History of the Spiritual Life Institute

Each summer, renowned theologians, scholars of religion, and advocates for social justice share their thoughts and experiences with students in order to inspire awareness, challenge preconceived notions, and shed light upon the spiritual journey in an increasingly globalized world.

The Spiritual Life Institute is a five-day intensive learning program in which participants:

  • Dialogue with scholars and practitioners who are active in the study of religion, theological reflection, and the propagation of peace and justice;
  • Engage with educators and scholars who creatively share their wisdom, vision, and experiences;
  • Reflect on emerging expressions of spirituality and faith so as to broaden our understanding of the religious experience and create the possibility for personal and social transformation.

Previous Institute topics and faculty

Topics from 2010's

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Topic "Religion and Violence" "For God and Glory: The Religion of Sports" "The Dead Sea Scrolls: History, Religion and Scripture" "Gnosticism in Greco-Roman Egypt" "Jesus and Judaism" "Illuminated Manuscripts, Scribal Practices, and the Transmission of Scripture"
Faculty Reza Aslan, Ph.D.; Kenneth Butigan, Ph.D.; Charles Kimball, Ph.D.; James Wellman, Ph.D.; Ian Werrett, Ph.D. Dr. Christopher Evans; Fr. Patrick Kelly, S.J., Ph.D.; Dr. Alon Raab; and Dr. Ian Werrett Dr. Mladen Popovic; Dr. Hanne von Weissenberg; and Dr. Ian Werrett Dr. Jason BeDuhn; Dr. Robert Kugler; Dr. Michael Williams; and Dr. Ian Werrett Dr. Thomas Hatina; Dr. Agnes Choi; and Dr. Ian Werrett; Skype appearances by Dr. Richard Bauckham, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, and Dr. Reza Aslan Dr. Steve Delamarter; Dr. Katie Bugyis; Dr. Hanna Tervanotko; and Dr. Ian Werrett

 

 

 

Topics from 2000's

Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Topic “The Living, Transforming Truth: The Spiritual Journey of Nonviolence, Peace, and Justice Today.” “One God: Three Faiths. Exploring the Relationship between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.” "Performance and Practice: Religion, Popular Culture and the Arts." "The Dead Sea Scrolls at Sixty: Past, Present, and Future Prospects." The Heart in a Heartless World: Religion, Suffering and the Problem of Evil."
Faculty Shelly Douglas; Jim Douglas. Reza Aslan; Sr. Marianne Farina; Martin Jaffee, Ph.D.; Ian Werrett, Ph.D. Prof. David Hlavsa; Paul Kidder, Ph.D.; Andrew Rawnsley, Ph.D.; Ian Werrett, Ph.D. Prof. Robert Kugler; Cecilia Wassen, Ph.D.; Hanne von Weissenberg, Ph.D.; Ian Werrett, Ph.D. Patrick McCormick, Ph.D.; David Suter, Ph.D.; Michiko Yusa, Ph.D.; Ian Werrett, Ph.D.
Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Topic “A Voice for the Poor and the Marginalized: The Church Speaks Out.” “Many Paths of God” “The Communal Life of Faith and the Christian Commitment to Peace and Justice.” “Memory, Culture Creating Peace, Making Justice and the Journey of Spirit.” “Transforming Our Lives and Our World: Creativity, Poetic Vision, and the Spiritual Journey Towards Peace and Justice.”
Faculty Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton, D.D.; Dr. Ingrid H. Shafer; Sr. Jose Hobday, O.S.F.; Fr. Kilian Malvey, O.S.B. Abbot Peter Eberle, O.S.B.; Sr. Jose Hobday, O.S.F.; Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, D.D.; Sr. Nancy Sylvester, I.H.M.; Fr. Kilian Malvey, O.S.B. Edwina Gately; Fr. John Dear, S.J.; Fr. Kevin F. Burke, S.J.; Kenneth M. Butigan, Ph.D.; Fr. Kilian Malvey, O.S.B. Jeanette Rodriguez, Ph.D.; Carla De Sola; Sr. Joanne Doi; Kenneth M. Butigan, Ph.D. Jeanette Rodriguez, Ph.D.; Margie Shaheed; Don Foran, Ph.D.; Kenneth M. Butigan, Ph.D.