Aquinas Leadership International February 2021 Update

Dear Colleagues,
As usual, I write to update you about some developments related to the Aquinas Leadership International (ALI) group, our affiliate organizations, and other groups interested in ALI’s work. If you would like me to include some information in a future monthly update, email me that request at my email address immediately below. If you have not received an email update from me previously, and/or would like to be excluded from future update announcements, simply email me at my contact address below. I will be happy to remove you from this list.
Please forward this email to anyone you think might be positively interested in receiving this information.
Finally, go to the link immediately below for additional information regarding upcoming conferences, and other announcements and events:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Peter
Peter A. Redpath
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OUR COLLEAGUE JOHN HITTINGER ANNOUNCES AN M.A. IN SAINT JOHN PAUL II STUDIES

The University of St. Thomas, Texas, is delighted to announce program in John Paul II studies designed to be transformative: as the student learns about this saint’s prayer and devotion, and studies his literary, philosophical and theological work both heart and mind are filled with the joy of truth. The student will read all 14 of his encyclicals and study the great themes of his pontificate such the dignity of the
person redeemed by Christ, the sanctification of work, theology of the body, the meaning of divine mercy, the principles of solidarity, faith and reason, and the new evangelization. Students will have an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Poland in order to better understand the thought of Saint John Paul II in the context of Polish history and culture.
The program will consist of 8 courses (3 hours each), a study abroad experience in Poland (3 hours), and a Final Project (3 hours). Total: 30 hours. The courses will be:
Course 1: Redemptor hominis and the witness of John Paul II
Course 2: Faith and Reason according to John Paul II
Course 3: Sources of Renewal: On the Eucharist, Mary and the Church
Course 4: Thomistic Personalism: On the dignity of the person
Course 5: The Family and the Civilization of Love
Course 6: Divine Mercy and the Work of Holy Spirit
Course 7: Social/political teaching of John Paul II
Course 8: Mission and the New Evangelization
(9) Study abroad: John Paul II in the context of Polish history and culture
(10) Final Project course: student project planned with faculty approval
A certificate may be completed with 18 hours of study.
Tuition for the MA in John Paul II Studies program is $407 per credit hour. The JP2 Institute is ready to offer financial assistance to those students in need so they can enroll in this program dedicated to St John Paul II. If you would like to apply for a tuition discount, please add to your application a letter explaining your situation and what this financial aid would mean for you and your readiness to engage in this program (1-2 pages).
A certificate option is also available for those who do not wish to earn an M.A..
Please address any questions to Dr. John Hittinger at the Saint John Paul II Institute
Phone: 713-525-2155
Our website is: www.stthom.edu/SJPII
Here is a link to apply to the graduate program:
“By his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the Church, to speak of the Gospel.”
Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.
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  • Go to the link immediately below to see recent blogspot posts by our colleague Terrence Berres:
  • Go to the link immediately below to find information about publications in our colleague Sebastian Mahfood’s En Route Books & Media:

https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/

Also, our Dr. Mahfood has established a Go-Fund-Me page at the link immediately below to help the Fr. Peter Stravinskas and the Catholic Education Foundation the great work in promoting Catholic education that our colleague Joe Indelicato started decades ago. Please donate as to this most worthy cause:

 Help the CEF

  • Immediately below, the Studia Gilsoniana Journal announces a CFP for articles related to “The Relationship, If Any, Between Religion and Economics (Religion as the Basis and Measure of Economics)”:

In her novel Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand famously, and provocatively, upended the Gospel teaching about the love of money being the root of evil to assert that morality was the root of money. In a speech in that novel put into the mouth of fictional character Francisco d’Anconia, Rand outlines her theory that trust among market participants is what gives the medium of exchange, money, its value.

Rand was an atheist, and, in her other works, she dismissed any religious component to the
morality in which she rooted her Objectivist philosophy, the grounding for the morality-as underpinning-of-money theory she advances in Atlas Shrugged. However, a deeper study of economics, morality, and religion—as well as of history, culture, and philosophy—reveals that the question may be more complicated than Rand assumed.

For example, the late Prof. Clayton Christensen of Harvard Business School argued, such as in the short lecture linked below, that religion was indispensable to capitalism. To press the argument farther, it might also be said that religious beliefs are foundational to morality in any market—that, without religion, which teaches the dignity of the human person and the need to view others as deserving of fair-dealing and respect, there can be no viable economic activity of any kind (Clayton Christensen article)

Despite the wide circulation of views similar to those expressed by Prof. Christensen,
modern economics is viewed as a positive scientific discipline whose material aspects, and more recently psychological aspects, are measurable. Thus, how could religion be indispensable to capitalism as an economic system designed to create material wealth? Prof. Christensen seems to suggest that the normative aspects of economic activity are perhaps even more important than the science of economics
today.

Is this a proper role for religion to play? How can the philosophical materialism of economics be squared, if at all, with religious beliefs? In the spirit of Prof. Christensen’s bold vision for a religiously-grounded capitalism, and in light of Pope Francis’ Fratelli tutti and other pronouncements on the nature of shared human endeavor, in this volume we invite scholars to contribute papers on the relationship, if any, between economics and religion.

Does religion bolster markets? Do religious people behave more morally in business? Is it
possible to have a purely secular morality govern economic exchange? Thinkers as diverse as Thomas Aquinas, Max Weber, Ludwig von Mises, Uzawa Hirofumi, Giorgio Agamben, and Francisco Suarez have pondered the question of religion and economics. Do their arguments, or the teachings of any religious tradition, help frame counter-positions for thinking beyond Rand’s anti-objectivist Objectivism. Thereby, do they help recovering a healthy understanding of the human person as economic agent?

Papers of around 8,000 to 10,000 words are welcome. Please submit to Marvin Peláez
(marvinpelaez119@gmail.com) and Jason Morgan (morgan.jason.michael@gmail.com) by December 1, 2021 for consideration for inclusion in the special edition of Studia Gilsoniana on religion and economics.

  • The Coalition for Jewish Values announces job opening immediately below:

Our communications efforts, in particular, have been so successful that the director of another organization contacted our President, Rabbi Pesach Lerner, just this week to ask for advice. Would you, or someone you know, like to join a winning team?

For the past six months, we have enjoyed the services of an outstanding Communications Director whose expertise and diligence helped fuel our growth. For personal reasons, though, she has moved on to a different opportunity. We are very sorry to see her go — and now must seek a replacement.

We are looking for someone with education and/or experience in marketing, communications and/or public relations, with strong written and verbal communication skills (knowledge of the Oxford comma, and when to use it, not mandatory), and who enjoys cultivating professional relationships even with people (reporters) who may not share our opinions.

If that describes you, please be in touch—and if not, please share this with someone who may be interested. It also isn’t mandatory that you have worked with Google Apps, HTML, Twitter, Facebook, etc., but you’ll need to be a quick study!

You’ll also need a laptop or desktop computer on which you’re willing to install a few common free applications, like Google Drive for Desktop, and a smartphone just to keep up when traveling.

For more details, please send your resume to office@cjvalues.org. We will look forward to hearing from you!

And, of course, your help is what enables us to grow and hire great people like this. Thank you for your generous support!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yaakov Menken

  • See abbreviated information immediately below about American Maritain Association’s March 2021, 44th Annual Meeting:

No Registration Fee

Theme: “Thomism and Freedom”

Conference Schedule (via ZOOM):

Friday, March 19, 2021:

3:30 pm (Eastern) (12:30 pm Pacific) Welcome

Introduction: Joshua Schulz and Web Support Team

Opening Prayer: Christopher Cullen, SJ

4:00-6:00 pm (Eastern) (1:00-3:00 pm Pacific) Plenary I

4:00-4:45 Michael Torre, University of San Francisco

4:45-5:00 Respondent: Alice Ramos, St. John’s University

5:00-6:00 Questions and Discussion

7:00-9:00 pm (Eastern) (4:00-6:00 pm Pacific) Plenary II

7:00-7:45 Steve Jensen, University of St. Thomas (Houston)

7:45-8:00 Respondent: Hannah Woldum Ragusa, The Catholic University of America

8:00-9:00 Questions and Discussion

9:00 pm (Eastern) (6:00 pm Pacific) Evening Prayer

Saturday, March 20, 2021:  

12:30 pm (Eastern) (9:30 am Pacific) Welcome

Opening Prayer: Christopher Cullen, SJ

Business Report/Meeting

1:00-3:00 pm (Eastern) (10:00 am-12:00 pm Pacific) Presidential Address

1:00-1:45 James Hanink, Independent Scholar

1:45-2:05 Respondent: Steve Long, Ave Maria University

2:05-3:00 Questions and Discussion

4:00-6:00 pm (Eastern) (1:00-3:00 pm Pacific) Plenary IV

4:00-4:45 Mirela Oliva, University of St. Thomas (Houston)

4:45-5:00 Respondent: Heather M. Erb, Lock Haven University, Angelicum Academy

5:00-6:00 Questions and Discussion

7:00-9:00 pm (Eastern) (4:00-6:00 pm Pacific) Plenary V

7:00-7:45 Hadley Arkes, Amherst College

7:45-8:00 Giuseppe Butera, Providence College

8:00-9:00 Questions and Discussion

9:00 pm (Eastern) (6:00 pm Pacific) Closing Prayer

N.B. Questions and Discussion Sessions: format to be announced!

For future updates, go to: 

  • Immediately below, Special Editor Susan Brower-Toland (Saint Louis University) announces a CFP related to the topic “Theological Dogma and Philosophical Innovation in Medieval Philosophy”:

Call for papers (http://www.resphilosophica.org/calls/medieval/)

Deadline for Submission: 01 July 1 2021
Prize: $3,000Res Philosophica invites papers on the topic of “Theological Dogma and Philosophical Innovation in Medieval Philosophy” for the 2021 Res Philosophica Essay Prize. The author of the winning paper will receive a prize of $3,000 and publication in the special issue of the journal on the same topic. Unless otherwise requested, submissions for the prize will be automatically considered for publication in the journal’s special issue. Accepted papers will be published alongside invited papers by Giorgio Pini and Christina Van Dyke.

Description: Philosophy during the medieval period is deeply influenced and significantly shaped by the religious and theological commitments that define not only the outlook of its individual practitioners, but also the institutionaland cultural context within which medieval philosophy develops. Philosophical theorizing during this period is often and explicitly in service of theological ends. And even when philosophers are not explicitly concerned with
matters theological, philosophical speculation is nevertheless inevitably constrained by theological boundaries. After all, an adequate, systematic account of any aspect of reality must accommodate relevant theological data. It would be easy, in light of this, to suppose that the theological commitments and constraints that characterize philosophy during this period had a largely stultifying effect on its development. But such an assumption, would
significantly miss the mark. In point of fact, mapping the theological contours of the medieval philosophical landscape required a great deal of ingenuity and originality from philosophers engaged in the project. Indeed, it is the attempt to philosophically articulate (or accommodate) the theological cases that prompts some of the most interesting and important philosophical innovations to emerge during the period.
For instance, philosophical reflection on the doctrine of the Trinity motivates new ways of theorizing about the nature of relations, especially, relations of identity and distinction. The doctrine of the Eucharist stimulates debate on a host of issues in metaphysics: for example, questions about the nature of accidents and about the nature of spatial location (in
particular, questions about the possibility of co- and multiple-location of material objects). Again, debates about nature of the Beatific Vision stimulates speculation on a number of issues in philosophical psychology including issues surrounding the nature of happiness, and the nature of conscious experience. The list goes on.
Res Phil invites submissions addressing and providing new insights into the relationship between theological dogma and philosophical innovation in medieval philosophy. We encourage papers that explore:
1. Ways in which philosophers incorporate theological data in philosophical theorizing: are the supernatural
cases treated as exceptional, or do such cases drive the theory?
2. Specific instances in which theological considerations drive some advance in a philosophical debate by, say, motivating new theories, new distinctions, or new objections and counterexamples to standard theories.
3. Religious texts or theological doctrines that serve as context for developing or debating purely philosophical ideas, distinctions, or theories.
These are just a sample of the sorts of issue that submissions might address. Papers that address other topics in the neighborhood are welcome including submission that explore this theme in women, Islamic, or Jewish thinkers.
Guidelines:
Submissions will be triple anonymously reviewed. (First, authors do not know the identity of the referees; second, referees do not know the identity of the authors, and third, editors do not know the identity of the authors.) Please format your submission so that it is suitable for anonymous review. We do not normally publish papers longer than 12,000 words long (including footnotes). We prefer submissions in pdf format, though we will accept Microsoft Word documents. Papers may be submitted in any standard style, but authors of accepted papers will be required to edit their papers according to the journal’s style, which follows The Chicago Manual of Style (latest edition).
  • Lewis Talbot at City Internships announces applications are available at the following site for several global spring and summer 2021 programs:

City Internships Remote Programs

  • Acquisitions Editor with Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, Sue Saad, announces:

Kendall Hunt Publishing is an innovative publishing company with 75 years’ experience that focuses on developing publications that effectively integrate materials, technology and content specifically aligned with course objectives.

I am contacting you today because we are in the process of identifying candidates to author and/or partner with us to create new publications.

We are on a mission to increase student engagement and save students money by enabling professors to create course content tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’ve considered publishing your own work or would simply like to customize your current content to meet the needs of your course, we may be able to help.

If you have interest in learning more, please respond to this email or reach out with the information below.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Sue

Sue Saad
Acquisitions Editor
Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
732.985.2244 | ssaad@kendallhunt.com<mailto:ssaad@kendallhunt.com>

  • Go to the following link for details about the Semiotics Society of America’s CFP for its 20-23 October, 45th annual meeting concerning the topic: Addressing Precarity: Semiotics, Semiosis, and Semioethics

Semiotic Society of America CFP 2021

  • See the letter immediately below from Dr Zoe Boutsioli, Vice President of Publications for ATINER, related to reviewing articles and eJournal contributions, and the 12th Annual International Conference on Visual and Performing Arts, 7-8 June 2021 in Athens, Greece:

Dear Colleague,

I wish to inform you that the following papers are considered for publication in the Athens Journal of Humanities & Arts. Below you can find the links where they can be downloaded from. If you are interested in reviewing any of them, we will send you more information on how to proceed.

  1. On the Decryption of the Reticular Substrate of the Universe and the Intuitive Imaginary (Paper Code: 2020-3808-AJHA)
  2. Loose Can(n)on: Literary Tradition in Daljit Nagra’s British Museum (Paper Code: 2021-4103-AJHA)

You are also invited to contribute to our eJournal with an original research paper (journal publication is cost free) and/or to participate at the 12th Annual International Conference on Visual and Performing Arts, 7-8 June 2021, Athens, Greece (www.atiner.gr/arts) or at the 6th Annual International Symposium on Culture and Civilization, 7-8 June 2021, Athens, Greece (www.atiner.gr/culture). Due to the synchronous pandemic, ATINER has decided to offer the option of remote (online or pre-recorded) presentation for those who cannot come for objective or subjective reasons. If you need more information, please let me know, and our administration will send it to you. Please note that you do not have to present your paper to have it considered for the Journal.

Finally, the April issue (Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2021) of the Athens Journal of Humanities & Arts has been uploaded and it is available at: https://www.athensjournals.gr/ajha/v8i2.

My best regards,
Zoe
____________________________________________________________
Dr Zoe Boutsioli  Vice President of Publications ATINER (A World Association of Academics and Researchers).
25 Years of Non-Euclidean Improvement
“Our city is open to the world, we never expel a foreigner from learning or seeing” “τήν τε γὰρ πόλιν κοινὴν παρέχομεν, καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὅτε ξενηλασίαις ἀπείργομέν τινά ἢ μαθήματος ἢ θεάματος” Pericles’ Funeral Oration from Thucydides, “The Peloponnesian War”. Come to open to the world Athens to learn about Democracy in the city where its theory was first developed and taught and see the place (phnyx) where it was first practiced.

  • Roger R. Ream, President for the Fund for American Studies Announces:
The Fund for American Studies’ latest Teaching Freedom eBook titled, “The Legitimate Role of Government in a Free Society”.

It’s written by my dear friend, the late Walter E. Williams. Walter was a highly respected American economist, commentator, and academic. He was also the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University, as well as a syndicated columnist and author.

In this new Teaching Freedom eBook, Walter answers the following questions (and many more):

  • What was the original idea for the role of government in a free society?
  • Was the United States of America founded to be a Democratic country or a Republic and what is the difference?
  • How has the explosion of the size of government been justified through the years by politicians?
  • Does the Constitution explicitly state the role of the federal government?
  • What is the primary mechanism for the government to manage the expansion or shrinking of your liberty?
  • What is the eventual conclusion of an ever-expanding government?

You can claim your free copy of this eBook by using the secure link below:

https://tfas.org/legitimate-role-of-government/

Thank you for your time and consideration of teaching freedom and America’s founding principles to future leaders.

  • Talented individuals looking for a job with a non-profit organization, go to:

https://mailchi.mp/49fdab5c2afd/american-philanthropics-september-jobs-board-7875778?e=720791c5e9

and:
  •  Go to the link immediately below for information about the Institute for Catholic Theology’s fall courses:

Institute for Catholic Theology 2021 Fall Courses

  • The Science & Education Foundation is pleased to announce its  fifteenth International Conference on Language, Individual & Society

Dates: 25-28 August 2021

Location: Burgas, Bulgaria

Co-organizers include: The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Union of Scientists in Bulgaria, Science & Education Foundation, Sapporo University (Japan) and Institute of Philosophy and Social and Political Studies (Russia).

The purpose of this meeting is to bring together researchers and scientists with interests in linguistics, literature, language teaching and learning, culture and communication to address recent research results and to present and discuss their ideas, theories, technologies, systems, tools, applications, work in progress and experiences. The papers presented will be published in open access journal indexed by ERIH+.

Further information is available on https://sci-edu.org/language

Sincerely,

Science & Education Foundation
www.sci-edu.org

  • By using code JOFN25 at the link immediately, Ignatius Press announces a 25% discount on a mesmerizing new book about Jesus of Nazareth and related titles:

Ignatius Press Special Discount

  • THE THOMISTIC INSTITUTE announces: 

It is now accepting applications for its Juniors Fellow Program!

Being a Junior Fellow is a full-time engagement with the Thomistic Institute and requires residency in Washington, D.C.

For more information about this program, go to:

https://thomisticinstitute.org/ti-junior-fellows-program

For updates about other programs currently being offered by the TI, go to:

https://thomisticinstitute.org/

Aquinas Leadership International October 2020 Update

Dear Colleagues,
As usual, I write to update you about some developments related to the Aquinas Leadership International (ALI) group, our affiliate organizations, and other groups interested in ALI’s work. If you would like me to include some information in a future monthly update, email me that request at my email address immediately below. If you have not received an email update from me previously, and/or would like to be excluded from future update announcements, simply email me at my contact address below. I will be happy to remove you from this list.
Please forward this email to anyone you think might be positively interested in receiving this information.
Finally, go to the link immediately below for additional information regarding upcoming conferences, and other announcements and events:
Best wishes,
Peter
Peter A. Redpath

Announcements

URGENT APPEAL TO  DONATE IMMEDIATELY! EMERGENCY FUNDS DESPERATELY NEEDED TO HELP AQUINAS SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP COMMONSENSE WISDOM EXECUTIVE COACHING ACADEMY (CWECA) FUND SPECIAL GRAND OPENING, FALL 2021, DISCOUNT TO MEMBERS OF THE USCCB

In light of the recent letter sent to them from Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò:

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/archbishop-vigano-slams-us-bishops-conference-for-claiming-biden-is-second-catholic-president

And extend a similar discount to the presidents and upper-level administrators at Georgetown, Notre Dame, and St. John’s (NYC) Universities, similar institutions worldwide; and free tuition to:

His Holiness, Pope Francis!

Commenting on the USCCB’s recognition of Joe Biden being elected as “the second president of the United States to profess the Catholic faith,” Dr. Peter A. Redpath, CEO of the Aquinas School of Leadership, LLC remarked:

“As C.S. Lewis, Étienne Gilson, and James V. Schall, S.J., had well understood, just as science as a real genus chiefly exists in the scientific soul (psychology, psychological quality of habit/habitus and freely chosen actions of the scientist), as a real genus, the Catholic faith chiefly exists in the Catholic soul (psychology, psychological quality, habit/habitus and freely chosen actions of the Catholic soul: in that psychology).

In addition, since habits are specified by their acts, to be a Catholic president, a person would have to display in his prior political behavior: 1) a habitual tendency freely to choose to do commonsense, morally good political acts and avoid commonsense, morally evil political ones; 2) not seek to implement into social behavior activities that essentially incline to destroy, really undermine Christian/Catholic action in conformity with common sense and essential principles that enable really Christian/Catholic and common sense action to come into being, grow, and flourish in political existence, not destroy the essential principles and behavioral psychology of the very organization to which a person repeatedly and publicly celebrates being a member.

A house divided against itself cannot stand. And no organization (social, political, business, or any other) can operate at all, much less in a harmonious and healthy way, when its members mistakenly think they can really be members of this or that organization and apply in their organizational behavior contradictory opposite principles of organizational actions. Believing this can really happen defies common sense. To paraphrase Gilson, “Common sense wisdom (philosophy) always buries its undertakers.” And this is the case whether these undertakers be ordinary people, people who purport to be religious leaders, or the organizations they purport to lead, like the Catholic Church!

To most self-defined, commonsense Christians/Catholics, and Americans with political common sense, the close-to-50-year political behavior of Joe Biden has manifested glaringly habitual tendencies toward acting politically like a neo-gnostic spiritualist, neo-Pelagian, and neo-Averroist self-promoter: someone who, when politically- and personally-expedient, wears his faith on his sleeve; but actually, in his daily political life, evinces the habitual behavior of someone out for personal and political gain who hates the real Catholic Church and real Christians. Ask the Little Sisters of the Poor who, he says “inspire him” to run politically and who, simultaneously he says, politically he “plans to sue.”

Apparentlysome members of the USCCB and even Pope Francis find no difficulty in the Catholic faith simultaneously co-existing together with neo-gnositc, neo-Pelagian, neo-Averroistic double-truth principles in the soul of Joe Biden, and being the predominant proximate principles of his lifelong professional political behavior.

Biden’s professional political life displays that of a man who: 1) believes that two truths exist: a publicpsychologically Enlightened and progressivescientific, political one, and a private and psychologically and scientifically backwardreligious one; 2) that these two truths can essentially and simultaneously contradict each other and exist as such in his soul; and 3) when and if they do conflict in really possible choices, he must always side with psychologically Enlightened, public, scientific political truth over psychologically backward, unscientific, religious truth. His essentially irrational and psychologically unscientific and backward faith can never influence his essentially rational and psychologically scientific and political reason.

In some miraculous way, apparently, some Eminences who glory in the name Catholic Bishops and His Holiness find no rational absurdity in such a Catholic political and individual psychology, anymore than they do maintaining the false claim that Biden was actually recently elected president of the United States. Could the reason for this nonsensical claim chiefly be that, with all due respect, this inclines to be the psychological constitution of some Eminent Catholic Bishops and His Holiness themselves? Could Eminent Catholic Bishops, even His Holiness, be that lacking in Catholic/Christian, even ordinary human religious and political, common sense?

Impossible, you say? Who could dream of such a reality? How about James V. Schall, who, shortly before he died in 2019, sent me this short email message:

“Trump is so much smarter and shrewder than his critics. No wonder he is enjoying it all.”

And who, when I asked him what, more than anything else, could fix the problems in the US Catholic Church, gave me this immediate reply:

“All we need is one good bishop.”

And who (given the fact that most of them have been educated at Catholic universities like Georgetown, Notre Dame and St. John’s [NYC]) should be surprised that this might really be the prevailing psychology of these religious leaders?

Not Fr. Schall, I surmise, who, I suspect, would agree that the US finally has had that one good bishop he spoke about: Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.

I urge some USCCB members, upper-level Catholic university administrators worldwide, to take advantage of this CWECA discount, and Pope Francis the free tuition offer, while they are still available; and I thank them for everything they have done in the past and continue to do to guarantee that the CWECA program cannot help but prosper and grow by leaps and bounds in the near and distant future: Quos Deus vult perdereprius dementat!”

MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

 

FACULTY TIRED OF BEING ABUSED BY YOUR ENLIGHTENMENT COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

STUDENTS DEPRIVED OF EDUCATION IN THE WEST’S RICH COMMONSENSE WISDOM TRADITION BY YOUR ENLIGHTENMENT COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

 

ABANDON SHIP! ABANDON SHIP!

 

JUMP ABOARD THE CWECA LIFEBOAT!

 

SEE THE NOTE BELOW FROM JUDE P. DOUGHERTY  ABOUT THE AQUINAS SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP COMMONSENSE WISDOM EXECUTIVE COACHING ACADEMY (CWECA)

Dear Peter,

 

Permit me to express my amazement as your new academy takes shape. You have brought together an outstanding group of Catholic scholars to discuss the fundamentals of Western culture.The ten courses that I have examined are a virtual encyclopedia. The Catholic faith is under attack by a hostile media that is not even pagan. The pagans did not reject Christ, they did not know Christ. Modernity rules the air waves and the visual media. The Church needs the philosophical defense of its word and culture. Obviously, to defend the Church is to defend Western culture, bur readers need to be made aware of the treasure they have in this culture. If I read your intent correctly, it is to make all who are interested understand that treasure. I heartily endorse your efforts.  May you succeed beyond all expectations. That is my prayer.

Jude

Jude P. Dougherty
Dean Emeritus
School of Philosophy
Catholic University of America
Washington, DC
USA
     IF YOU MISSED LAST MONTH’S ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT CWECA’S
 FOUNDING

ITS MISSION STATEMENT AND MOTTO IS:

TRANSFORMING APPRENTICES INTO THE GREATEST OF

EDUCATORS, MANAGERS, EMPLOYERS, EXECUTIVES, AND WORLD LEADERS!

THE RATIONALE FOR ITS FOUNDING AT THIS TIME IS:

In light of a report from trusted sources in NYC that, due to a dramatic drop (reportedly around 30%) in fall semester 2020 enrollments, one of the most well-known self-identified Catholic universities in the US told its faculty and administrators that a need exists to declare a state of “financial exigency” (including a reduction of salary and University contribution to retirement accounts), Peter DeMarco, CEO of the Priority Thinking Institute, LLC (PTI: https://prioritythinking.com/) and Peter A. Redpath, CEO of the Aquinas School of Leadership, Management, and Organizational Development, LLC (ASL: https://www.aquinasschoolofleadership.com/) say they have moved up to 11 January 2021 launch of a joint affiliation they have been planning for several years. DeMarco explained this decision by saying:

“Peter Redpath and I see the Covid-19 pandemic to be a sign of the straw that broke the famed Camel’s back. For over 20 years, Dr. Redpath and some of our colleagues have been predicting that the Industrial Age, administratively top-heavy and commonsense-impoverished college and universities in the West would soon start to fall like dominoes. The analogy Dr. Redpath once gave me was that their collapse would resemble US military scrambling to board helicopters to get out of Saigon at the conclusion of military involvement in the Vietnam War. As a West Point graduate, that image has stuck with me since I first started to study under Dr. Redpath to apply philosophical principles he has derived mainly from St. Thomas Aquinas to build my executive coaching business across the globe. In doing this, I have discovered that great, contemporary business leaders all over the world are desperate to hire commonsense leaders who can think and reason prudently, courageously, and wisely through today’s challenges. Sadly, most, college and university administrators and faculty, like most contemporary politicians, are sorely lacking in common sense. Even in China—my last international trip in January, 2020, before the Covid travel restrictions were implemented— I found within top business leaders with whom I met a hunger to apply to their leadership teams the concrete and fertile, Thomistic psychological principles I use instead of the abstract and sterile concepts that infect contemporary graduate business schools.

Redpath remarked: “Simultaneous arrival on the international scene of the joint Tsunamis of Covid-19 and Donald Trump have obscured to much of the world the reality of the chief causes of the contemporary chaos and anarchy we are presently witnessing on a global scale: The largely parasitic metaphysical and moral principles that generated the modern and Enlightenment, Industrial Ageadministratively centralized, colleges and universities have exhausted the host of classical wisdom that had enabled these institutions to survive for centuries. Like the world-historical events of the educational collapse that befell the great Medieval universities after the Bubonic plague hit Europe in the mid-fourteenth century and the fall of Constantinople about 100 years later (in 1453) that helped usher in Marsilio Ficino’s famed Platonic Academy, fall of contemporary Enlightenment colleges and universities as a result of the coincidence of the Covid-19 pandemic and the presidency of Donald Trump is a sign that these institutions have spent whatever metaphysical and moral capital they had: (1) inherited from the wisdom and prudence of antiquity and (2) added to it on their own. Just as the commonsense, land-based, Florentine, Platonic Academy was needed to help issue in the Italian renaissance and, as an unforeseen reaction against it, the later, centralized, administratively top-heavy Enlightenment colleges and universities of the Industrial Age, a common sense, online international academy is now needed at this world-historical moment to generate a new, administratively decentralized, global, higher educational renaissance properly suited for the digital age. As our friend, Professor Curtis L. Hancock once sagely observed, looking to contemporary college and university administrators and most of the faculty members at these institutions to fix this mess ‘is like looking for help from arsonists to extinguish a forest fire.'”

According to DeMarco and Redpath, to avoid as much administrative interference from such individuals in delivering internationally for the new digital age the highest quality of academic excellence at lowest cost to as many students as possible, this renaissance, totally-online and asynchronous, Commonsense Wisdom Executive Coaching Academy (CWECA) will be proudly totally non-accreditedand totally free of foundation and governmental support of any kind! In addition, it will start by offering 5 completely different types of advanced degrees, based upon a model that harmonizes into a genus unto itself the excellence of soul generated by the commonsense, metaphysical and moral leadership teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and the excellence of soul produced by analogous commonsense metaphysical and moral teachings within Asian institutions of wisdom and martial arts traditions. Achievement of these degrees will not be time-bound by the traditional Western college and university semester model. Instead, degrees will be awarded based upon mastery of academic material.

Already in place, they say, are the faculty and curriculum for the CWECA’s first two degrees that include: (1) required courses in the commonsense wisdom within the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, Confucius, Hinduism, and Mortimer J. Adler, and others; and (2) some elective courses based upon the commonsense wisdom of great educational leaders like James V. Schall, S.J., Etienne Gilson, and Marshall McLuhan. An initial, required 15-lesson orientation course for the fall start of the CWECA is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2021.

Anyone interested in further information about studying at, or offering elective courses on some great, commonsense leader from within a wisdom tradition for, the CWECA should contact:

John Lyle, Esq., at: jlyle@prioritythinking.com

and

Dr. Peter A. Redpath at: peterredpath@aquinasschoolofleadership.com

  • New information about CWECA:

(1) To date, 24 scholars have started to develop syllabi and/or programs to offer courses at CWECA

(2) Some of these courses are required for those pursuing a degree. Others are electives for those pursuing a degree OR not pursuing one. All deal with commonsense wisdom of exceptionally wise human beings from different well-known wisdom traditions.

(3) Jude Dougherty’s note refers to his examination of some of these syllabi and programs developed by scholars from the Western Catholic wisdom tradition, including pagan Greek and Roman philosophers.

(4) CWECA courses include exceptional works of wisdom from well-known global wisdom traditions.

(5) Students who wish to enroll in courses to pursue a degree and a certificate will need to take a 15-lesson orientation course that discusses Mortimer J. Adler’s masterful monograph:How to Speak. How to Listen. Students not pursuing a degree may also take this course. Whichever option a student chooses, completion of this course may later be used toward completion of degree programs, and taking it is not a mandatory requirement for taking courses within CWECA.

(6) The first orientation course will be offered asynchronously, and on a rolling basis.

(7) Announcement of September 2021 course offerings and faculty names.will appear in next month’s Aquinas Leadership International email update.

  • Vatican announces joint award of 2020 Ratzinger Prize to Jean-Luc Marion and Tracey Rowland

For more information about this event, go to:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/australian-professor-and-french-philosopher-win-ratzinger-prize-66287

A man who has never feared going into the lion’s den!

  • Donations Sponsorships for the Daughters of St. Paul annual Christmas concert requested to be given at:

https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/OTM4NDI=

Go to the following link to find other ways to help the Daughters of St. Paul:

  1. A financial offering. Donate safely online: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/OTM3NjA= OR by check to “Daughters of St. Paul” (memo: “pandemic fund”): Sr. Patricia Mary Maresca, FSP / Daughters of St. Paul / 50 Saint Paul’s Ave. / Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
  2. Sign up HERE for a huge Nov. 13-15, 2020 CATHOLIC MOM’S VIRTUAL SUMMIT (a percentage of your entrance fee goes to Daughters of St. Paul): choose “all access pass” where you can access all the talks even after Nov. 15 before the price goes up: https://www.cardinalstudios.org/moms-summit-home?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cardinalstudios.org%2Fa%2F34145%2FGoeb5nXt
  3. Pray! Commit to pray for vocations to the Daughters and for our mission of spreading the Gospel through media.
  • Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., reports he has great news, but asks for help:

The  great news is that the Thomistic Institute’s Aquinas 101 course consisting of a series of short YouTube videos that introduce the classic truths of the Catholic tradition have  had over 40,000 people sign up and over 1.3 million views!

His problem is that the TI needs to film more of them. While they do not yet have the money to do so, they have received a generous pledge to match every dollar given to this project before November 14th.

He requests we help out by going to the following link to donate to this great work:

https://thomisticinstitute.org/appeal/2020

  • For information about a Call for Papers for the 12th International Conference on The Image, at the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, School of Education, Lisbon, Portugal 13–14 September 2021, go to:

https://ontheimage.com/2021-conference/call-for-papers

  • Go to the link immediately below for latest news about Ave Maria University’s theology programs:

https://mailchi.mp/avemaria/october-amu-graduate-theology-e-newsletter-hzr38bvezc?e=9644eacfe5

  • Go to the links below from American Philanthropic regarding job openings, grantwriting, foundations, and much more:

https://www.americanphilanthropic.com/

and

https://giversdoersthinkers-podcast.buzzsprout.com/


Dear Colleagues,

 

As usual, I write to update you about some developments related to the Aquinas Leadership International (ALI) group, our affiliate organizations, and other groups interested in ALI’s work. If you would like me to include some information in a future monthly update, email me that request at my email address immediately below. If you have not received an email update from me previously, and/or would like to be excluded from future update announcements, simply email me at my contact address below. I will be happy to remove you from this list.

 

Please forward this email to anyone you think might be positively interested in receiving this information.

 

Finally, go to the link immediately below for additional information regarding upcoming conferences, and other announcements and events:

 

 

Best wishes,

 

Peter

 

Peter A. Redpath

  • Announcing a new book publication by and interview with our colleague Robert Reilly:

Title: America on Trial: A Defense of the Founding

Book description: The Founding of the American Republic is on trial. Critics say it was a poison pill with a time-release formula; we are its victims. Its principles are responsible for the country’s moral and social disintegration because they were based on the Enlightenment falsehood of radical individual autonomy.

In this well-researched book, Robert Reilly declares: not guilty. To prove his case, he traces the lineage of the ideas that made the United States, and its ordered liberty, possible. These concepts were extraordinary when they first burst upon the ancient world: the Judaic oneness of God, who creates ex nihilo and imprints his image on man; the Greek rational order of the world based upon the Reason behind it; and the Christian arrival of that Reason (Logos) incarnate in Christ. These may seem a long way from the American Founding, but Reilly argues that they are, in fact, its bedrock. Combined, they mandated the exercise of both freedom and reason.

These concepts were further developed by thinkers in the Middle Ages, who formulated the basic principles of constitutional rule. Why were they later rejected by those claiming the right to absolute rule, then reclaimed by the American Founders, only to be rejected again today? Reilly reveals the underlying drama: the conflict of might makes right versus right makes might.  America’s decline, he claims, is not to be discovered in the Founding principles, but in their disavowal.

For more information about this work and best link for lowest prices in Kindle and hardcover editions, go to:

https://www.ignatius.com/America-on-Trial-P3479.aspx

To listen to an interview by Mark Brumley with the Robert Reilly, go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYq7znac_6E

  • Fr. Joseph Fessio announces:

He will be offering online theology courses with lectures on each book chapter, study questions, and video clips with the answer to each of the study questions, and exams.

For more information, go to: https://www.angelicum.net/theology-online/

  • Announcing a new translation of Dionysius the Areopagite by our colleague William Riordan:

Title: The Mystical Theologyby Dionysius the Areopagite

Book description: 

The Mystical Theology of Dionysius the Areopagite is one of the greatest classical texts ever written on prayer. The mysterious author, living during the fifth and sixth centuries, most likely in Syria, has been recognized both in the East and the West as a consummate theologian. This volume provides the finest available Greek text along with a facing-page translation as well as an introduction with historical background on Dionysius the Areopagite. Also given is an extended, concise commentary on the text.

This will be an essential volume for readers who wish to engage one of the finest writers of Christian Tradition in his classic work on prayer. This would include not only scholars but others who may seek a deeper understanding of and love for God.

For more information about this work and best link for lowest price for this paperback edition, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/Mystical-Theology-Dionysius-Areopagite/dp/1932589848/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+mystical+theology+riordan&qid=1589552010&sr=8-1

  • The Aquinas Center at Ave Maria University announces an Call for Papers:

Location: In-person at Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida; and a virtual component

Dates: 11–13 February 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Hope and Death, Christian Responses”

To submit proposals online before 01 October 2020 and find more conference details go to: 

https://avemariauniversity.lpages.co/aquinas-center/

  • The Thomistic Institute announces the following fall 2020 Summa theologiae student reading groups:

1) Topic: “St. Thomas Aquinas on Faith: What it is and Why it Matters”

Led by Prof. Reinhard Huetter (Catholic University of America)

Days/Time: Tuesday & Thursdays/7:30pm – 8:30pm EST
Dates: 01-24 September 2020

2) Topic: “The Virtue of Prudence and the Moral Life”

Led by Fr. John Corbett, O.P.
(Dominican House of Studies)

Days/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays/10:00 am – 11:00 am EST

Dates:  01-24 September 2020

3) Topic: “St. Thomas Aquinas’s Commentary on the Letter to the Hebrews

Led by Fr. Richard Ounsworth, O.P. (Blackfriars, Oxford)

Days/Time: 
Thursdays/11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST

Dates: 03-24 September 2020
4) Topic: “Justice and Mercy”

Led by Prof. John O’Callaghan (University of Notre Dame)Days/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays/9:00pm – 10:00pm EST

Dates: 01-24 September 2020
Registration information: To register for any of these groups, go to:
  • The Society for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy announces a Call for Abstracts:

John Inglis reports that the Society for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy is seeking abstracts for online paper presentations held the APA-Central 2021 meeting, Feb. 26th to 29th, which will also be held online. They seek abstracts from any area or figure in medieval philosophy in any tradition (Jewish, Christian, Islamic). They encourage submissions from scholars of all ranks, including graduate students.

Please include an abstract of 250 words (or less) with your name and any position and institutional affiliation.
Send all proposals to Stephen Ogden at ogdens[at] cua.edu.
From John Inglis
SMRP Sec. & Treasurer
To renew SMRP membership click on: https://smrpblog.wordpress.com/join/
  • Our colleague Thomas Ciavatti announces a reading group book club for metaphysicians at Cornell University (via Zoom) for fall 2020
On 07 September 2020, this reading group will start discussing Fr. John Wippel’s master text, The Metaphysical Thought of Thomas Aquinas, from Finite Being to Uncreated Being. This is a unique opportunity to perfect your knowledge of Thomistic metaphysics in fellowship with other experienced students of Saint Thomas’ metaphysical thought. The weekly meetings will be two hours long and feature guest lectures by Jennifer Frey, Brian Carl, Alexander Pruss and Gaven Kerr. Organized by the Cornell chapter of the Thomistic Institute. If you have any questions, please contact the president, Thomas Ciavatti at tc637@cornell.edu.
  • Our colleague Brian Kemple announces formation of: the Lyceum Institute:
The Lyceum Institute, which provides a flexible, classical, Thomistic, and semiotic approach to continuing and continual digital education.  For more information, go to: https://lyceum.institute
  • Institute of Catholic Theology announces 4 new talks and online graduate Theology credits

Simone Rizkallah gives a look at the heroic life of Edith Stein, a German Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism, became a Discalced Carmelite nun, died in Auschwitz-Birkenau during WWII and was canonized as a martyr by St. John Paul II. Listen to Simone as she shares with us about Edith Stein’s challenging academic journey as she obtained her doctoral degree in philosophy, her conversion to Catholicism and her heroic witness in the concentration camp before her death.

To access the talk, click here:

Edith Stein: A Model for Theology Students 

Presenter: Simone Rizkallah

In light of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation that calls us all  “Missionary Disciples” (EG 120),Bill Marcotte examine whatSt. John Paul II writes in Mission of the Redeemer, “Missionary activity demands a specific spirituality, which applies in particular to all those whom God has called to be missionaries” (RM 87). I explore these attributes which are vital in helping us to grow in our zeal for souls as we develop as Missionary Disciples.

To access the talk, click here:

Missionary Spirituality – St. Pope John Paul II 

Presenter: Bill Marcotte

Dr. Eric Westby presents “The Directory for Catechesis”, a new publication from the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. Dr. Westby explores how this Directory places catechetical instruction and formation of Catechists in the center of the work of evangelization and shares how this document clarifies the importance of catechetical renewal in Christian Communities. Those of us who are responsible for religious instruction, in dioceses, parishes, and schools will find this directory to be indispensable.

To access the talk, click here:

The 2020 Directory For Catechesis
Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization

Presenter: Dr. Eric Westby

For an “All Access Pass” to many other talks in fall semester The Legacy of John Paul II Series go to:

http://theinstituteofcatholictheology.thinkific.com/bundles/all-access-pass-fall-2020

  • Announcing a new book publication by our colleague Sr. Mary Lea Hill, FSP:

Title: Complaints of the Saints

Book description: Saints are human, and humans complain. A lot. How can we reconcile these two facts? Despite the somewhat one-dimensional portraits of sanctity that we find in some devotional material, every saint struggled in his or her life. And it was not always easy for them to handle their struggles gracefully.

Complaints of the Saints by Sr. Mary Lea Hill, FSP, shares some of the saints’ responses to suffering. The witty anecdotes and wisdom Sr. Hill conveys are both consoling and relatable, teaching us that the saints experienced the same emotions we do in the face of hardship. And they complained to God! Complaints of the Saints argues that complaining, while not a good thing in and of itself, is simply a natural human reaction to life’s difficulties. Just as the saints used their human nature, faults, and even complaints as a means for growing closer to God, so what we feel about and how we react to our trials can be a means for drawing us closer to God. As evidenced in Scripture and the life of the saints, God can handle our feelings and complaints.

In 61 short chapters, Sr. Hill relays the stories of a diverse range of holy men and women who reached out to God in times of need—sometimes with an acerbic tongue, as with St. Jerome; sometimes with patience, as with St. Thérèse of Lisieux; or sometimes with a gruff demeanor, as with St. Damien of Molokai. All of these saints enjoyed a close relationship with the Lord, and they were not afraid to reach out to him in their own voice, even with raw feelings. Sr. Hill’s sense of humor and affection for the saints discussed is apparent in her writing, and after reading this book, you’ll feel closer to them as well. Yes, even you can become a saint!

For more information about this work and best link for lowest prices, go to:

https://paulinestore.com/default/complaints-of-the-saints-qs1002995-195295.html

  • Ignatius Press announces daily snippets of receive a snippet of Catholic wisdom 

Get these every morning from literary giants, beloved saints, and relevant voices from today. Read them in 60 seconds, live it out the rest of the day. Plus enjoy exclusive discounts on the products Ignatius Press feature every day!

To start receiving these every day, go to:

https://www.catholicwisdom.org/?utm_term=0_60b0d982b1-9ee51cf625-176239909&mc_cid=9ee51cf625&mc_eid=ca4a067738

  • Dr. Nichilas Pappas announces some new initiatives from ATINER below:

Dear Colleague:

I would like to bring to your attention the organization of the two following small academic events: (a) the 8th Annual International Conference on Humanities & Arts in a Global World, 4-5 January 2021, Athens, Greece, (b) the 12th Annual International Conference on Visual and Performing Arts, 7-8 June 2021, Athens, Greece. You are more than welcome to submit a proposal for presentation. ATINER has decided to offer the option of remote (online or pre-recorded) presentation for those who cannot travel for objective or subjective reasons. If you need more information, please let me know, and our administration will send it to you including the meetings’ websites and abstract submission form.

In addition, the October issue (Volume 7, Issue 4, October 2020) of the Athens Journal of Humanities & Arts (AJHA) has been uploaded (I paste the table of contents below). I can send you the link if you are interested. You are welcome to submit a paper of publication in the AJHA.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Front Pages i-xiv
The Reel (Re)Presentation of the Artist in Late Twentieth Century American Film
Dena Gilby
281
“Like a Battering-Ram”: The Place of Language in Levinas’s Thought
Dorit Lemberger
297
The Importance of Arts Education: Graduation and Dropout Rates at a School of Music in the Bronx, New York (2007-2011)
Nicolás Alberto Dosman
319
The Power of Greetings in African Christianity
Humphrey Mwangi Waweru
339

My best regards,
Nick


Dr. Nicholas Pappas

Vice President of Academic & Membership, Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER)
Professor, Sam Houston University, USA.
  • Announcing a new book publication by our colleague Ken Bryson:

What do We know about God?

Book description: There are few subjects known to mankind that has drawn more interest, exploration, and publication than the nature of God and our relationship to Him as human beings. Many approaches to the study stand wholly on a platform of religious doctrine and dogma. Other approaches are secular in nature and rely solely on rational and philosophical arguments. Dr. Ken Bryson brings to the field an approach that applies a balance between these two extremes. As a Christian, Ken bases his arguments in biblical theology and then builds upon this foundation with reason and philosophy drawn from many of the most prominent thinkers in both ancient and modern history.

For more information about this work and best link for lowest prices in Kindle and paperback editions, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/What-Know-About-God-Philosophical/dp/B08CMYCGGH/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=kenneth+a+bryson&qid=1595778618&sr=8-2#reader_B08CMYCGGH

and

http://www.biblicaltheology.com/bookshelf_Other.html


Dear Colleagues,

As usual, I write to update you about some developments related to the Aquinas Leadership International (ALI) group, our affiliate organizations, and other groups interested in ALI’s work. If you would like me to include some information in a future monthly update, email me that request at my email address immediately below. If you have not received an email update from me previously, and/or would like to be excluded from future update announcements, simply email me at my contact address below. I will be happy to remove you from this list.

Please forward this email to anyone you think might be positively interested in receiving this information.

Finally, go to the link immediately below for additional information regarding upcoming conferences, and other announcements and events:

peterredpath@aquinasschoolofleadership.com

Best wishes,

Peter

Peter A. Redpath


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR COLLEAGUE,

DR. EDUARDO BERNOT:

For successfully defending his magisterial, 1400+page dissertation

“The First Principles of Mathematics in Light of the St. Thomas Aquinas”

with highest honors from the Universidad Abat Oliba, CEU (Barcelona, Spain) on 20 July 2020

Since May 2019, Dr. Bernot is the 3rd student affiliated with the Aquinas School of Leadership and the Holy Apostles College and Seminary (HACS) Thomistic Studies Concentration in Christian Wisdom to have successfully completed his dissertation with highest honors from this prestigious university.

Regarding his thesis, his dissertation director, Peter A. Redpath states: “With publication of this dissertation, in my opinion, Eduardo Bernot has established himself as the greatest Thomistic scholar alive today, and of the twenty-first century. This is the best analysis of the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas that I have ever read. It surpasses anything Etienne Gilson has written about Aquinas. Finally, after 700+ years, some student of St. Thomas has included in one work the myriad of principles Aquinas actually uses and lucidly explains how and why he uses them. Once Dr. Bernot gets this work into multi-volume form with some publishing house, it should become mandatory reading for any student pursuing a graduate degree in Thomistic studies.”

  • Announcing a new book publication by our colleague Ken Bryson:

What do We know about God?

Book description: There are few subjects known to mankind that has drawn more interest, exploration, and publication than the nature of God and our relationship to Him as human beings. Many approaches to the study stand wholly on a platform of religious doctrine and dogma. Other approaches are secular in nature and rely solely on rational and philosophical arguments. Dr. Ken Bryson brings to the field an approach that applies a balance between these two extremes. As a Christian, Ken bases his arguments in biblical theology and then builds upon this foundation with reason and philosophy drawn from many of the most prominent thinkers in both ancient and modern history.

For more information about this work and best link for lowest prices in Kindle and paperback editions, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/What-Know-About-God-Philosophical/dp/B08CMYCGGH/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=kenneth+a+bryson&qid=1595778618&sr=8-2#reader_B08CMYCGGH

and

http://www.biblicaltheology.com/bookshelf_Other.html

  • In celebration of the septuacentennial of Dante Alieghieri’s Divine Comdedy, En Route Books & Media announces a beautiful, new translation of his Inferno by Daniel Fitzpatrick and illustrated by sculptor Timothy Schmalz

For more information about how to obtain a copy of this work, go to:

https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/helpdantehelpitaly/

  • Congratulations to our colleague Romanus Cesario, O.P. for being awarded the Adam Cardinal Maida Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University starting the fall 2020

For more information about this recognition, go to:

https://theology.avemaria.edu/post/623173207862722560/romanus-cessario-op-to-occupy-the-adam

  • Kevin Arnold from the John Templeton Foundation announces:

The John Templeton Foundation just kickstarted a new request for ideas series called the Ideas Challenge. The current challenge is aimed at exploring novel scientific and philosophical ideas useful for advancing the study of goal-directed or goal-seeking phenomena in nature.

The Foundation is offering fifty (50) $1000 USD individual awards for the top 50 ideas submitted by U.S. residents. To enter, entrants must provide the Foundation with a one-page (500-word max) concept by August 31, 2020. In addition to the prize, promising ideas from both winners and other entrants will inform future funding initiatives supported by the Foundation in 2020 and beyond.

For more information, go to: ideaschallenge@templeton.org.

  • Editor of The Journal of Moral Philosophy, Christian Miller, announces that he is looking for reviewers for recently published books dating from 2017 to present; anyone interested in writing a review should contact him at:

millerc@wfu.edu

  • Announcing a Call for Papers for the 44th annual meeting of the American Maritain Association

Location: De Sales University, Center Valley, Pennsylvania

Dates: 18–20 March 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Maritain and Questions about Freedom”

Some details about the conference:

As always, the AMA is also interested in papers on any topic relevant to the perennial philosophy!

Please send proposals of up to 500 words that explore any of the above or related questions to Dr. James M. Jacobs at jjacobs@nds.edu by December 15, 2020. Presentations should be 25-30 minutes in length. There is a $250 prize and guaranteed publication for the best graduate student paper; this paper is to be submitted by January 15, 2021.

Registration fee is $100 ($50 for students.) Membership in the American Maritain Association is $75. ($35 for students.) We encourage timely online payment. Registration at the conference will be $125 ($60 for students

For more information, contact: jacobs@nds.edu

  • The Renaissance Society of America announces Call for Papers and Lightning Talks from several organizations for its 2021 International Congress

Location: Dublin, Ireland

For more information, go to: https://www.rsa.org/blogpost/1860861/RSA-Dublin-2021-Calls-for-Papers

  • Announcing the 19th International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities 

Location: Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Date: 30 June to 02 July 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Critical Thinking, Soft Skills, and Technology

For more information and to submit a proposal, go to:

https://cgscholar.com/cg_event/events/H21/proposal/new

  • Announcing links to the 4th episode of “The Absolutes,” hosted by our colleague Greg Reichberg

Topic: “The Absolutes in Moderation”

Episode description: This episode features podcast host Greg Reichberg who explains why, in some areas of human life, going to the extreme is good, and bad in others. Wisdom consists in knowing the difference.

To find the 4th episode, go to:

You can also follow the podcast on Instagram for frequent updates and reflections (@the.absolutes)
  • Announcing the Nineteenth International Conference on Publishing Studies

Location: Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Date: 022 July 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Information, Medium & Society: Research in the Age of Thinking Machines, Implications for Scholars, Libraries, and Publishers”

For more information and to submit a proposal, go to:

https://cgscholar.com/cg_event/events/B21/proposal/new?


Dear Colleagues,

As usual, I write to update you about some developments related to the Aquinas Leadership International (ALI) group, our affiliate organizations, and other groups interested in ALI’s work. If you would like me to include some information in a future monthly update, email me that request at my email address immediately below. If you have not received an email update from me previously, and/or would like to be excluded from future update announcements, simply email me at my contact address below. I will be happy to remove you from this list.

Finally, go to the link immediately below for additional information regarding upcoming conferences, and other announcements and events

peterredpath@aquinasschoolofleadership.com

Best wishes,

Peter

Peter A. Redpath


Announcing a Call for Papers for the 44th annual meeting of the American Maritain Association

Location: De Sales University, Center Valley, Pennsylvania

Dates: 18–20 March 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Maritain and Questions about Freedom”

Some details about the conference:

As always, the AMA is also interested in papers on any topic relevant to perennial philosophy!

Please send proposals of up to 500 words that explore any of the above or related questions to Dr. James M. Jacobs at jjacobs@nds.edu by December 15, 2020. Presentations should be 25-30 minutes in length. There is a $250 prize and guaranteed publication for the best graduate student paper; this paper is to be submitted by January 15, 2021.

Registration fee is $100 ($50 for students.) Membership in the American Maritain Association is $75. ($35 for students.) We encourage timely online payment. Registration at the conference will be $125 ($60 for students

For more information, contact: jacobs@nds.edu

  • The Renaissance Society of America announces a Call for Papers and Lightning Talks from several organizations for Its 2021 International Congress

Location: Dublin, Ireland

For more information, go to: https://www.rsa.org/blogpost/1860861/RSA-Dublin-2021-Calls-for-Papers

  • Go to the following links for information from Carmelite Monks in Wyoming about their new ventures:

http://www.carmelitemonks.org/

https://www.mysticmonkcoffe

  • See the Summer Intern Update information below from City Internships:

A very limited number of summer places are available on our Los Angeles, New York and London programs*, interested students are advised to apply within a week to avoid disappointment via:

www.city-internships.com/apply/

*All program elements, which include program-length (8 weeks or more) work placements and an accompanying schedule of career readiness and skills training classes and workshops, may be attended in-person or remotely (or any combination thereof on a flexible basis) at the student’s discretion.

Critically, students do not need to travel to the cities in which their program/work placement is based for summer, fall and winter 2020 programs.

See our full statement on our COVID-19-related provisions, here.

Thank you for your support this season.

Please let me know if there is any way in which we may be able to help and support your students’ preparation for and, critically, transition into meaningful careers.

I remain slightly more sanguine than most about the job prospects for today’s undergraduates, but the jobs market for today’s new graduates will be unprecedentedly challenging. They’ll need all the help and support we can muster.

Thanks and best wishes

Lewis

Lewis Talbot
City Internships, Founder & CEO

CI-Logo

lewis.talbot@city-internships.com
+1 310 438 5329
+44 020 3808 4790

City Internships is a member of the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, The Forum on Education Abroad and the National Society on Experiential Education (NSEE).

  • Announcing the 11th International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Location: University of Córdoba, Córdoba Spain

Dates: 03–04 June 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Modeling Traditions from the Margins: Non-Canonical Writings in Religious Systems”

For more information, go to:

http://www.newsletter.illinois.mx3a.com/vo/religion_N21AUNVg.html?&utm_source=N21A_danUNV&utm_medium=N21A_danUNV&utm_campaign=N21A_danUNV

  • The Renaissance Society of America announces Call for Papers and Lightning Talks from several organizations for its 2021 International Congress

Location: Dublin, Ireland

For more information, go to: 

https://www.rsa.org/blogpost/1860861/RSA-Dublin-2021-Calls-for-Papers

  • Announcing the 14th Global Studies Conference

Location: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada

Dates: 05–06 June 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Life after Pandemic: Towards a New Global politics.”

For more information, go to:

https://onglobalization.com/2021-conference/call-for-papers

  • Announcing the 16th International Conference on the Arts in Society

Location: The University of Western Australia, School of Design in Perth, Australia

Dates:: 16–18 June 2021

Special 2021 Conference theme focus: “Voices from the Edge: Negotiating the Local in the Global.”

For more information, go to: 

http://www.newsletter.illinois.mx3a.com/vo/art_A21AUNVg.html?&utm_source=A21A_DanUNV&utm_medium=A21A_DanUNV&utm_campaign=A21A_DanUNV

  • Click on the following link for information about the July 2020 online priest conference sponsored by the Catholic Education Foundation:

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2020/05/07/sixth-annual-priest-conference-on-catholic-schools-goes-virtual/