Faith & Reason: A Catholic Integration
[residential course]
5th -8th August 2021
Explore the rationality of the Catholic Faith
A 3-day residential course led by Dr Andrew Beards and Dr Caroline Farey
This short, residential summer course is designed to offer a foundation for understanding the relationship of faith with philosophy, science and culture. The course will provide an introduction to the role of philosophy in elaborating the Catholic Faith, as well as the relationship and controversies between Catholicism and secular thinking and the sciences.
The course will consist of 10 lectures distributed over three days, with a dedicated Q&A session and plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate.
No residential would be complete without time for prayer and socialising. Opportunities for Mass and communal prayer will be offered, as well as plenty of social time with a well-stocked bar to promote discussion!
Course topics
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Introduction to St John Paul II’s encyclical on Faith and Reason, Fides et Ratio
- Faith and Reason: Complementarity and Controversies
- Faith and Science: Relationship and Controversies
- Faith & Science: Eucharistic Miracles
- Introduction to Theological Anthropology
- Evangelisation through Aesthetics
Is this course for me?
The course requires no prior qualification or background in philosophy or theology, and is suited to anyone wanting to deepen their rational understanding of the Catholic faith, whether from within or without the Church.
The course will be particularly helpful for secondary-level teachers and for catechists, especially those working with teenagers and adults. It will provide a foundational overview of key philosophical themes that are essential in offering explanations for Catholic belief, as well as addressing some of the themes most commonly-raised by those enquiring about or studying the Catholic faith.
Meet our experienced and highly-qualified tutors
Dr Caroline Farey
Dr Caroline Farey has taught catechesis, theology and philosophy for many years throughout the English-speaking world. In 2017 she was appointed by the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation to the working party for the General Directory for Catechesis, and in 2012 she was appointed by the Vatican as one of the lay experts at the Synod on the New Evangelisation. Dr Farey taught at St Mary’s Seminary Oscott and the Maryvale Institute, before working in Evangelisation and Catechesis for several UK dioceses. She has licentiates in both philosophy and theology, besides a doctorate in philosophy, from pontifical institutes.
Dr Andrew Beards
Dr Andrew Beards is a lecturer in philosophy at Allen Hall, London. For over thirty years he has lectured in Philosophy and Theology in Canada and the UK. Andrew has published work in academic journals and is the author of books, including Objectivity and Historical Understanding, (Brookfield. VA & Aldershot: Ashgate, 1997), Method in Metaphysics: (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2008), Insight and Analysis, (New York and London: Continuum, 2010), Philosophy the Quest for Truth and Meaning, (Collegeville, Minn: Liturgical Press, 2010) and Lonergan, Meaning and Method: Philosophical Essays, (New York and London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2016)
About the venue
Theodore House offers a wonderful venue for any residential course. The tranquil and beautiful surroundings of the Stonyhurst estate offer a peaceful setting with endless opportunities for walks. Guests will enjoy the comfortable recreational spaces and a beautifully lanscaped garden.
For more information about Theodore House, please click here.
Timings
- Arrivals from 3pm (Thursday)
- Course commences at 6pm (Thursday)
- Departures after lunch (Sunday)
Cost
Single room: £290 p.p.*
Twin room (sharing): £240 p.p.*
Non-residential, (includes lunch and dinner): £180 p.p.
*Costs include full board from Thursday dinner to Sunday lunch inclusive.
Precautions against Covid-19 are implemented at Theodore House as advised by the Government.
In case of cancellation or postponment resulting from Covid-19, deposits and payments will be refunded or carried over.
Please register below (includes £50 p.p. deposit payment):
Venue: