christendom.edu/academics/majors-minors/history/

Lewis and Tolkien on the Necessity of Chivalry | Prof. Michael Strickland

Both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were inspired by time-honored medieval tales. Chivalry plays a key role in medieval English literature, yet Lewis and Tolkien seem to view it very differently – Lewis as a virtue, Tolkien as a vice. "Lewis and Tolkien on the Necessity of Chivalry" dives into essays by both men on the topic, ultimately finding common ground between them. Join Professor Strickland on this quest to explore the code of conduct that governs warfare, sport, honor, and loyalty.

Plato and Augustine on the Purpose of Mathematics | Dr. Douglas Dailey

The ultimate purpose of mathematics is not a topic frequently discussed. However, if you want to learn how math can lead us to knowledge of God, you should listen to this lecture. Dr. Douglas Dailey goes beyond the application of mathematics to explore how math unlocks the knowledge of true being—and God.

The Church and Suffering | Dr. Andrew Montanaro

I'm sure you've heard family and friends question how a loving God can allow suffering. Perhaps you've even wrestled with the question yourself. With Dr. Montanaro as your guide, you'll learn how suffering forms an essential part of God's plan—so much so that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our salvation.

Inculturation and the Evangelization of China | Dr. Christopher Lane

Join Christendom College professor Dr. Christopher Lane for his lecture on Inculturation and the Evangelization of China . From the time of the apostles, the deposit of faith has formed and transformed cultures, lived out uniquely across various cultures. This lecture will explore how Catholicism took root in China, forming a new Chinese Catholic culture, and how cultural practices gave rise to conflict among Catholics in the Chinese Rites controversy and the effects of that controversy in the 2...

Cultivating Contemplation Today: A Few Philosophical Suggestions | Dr. John Cuddeback

Join Christendom College professor Dr. John Cuddeback for this lecture examining practical principles from the master of contemplation, St. Thomas Aquinas. No matter our state in life, we are all called to contemplation as part of our identity and fulfilment, even amidst the challenges and chaos of today.

How Beauty Will Save the World | Dr. Michael Rubin

Learn about the true nature of beauty, its importance for our lives, and why Beauty not only can but will undoubtedly save the world. Christendom professor Dr. Michael Rubin will help you discover "How Beauty Will Save the World."

Treasure of My Heart: Irish Music Lecture-Recital | Dr. Sara Pecknold

Part of the Beato Fra Angelico Fine Arts series, Dr. Sara Pecknold gave a recital and talk discussing the history of traditional Irish music. The performance included Christendom music professor Dr. Larissa Fedoryka, Rachel Piazza (class of 2024), and Nolan Ladewski.

Our Lady’s Ring: Reflections on the Structure of the Rosary | Prof. Daniel Spiotta

Join Christendom Professor Daniel Spiotta as as he explores the structure of the Rosary from a unique perspective that illuminates fascinating new insights. The mysteries of the Rosary tell the story of Our Lady's life with Christ, and like any good story, they are artfully arranged. By reflecting on the ring-structure of the Rosary, we can come to a deeper understanding of its mysteries and how they relate to one another.

Eastern Catholic Churches: St. John Paul II and the Legacy of Vatican II | Fr. Dcn. Christopher Todd

Father Deacon Christopher Todd '12, Ukrainian Catholic Deacon and Christendom Alumnus, gave a lecture on "Eastern Catholic Churches: St. John Paul II and the Legacy of Vatican II" on February 5, 2024.

For the Love of Mary: Music for Our Lady in 17th-Century Venice | Dr. Sara Pecknold

Join Christendom professor Dr. Sara Pecknold as she explores the importance of music for our lives as Catholics and as a means of glorifying God. Music holds a unique place of influence in all our lives. Because of its constant presence and its indisputable power to move our souls, music should be put to its highest purpose: to praise God and lead us to Him. This lecture invites the listener to enjoy exquisite settings of the Salve Regina from 17th-century Venice and to consider how the contempl...

Tolkien’s Faith and the Foundations of Middle-earth | Dr. Holly Ordway

Word on Fire’s Dr. Holly Ordway delivered a talk on famed author J.R.R. Tolkien’s Catholic Faith at Christendom College on January 29, 2024, as part of the college’s Major Speaker Series . Fifty years after Tolkien’s death , his writings are more popular than ever; The Lord of the Rings and his other Middle-earth writings are internationally beloved, loved by millions who do not share his religious beliefs. Yet Tolkien declared, “I am a Christian (which can be deduced from my stories).” His writ...

St. Thomas Aquinas: Angelic Teacher | Dr. Anthony Andres, Ph.D.

On January 25, the college hosted Dr. Anthony Andres to give the 2024 Thomas Aquinas Lecture. The annual Aquinas Lecture is an opportunity for the Christendom College community to benefit from the scholarship and wisdom of noted thinkers in the tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Why December 25th? Inculturating Christmas in the Early Church | Dr. Hugh O'Donnell

This Principles Live Lecture was broadcast from our annual Christmas at Christendom event for our President's Council benefactors.