Catholic Theology Research Seminar - Cathleen Kaveny

A compound Greek neologism meaning  "home-sickness" or "longing for home," nostalgia has a pervasive influence on contemporary understandings of how our political or ecclesial communities need to be reformed. The idea of decline from a past time and place where we felt "at home" can drive present views about what our communities should look like here and now. In this paper, Professor Kaveny will unpack and critique the phenomenon of nostalgia, exploring some of its delusions and harmful effects. She will also put forth a reading of the parable of "The Prodigal Son" as an example of a more fruitful way of thinking about going back home.

Cathleen Kaveny, a scholar who focuses on the relationship of law, religion, and morality, serves as the Darald and Juliet Libby Professor at Boston College, a position that includes appointments in both the Theology Department and the Law School. 

This seminar forms part of the Catholic Theology Research Seminar Series (CTRS). The CTRS is a regular forum for scholarly discussion of pertinent issues in the Catholic traditions of theology and Church. The seminar series ranges across the traditional theological disciplines (scriptural, historical, philosophical, systematic, liturgical, ethical and practical/pastoral), Catholic social thought and practice, and social-scientific approaches to Catholicism.

Please note that details about registration for this online event will be sent out to our mailing lists three weeks in advance of the seminar.
You can sign up for our mailing list to be the first to hear about our upcoming events, or contact ccs.admin@durham.ac.uk for information about this specific seminar.