Institute of Catholic Culture

Why are Americans being forced to consider homosexual acts as morally acceptable? Why has the U.S. Supreme Court accepted the validity of same-sex “marriage,” which, until a decade ago, was unheard of in the history of Western or any other civilization? Where has the “gay rights” movement come from, and how has it so easily conquered America?

"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.'"- John 6:53-55

In his magnum opus, The City of God, St. Augustine of Hippo articulates how well-ordered societies originate in and proceed from well-ordered families. By referencing modern examples of social dysfunction that are the corporeal manifestations of the ideology of androgyny, while at the same time pointing to the lives of the saints, Fr. Bergman explains how the unapologetic restoration of the paterfamilias within Catholic households will rebuild Western civilization by enabling the contemplation and living out of God’s eternal truth.

The Rule of St. Benedict is a foundation of Western civilization and spirituality. This text influenced the lives of so many with its fundamental principles of the spiritual life, especially regarding prayer, humility, and work.

"Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.'"- John 6:53-55

Many today have reduced receiving Holy Communion to a mere sign of hospitality such that, if the Church does not extend the Eucharist to one and all, we are unkind and inhospitable. Others think of receiving Holy Communion as an encounter with Christ but do not embrace full communion with His Body, the Church. In this presentation, Msgr. Pope explores the deeper meaning behind receiving Holy Communion, and explains the admonition that we receive the Eucharist worthily lest we bring condemnation upon ourselves. Learn why limiting the Sacrament to practicing Catholics in a state of grace is both wise and charitable.

This is the amazing story of a young man, scandalized by the moral decay of the world, who sought to live as a hermit in a cave. Yet God called him—not to run away from the world—but to convert it through a renewal of faith, holiness, learning, and liturgy. Join the ICC and Fr. Andrew Fisher to learn timeless wisdom from one of the greatest saints of the Church.

Many today have reduced receiving Holy Communion to a mere sign of hospitality such that, if the Church does not extend the Eucharist to one and all, we are unkind and inhospitable. Others think of receiving Holy Communion as an encounter with Christ but do not embrace full communion with His Body, the Church. In this presentation, Msgr. Pope explores the deeper meaning behind receiving Holy Communion, and explains the admonition that we receive the Eucharist worthily lest we bring condemnation upon ourselves. Learn why limiting the Sacrament to practicing Catholics in a state of grace is both wise and charitable.

The establishment of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi was the culmination of great growth in Eucharistic theology and devotion. Join us to consider the origins of this feast and what it means for what we believe and how we worship.

The Institute of Catholic Culture is an adult educational organization, faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and dedicated to the Church’s call for a new evangelization.

From 1346 to 1353 A.D. half the population of Europe was lost to a mysterious plague that no medicine could stop. The “Black Death” brought a mortality rate and spiritual darkness never seen before. Yet, despite a pope in exile, pockets of heresy, and the loss of half the clergy in Europe, the Church continued to provide the faith, leadership, and action needed to bring spiritual and social stability. Learn how in the midst of crisis, there arose new saints, new piety, and a new affirmation of the Church’s mission to preach and serve.

"The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called "woman", for she was taken out of man.' That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."- Genesis 2:23-24

From 1346 to 1353 A.D. half the population of Europe was lost to a mysterious plague that no medicine could stop. The “Black Death” brought a mortality rate and spiritual darkness never seen before. Yet, despite a pope in exile, pockets of heresy, and the loss of half the clergy in Europe, the Church continued to provide the faith, leadership, and action needed to bring spiritual and social stability. Learn how in the midst of crisis, there arose new saints, new piety, and a new affirmation of the Church’s mission to preach and serve.

The Institute of Catholic Culture is an adult educational organization, faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and dedicated to the Church’s call for a new evangelization.

The Institute of Catholic Culture is an adult educational organization, faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and dedicated to the Church’s call for a new evangelization.

How could the Catholic Church name St. Albert the Great the patron saint of scientists when he lived three centuries before the scientific revolution? Was this 13th century Dominican really a scientist? Could he have anything to offer today’s scientists and our understanding of the role of science in our world? Join us to learn about the life and work of this truly great Doctor of the Church.

Is the Catholic Church hostile to science? Is there an inherent contradiction between the scientific and religious worldviews? Has modern science debunked Catholic beliefs about the world and man’s place in it? Join the ICC and Dr. Stephen Barr as we look at the historical, philosophical, and scientific background of the relationship between science and religion, and discover how they need not be at odds.

Few Americans have a thorough understanding of the Muslim religion, retaining only a muddled view of American media reports on modern Islamic culture. But one must understand Islam’s history and theology in order to understand its current situation in the Middle East. Join the ICC and Dr. William Marshner as we delve into the background of Islam.

“No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth.”- III John 4Three rich yet often overlooked New Testament books are I, II, and III John. These “hidden” gems reveal fascinating insights about life in the early Church and impart apostolic wisdom on topics such as prayer, holiness, the sacraments, and the nature of love. Above all, they call us to place Christ at the center of our lives.

Few Americans have a thorough understanding of the Muslim religion, retaining only a muddled view of American media reports on modern Islamic culture. But one must understand Islam’s history and theology in order to understand its current situation in the Middle East. Join the ICC and Dr. William Marshner as we delve into the background of Islam.

“No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth.”- III John 4Three rich yet often overlooked New Testament books are I, II, and III John. These “hidden” gems reveal fascinating insights about life in the early Church and impart apostolic wisdom on topics such as prayer, holiness, the sacraments, and the nature of love. Above all, they call us to place Christ at the center of our lives.

"O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen."

The Sacraments of the Church make possible the very Incarnational presence that is necessary for the transformation of creation. In this talk, the second of a two-part series, Fr. Bergman proposes how, by God’s grace, the Catholic Church might more truly and effectively manifest the Incarnation, such that relationships established on this side of eternity prefigure Christians’ ultimate goal and destiny: union with God.

The seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church manifest the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. By receiving these certain means of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, members of Christ’s Body, the Church, grow in holiness and thus transform the religious, social, political, and physical environment of the places in which they live, work, and pray. Yet we have not always seen this transformation in the U.S.

Does the revelation of Christ contradict the wisdom of ancient philosophers? Are Christian and pagan worldviews necessarily at odds? Is the Cross of Christ really folly to the Gentiles? Join us as we explore the remarkable ways in which the truths of the Faith fulfill, even while utterly surpassing, the deepest insights—and desires—of noble pagan philosophers.

Join us as we explore the remarkable ways in which the truths of the Faith fulfill, even while utterly surpassing, the deepest insights—and desires—of noble pagan philosophers.

The Institute of Catholic Culture is an adult educational organization, faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and dedicated to the Church’s call for a new evangelization.

"You move us to delight in praising You; for You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You."- St. Augustine, Confessions

When the Anglo-Saxon barbarians converted to Christianity in the seventh century, they were immediately forced to grapple with the paradoxes of their new religion. How could God suffer and die—and why would we worship such a God? What could His death do for us? The struggle to find an answer produced The Dream of the Rood: an ancient poem that allows us to see the Passion in a new light.

"You move us to delight in praising You; for You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You."- St. Augustine, Confessions

When the Anglo-Saxon barbarians converted to Christianity in the seventh century, they were immediately forced to grapple with the paradoxes of their new religion. How could God suffer and die—and why would we worship such a God? What could His death do for us? The struggle to find an answer produced The Dream of the Rood: an ancient poem that allows us to see the Passion in a new light.

"Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."- 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

"Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."- 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

“Bow down the neck with meekness, adore what thou hast hitherto burned and burn what thou hast adored.”- St. Remi to Clovis the King of the Franks on the occasion of Clovis’ baptism, Dec. 25, 496

In the year 452, Attila, king of the barbarian Huns, led his army into the Italian peninsula and surprised the Roman armies. City after city fell to him. Leaving only destruction and desolation behind, Attila marched on Rome and was met at the gates of the holy city by Leo, Bishop of Rome.

“Bow down the neck with meekness, adore what thou hast hitherto burned and burn what thou hast adored.”- St. Remi to Clovis the King of the Franks on the occasion of Clovis’ baptism, Dec. 25, 496

“What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul?"- Deuteronomy 10:12

“And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 'What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!' And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him ... And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.”- Mark 1:23- 28

“What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul?"- Deuteronomy 10:12

“And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 'What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be silent, and come out of him!' And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him ... And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.”- Mark 1:23- 28

The Institute of Catholic Culture is an adult educational organization, faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and dedicated to the Church’s call for a new evangelization.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”- Luke 2:14“Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword.”- Matthew 10:34

“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”- Matthew 2:18

“Do not be afraid. Behold, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”- Luke 2:10-11

Control of the Mediterranean Sea was not the motive of the young Roman Republic when she first joined the battle with the idol-worshiping empire of Carthage in 265 B.C. More than a century later, however, Carthage was dust and Rome was becoming the undisputed power of the known world. Why did the citizen soldiers of an agrarian republic take down a mighty commercial empire? Who were Regulus and Scipio Africanus, and what was the Corvus? More importantly, what role do the Punic Wars play in Salvation History?

Our anti-Christian culture rears its ugly head this time each year with its war against Christmas. The reduction of Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus, bearer of electronic gadgets, is but one example of modernity’s efforts to drain Christmas of its spiritual realities. Catholics witnessing the death of the Christian West should worry less about what the enemies of Christianity are doing and more about what we are failing to do. Learn from Christopher Check as he maps out a coherent plan for an authentic restoration of Catholic culture.

The Psalms have always held a central place in Christian worship. But we are in danger of forgetting what they are—and they are, at their core, sacred and inspired poetry. By reading them as poetry, we can come to see them as the Fathers saw: as medicine for life, a mirror of souls, and the prayer of the totus Christus. By reading them as Sacred Scripture, we can restore them to their rightful place at the core of Catholic worship, and learn to pray the Psalms with the Body of Christ.

Actions yield habits. Habits yield actions. We are always forming habits, and acting from them. The realm of human agency is awesomely designed: stunningly beautiful when well ordered, and shockingly ugly in its demise. These lectures will examine basic truths of the drama of the moral life—where do vices and virtues come from? How can we be intentional about forming the good, and rooting out the bad?

“Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven.”- Genesis 19:24Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? What sin led to this cataclysmic event? Many disagree; was it the sin of homosexuality, lack of hospitality, or the sin of idolatry? Learn about this ancient story, what the Bible says about it, and why it is still relevant today.

Actions yield habits. Habits yield actions. We are always forming habits, and acting from them. The realm of human agency is awesomely designed: stunningly beautiful when well ordered, and shockingly ugly in its demise. These lectures will examine basic truths of the drama of the moral life—where do vices and virtues come from? How can we be intentional about forming the good, and rooting out the bad?