Sunday Theology Talk – The Many Gods of the Secular Age: Idolatry and Restless Hearts

Sunday, February 22, 2026

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10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. | Parish House, 5th Floor

Series Overview

In his recent book The Uses of Idolatry, theologian William Cavanaugh explores how the Scriptural warnings about idolatry remain piercingly relevant. Pride, greed, and power keep churning new idols that promise fulfilment but deliver bondage. Only faithful Eucharistic practice ushers in freedom.

Today’s Topic

Secularity undermines religion but gives way to new gods. Idolatry lurks in politics, economics, and culture, diverting our restless hearts from God’s liberating love.

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The Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia

Luigi is a writer in theology and spirituality. He gives talks, preaches retreats, leads workshops, and teaches courses as an invited lecturer in universities, theological colleges, and parishes all over the world. He is fluent in English, French and Italian. His books have been translated in five languages. His spiritual meditations have been published by The Tablet, Crux, The America Magazine, The Church Times and broadcast by the BBC.

Besides his academic work on St Augustine, Luigi has written several wide-audience books on spirituality. His book Say It To God. In Search Of Prayer was chosen as the Archbishop of Canterbury Lent Book for 2018.

His latest book, The Wisdom of St Benedict. Monastic Spirituality and the Life of the Church received the First Place in the category of Spirituality Award by the CMA (Catholic Media Association, USA) in 2021.

Theology at Saint Thomas

Overview

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.

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Sunday Theology Talk - The Many Gods of the Secular Age: Idolatry and Restless Hearts

Part of the Series - Idolatry and the Eucharist: is Search of the Land of the Free