Hans Urs von Balthasar: Rediscovering Holistic Christianity

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CHRISTIANITY
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"There will never be beings unloved by God, since God is absolute love. " – Hans Urs von Balthasar Explore the profound spirituality of Hans Urs von Balthasar. Born in Switzerland, Balthasar (1905–1988) was one of the most prolific and sophisticated Catholic thinkers of the twentieth century. As you will discover, Balthasar's theology provides a powerful model for the Catholic Church in the modern world. In Hans Urs von Balthasar: Rediscovering Holistic Christianity, you will join Balthasar expert Dr. Kevin Mongrain (Ph.D., Yale University) in exploring this great theologian. When first approaching Balthasar, his corpus of works can seem like a daunting, complex labyrinth. Under Dr. Mongrain's guidance, however, you will discover enlightening threads throughout Balthasar's powerful thought. Deeply influenced by the Jesuits, Balthasar eventually left the Society of Jesus to become a secular priest, that is, wholly engaged in the world. As you will see in this course, he became a spokesperson of the contemplative-charismatic strand of the Catholic tradition. His vision of the Church promoted unity between its hierarchical, theological, and contemplative strands. Under Dr. Mongrain's guidance, you will explore Balthasar's ideas about authentic prayer, mystical experience, and prophecy. You will also see how his ideas addressed the modern world. Balthasar wove together spirituality and metaphysics, and he sought a holistic Christianity, that is, one that wove together the visions of the saints throughout the ages. Experience the power of Balthasar's vision today. (Photo of Hans Urs von Balthasar ©Archiv Hans Urs von Balthasar, Basel)

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Internationally best-selling author, renowned professor, and the "dean of American Catholic Historians," Fr. John O'Malley presents his monumental course on the papacy. This masterpiece series covers the most fascinating history in the Western world. Now you can trace the amazing history of the papacy, the oldest still-functioning institution of any kind in the Western world, in 36 erudite lectures. By focusing on popes that shaped vital moments in global history, you will gain a deep understanding of the people, issues, and ideas that gave us the Catholic church and our world. The story features both trouble and triumph—and Fr. O'Malley deftly tackles both aspects—but above all, it tells of resilience. You will be enthralled as you listen to Fr. O'Malley explains how pope after pope responded to challenges from barbarians, "Christian" monarchs, disgruntled bishops, and, above all, the faults and failures of human nature in order to guide Peter's bark through the rugged seas of time.

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HISTORY
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Gain fresh insights into the New Testament in this life-changing course by a celebrated Bible translator and Oxford professor. Perhaps no other text has so greatly influenced Western civilization as the New Testament. And yet, it also remains widely misunderstood, even among lifelong Christians. Now, "The New Testament: A Bible Study Course" answers your most important questions about its 27 books. Brilliantly presented by Fr. Nicholas King, these 36 engaging lectures give you access to modern scholarship on the New Testament. Fr. King's original translations breathe new life into the words you have so often heard and studied, accurately conveying the mood of the original documents. After a fascinating general introduction to the New Testament, you will take a fresh look at the Pauline epistles. You will enjoy four lectures on each of the Gospels before looking at Acts of the Apostles, the general epistles, and Revelation. Finally, you will consider the important themes of Christ's Resurrection, divine inspiration, and the necessity of the Old Testament. Above all, you will gain a fuller sense of Jesus as a devout Jew who was telling the old story of God and the People of God in a new way. And as Jesus preached, the gospel message is open to all. This scriptural journey will fill you with the excitement that pervades the writings of the New Testament. Embark on it today.

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In this brilliantly taught course, you will explore the theology and practice of the Catholic Mass with one of the world's leading liturgical professors as your guide. Catholics believe that every time they gather to celebrate, they are acting in obedience to Jesus' command to ""do this in memory of me. "" Catholics have obeyed this command for nearly two thousand years, and now you can explore anew the spiritual and theological meaning of this vital celebration. Your guide is Fr. John Baldovin, S.J. (Ph.D. Yale), a celebrated professor of liturgical theology at Boston College and past president of the Past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy. Under his guidance, you will gain powerful answers to the most important questions about the Mass: -How did Vatican II influence Eucharistic Liturgy? -How does what we celebrate today find its roots in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of the Lord? -How has the celebration of the Mass developed over the centuries? How were the Scripture passages used in the Sunday lectionary chosen? -What language and ritual gestures are suitable for our celebrations? -How does the Mass unite us to the Lord and to one another? -How does it participate in the Paschal Mystery? What is the meaning of transubstantiation? Fr. Baldovin answers these and many more questions. Anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the Liturgy of the Eucharist will treasure this course.

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From the best-selling author of "The Return of the Prodigal Son," essential listening for Christians, Catholics, and all spiritual seekers. We lead our spiritual lives in relationship with others. A faithful community gives us opportunities to worship, share burdens, offer forgiveness, and celebrate life. Wherever he went, Henri Nouwen created such communities, and within them, he offered spiritual direction. Available as an audiobook for the first time ever, "Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith" is part of The Nouwen Trilogy. These convenient audio sessions let you adopt Nouwen as your personal spiritual director. As you listen, you will come to see the spiritual life as he did: a transformative journey that takes on meaning through interpersonal connections. Each session was carefully prepared by Dr. Michael Christensen, an award-winning professor of Christian ministry and practice, and Dr. Rebecca Laird, who was Nouwen's student at Yale Divinity School. Each volume of The Nouwen Trilogy collects Nouwen's unpublished homilies, interviews, classes, and speeches, as well as excerpts from his published writings. Editing these works into a cohesive and definitive guide to the Christian life, Drs. Christensen and Laird memorialize his popular teachings. With Nouwen's guidance, you hold the key to true and lasting spiritual transformation.

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