Course Description

In this course we will discuss the roots of secularism and atheism in our culture. What does it mean to refer to our society as secular? Are we truly a secular society or can we still be called Christian? What changes and developments in science and philosophy have brought about this reality and what are the implications of those developments? Consideration will be given to the influence of the thought of Descartes, Feuerbach, Marx, Nietzsche and Vattimo, among others. We will then examine the response of theology from the perspective of Gaudium et Spes, Walter Kasper, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

Hours of Instruction: 12

Institute Founder

Fr. John Ehrich, STL

Rev. John Ehrich, STL, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Phoenix in 2000. He earned his M.A. from St. Meinrad Seminary in 1998 and his MDiv in 2000. After five years of parish ministry, he studied moral theology at the Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome where he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology in 2007. Fr. Ehrich is the founder of the Institute of Catholic Theology.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Session 1 - The Roots of Postmodern Secularism

    • Reflection Questions for Online Courses

    • Session 1 - Video
  • 2

    Session 2 - The Roots of Postmodern Secularism

    • Session 2 - Video
  • 3

    Session 3 - The Roots of Postmodern Secularism

    • Session 3 - Video
  • 4

    Session 4 - The Roots of Postmodern Secularism

    • Session 4 - Video
  • 5

    Session 5 - The Roots of Postmodern Secularism

    • Session 5 - Video
  • 6

    Session 6 - The Roots of Postmodern Secularism

    • Session 6 - Video