The Dignity of Dust: Contemplating Our Humanity (Fall 2025-Online)

According to the timeless ancient axiom, agere sequitur esse – “doing follows being.” In order to know how to act, we first must know who we are. This course asks the question, “Who is the human being?” Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and Caryll Houselander are two prominent twentieth-century Catholic women who offer sustained reflection on this vital question. By exploring their enlightening lives and writings, students will encounter the truth, goodness and beauty of the meaning of being human.

1. The Passion of the Infant Jesus, Critical Edition, Caryll Houselander
2. Man and Woman He Created Them:  A Theology of the Body, John Paul II
3. Human and Divine Being, Donald Wallenfang OCDS, PhD
4. Metaphysics: A Basic Introduction in a Christian Key, Donald Wallenfang OCDS, PhD
5. Phenomenology: A Basic Introduction in the Light of Jesus Christ, Donald Wallenfang OCDS, PhD