Progress is a ubiquitous idea in contemporary political culture. The idea of progress, progressing or being progressive is a constant refrain in modern political discourse. The idea of progress is for some, a panacea. For others, it’s a boogeyman. In this webinar, we discuss the idea of progress from a Catholic perspective. In Catholic thinking, what is progressive and what isn’t? What in Catholic ideas of progress aligns with contemporary understandings of progress, and what doesn’t?

Brendan and I had a great discussion with Professor Douglas Farrow of McGill, and author Mark Shea on the topic.

PROF. DOUGLAS FARROW

Professor Farrow is a Canadian citizen, married with five children.  Before coming to McGill in 1998, he taught in the U.K. at King’s College London, after completing his doctorate there under Colin Gunton. At McGill, alongside his lecturing and graduate supervision, he has served on the university’s Academic Policy Committee, as on numerous Faculty or School committees, and engaged in the work of the Newman Institute. He pursues a broad range of interdisciplinary interests, anchored in theology, with colleagues here and elsewhere in North America or Europe. SS Paul, Irenaeus, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, and John Paul II provide much of the inspiration for these labours, which have a dual focus on classical theological loci and modern problems in the Church or in civil and state institutions, including the university. He has a by-line at a number of publications including First Things and Convivium.

MARK SHEA

Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. His works include The Church’s Best-Kept Secret: A Primer on Catholic Social Teaching (New City), Mary, Mother of the Son (Amazon), Salt and Light:  The Commandments, the Beatitudes, and a Joyful Life (Servant), The Heart of Catholic Prayer: Rediscovering the Our Father and the Hail Mary (Our Sunday Visitor) and The Work of Mercy:  Being the Hands and Heart of Christ (Servant).  He is also the author of Making Senses Out of Scripture: Reading the Bible as the First Christians Did (Basilica), By What Authority?: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition (Ignatius), and This is My Body: An Evangelical Discovers the Real Presence (Christendom). An award-winning columnist, he has contributed numerous articles to many magazines. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the popular blog Stumbling Toward Heaven.  In addition, Mark is an internationally known speaker on various issues in Catholic faith and life.  He lives in Washington State with his wife, Janet, and their sons.