“Subtraction stories” and a longing for transcendence

“Subtraction stories” and a longing for transcendence

In this lecture, James K. A. Smith explores key elements of Charles Taylor’s understanding of what it means to live in a secular age. (43 minutes)
The experience of a “real presence” in sacred music

The experience of a “real presence” in sacred music

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Jonathan Arnold explores why people of no religious commitment pay money to hear specifically sacred music. (22 minutes)
Insisting that political leaders are incapable of obeying Christ

Insisting that political leaders are incapable of obeying Christ

Oliver O’Donovan on the unintended consequences of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Once there was no “secular”

Once there was no “secular”

Carlos Eire on the metaphysical assumptions championed in the sixteenth century
Questioning the “sacred-secular” division

Questioning the “sacred-secular” division

With the stage set by Michael Sandel, Jean Bethke Elshtain, David L. Schindler, and John Milbank, Andrew Willard Jones examines a medieval alternative to the modern liberal paradigm. (61 minutes)
The religious character of medieval secular life

The religious character of medieval secular life

John Milbank on the sacred canopy of premodern Europe
The danger of a self-marginalizing religion

The danger of a self-marginalizing religion

Alasdair MacIntyre on how the task of religion is to help see the secular as the sacred, the world as under God.