After 250 years of experimentation, the proper relation between church and state remains a live concern in America today. The privatization of religious belief aims to safeguard our governing and civic institutions from partisan influence. However, religious practice develops virtues that promote democratic values and strengthen civic institutions. Drawing on Catholic thinkers like Aquinas, de Tocqueville, MacIntyre, and others, this seminar will explore how religion can be understood as a natural and social virtue that contributes to the common good generally, but also distinctively to American democratic society.The civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization.
Dates: Monday evenings, 5:15 - 6:30 PM
- July 6
- July 13
- July 20
- July 27
Location: Penn Newman Center Lounge (111 S 38th St, University City Philadelphia)
To RSVP, complete the form below. Questions? Please contact Mary Lee (mlee@collegiuminstitute.org).