Deep in History: On Christian Genealogical Thinking

“To apprehend the point of intersection of the timeless with time is the occupation of the saint.” -T.S. Eliot

How can the study of history be a source of deepening theological commitments? Is there such a thing as a Catholic or Christian approach to history? What are the roots of Christian interest in history? How can Christian genealogical work disrupt common assumptions regarding the history of Christianity? Ultimately, how can a consideration of time lead us to a better understanding of the timeless?

In this event, sponsored by the Collegium Institute as well as the Beatirice Institute, four prominent scholars explore how and why Catholics can think about history in order to deepen our understanding of the faith. In particular, we will look at whether there is a distinctively Christian approach to genealogical thinking that learns from other approaches such as Nietzche and Hegel, yet remains grounded in Catholic thought.

Speakers:

Thomas Pfau is the Alice Mary Baldwin Professor of English, with secondary appointments in Germanic Language & Literatures and the Divinity School at Duke University.

Brenna Moore is Associate Professor of Theology at Fordham University.

Maria Cecilia Ulrickson is Assistant Professor in American Church History in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America.

Cyril O’Regan is Endowed Professor and Huisking Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.