Institute of Catholic Culture

Plato’s Republic is a masterpiece of natural reason in pursuit of the truly good human life. In these two lectures we will consider fundamental Platonic insights into human nature, virtue, community, and happiness, giving special attention to how to apply these insights to our own lives.

Plato’s Republic is a masterpiece of natural reason in pursuit of the truly good human life. In these two lectures we will consider fundamental Platonic insights into human nature, virtue, community, and happiness, giving special attention to how to apply these insights to our own lives.

In every era of biblical history, God sent “mediating agents” to his people, to save, sanctify, and steer them towards Himself. To varying degrees, these individuals anticipate Jesus, God’s divine Son and agent of grace. We will explore two such Old Testament agents, Joseph and Joshua—how they prefigure Jesus, and how, in various ways, He surpasses them.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”- Genesis 1:1

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”- Genesis 1:1

"Darwin made it possible to be an intellectually fulfilled atheist." So wrote Oxford evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. Yet modern science has discovered that the foundation of life is run by molecular machines whose sophistication far surpasses human technology.

"The Catechism teaches that 'In order to preserve the Church in the purity of the faith … Christ who is the Truth willed to confer on her a share in his own infallibility.' Yet the Church also teaches that the gift of infallibility is limited. When is the Pope teaching infallibly? What authority does a Council of the Church have in defining the doctrines of the Church? What role does a Synod play in teaching the faithful what they should believe?" - Dr. William Marshner

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled, Americans face momentous debates about the nature of marriage and religious liberty. Because the Court has redefined marriage in all states, we have to energetically protect our freedom to live according to conscience and faith as we work to rebuild a strong marriage culture. Ryan Anderson explores what marriage is, why it matters for public policy, and the consequences of its legal redefinition.

"Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made."– Romans 1:20

"The Catechism teaches that 'In order to preserve the Church in the purity of the faith … Christ who is the Truth willed to confer on her a share in his own infallibility.' Yet the Church also teaches that the gift of infallibility is limited. When is the Pope teaching infallibly? What authority does a Council of the Church have in defining the doctrines of the Church? What role does a Synod play in teaching the faithful what they should believe?" - Dr. William Marshner