The Woman at the Foot of the Cross - Part 1

In this talk—Part 1 of a special two-part Lighthouse Talks presentation—Augustine Institute professor Dr. Ben Akers gives a meditative, Scriptural reflection on keeping vigil at the foot of the cross with Jesus' mother Mary. Dr. Akers explains the deeper meaning behind Jesus' confusing address of Mary as “Woman,” and illuminates the connections and foreshadowing between the biblical stories of Creation, the Wedding at Cana, and the Crucifixion. We learn profoundly, as Dr. Akers explains, that “everything Mary does points us to her Son." 

Contraception: Cracking the Myths

In this new revised edition of Professor Janet Smith's groundbreaking exposé on the effects of the pill on modern society, she presents a God-centered view of sexuality that can bring married couples a joy that they could have never imagined. Backed by statistics and armed with decades of research, Prof. Smith shows the crippling effect of the contraceptive culture on our relationship with God, our romantic relationships and marriages, the culture at large and our physical and mental health.

Click here to check out the accompanying PowerPoint presentation.

The Dark Passages of Scripture

Has Scripture ever made you uncomfortable? Do you have questions or doubts about events in the Bible that seem difficult to explain? In this important talk, author and Augustine Institute professor Dr. Mark Giszczak illuminates "the dark passages of Scripture"— those biblical events of violence and suffering that may not seem compatible with a loving and merciful God. Dr. Giszczak explains how God's justice, mercy, and love are all wholly compatible in Scripture, and asserts the importance of reading these passages with faith, intelligence, and within the teaching of the Church.

Purgatory: Our Forgotten Family

What is Purgatory? Does it exist? Does it matter? As professor and speaker Dr. Mark Miravalle explains, not only is the doctrine of Purgatory true, and deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, but the practice of offering prayers and sacrifices for the souls of the dead is a critically important responsibility for every member of the Body of Christ—the family of the Church.

Suffering & The Love of God

Why would an all-powerful, all-loving God allow suffering and evil in the world? As Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. explains, unsatisfying answers to this important question are the #1 reason for atheism today. But by answering this question with logic and love (as well as with scientific, peer-reviewed evidence for the existence of life after death), we can not only answer this question truthfully and satisfactorily, but also teach our fellow Christians how to suffer well, in preparation for the limitless love of God that awaits us in eternity.

This talk was recorded by FOCUS, at SEEK 2013. focus.org

The Holy Spirit: Third Person of the Trinity

In this captivating presentation Fr. Shannon Collins discusses the essential character of the Holy Spirit and the role the forgotten Person of the Blessed Trinity has played since the creation of the world. Drawing upon Scripture and tradition, Fr. Collins explains the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and how he works in the lives of believers. Listeners are sure to come to a better appreciation for this “sweet guest of our soul” who seeks to bring us closer to Christ and eternal salvation.

Understanding Luther: A Catholic Perspective on the Protestant Reformation

Ken Hensley, a well-known Catholic speaker, teacher, and author, provides an insightful perspective on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation from his vantage point as a former Baptist minister. Referencing Luther’s writings and his own conversion story, Ken clearly shows the theological and practical flaws of sola Scriptura and other teachings promulgated by the sixteenth-century reformers. Both Catholics and Protestants are sure to benefit from this fascinating presentation!

Eucharistic Vision: A Challenge of Faith

In a recent Pew survey, two-thirds of Catholics reported that they did not know or believe in the Church's teaching on the Eucharist. Diving into the writings of early doctors and fathers of the Church, and drawing upon his own experience as a scholar of history, practicing Catholic, and former Protestant, Dr. John Sehorn addresses the “mind-boggling” and difficult truth of Jesus' presence in the Blessed Sacrament. It is a truth that confronts us, challenges us, and is one of the greatest gifts that we will ever receive.