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The summer months are around the corner, and how better to while away the hours than by broadening our horizons and enriching our faith? Thankfully there’s an invaluable program that will satisfy our desire for Catholic thought, and it’s conveniently located no farther than our computer screen.
This year, St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry is offering a free audit program for summer classes.
St. Bernard’s is hosting a rich variety of Catholic-minded classes that anyone may sign up for. With a state-of-the-art distance learning program that allows auditors to attend classes live or at their own pace, online learning has never been so convenient. The whole package comes completely free of charge, meaning you can learn everything St. Bernard’s has to teach without bills and without accruing student debt.
Aleteia sat down to talk about the program with St. Bernard’s President and Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Stephen Loughlin, and Vice President, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean, Dr. Matthew Kuhner. The passion these two men have for their fields of education is magnetic, even through a virtual meeting -- a feat that bodes well for distance learners.
Dr. Stephen Loughlin
Dr. Loughlin is everything you’d expect from a modern-day philosopher, with an insatiable curiosity and an aptitude for putting complex ideas into terms that even those unfamiliar with philosophy can grasp. He clearly takes delight in thinking, and when he gets that glint in his eye after coming to a new realization mid-sentence, students (and interviewers) can’t help but be captivated.
When we brought up his obvious passion for teaching, he enthusiastically noted that his sentiment is shared by the entire St. Bernard’s faculty:
Dr. Matthew Kuhner
Dr. Kuhner is the picture of a humble theologian, and his time as an Academic Dean is obvious in his approachable demeanor. He is an intellectual – an incredibly well-read one – and his friendly demeanor is most reassuring, making one comfortable discussing metaphysical ideas, even when one has little reference.
Together they are a formidable force whose passion for their respective fields is infectious even over a computer screen and is sure to inspire anyone who encounters them. Their love of education and that of the entire St. Bernard’s faculty has drawn students to their distance learning program from all around the world. In recent months, Dr. Kuhner noted, even from Lviv, Ukraine.
As for why students the world over are choosing St. Bernard’s, Dr. Kuhner explains that it’s a no brainer for students of Catholic thought:
St. Bernard’s places an emphasis on Catholic community, and they keep prayer in focus, even during their classes. Dr. Kuhner noted that even though most staff are lay educators, they work hard to keep the monastic tradition particular to Catholic education at play in what they do:
Classes
This year’s lineup for the free summer audit courses includes some tantalizing options for prospective students. From an introductory class on biblical studies to an ecology course, there’s something for everyone.
Fans of The Lord of the Rings will appreciate the course “Tolkien the Artist: Creativity and the Image of God” taught by a bonafide Tolkien expert, Professor Siobhan Latar. Meanwhile, those who are up for a distinct challenge can tackle “Canon Law” with Rev. Peter Mottola.
Those who wish to learn more about the theology behind the liturgy will find a home in Rev. Peter Van Lieshout’s “Liturgical and Sacramental Theology” course. If you’re interested in a deep dive on classical Greek philosophy, there’s “Minding the Cave: The Call to Truth and Goodness in Plato’s Republic.”
Dr. Loughlin himself is teaching a course on an area of philosophy called Epistemology. He describes this course as:
Learn from the best
Not least of all on the list is “Beauty, Liturgy, Glory: Towards a Philosophical and Theological Aesthetics,” which will be taught by both Dr. Loughlin and Dr. Kuhner. That’s right, you can take a class with St. Bernard’s President and VP this summer, for free.
Dr. Loughlin is taking the lead on the philosophical aspects of the class, while Dr. Kuhner will address the theological. Giving us a sneak peak at what the class would be like, Dr. Loughlin said:
Building upon Dr. Loughlin’s thought, Dr. Kuhner was quick to take on the theological side:
The laity
St. Bernard’s prides itself on creating an inclusive atmosphere that offers the same world-class education to lay students as to those entering ordained ministry. They strive to view the temporal world through a lens that colors the landscape with the rich tradition of Catholic thought. Dr. Kuhner aptly noted:
As for what awaits students at St. Bernard's, Dr. Loughlin said it best (quoting Holy Scripture as he recalled it from an old hymn of his youth):
Click here to explore all the fantastic summer courses that St. Bernard’s is offering to audit for free.
Admission for St. Bernard’s free summer auditing campaign is open until April 29 for Summer Session I courses and June 17 for Summer Session 2 courses. Click here to sign up today.
