Truth in a Time of Turmoil
October 10-12, 2024
Join us for a weekend seminar at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology based on key passages from the Bible, the Summa Theologiae, and A Sign of Contradiction, by Karol Wojtyla.
Does truth still matter in a time of TikTok?
We live in an age of social and cultural turmoil. The world has never been without anxiety, but somehow our fears have become more imposing. Today, Christians need to make a serious effort to attune their hearts and minds to the first truths about God, man, and nature. Those truths are gained by encountering reality, listening to God, and entering into conversation with one another and with the wise.
Truth in a Time of Turmoil is a weekend seminar that aims to provide just that sort of opportunity. It is designed for a group of a dozen young men and women – either finishing their undergraduate degrees or recently graduated – who are discerning the next step in their lives and in their search for truth.
The seminar consists of free-wheeling conversations based on key passages from the Bible, the Summa Theologiae, and from A Sign of Contradiction, the remarkable retreat conferences preached by Karol Wojtyla on the eve of his election as Pope St. John Paul II.
Features
An integrated experience of study, prayer, and friendship
- Fellowship with Catholic peers
- Seminar-style discussion
- Daily Mass, plus other communal prayer
- Fellowship with Augustine Institute faculty and students
Cost
This seminar is free. Lodging and meals will be provided by the Augustine Institute. Students are responsible for travel expenses to and from St. Louis, Missouri.
Who Should Attend
We invite rising college seniors or recent college graduates who are discerning the next step in their lives and in their search for truth.
This is an apt opportunity if you are exploring the possibility of graduate studies. However, we welcome your attendance if you simply desire to deepen your Catholic faith.
Seminar Faculty
Christopher Blum
Professor of History & Philosophy, Augustine Institute
Andrea Saner
Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture, Augustine Institute
John Sehorn
Academic Dean & Associate Professor of Theology, Augustine Institute
Event Schedule
Truth in a Time of Turmoil will take place from October 10-12, 2024, at the Augustine Institute in St. Louis, Missouri.
Thursday, October 10, 2024
5:00 P.M.
Vespers
5:15 P.M.
Dinner6:30 P.M.
"Why do the nations rage?" (Psalm 2:1) Wojtyla's account of the tragedy of secular modernity in Sign of Contradiction, chapters 1-4.
Friday, October 11, 2024
8:30 – 10:00 A.M.
“Philosophy and empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8). The ironic nihilism of Richard Rorty’s “A World without Substances or Essences.”
10:15 – 11:45 A.M.
“My feet had almost stumbled” (Psalm 73:2). Reading Psalm 73 in light of St. John Henry Newman’s sermon “Truth Hidden when not Sought After.”Noon
Holy Mass12:30 P.M.
Lunch1:30 – 3:00 P.M.
Nature walk (weather permitting)3:30 – 5:00 P.M.
“He determines the number of the stars” (Psalm 147:4). Aquinas and the five ways of demonstrating God’s existence (Summa Theologiae I.2).5:00 P.M.
Vespers
5:15 P.M.
Dinner
6:30 P.M.
“In this the love of God was made manifest” (1 John 4:9). Wojtyla on the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery. (Sign of Contradiction, chapters 6-10
Saturday, October 12, 2024
9:15 - 10:30 A.M.
“I am who am” (Exodus 3:14). Aquinas on the divine simplicity (ST I.3).
10:45 – 12:00 P.M.
“For this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37). St. Thomas Aquinas’ answer to the question, “What is truth?”
12:00 – 1:00 P.M.
Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 P.M.
Time for rest and recreation
3:00 – 4:15 P.M.
“I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you” (1 Corinthians 11:23). The eucharistic vision of St. Edith Stein’s “The Mystery of Christmas.”
5:00 P.M.
Anticipated Mass for Sunday
6:00 P.M.
Festive Dinner
7:00 P.M.
“What is man?” (Psalm 8:4). Wojtyla on Christ revealing man to himself. (Sign of Contradiction, chapters 14-16)
