HESBURGH LECTURE SERIES 2012 Program - Alumni Association ...

Lawrence S. Cunningham, Ph.D.
John A. O’Brien Professor Emeritus, Theology
Biography
Lawrence Cunningham is the John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology and the former chair
of the Department of Theology at Notre Dame. The author of multiple books, he is a regular
columnist for Commonweal Magazine and has served in a variety of editorial capacities for
various scholarly journals. A regular writer of both popular and scholarly essays, Cunningham
has served as an associate editor of religious encyclopedias and as a reviewer for a wide range
of journals. His special interest is in the relationship of theology and culture and the history of
Catholic spirituality. He has taught both undergraduates and graduate students for 30 years.
Cunningham’s most recent work is Introduction to Catholicism (2009).
Lectures
Staying Faithful in a Time of Church Crisis
A discussion of why Church scandal should not discourage people from fidelity to the Church. Crisis is both a moment of
judgment and a time of opportunity.
Why Be a Catholic?
A reflection on the strength, resources, and vision of Catholic Christianity, this lecture focuses on why Catholicism reflects the
full range of the gospel of Christ. The lecture will explore the idea of Catholicity as tradition and as openness to the future.
32 The Hesburgh Lecture Series, 2012 Program
Categories
Church, Spirituality