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Modernity and post-modernity share an evolving notion of autonomy, conceived along nominalist lines, that runs counter to earlier concepts of human freedom developed by the likes of Irenaeus and Anselm. Persona creatus is today displacing homo gratus, both culturally and politically. What is at stake in this evolution? Fundamental theology, obviously, and anthropology too. Perception of the body as well, together with the legislation or policies by which we try to reinforce our sense of autonomy and our claims to ‘dignity’ in the sphere of the body. So what if this sense is mistaken? What if we have autonomy wrong?...

General $25 / Students $10. Purchase tickets HERE. A concert of sacred motets and keyboard music by William Byrd with Jason Moy, harpsichord. For more information visit the Schola Antiqua website.

This master class is open to graduate students and faculty. Undergraduates or others interested in participating should contact us. PDFs of the readings will be made available online for all participants. Complimentary copies of Early Christian Mystics (Crossroads, 2003) will be provided at the seminar. This one-time Seminar will study selected writings of the great Cistercian theologian and mystic, Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1157). Bernard was one of the most remarkable figures of the twelfth century—monastic leader, ecclesiastical politician, and noted theologian. His most important legacy, however, was as a mystic and mystical writer. His mystical treatises, such as On Loving...

REGISTER HERE Cosponsored by the History Department and the Medieval Studies Workshop The lecture will focus on the extraordinary millennial career of the sacral kingship down through the ages and across the globe as the most common form of government known to humankind. It will trace its survival down into the early modern era and highlight the unexpected turn whereby it drew the papacy itself into its ideological orbit and helped transform the popes into the last of the great sacral monarchs. You can read more about Prof. Oakley's book on Kingship HERE.

REGISTER HERE Cosponsored by the History Department and the Medieval Studies Workshop In the early fifteenth century, the general council assembled at Constance and, representing the universal Church, put an end to the scandalous schism which for almost forty years had divided the Latin Church between rival lines of claimants to the papal office. It did so by claiming and exercising an authority superior to that of the pope, an authority by virtue of which it could impose constitutional limits on the exercise of his prerogatives, stand in judgment over him, and if need be, depose him for wrongdoing. This...

REGISTER HERE This master class is open to graduate and undergraduate students, including non-University of Chicago students. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A masterpiece of early Christian apologetic literature (about 200), this short anonymous writing gives a vivid description of the paradoxical way in which Christians live in the pagan world and gives us precious hints about God's ways. The actuality of such an ancient work for our secularized world is amazing. The text can be found HERE.