Christendom College Lectures
by Christendom College
At Christendom College, we believe education is more than gaining knowledge—it’s about pursuing true wisdom. As a Catholic liberal arts college, our mission is to guide students on the path to Christian wisdom, grounded in the love and contemplation of both natural and divinely revealed truth. This journey doesn’t happen in the classroom alone. Through vibrant campus life, community events, and spiritual opportunities, students are encouraged to cultivate the moral virtues and habits of Christian living. These virtues prepare them to properly order the material and spiritual goods of life, equipping them for a higher purpose. To enrich this formation, the college regularly hosts speakers who inspire and challenge our students to grow in mind, heart, and soul. We invite you to be part of this journey by joining us for these thought-provoking lectures. These talks provide a chance to engage with the ideas shaping our students and to explore how faith and reason together lead to truth. Co
Episodes
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"Myths and Storytelling" | Dr. Matthew Mehan
Christendom College welcomed political theorist Dr. Matthew Mehan to campus for a special lecture on Monday, October 8. Mehan, a professor of Government Science at the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C., spoke on “myths and storytelling" and his...
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Rhetoric and the Virtues of the Heart | Dr. Mary Keys | Collegiate Lecture Series
Christendom College welcomed political theorist Dr. Mary Keys to campus for the latest event in its Collegiate Lecture Series on Monday, October 5. Keys, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, spoke on “Rhetoric and the Virtues of the Heart: On Augustine’s Political...
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Human Origins: Evolution and Creation | Dr. Dan Kuebler
Can a Catholic accept evolution? And if the human person is a unity of body and soul, how do we make sense of our biological origins? In this lecture, given as part of Christendom College's Collegiate Lecture Series, biologist Dr. Daniel Kuebler takes up those questions. He looks at how current...
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Magnifica Humanitas: A Panel Discussion
Christendom College’s Political Science Department hosted an engaging panel discussion on Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical on artificial intelligence, Magnifica Humanitas. Featuring college faculty members Dr. Nicolas McAfee, Dr. Eric Jenislawski, and Dr. James Bergida, along with guest panelists…
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Aquinas and Descartes on Creation | Dr. Steven Baldner
Christendom College welcomed St. Thomas Aquinas expert Dr. Steven Baldner to campus for the latest event in its Collegiate Lecture Series. Baldner, a professor at St. Francis Xavier University, presented the college’s annual St. Thomas Aquinas lecture as part of the series, speaking on “Aquinas…
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The Fullness of Time: A Reflection in Preparation for Christmas | Dr. Timothy O'Donnell
Dr. Timothy O’Donnell reflects on the significance of the Incarnation, exploring the world’s longing for a Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy, and Mary’s unique role as the Mother of God. He discusses the expectations of the Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the cultural readiness for...
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The Incarnation (Might Not Have) Happened | Fr. Gregory Pine
Fr. Gregory Pine highlights the importance of the incarnation, showcasing God's generosity and the need to recognize His work in our lives. Fr. Pine encourages all to a deeper understanding of how God's love and grace are evident in our experiences, urging a response of gratitude and…
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St Joseph and His Bride: A Christmas Reflection | Dr. John Cuddeback
In the lecture, Christendom College Philosophy Professor Dr. John Cuddeback examines St. Joseph's life, highlighting the importance of fatherhood, marriage, and hiddenness. The saint's unwavering righteousness and chastity serve as lessons in integrity and mercy. The lecture explores the deeper...
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Anglican Patrimony in Catholic Communion: Problem, Gift, Challenge, Mission | Dr. Clint Brand
Christendom College welcomed Dr. Clint Brand, Associate Professor of English at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, for the latest installment of its Collegiate Lecture Series. In his talk, “Anglican Patrimony in Catholic Communion: Problem, Gift, Challenge, Mission,” Dr. Brand explored the...
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Let’s Talk about Mandates: Electoral Mandates and American Constitutionalism | Dr. Zachary German
In the wake of an election, we regularly discuss whether the victorious candidate and party won a “mandate” and what that mandate entails. This lecture considers the relationship between the Constitution and the way we talk about electoral mandates. Dr. German is an assistant professor in the...
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10 Things I Learned from Writing a Book on Motherhood | Nadya Williams
Christendom’s Department of History welcomed professor and author Nadya Williams on September 10, 2025. Williams presented a talk based on her recently published book Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic. Williams, who holds her Ph.D. in Classics from Princeton University, is a mother, writer,...
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The Part the Muses Give Us: Poetry as First Art | James Matthew Wilson
Christendom College welcomed acclaimed poet James Matthew Wilson on September 24, 2025. Wilson, professor of creative writing at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, delivered an address titled “The Part the Muses Give Us: Poetry as First Art.” The lecture was part of the Collegiate Lecture...
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Logos and Analogia: What Made Euclid Euclidean | Dr. Miriam Byers
Dr. Miriam Byers delivered this lecture at the annual Senior-Faculty Dinner on September 22, 2025, at Christendom College. Byers is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Christendom College, where she has taught since 2001, initially as an adjunct before transitioning to full-time in 2015…
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No Mercy: The Catholic Culture of Death | Sr. Deirdre Byrne with Dr. R.J. Matava
Sr. Deirdre Byrne, POSC, hosted a viewing and spoke with theology professor Dr. R.J. Matava about the documentary she helped to produce called "No Mercy: The Catholic Culture of Death" which covers the abuse of vulnerable patients and palliative care. Sr. Dede is a practicing physician, retired…
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Shakespeare’s Catholicism | Dr. Robert Rice
Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Rice reveals compelling evidence that the great Bard, William Shakespeare, was Catholic.
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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,...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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:...
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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:...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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."
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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Honor thy Father and thy Mother: Aquinas and Confucius on the Virtue of Filial Piety | Dr. Mark Wunsch
The breakdown of the family is one of the chief factors behind the societal decay we experience today. How can we protect the family unit and reverse the breakdown of society? This lecture will examine how rediscovering filial piety can help lead us toward the restoration we need.
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Why Good Children’s Literature Matters Today | Dr. Kathleen Sullivan
Why is children's literature important? In our society where even children are made to question their very identity, it is crucial to have stories that ground them in truth.
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How to Evangelize Like a Hobbit | Dr. Conor Sweeney
"How can we be effective evangelizers?" Find out how baptism and hobbits can shed light on what it means to be a Christian filled with faith, hope, and love, and thus a beacon for communicating the joy of the Christian life to others.
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Called to Evangelize: Theology Masters as Christian Educators | Dr. Alessia Berardi
This lecture provides the example of theology professors who conceived of themselves not only as intellectuals, but, more importantly, as Christian teachers. Focusing on the twelfth-century schools of theology, Dr. Berardi shows how theologians of the time followed the tradition of the Church...
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Law and Love in A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Prof. Daniel Spiotta
The world is filled with conflicts, both apparent and real, between personal love and civic duty. Can love be restrained without violating its radical freedom? In this brief talk, Christendom College's Professor Daniel Spiotta will consider how William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream...
About this show
At Christendom College, we believe education is more than gaining knowledge—it’s about pursuing true wisdom. As a Catholic liberal arts college, our mission is to guide students on the path to Christian wisdom, grounded in the love and contemplation of both natural and divinely revealed truth. This journey doesn’t happen in the classroom alone. Through vibrant campus life, community events, and spiritual opportunities, students are encouraged to cultivate the moral virtues and habits of Christian living. These virtues prepare them to properly order the material and spiritual goods of life, equipping them for a higher purpose. To enrich this formation, the college regularly hosts speakers who inspire and challenge our students to grow in mind, heart, and soul. We invite you to be part of this journey by joining us for these thought-provoking lectures. These talks provide a chance to engage with the ideas shaping our students and to explore how faith and reason together lead to truth. Co
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