Strengthening Faith Through Reason


Today, there is more evidence for the existence of God from physics and philosophy and evidence for the historicity of Jesus than at any other time in Church history.  Most of our parish leaders, teachers, and administrators are unaware of this evidence, making them less able to fully engage in the new evangelization – particularly with people between 20-40 years old.  The call to engage in the new evangelization is exceedingly important today.  Our young people and adults face challenges from pop-culture atheism and secularism through traditional and new media, and if we do not address it, we are likely to lose over 50% of them before they reach the age of 45. We have found that this information strengthens the faith of Church leaders and teachers, gives them resources to engage effectively in the new evangelization, and opens new intellectual horizons of faith and mission.  It can also form a foundation for community, reflection, and faith sharing. 

Audiences
  • Chancery, parish, ministry leaders & staff
  • Elementary and high school leaders & teachers
  • Priest and deacon convocations
  • Catholic hospitals and health systems
Settings
  • Retreats or in-Service days
  • Conferences
  • Special Events
Length
  • One to two-day seminar, or
  • Hour-long sessions over longer time span
Topics
  • What is the significance of a beginning in the new physics?
  • What is the evidence for a beginning of the universe from space-time geometry?
  • What is the evidence for a beginning of the universe from entropy?
  • What is the evidence for the fine-tuning and design of the universe from cosmological constants?
  • What is the new evidence for the resurrection of Jesus from N.T. Wright and John P. Meier?
  • What is the evidence for the historicity of Jesus’ miracles from John P. Meier?
  • What did Jesus think about his divinity (from N.T. Wright)?
  • The unconditional love of God manifest in Jesus’ preaching, Eucharist, and passion.
Methodology
  • Professional facilitation with DVD presentation
  • Companion text
  • Group and personal exercises
  • Workbooks with references from  Scripture, Catechism, Saints
Follow-up Resources
  • Monthly Newsletter and Daily Inspirations
  • New website resources to give to young adults.
Feedback from  Priest Participants
  • "It was very good, especially since I love astronomy and science, but also the spiritual insights were very good."
  • "Very enlightening and interesting."
  • Great presentation – very enjoyable and renewing."
  • "Outstanding and of great importance to our youth."
  • "Very good. So much to learn. I wish I could know and explain all that about God and His existence."
  • "This gave me information that I can apply in my ministry with both old and young."
Outcomes
  • Better understanding of evidence for God from the new physics, and the historicity of Jesus.
  • Deeper awareness of the reality and presence of God in the universe and personal spiritual life.
  • Better understanding of topics such as the Bible and science, evolution, and the historical background of the New Testament. 
  • More able to engage in the new evangelization.