Where Faith and Reason Meet: Graduate Student to be on EWTN
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“When science and theology seek the truth and are faithful to the truth, there is no conflict between the two.” That is the message that Christendom graduate student Jim Carlini hopes to spread to those that will listen. The unity between science and theology, when embraced in truth, is a subject that Carlini has become passionate about since beginning his studies at the Christendom Graduate School. Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Carlini had a strong interest in science from a young age. He received a BS in Electrical Engineering (Drexel University) before relocating to the Washington, DC, area to work on ballistic missile defense for the United States Department of Defense. He then earned an MS in Electrical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University as an evening student. It was through Carlini’s work for the government, as a civilian employee of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and in defense contracting, that he began to develop both a deeper understanding of the scientific world and a wonder for the mystery of creation, including those mysteries that science is unable to penetrate. According to Carlini, he grew more and more aware of the limits of scientific knowledge, and developed a longing for the fullness of the truth, which he realized could only be found in the light of faith.
for an interview on Martin’s long-running television program The Choices We Face that airs on EWTN. Carlini also recently spoke at one of the graduate school’s signature “Theological Happy Hours” on the topic of “Faith, Science, and the Unity of Truth.” His talk can be downloaded on Christendom’s iTunes U at www. christendom.edu/itunesu. After completing his studies at the Graduate School, Carlini hopes to continue to work in the field of catechesis. In doing so, he will be certain to incorporate an appreciation for the truth and goodness that
It was at a Workshop for Catechists in Providence, RI, in March 2009 that Ralph Martin approached Carlini and invited him to come
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Carlini is the founder of James Carlini Consulting, a member of the United States Army Science Board, and a consultant to the United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. He will appear on EWTN’s The Choices We Face in the spring of 2010.
College Produces New Informational DVD
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At present, Carlini is enrolled in Christendom’s Graduate School, working towards a Master’s degree in Systematic Theology. In addition to discovering more about how science and theology can find profound unity when sought in truth, he has developed a particular interest in coming to understand the intersections between the seemingly separate disciplines of science, theology, and philosophy, and advocates collaboration and conversation between professionals in these disciplines in their common search for truth. According to Carlini, Catholics have a specific role to play in this dialogue in that “we must never cease to emphasize the existence of objective truth and its unity.” He notes that one of the primary ways in which Catholics can spread this message is through the field of Catechesis, both with young people and adults.
exist in science. “As Catholics, we need to embrace science and teach it in a way that engenders wonder in our students,” he says. “Another important part of catechesis is to pose ‘big questions’ to our students and to invite them to seek the truth and to embrace philosophical inquiry.”
Christendom’s Admissions and Marketing Office announces the release of its latest DVD, titled Breathe Catholic, which, according to its creators, producer/co-director Tom McFadden and director/editor Niall O’Donnell, will go a long way in helping people realize the unique nature of Christendom’s liberal arts education and distinctive Catholic culture.
Besides a brand new 30-minute video detailing all the various aspects of the College, the DVD has a number of special features, including the College’s 25th and 30th Anniversary videos; videos about the College’s Experience Christendom Summer Program; Christendom’s various TV spots; videos of faculty members from each of the disciplines discussing the distinctiveness of their depart-
ment; and a virtual campus tour. “We had a public showing of the video to members of our student body,” says Director Niall O’Donnell, “and they all loved it. The Board of Directors had a viewing which ended with applause and clapping. We focused on trying to make it real–not like so many other college’s videos these days, which tend to just have a lot of great music and images, but gloss over some of their more distinctive characteristics. We tried to go into great detail, in a 30 minute period, about a number of important aspects of Christendom: our location, academic program, semester in Rome, spiritual life, student life, athletics, and library. We think it’s going to be a big hit.” Anyone interested in receiving a free copy of this DVD may contact the Admissions Office by calling 800.877.5456 or emailing admissions@christendom.edu. Also, you may view the different segments of the video on Christendom’s YouTube site, ChristendomTube, and share them with friends.