Course Description

The First Things semester establishes God’s existence and how we know about God.

Institute Director

Eric Westby, Phd

Eric J. Westby, PhD is the Director of the Institute of Catholic Theology in Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the Director of Parish and School Catechesis at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. He is an assistant professor of Theology for Franciscan University of Steubenville. He received his doctorate from Liverpool Hope University, with his thesis entitled "Equipping the Catechist of Catechists: A Critical Discussion of Seminary Formation in Light of Priestly Ministry in Catechesis." He holds a Masters of Arts degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University in Steubenville, from where he was the first student to complete the graduate specialization in catechetics. He holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and has been involved in full-time catechesis since 1988. He is a regular presenter at the summer St. John Bosco Catechetical Conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. More importantly, he is husband to Nikki and father of five beautiful girls.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to the Crossroads Semester 1

    • Accessing the Sessions

    • About This Semester

    • Meeting Essentials

    • Administration Tips

    • Discussion Board
  • 2

    Unit 1 - God's Existence

    • About Unit 1

    • Unit 1 - God's Existence - pdf Version

    • Unit 1 - God's Existence - Word Version
  • 3

    Unit 2 - The Purpose of Man

    • About Unit 2

    • Unit 2 - The Meaning of Life - pdf Version

    • Unit 2 - The Meaning of Life - Word Version
  • 4

    Unit 3 - Divine Revelation

    • About Unit 3

    • Unit 3 - Divine Revelation - pdf Version

    • Unit 3 - Divine Revelation - Word Version
  • 5

    Unit 4 - Attributes of God

    • About Unit 4

    • Unit 4 - Attributes of God - pdf Version

    • Unit 4 - Attributes of God - Word Version
  • 6

    Unit 5 - Faith

    • About Unit 5

    • Unit 5 - Faith - pdf Version

    • Unit 5 - Faith - Word Version
  • 7

    Unit 6 - God’s Plan of Salvation

    • About Unit 6

    • Unit 6 - God’s Plan of Salvation - pdf Version

    • Unit 6 - God’s Plan of Salvation - Word Version