January 9, 2020
In her biweekly column, Professor Silecchia reflects upon all of the (extra)ordinary moments yet to come in this new year. Each small gesture, though only an instant, can have an unforeseen impact on those around us.
December 19, 2019
Professor Silecchia reflects on a painting that she had never noticed - until it caught the eye of a toddler in her family. From that moment, she began to appreciate the tremendous message in this particular depiction of the Madonna and Christ Child.
December 13, 2019
Professor Jay W. Richards, Ph.D. addresses Christians' relationship and history with fasting, both for religious and health reasons. He introduces his new book as a work that fills a void in fasting literature, covering fasting's benefits to body and soul.
December 11, 2019
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly announced and adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration, adopted unanimously, states certain rights that must be respected, among them the right to life, the right to religious freedom, and the right to marry and found a family. It is a remarkable achievement, reflecting a consensus among the diverse collection of nations that make up the UN, nations that hardly ever agree on anything. But they agreed this time. Why?
December 4, 2019
Students had the opportunity to hear Rev. Dr. Andrew P.W. Bennett, Director of the Cardus Religious Freedom Institute, on topics ranging from his personal and professional experiences to the decline of Catholicism in Quebec as well as the rise of French-style laïcité in the province, and how that is used to discriminate against Catholics as well as Muslims.
December 3, 2019
IHE Fellow and director of the program in human rights, William Saunders, J.D., has a new book about legal protection for the basic human right to life. Contributors examine countries in North America, Europe, and Latin America, with a concluding essay by John Finnis.
November 20, 2019
As we look towards Christmas, Professor Silecchia reminds us that the holidays can be a time of sorrow for some. She sheds light on how Advent is actually a fitting time for remembering sorrow and fostering hope.
November 20, 2019
Saint Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of the M.A. program because of her fight for freedom and human rights. In the following article, a student reflects on her inclusion in an exhibit at the Museum of the Bible that features those who fought for justice against slavery.
November 15, 2019
Students recently had the opportunity to meet with Robert George for an enriching discussion about his professional history as well as a whole range of issues including consensus between people with different belief systems; the importance of dialogue; and international efforts to protect human rights.
