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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261006T180000
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DTSTAMP:20261006T204414Z
CREATED:20260918T164404Z
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SUMMARY:American Idol(s): The False Gods That Threaten Our Freedom
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner Provided \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThales\, ancient Greek philosopher of nature\, remarked that all things are “full of gods.” He spoke truer than he realized. Human beings are inclined to transform their pursuits into “ultimate concerns” that become their “be all and end all”\, their ultimate meaning. Amid the Siren songs that seek to enslave us\, how can we attain authentic freedom and ultimate fulfillment? What really can fill the “hole in the soul”? This course will consider “false gods” that menace our freedom and happiness. And it will make a rational case for acknowledging the Divine “I AM” revealed in the Bible\, Incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth.   \nCopies of The Uses of Idolatry by William Cavanaugh can be picked up from Gavin House in the week leading up to the first session of the class and afterwards. \nThis class Google Folder will contain other online class materials. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct. 6\, Week 1 –  Everybody Worships: A phenomenology of the human spirit.\nOct. 13\, Week 2 –  St. Augustine’s “Two Cities’: Idolatry as Self-Worship” (Further Optional Reading: excerpt from St. Augustine’s City of God)\nOct. 20\, Week 3 – The Splendid Idolatry of Nationalism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nOct. 27\, Week 4 – The Unsplendid Idolatries of Consumerism and Careerism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nNov. 3\, Week 5 – AI: an Idol? (Further reading: excerpt from Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas)\nNov. 10\, Week 6 –  I AM (Further reading: excerpt from Abraham Heschel’s The Sabbath)\n\n\n\n \n\n \nAbout Non-Credit Courses\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a Tuesday evening non-credit course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). Survey-style lectures are held over a shared meal\, with no advanced preparation required.  These courses offer accessible introductions to key aspects of the Catholic intellectual tradition. All UChicago students\, staff\, and faculty members are welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/american-idols-the-false-gods-that-threaten-our-freedom-2026-10-6/2026-10-06/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Non-Credit Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NCCIdols_WebImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261007T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261007T191500
DTSTAMP:20261105T221739Z
CREATED:20260921T210402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261105T221739Z
UID:10002180-1791394200-1791400500@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Can We Simulate the Dead? A Symposium on Technology\, Grief\, and the Afterlife
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nConversation | Q&A | Wine & Cheese Reception \nThis event is primarily intended for current University of Chicago students\, faculty\, and staff. It is open to the general public. For any questions\, please contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nA new economy of “grief-tech” has arisen to confront the old problem of death.  Changing social norms and advances in artificial intelligence have made it possible to ask\, “Can we disrupt death?” Are grief-bots and simulated grandpas the solution to the anxieties of the human condition? \nThroughout history\, communities of great cultural and religious variety have provided rituals and traditions to deal with death and guide people through the critical process of grieving\, memorializing the departed\, and aiding the dead in the afterlife. In our time\, such inherited practices and beliefs have declined\, along with the communities that sustained them. \nThis symposium will explore technology and our changed circumstances\, and will ask what disrupting conceptions of death through technology might mean for vital aspects of human self-understanding\, mourning\, care relationships\, and the social order in which we are born\, live\, and pass away. \nThis symposium celebrates the publication of a special issue of Social Research\, Disrupting Death. Copies will be available for sale at the event for $15 each. \nSchedule\n\n5:30 – 5:40 p.m.   Symposium opens with framing remarks by Cassandra Sever\n5:40 – 5:45 p.m.   Dr. Sever asks an opening question\n5:45 – 6:30 p.m.   Conversation and Discussion\n6:30 – 7:15 p.m.   Audience Q&A\n7:15 – 7:45 p.m.   End / Wine & Cheese Reception for Audience\n\nThis event is co-sponsored by the University of Chicago Divinity School \n \nThis project is made possible through the support of In Lumine Tuo: Expanding and Sustaining the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Nationwide (grant #63614) from the John Templeton Foundation and the generous support of our donors.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/can-we-simulate-the-dead-a-symposium-on-technology-grief-and-the-afterlife/
LOCATION:Swift Hall 3rd Floor Lecture Hall\, 1025 E 58th Street\, Chicago\, IL
CATEGORIES:Lectures & Symposia
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T143000
DTSTAMP:20260929T185418Z
CREATED:20260918T164054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T185418Z
UID:10002171-1791464400-1791469800@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Suffering and Everyday Life
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nLunch Provided | Coffee & Pastries Afterwards \nThis event is designated for current graduate & advanced undergraduate students and faculty from the University of Chicago & regional colleges and universities. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nSuffering emerged in modernity as one of the great challenges to faith. Whereas creation opens our eyes to the existence of God\, to his wisdom\, power and greatness\, “evil and suffering seem to obscure this image\, sometimes in a radical way.” These words are from Pope John Paul II’s apostolic letter Salvifici Doloris\, a concise meditation on the Christian answer to the problem of suffering. Granted\, suffering\, from the Latin\, suffero\, “to undergo\,” is a formidable word that we tend to associate with intense pain or great tragedy. But it also includes everyday experiences of disappointment\, loss\, failure\, rejection\, humiliation\, and even despair. We want to explore these trials too: for to answer the question of their why?\, we must also turn to the One who suffered. \nSchedule\n\n1:00 p.m.   Lunch\n1:15 p.m.   Session Begins\n2:30 p.m.   End – Coffee & Pastries\n\nSyllabus\nPope John Paul II’s apostolic letter\, Salvifici Doloris (22 pages) \nJoseph E. Davis\, Introduction\, Chemically Imbalanced (17 pages) \n  \nThis project is made possible through the support of In Lumine Tuo: Expanding and Sustaining the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Nationwide (grant #63614) from the John Templeton Foundation and the generous support of our donors. \n  \n\n\n \n\n \nAbout Master Classes\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a master class at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). A master class is a seminar in miniature\, in which top scholars introduce students to a major figure or concept in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The session contain a mixture of lecture\, seminar discussion\, and close reading. All participants are provided a copy of the text under consideration. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/suffering-and-everyday-life-2026-10-8/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Master Classes
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T110000
DTSTAMP:20261013T143900Z
CREATED:20260924T155819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T143900Z
UID:10002196-1791540000-1791543600@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:The Psalms in Latin
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nRefreshments Provided | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThis fall\, join the Lumen Christi Institute in reading the Psalms in their historic Latin translations. The Latin Psalter was the foundation of western Catholic prayer and spirituality from Late Antiquity\, through the Middle Ages and well into the Early Modern period. Artistic and literary works from across this time span are replete with allusions to the Psalms and anyone interested in post-Classical Latin literature would benefit from greater familiarity with them. The Psalms also tend to display relatively simple grammar and provide approachable native content for beginning students of Latin. \nAnyone interested in reading the Psalms is invited to join us—it is not necessary to be Catholic to participate\, and all levels of Latin are welcome. No preparation is expected. We will translate one Psalm per session\, so if you are unable to make all of the sessions you can still fully participate. \nClass materials can be found here. \nCalendar\n\nOct. 9\, Week 1 – Psalm 1 “Beatus vir”\nOct. 16\, Week 2 – Psalm 28 “Dominus illuminatio mea”\nOct. 23\, Week 3 – Psalm 94 “Venite\, exsultemus Domino”\nOct. 30\, Week 4 – Psalm 129 “De profundis”\nNov. 6\, Week 5 – Psalm 50 “Miserere”\nNov. 13\, Week 6 – Psalm 90 “Qui habitat”\n\n\n \n\n \n\nAbout Language Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts at least one classical language reading group at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal. Any student interested in working on his or her classical languages is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/the-psalms-in-latin-2026-10-9/2026-10-09/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RGVulgate_Web-Image-v.1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T190000
DTSTAMP:20260921T202539Z
CREATED:20260921T202539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T202539Z
UID:10002179-1791565200-1791572400@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Fall Kurosawa Film Club - Rashōmon
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nMovie | Dinner | Discussion \nThis event is intended for University of Chicago undergraduate students\, and is student-only. If you have any questions\, please contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nA samurai is dead. A woman is violated. A bandit is captured. But at the trial\, their contradictory testimonies make the real events hard to discern. Rashōmon (1950) questions reality\, memory\, and truth\, with unsettling consequences for those involved. A landmark film\, it is credited with starting the international New Wave movement. \nThis is the first in a series of screenings and discussions hosted by the Lumen Christi Institute focusing on the philosophical works of eminent Japanese director Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998).  \nSchedule\n\n5:00 p.m.   Arrival\, Popcorn Served\, Preview\n5:10 p.m.   Start Rashomon Movie\nDinner & Discussion After Movie\n\n\n\n \n\nAbout Nicklin Fellows\nThe Lumen Christi Institute’s Nicklin Fellows are the recipients of a competitive\, application-based fellowship for undergraduate students at the University of Chicago. Nicklin Fellows are granted exclusive access to resources to pursue their intellectual interests with the aid of the Lumen Christi Institute. Learn more here.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/kurosawa-film-club-2026-10-9/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Nicklin Fellowship
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Rashomon-WebImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T203000
DTSTAMP:20260925T162212Z
CREATED:20260925T161531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T162212Z
UID:10002203-1791831600-1791837000@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Lord of the Rings
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley with questions at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThe world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places\,” JRR Tolkien wrote in his magnum opus\, The Lord of the Rings. Over the next three quarters\, we will trace the journey of his heroes through many of those perilous and dark places. What does it mean to die for what you believe in\, or to exercise free will in the face of an omnipotent God\, and how does one endure a quest through the darkness in order to eventually reach the light?  \nThis weekly reading group will meet over dinner. In the fall\, we will read The Fellowship of the Ring. At each session we will read a manageable number of pages. All students (graduate and undergraduate) are welcome to register. Copies of the text will be provided. It is not necessary to register for all three quarters. Come as you are able.  \nCalendar & Syllabus\nAutumn Quarter – The Fellowship of the Ring \n\nOct. 12\, Week 1: Book 1 – Prologue\, Chapters 1 and 2 (pgs. 1-64)\nOct. 19\, Week 2: Book 1 – Chapters 3-7 (pgs. 65-133)\nOct. 26\, Week 3: Book 1 – Chapters 8-11 (pgs. 134-196)\nNov. 2\, Week 4: Book 1 – Chapter 12\, Book 2 – Chapters 1-2 (pgs. 197-271)\nNov. 9\, Week 5: Book 2 – Chapters 3-5 (pgs. 272-332)\nNov. 16\, Week 6: Book 2 – Chapters 6-10 (pgs. 333-412)\n\nWinter Quarter – The Two Towers \n\nWeek 1: Book 3 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 413-460)\nWeek 2: Book 3 – Chapters 4-5 (pgs. 461-505)\nWeek 3: Book 3 – Chapters 6-8 (pgs. 506-559)\nWeek 4: Book 3 – Chapters 9-end to Book 4 – Chapter 1 (pgs. 560-619)\nWeek 5: Book 4 – Chapters 2-5 (pgs. 620-682)\nWeek 6: Book 4 – Chapters 6-end (pgs. 683-746)\n\nSpring Quarter – The Return of the King \n\nWeek 1: Book 5 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 747-805)\nWeek 2: Book 5 – Chapters 4-6 (pgs. 806-849)\nWeek 3: Book 5 – Chapters 7-10 (pgs. 850-896)\nWeek 4: Book 6 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 897-947)\nWeek 5: Book 6 – Chapters 4-6 (pgs. 948-988)\nWeek 6: Book 6 – Chapters 7-end (pgs. 989-1032)\n\n\n \n\nAbout Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a number of student-led reading groups at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/lord-of-the-rings-2026-10-12/2026-10-12/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RGLOTR_Web-Image-v.1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T193000
DTSTAMP:20261006T204414Z
CREATED:20260918T164404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261006T204414Z
UID:10002174-1791914400-1791919800@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:American Idol(s): The False Gods That Threaten Our Freedom
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner Provided \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThales\, ancient Greek philosopher of nature\, remarked that all things are “full of gods.” He spoke truer than he realized. Human beings are inclined to transform their pursuits into “ultimate concerns” that become their “be all and end all”\, their ultimate meaning. Amid the Siren songs that seek to enslave us\, how can we attain authentic freedom and ultimate fulfillment? What really can fill the “hole in the soul”? This course will consider “false gods” that menace our freedom and happiness. And it will make a rational case for acknowledging the Divine “I AM” revealed in the Bible\, Incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth.   \nCopies of The Uses of Idolatry by William Cavanaugh can be picked up from Gavin House in the week leading up to the first session of the class and afterwards. \nThis class Google Folder will contain other online class materials. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct. 6\, Week 1 –  Everybody Worships: A phenomenology of the human spirit.\nOct. 13\, Week 2 –  St. Augustine’s “Two Cities’: Idolatry as Self-Worship” (Further Optional Reading: excerpt from St. Augustine’s City of God)\nOct. 20\, Week 3 – The Splendid Idolatry of Nationalism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nOct. 27\, Week 4 – The Unsplendid Idolatries of Consumerism and Careerism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nNov. 3\, Week 5 – AI: an Idol? (Further reading: excerpt from Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas)\nNov. 10\, Week 6 –  I AM (Further reading: excerpt from Abraham Heschel’s The Sabbath)\n\n\n\n \n\n \nAbout Non-Credit Courses\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a Tuesday evening non-credit course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). Survey-style lectures are held over a shared meal\, with no advanced preparation required.  These courses offer accessible introductions to key aspects of the Catholic intellectual tradition. All UChicago students\, staff\, and faculty members are welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/american-idols-the-false-gods-that-threaten-our-freedom-2026-10-6/2026-10-13/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Non-Credit Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NCCIdols_WebImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261014T183000
DTSTAMP:20260921T214015Z
CREATED:20260921T214015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T214015Z
UID:10002185-1791997200-1792002600@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Purgatorio
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for University of Chicago undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org with any questions. \nDante’s Purgatorio occupies a unique\, if oft overlooked place in his Divine Comedy. As Dante ascends Mount Purgatory with Virgil as his guide\, he encounters penitent souls encompassing the full breadth and depth of the human experience\, all striving towards the purgation of sin and earthly desires. A middle ground between the eternal damnation of the Inferno and the eternal salvation of the Paradiso\, the Purgatorio paints a vivid portrait of medieval Italian politics\, Christian spirituality and mysticism\, divine love\, the limits of human reason in the face of the divine\, and the notion that no one\, should they seek it\, is barred from forgiveness\, redemption\, and mercy. \nWhile the Purgatorio is quite historically\, culturally\, and theologically dense\, this reading group is not dedicated to meditation on the Christian teachings therein. Instead\, the focus is on the consideration of the text as a poem\, and on poetry as a medium more broadly. What conclusions can be drawn from Dante’s visions\, dreams\, and representations of man at the extremes of the Christian theological and moral spectra\, and what does the poetic form in particular lend to these ends? More importantly\, how can poetry convey fundamental truths\, realizations\, and serve to inspire deep contemplation and reflection where prose fails?  \nGiven our short time together\, it will not be possible to read the Purgatorio in its entirety. Reading the poem in full\, however\, is optional\, and encouraged for those who would like to dive deeper into Dante’s work. Meetings will be 90 minutes\, and food and refreshments will be served. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct. 14\, Week 1 – Cantos 1\, 3\, 4\, 6 (Optional: Cantos 2\, 5)\nOct. 21\, Week 2 – Cantos 7\, 9\, 10\, 12 (Optional: Cantos 8\, 11)\nOct. 28\, Week 3 – Cantos 13\, 15\, 17\, 18 (Optional: Cantos 14\, 16)\nNov. 4\, Week 4 – Cantos 19\, 21\, 22\, 24 (Optional: Cantos 20\, 23)\nNov. 11\, Week 5 – Cantos: 27\, 28\, 29 (Optional: Canto 25\, 26)\nNov. 18\, Week 6 – Cantos 30\, 31\, 32\, 33\n\n\n\n \n\nAbout Undergraduate Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a number of student-led reading groups at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any undergraduate interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/purgatorio-2026-10-14/2026-10-14/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Purgatorio_WebImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T193000
DTSTAMP:20261029T200630Z
CREATED:20260929T215417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261029T200630Z
UID:10002210-1792087200-1792092600@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:A Visit To Nowhere: Reading Thomas More’s Utopia
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org with any questions. \nIn 1516\, Thomas More published Utopia\, inspiring generations of writers and an entirely new genre of literature. More takes his reader on a tour of an idealistic island society: six-hour work days\, religious toleration\, no private property\, and no lawyers. But is it really possible for such a society to exist? And was Utopia actually a good place? Should we try to build utopian societies today? Come and join us for dinner and discussion.\n\nCopies of Utopia will be provided to all participants\, they may be picked up at Gavin House in the week prior to the event during business hours. Bi-weekly meetings are held on Thursday evenings over dinner. Weekly reading assignments are kept at approximately 30 pages.\n\nSchedule\n\n6:00 p.m.   Dinner\n6:15 p.m.    Discussion\n7:30 p.m.   End\n\nCalendar\n\nOct. 15\, Week 1 – Book I\nOct. 29\, Week 2 – Book II (pt. 1) \nNov. 12\, Week 3 – Book II (pt. 2) \n\n\n\n \n\nAbout Fundamental Questions Seminars\nThis event is part of Lumen Christi’s Fundamental Questions program\, a quarterly seminar designed for undergraduate students at the University of Chicago. By fostering intellectually rigorous conversation around culturally resonant texts\, we aim to allow students to experience the force of the deep existential concerns which animate our lives: “Where do my values come from? What is the good life? How can I become happy?” Our aim is not to answer such fundamental questions\, but rather to equip students with the intellectual skills needed to recognize and articulate them for themselves. This group welcomes students from all religious and philosophical backgrounds because existential questions of being are of concern to all. \nIn addition\, undergraduate students who participate in this seminar are eligible to become “Nicklin Fellows.” These fellows will have exclusive access to research and development grant funds to pursue their intellectual interests. Learn more here.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/a-visit-to-nowhere-reading-thomas-mores-utopia/2026-10-15/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Fundamental Questions Seminar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T110000
DTSTAMP:20261013T143900Z
CREATED:20260924T155819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T143900Z
UID:10002197-1792144800-1792148400@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:The Psalms in Latin
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nRefreshments Provided | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThis fall\, join the Lumen Christi Institute in reading the Psalms in their historic Latin translations. The Latin Psalter was the foundation of western Catholic prayer and spirituality from Late Antiquity\, through the Middle Ages and well into the Early Modern period. Artistic and literary works from across this time span are replete with allusions to the Psalms and anyone interested in post-Classical Latin literature would benefit from greater familiarity with them. The Psalms also tend to display relatively simple grammar and provide approachable native content for beginning students of Latin. \nAnyone interested in reading the Psalms is invited to join us—it is not necessary to be Catholic to participate\, and all levels of Latin are welcome. No preparation is expected. We will translate one Psalm per session\, so if you are unable to make all of the sessions you can still fully participate. \nClass materials can be found here. \nCalendar\n\nOct. 9\, Week 1 – Psalm 1 “Beatus vir”\nOct. 16\, Week 2 – Psalm 28 “Dominus illuminatio mea”\nOct. 23\, Week 3 – Psalm 94 “Venite\, exsultemus Domino”\nOct. 30\, Week 4 – Psalm 129 “De profundis”\nNov. 6\, Week 5 – Psalm 50 “Miserere”\nNov. 13\, Week 6 – Psalm 90 “Qui habitat”\n\n\n \n\n \n\nAbout Language Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts at least one classical language reading group at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal. Any student interested in working on his or her classical languages is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/the-psalms-in-latin-2026-10-9/2026-10-16/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RGVulgate_Web-Image-v.1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261016T130000
DTSTAMP:20261001T193257Z
CREATED:20260921T215036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T193257Z
UID:10002191-1792152000-1792155600@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:A Poetry Salon
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nLunch | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. Note: The group will not meet on the Friday of November 6th. \nIn the 18th-century\, a distinct culture of the salon and the coffee house developed  in Europe. Here\, in a genteel and generous atmosphere\, lively humanistic conversation was encouraged.  Literary works were discussed freely and hospitably over shared refreshments.  \nAs an institute committed (in part) to making old things new again\, the Lumen Christi Institute will host a poetry salon on Fridays. Over lunch\, participants will read and discuss a great poem together. Neither advance preparation nor expertise in poetry is required.  The only prerequisites are a desire for good company\, good food\, and good poesy.  \nParticipants are encouraged not to prepare beforehand.  Our goal is to read closely and naively\, together. The salon will be hosted by Associate Director and Scholar-in-Residence\, Austin Walker.  \nLunch will begin at 12pm. At around 12:10pm\, we will read the poem aloud. Discussion will follow and we will conclude at 1pm. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct 16\, Week 1 – William Shakespeare\, Sonnet 73 (“That time of year thou mayst in me behold…”)\nOct 23\, Week 2 –  John Donne\, Holy Sonnet XIV (“Batter my heart\, three-person’d God\, for you…”)\nOct 30\, Week 3 – Yvor Winters\, “Time and the Garden” (“The spring has darkened with activity”)\nNov 6 – No Session\nNov 13\, Week 4 – Gerard Manley Hopkins\, The Windhover (“I caught this morning’s minion\, king-…”)\n\n\n\n \n\n  \n\n \nAbout Reading Courses\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a student-centered reading course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading course is usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/a-poetry-salon-2026-10-16/2026-10-16/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RCPoetry_WebImage-v.2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261019T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261019T203000
DTSTAMP:20260925T162212Z
CREATED:20260925T161531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T162212Z
UID:10002204-1792436400-1792441800@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Lord of the Rings
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley with questions at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThe world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places\,” JRR Tolkien wrote in his magnum opus\, The Lord of the Rings. Over the next three quarters\, we will trace the journey of his heroes through many of those perilous and dark places. What does it mean to die for what you believe in\, or to exercise free will in the face of an omnipotent God\, and how does one endure a quest through the darkness in order to eventually reach the light?  \nThis weekly reading group will meet over dinner. In the fall\, we will read The Fellowship of the Ring. At each session we will read a manageable number of pages. All students (graduate and undergraduate) are welcome to register. Copies of the text will be provided. It is not necessary to register for all three quarters. Come as you are able.  \nCalendar & Syllabus\nAutumn Quarter – The Fellowship of the Ring \n\nOct. 12\, Week 1: Book 1 – Prologue\, Chapters 1 and 2 (pgs. 1-64)\nOct. 19\, Week 2: Book 1 – Chapters 3-7 (pgs. 65-133)\nOct. 26\, Week 3: Book 1 – Chapters 8-11 (pgs. 134-196)\nNov. 2\, Week 4: Book 1 – Chapter 12\, Book 2 – Chapters 1-2 (pgs. 197-271)\nNov. 9\, Week 5: Book 2 – Chapters 3-5 (pgs. 272-332)\nNov. 16\, Week 6: Book 2 – Chapters 6-10 (pgs. 333-412)\n\nWinter Quarter – The Two Towers \n\nWeek 1: Book 3 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 413-460)\nWeek 2: Book 3 – Chapters 4-5 (pgs. 461-505)\nWeek 3: Book 3 – Chapters 6-8 (pgs. 506-559)\nWeek 4: Book 3 – Chapters 9-end to Book 4 – Chapter 1 (pgs. 560-619)\nWeek 5: Book 4 – Chapters 2-5 (pgs. 620-682)\nWeek 6: Book 4 – Chapters 6-end (pgs. 683-746)\n\nSpring Quarter – The Return of the King \n\nWeek 1: Book 5 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 747-805)\nWeek 2: Book 5 – Chapters 4-6 (pgs. 806-849)\nWeek 3: Book 5 – Chapters 7-10 (pgs. 850-896)\nWeek 4: Book 6 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 897-947)\nWeek 5: Book 6 – Chapters 4-6 (pgs. 948-988)\nWeek 6: Book 6 – Chapters 7-end (pgs. 989-1032)\n\n\n \n\nAbout Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a number of student-led reading groups at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/lord-of-the-rings-2026-10-12/2026-10-19/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RGLOTR_Web-Image-v.1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T193000
DTSTAMP:20261006T204414Z
CREATED:20260918T164404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261006T204414Z
UID:10002175-1792519200-1792524600@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:American Idol(s): The False Gods That Threaten Our Freedom
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner Provided \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThales\, ancient Greek philosopher of nature\, remarked that all things are “full of gods.” He spoke truer than he realized. Human beings are inclined to transform their pursuits into “ultimate concerns” that become their “be all and end all”\, their ultimate meaning. Amid the Siren songs that seek to enslave us\, how can we attain authentic freedom and ultimate fulfillment? What really can fill the “hole in the soul”? This course will consider “false gods” that menace our freedom and happiness. And it will make a rational case for acknowledging the Divine “I AM” revealed in the Bible\, Incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth.   \nCopies of The Uses of Idolatry by William Cavanaugh can be picked up from Gavin House in the week leading up to the first session of the class and afterwards. \nThis class Google Folder will contain other online class materials. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct. 6\, Week 1 –  Everybody Worships: A phenomenology of the human spirit.\nOct. 13\, Week 2 –  St. Augustine’s “Two Cities’: Idolatry as Self-Worship” (Further Optional Reading: excerpt from St. Augustine’s City of God)\nOct. 20\, Week 3 – The Splendid Idolatry of Nationalism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nOct. 27\, Week 4 – The Unsplendid Idolatries of Consumerism and Careerism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nNov. 3\, Week 5 – AI: an Idol? (Further reading: excerpt from Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas)\nNov. 10\, Week 6 –  I AM (Further reading: excerpt from Abraham Heschel’s The Sabbath)\n\n\n\n \n\n \nAbout Non-Credit Courses\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a Tuesday evening non-credit course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). Survey-style lectures are held over a shared meal\, with no advanced preparation required.  These courses offer accessible introductions to key aspects of the Catholic intellectual tradition. All UChicago students\, staff\, and faculty members are welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/american-idols-the-false-gods-that-threaten-our-freedom-2026-10-6/2026-10-20/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Non-Credit Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NCCIdols_WebImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261021T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261021T183000
DTSTAMP:20260921T214015Z
CREATED:20260921T214015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T214015Z
UID:10002186-1792602000-1792607400@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Purgatorio
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for University of Chicago undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org with any questions. \nDante’s Purgatorio occupies a unique\, if oft overlooked place in his Divine Comedy. As Dante ascends Mount Purgatory with Virgil as his guide\, he encounters penitent souls encompassing the full breadth and depth of the human experience\, all striving towards the purgation of sin and earthly desires. A middle ground between the eternal damnation of the Inferno and the eternal salvation of the Paradiso\, the Purgatorio paints a vivid portrait of medieval Italian politics\, Christian spirituality and mysticism\, divine love\, the limits of human reason in the face of the divine\, and the notion that no one\, should they seek it\, is barred from forgiveness\, redemption\, and mercy. \nWhile the Purgatorio is quite historically\, culturally\, and theologically dense\, this reading group is not dedicated to meditation on the Christian teachings therein. Instead\, the focus is on the consideration of the text as a poem\, and on poetry as a medium more broadly. What conclusions can be drawn from Dante’s visions\, dreams\, and representations of man at the extremes of the Christian theological and moral spectra\, and what does the poetic form in particular lend to these ends? More importantly\, how can poetry convey fundamental truths\, realizations\, and serve to inspire deep contemplation and reflection where prose fails?  \nGiven our short time together\, it will not be possible to read the Purgatorio in its entirety. Reading the poem in full\, however\, is optional\, and encouraged for those who would like to dive deeper into Dante’s work. Meetings will be 90 minutes\, and food and refreshments will be served. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct. 14\, Week 1 – Cantos 1\, 3\, 4\, 6 (Optional: Cantos 2\, 5)\nOct. 21\, Week 2 – Cantos 7\, 9\, 10\, 12 (Optional: Cantos 8\, 11)\nOct. 28\, Week 3 – Cantos 13\, 15\, 17\, 18 (Optional: Cantos 14\, 16)\nNov. 4\, Week 4 – Cantos 19\, 21\, 22\, 24 (Optional: Cantos 20\, 23)\nNov. 11\, Week 5 – Cantos: 27\, 28\, 29 (Optional: Canto 25\, 26)\nNov. 18\, Week 6 – Cantos 30\, 31\, 32\, 33\n\n\n\n \n\nAbout Undergraduate Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a number of student-led reading groups at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any undergraduate interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/purgatorio-2026-10-14/2026-10-21/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Purgatorio_WebImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T110000
DTSTAMP:20261013T143900Z
CREATED:20260924T155819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T143900Z
UID:10002198-1792749600-1792753200@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:The Psalms in Latin
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nRefreshments Provided | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThis fall\, join the Lumen Christi Institute in reading the Psalms in their historic Latin translations. The Latin Psalter was the foundation of western Catholic prayer and spirituality from Late Antiquity\, through the Middle Ages and well into the Early Modern period. Artistic and literary works from across this time span are replete with allusions to the Psalms and anyone interested in post-Classical Latin literature would benefit from greater familiarity with them. The Psalms also tend to display relatively simple grammar and provide approachable native content for beginning students of Latin. \nAnyone interested in reading the Psalms is invited to join us—it is not necessary to be Catholic to participate\, and all levels of Latin are welcome. No preparation is expected. We will translate one Psalm per session\, so if you are unable to make all of the sessions you can still fully participate. \nClass materials can be found here. \nCalendar\n\nOct. 9\, Week 1 – Psalm 1 “Beatus vir”\nOct. 16\, Week 2 – Psalm 28 “Dominus illuminatio mea”\nOct. 23\, Week 3 – Psalm 94 “Venite\, exsultemus Domino”\nOct. 30\, Week 4 – Psalm 129 “De profundis”\nNov. 6\, Week 5 – Psalm 50 “Miserere”\nNov. 13\, Week 6 – Psalm 90 “Qui habitat”\n\n\n \n\n \n\nAbout Language Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts at least one classical language reading group at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal. Any student interested in working on his or her classical languages is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/the-psalms-in-latin-2026-10-9/2026-10-23/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RGVulgate_Web-Image-v.1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T130000
DTSTAMP:20261001T193257Z
CREATED:20260921T215036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T193257Z
UID:10002192-1792756800-1792760400@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:A Poetry Salon
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nLunch | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. Note: The group will not meet on the Friday of November 6th. \nIn the 18th-century\, a distinct culture of the salon and the coffee house developed  in Europe. Here\, in a genteel and generous atmosphere\, lively humanistic conversation was encouraged.  Literary works were discussed freely and hospitably over shared refreshments.  \nAs an institute committed (in part) to making old things new again\, the Lumen Christi Institute will host a poetry salon on Fridays. Over lunch\, participants will read and discuss a great poem together. Neither advance preparation nor expertise in poetry is required.  The only prerequisites are a desire for good company\, good food\, and good poesy.  \nParticipants are encouraged not to prepare beforehand.  Our goal is to read closely and naively\, together. The salon will be hosted by Associate Director and Scholar-in-Residence\, Austin Walker.  \nLunch will begin at 12pm. At around 12:10pm\, we will read the poem aloud. Discussion will follow and we will conclude at 1pm. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct 16\, Week 1 – William Shakespeare\, Sonnet 73 (“That time of year thou mayst in me behold…”)\nOct 23\, Week 2 –  John Donne\, Holy Sonnet XIV (“Batter my heart\, three-person’d God\, for you…”)\nOct 30\, Week 3 – Yvor Winters\, “Time and the Garden” (“The spring has darkened with activity”)\nNov 6 – No Session\nNov 13\, Week 4 – Gerard Manley Hopkins\, The Windhover (“I caught this morning’s minion\, king-…”)\n\n\n\n \n\n  \n\n \nAbout Reading Courses\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a student-centered reading course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading course is usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/a-poetry-salon-2026-10-16/2026-10-23/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RCPoetry_WebImage-v.2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261026T203000
DTSTAMP:20260925T162212Z
CREATED:20260925T161531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T162212Z
UID:10002205-1793041200-1793046600@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Lord of the Rings
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley with questions at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThe world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places\,” JRR Tolkien wrote in his magnum opus\, The Lord of the Rings. Over the next three quarters\, we will trace the journey of his heroes through many of those perilous and dark places. What does it mean to die for what you believe in\, or to exercise free will in the face of an omnipotent God\, and how does one endure a quest through the darkness in order to eventually reach the light?  \nThis weekly reading group will meet over dinner. In the fall\, we will read The Fellowship of the Ring. At each session we will read a manageable number of pages. All students (graduate and undergraduate) are welcome to register. Copies of the text will be provided. It is not necessary to register for all three quarters. Come as you are able.  \nCalendar & Syllabus\nAutumn Quarter – The Fellowship of the Ring \n\nOct. 12\, Week 1: Book 1 – Prologue\, Chapters 1 and 2 (pgs. 1-64)\nOct. 19\, Week 2: Book 1 – Chapters 3-7 (pgs. 65-133)\nOct. 26\, Week 3: Book 1 – Chapters 8-11 (pgs. 134-196)\nNov. 2\, Week 4: Book 1 – Chapter 12\, Book 2 – Chapters 1-2 (pgs. 197-271)\nNov. 9\, Week 5: Book 2 – Chapters 3-5 (pgs. 272-332)\nNov. 16\, Week 6: Book 2 – Chapters 6-10 (pgs. 333-412)\n\nWinter Quarter – The Two Towers \n\nWeek 1: Book 3 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 413-460)\nWeek 2: Book 3 – Chapters 4-5 (pgs. 461-505)\nWeek 3: Book 3 – Chapters 6-8 (pgs. 506-559)\nWeek 4: Book 3 – Chapters 9-end to Book 4 – Chapter 1 (pgs. 560-619)\nWeek 5: Book 4 – Chapters 2-5 (pgs. 620-682)\nWeek 6: Book 4 – Chapters 6-end (pgs. 683-746)\n\nSpring Quarter – The Return of the King \n\nWeek 1: Book 5 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 747-805)\nWeek 2: Book 5 – Chapters 4-6 (pgs. 806-849)\nWeek 3: Book 5 – Chapters 7-10 (pgs. 850-896)\nWeek 4: Book 6 – Chapters 1-3 (pgs. 897-947)\nWeek 5: Book 6 – Chapters 4-6 (pgs. 948-988)\nWeek 6: Book 6 – Chapters 7-end (pgs. 989-1032)\n\n\n \n\nAbout Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a number of student-led reading groups at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/lord-of-the-rings-2026-10-12/2026-10-26/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RGLOTR_Web-Image-v.1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T193000
DTSTAMP:20261006T204414Z
CREATED:20260918T164404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261006T204414Z
UID:10002176-1793124000-1793129400@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:American Idol(s): The False Gods That Threaten Our Freedom
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner Provided \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThales\, ancient Greek philosopher of nature\, remarked that all things are “full of gods.” He spoke truer than he realized. Human beings are inclined to transform their pursuits into “ultimate concerns” that become their “be all and end all”\, their ultimate meaning. Amid the Siren songs that seek to enslave us\, how can we attain authentic freedom and ultimate fulfillment? What really can fill the “hole in the soul”? This course will consider “false gods” that menace our freedom and happiness. And it will make a rational case for acknowledging the Divine “I AM” revealed in the Bible\, Incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth.   \nCopies of The Uses of Idolatry by William Cavanaugh can be picked up from Gavin House in the week leading up to the first session of the class and afterwards. \nThis class Google Folder will contain other online class materials. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct. 6\, Week 1 –  Everybody Worships: A phenomenology of the human spirit.\nOct. 13\, Week 2 –  St. Augustine’s “Two Cities’: Idolatry as Self-Worship” (Further Optional Reading: excerpt from St. Augustine’s City of God)\nOct. 20\, Week 3 – The Splendid Idolatry of Nationalism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nOct. 27\, Week 4 – The Unsplendid Idolatries of Consumerism and Careerism  (Further reading: excerpt from William Cavanaugh’s The Uses of Idolatry)\nNov. 3\, Week 5 – AI: an Idol? (Further reading: excerpt from Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas)\nNov. 10\, Week 6 –  I AM (Further reading: excerpt from Abraham Heschel’s The Sabbath)\n\n\n\n \n\n \nAbout Non-Credit Courses\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a Tuesday evening non-credit course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). Survey-style lectures are held over a shared meal\, with no advanced preparation required.  These courses offer accessible introductions to key aspects of the Catholic intellectual tradition. All UChicago students\, staff\, and faculty members are welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/american-idols-the-false-gods-that-threaten-our-freedom-2026-10-6/2026-10-27/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Non-Credit Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lumenchristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NCCIdols_WebImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261028T183000
DTSTAMP:20260921T214015Z
CREATED:20260921T214015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T214015Z
UID:10002187-1793206800-1793212200@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:Purgatorio
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for University of Chicago undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org with any questions. \nDante’s Purgatorio occupies a unique\, if oft overlooked place in his Divine Comedy. As Dante ascends Mount Purgatory with Virgil as his guide\, he encounters penitent souls encompassing the full breadth and depth of the human experience\, all striving towards the purgation of sin and earthly desires. A middle ground between the eternal damnation of the Inferno and the eternal salvation of the Paradiso\, the Purgatorio paints a vivid portrait of medieval Italian politics\, Christian spirituality and mysticism\, divine love\, the limits of human reason in the face of the divine\, and the notion that no one\, should they seek it\, is barred from forgiveness\, redemption\, and mercy. \nWhile the Purgatorio is quite historically\, culturally\, and theologically dense\, this reading group is not dedicated to meditation on the Christian teachings therein. Instead\, the focus is on the consideration of the text as a poem\, and on poetry as a medium more broadly. What conclusions can be drawn from Dante’s visions\, dreams\, and representations of man at the extremes of the Christian theological and moral spectra\, and what does the poetic form in particular lend to these ends? More importantly\, how can poetry convey fundamental truths\, realizations\, and serve to inspire deep contemplation and reflection where prose fails?  \nGiven our short time together\, it will not be possible to read the Purgatorio in its entirety. Reading the poem in full\, however\, is optional\, and encouraged for those who would like to dive deeper into Dante’s work. Meetings will be 90 minutes\, and food and refreshments will be served. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct. 14\, Week 1 – Cantos 1\, 3\, 4\, 6 (Optional: Cantos 2\, 5)\nOct. 21\, Week 2 – Cantos 7\, 9\, 10\, 12 (Optional: Cantos 8\, 11)\nOct. 28\, Week 3 – Cantos 13\, 15\, 17\, 18 (Optional: Cantos 14\, 16)\nNov. 4\, Week 4 – Cantos 19\, 21\, 22\, 24 (Optional: Cantos 20\, 23)\nNov. 11\, Week 5 – Cantos: 27\, 28\, 29 (Optional: Canto 25\, 26)\nNov. 18\, Week 6 – Cantos 30\, 31\, 32\, 33\n\n\n\n \n\nAbout Undergraduate Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a number of student-led reading groups at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any undergraduate interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/purgatorio-2026-10-14/2026-10-28/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T193000
DTSTAMP:20261029T200630Z
CREATED:20260929T215417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261029T200630Z
UID:10002211-1793296800-1793302200@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:A Visit To Nowhere: Reading Thomas More’s Utopia
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nDinner | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago undergraduate students. Please contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org with any questions. \nIn 1516\, Thomas More published Utopia\, inspiring generations of writers and an entirely new genre of literature. More takes his reader on a tour of an idealistic island society: six-hour work days\, religious toleration\, no private property\, and no lawyers. But is it really possible for such a society to exist? And was Utopia actually a good place? Should we try to build utopian societies today? Come and join us for dinner and discussion.\n\nCopies of Utopia will be provided to all participants\, they may be picked up at Gavin House in the week prior to the event during business hours. Bi-weekly meetings are held on Thursday evenings over dinner. Weekly reading assignments are kept at approximately 30 pages.\n\nSchedule\n\n6:00 p.m.   Dinner\n6:15 p.m.    Discussion\n7:30 p.m.   End\n\nCalendar\n\nOct. 15\, Week 1 – Book I\nOct. 29\, Week 2 – Book II (pt. 1) \nNov. 12\, Week 3 – Book II (pt. 2) \n\n\n\n \n\nAbout Fundamental Questions Seminars\nThis event is part of Lumen Christi’s Fundamental Questions program\, a quarterly seminar designed for undergraduate students at the University of Chicago. By fostering intellectually rigorous conversation around culturally resonant texts\, we aim to allow students to experience the force of the deep existential concerns which animate our lives: “Where do my values come from? What is the good life? How can I become happy?” Our aim is not to answer such fundamental questions\, but rather to equip students with the intellectual skills needed to recognize and articulate them for themselves. This group welcomes students from all religious and philosophical backgrounds because existential questions of being are of concern to all. \nIn addition\, undergraduate students who participate in this seminar are eligible to become “Nicklin Fellows.” These fellows will have exclusive access to research and development grant funds to pursue their intellectual interests. Learn more here.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/a-visit-to-nowhere-reading-thomas-mores-utopia/2026-10-29/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Fundamental Questions Seminar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T110000
DTSTAMP:20261013T143900Z
CREATED:20260924T155819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T143900Z
UID:10002199-1793354400-1793358000@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:The Psalms in Latin
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nRefreshments Provided | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. \nThis fall\, join the Lumen Christi Institute in reading the Psalms in their historic Latin translations. The Latin Psalter was the foundation of western Catholic prayer and spirituality from Late Antiquity\, through the Middle Ages and well into the Early Modern period. Artistic and literary works from across this time span are replete with allusions to the Psalms and anyone interested in post-Classical Latin literature would benefit from greater familiarity with them. The Psalms also tend to display relatively simple grammar and provide approachable native content for beginning students of Latin. \nAnyone interested in reading the Psalms is invited to join us—it is not necessary to be Catholic to participate\, and all levels of Latin are welcome. No preparation is expected. We will translate one Psalm per session\, so if you are unable to make all of the sessions you can still fully participate. \nClass materials can be found here. \nCalendar\n\nOct. 9\, Week 1 – Psalm 1 “Beatus vir”\nOct. 16\, Week 2 – Psalm 28 “Dominus illuminatio mea”\nOct. 23\, Week 3 – Psalm 94 “Venite\, exsultemus Domino”\nOct. 30\, Week 4 – Psalm 129 “De profundis”\nNov. 6\, Week 5 – Psalm 50 “Miserere”\nNov. 13\, Week 6 – Psalm 90 “Qui habitat”\n\n\n \n\n \n\nAbout Language Reading Groups\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts at least one classical language reading group at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading groups are usually held over a shared meal. Any student interested in working on his or her classical languages is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/the-psalms-in-latin-2026-10-9/2026-10-30/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Groups
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261030T130000
DTSTAMP:20261001T193257Z
CREATED:20260921T215036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T193257Z
UID:10002193-1793361600-1793365200@lumenchristi.org
SUMMARY:A Poetry Salon
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER BELOW\nLunch | Discussion \nThis event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org. Note: The group will not meet on the Friday of November 6th. \nIn the 18th-century\, a distinct culture of the salon and the coffee house developed  in Europe. Here\, in a genteel and generous atmosphere\, lively humanistic conversation was encouraged.  Literary works were discussed freely and hospitably over shared refreshments.  \nAs an institute committed (in part) to making old things new again\, the Lumen Christi Institute will host a poetry salon on Fridays. Over lunch\, participants will read and discuss a great poem together. Neither advance preparation nor expertise in poetry is required.  The only prerequisites are a desire for good company\, good food\, and good poesy.  \nParticipants are encouraged not to prepare beforehand.  Our goal is to read closely and naively\, together. The salon will be hosted by Associate Director and Scholar-in-Residence\, Austin Walker.  \nLunch will begin at 12pm. At around 12:10pm\, we will read the poem aloud. Discussion will follow and we will conclude at 1pm. \nCalendar & Syllabus\n\nOct 16\, Week 1 – William Shakespeare\, Sonnet 73 (“That time of year thou mayst in me behold…”)\nOct 23\, Week 2 –  John Donne\, Holy Sonnet XIV (“Batter my heart\, three-person’d God\, for you…”)\nOct 30\, Week 3 – Yvor Winters\, “Time and the Garden” (“The spring has darkened with activity”)\nNov 6 – No Session\nNov 13\, Week 4 – Gerard Manley Hopkins\, The Windhover (“I caught this morning’s minion\, king-…”)\n\n\n\n \n\n  \n\n \nAbout Reading Courses\nEach quarter\, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a student-centered reading course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading course is usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
URL:https://lumenchristi.org/event/a-poetry-salon-2026-10-16/2026-10-30/
LOCATION:Gavin House\, 1220 E 58th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60637
CATEGORIES:Reading Courses
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