Overview
In May and June we will have a series of talks on the topic “Faith Holds Even When Religions Doesn’t” on the basis of Francis Spufford’s bold and unconventional book Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense. You can download the schedule for these talks.
Rather than offering a traditional defense of doctrine, Spufford focuses on the felt experience of faith—its emotional weight, moral complexity, and the honest recognition of human failure. Through guided readings and discussions, we’ll examine themes like belief as emotional truth, the raw demands of love and grace, the role of power and failure in the Church, and why Jesus remains the theological and emotional center of the Christian story.
Today’s Topic
Christianity doesn’t sidestep power — it confronts it. This week, we look at how the faith critiques power from within, even when wielded by the Church itself. We’ll also examine the raw honesty of Christianity’s view of sin — not as breaking arbitrary rules, but as the deeply human tendency to wreck things, even when we mean well. What happens when faith is both a source of healing and part of the mess? Recommended Readings: Chapter 7: “The international League of the Guilty”.
The Saint Thomas Theological Education Program
The Saint Thomas Theological Education Program is at the service of those who seek a deeper understanding of faith and want to nourish their worship and their prayer. The teaching is rooted in Scripture, Christian tradition and spirituality. The lecturers are The Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia, Theologian in Residence, and internationally renowned guest speakers who are committed to making theology accessible to non-specialists. The classes are held on Sundays at 10 AM on the Fifth Floor of the Parish House and are streamed online. Additionally, recordings and handouts are made available for those who cannot attend the live sessions. For more information about our theology program and to receive links for weekly Sunday Theology Talks, please contact Fr. Gioia and register online.
