Augustine Institute

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Augustine Institute
Other name
AI
MottoFecisti Nos Ad Te (Latin)
Motto in English
You Have Made Us for Yourself
TypePrivate Catholic non-profit coeducational
Established2005
Religious affiliation
Catholic
Academic affiliation
ATS
PresidentTimothy C. Gray
ProvostChristopher Blum
Academic staff
24
Students550
Address
6160 S. Syracuse Way Suite 310 Greenwood Village
,
Denver
,
Colorado
,
US
CampusUrban
Colors   Gold & blue
Websitewww.augustineinstitute.org

The Augustine Institute (AI), located in Greenwood Village, Colorado, United States, is a private Catholic graduate theology school that offers master's degree programs. In addition, the Institute produces catechetical videos, records audio drama productions, publishes books, and distributes Catholic media materials. The Institute is currently in the process of creating a new Bible translation, the Catholic Standard Version (CSV).[1]

History[edit]

At the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver, John Paul II called Catholics to a New Evangelization to renew their commitment to Christ. Jonathan Reyes founded a graduate school in Denver in 2005,[2] in response to post-modern culture inspired by Pope John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization.[3][4]

On May 19, 2007, the first class of 11 students graduated.[5] During the 2009–2010 academic year, the Augustine Institute had 84 students taking courses on campus, and 157 students enrolled in its distance education program. In 2012, AI relocated from Teikyo Loretto Heights to Greenwood Village in the Denver Tech Center.[6] As of Fall 2019, it had 328 enrolled students or 144.1 full-time-equivalent,[7] the third-largest Catholic lay ecclesial ministry program in the United States.[8]

In 2015, the Augustine Institute merged with Lighthouse Catholic Media in "a new strategic alliance."[9]

In April 2024, the Augustine Institute acquired the 284-acre former Boeing Leadership Center (BLC) in Florissant, Missouri. The institute plans to transition its operations to the new campus, with its headquarters and Graduate School of Theology opening in time for the fall 2024 semester.[10]

Academics[edit]

The Augustine Institute offers four graduate degree programs: MA in Theology, MA in Pastoral Theology, MA in Catholic Education, and MA in Biblical Studies. With the exception of the MA in Biblical Studies, which is not offered through distance education, all of the degree programs can be earned either on campus or through distance education.[11]

Academic Programs[edit]

The MA in Theology degree curriculum focuses on the theological foundations for effective catechesis and evangelization. The required core curriculum consists of eight courses that provide students with a foundation in Theology, Evangelization, Sacred Scripture, and Church History.[12] In addition, students have four elective options. The institute also offers MA Theology students an optional Concentration in Sacred Scripture, which includes additional requirements.[13]

The MA in Pastoral Theology was renamed and made available online in 2022.[14] It consists of twelve courses, nine required and three elective. What distinguishes this program from others is the way it is based on the four pillars of priestly and religious formation: (1) Theological Formation; (2) Spiritual Formation; (3) Pastoral, Evangelistic, and Catechetical Formation, and (4) Human Formation.[15]

The MA in Catholic Education was launched in 2023 with the aim of contributing to "the ongoing renewal of Catholic schools," according to the school's Provost, Christopher Blum.[16] The program is "grounded in Scripture and Catholic doctrine" and "offers pedagogical training from a Catholic and classical perspective."[17]

The MA in Biblical Studies is offered only on campus and involves a 2 year, 48-unit-credit-hour program of study.[18] The curriculum includes 16 courses, including language courses, courses in exegesis and the theological framework of Biblical interpretation, and two electives. Enrollment requirements include an "undergraduate degree in a related field or demonstrably strong formation in humanities, philosophy, and theology"; a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or higher, and a competitive GRE score.[19]

Professors[edit]

According to the school's website,[20] the Augustine Institute Graduate School's Faculty includes:

  • Ben Akers (S.T.D., Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas [Angelicum])
  • Michael Patrick Barber (Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary)
  • Christopher Blum, Provost (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame)
  • Mark Giszczak (Ph.D., Catholic University of America)
  • Arielle Harms (Ph.D., Ave Maria University)
  • Scott Hefelfinger (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame)
  • Sean Innerst (D.Th., University of South Africa)
  • Elizabeth Klein (Ph.D. University of Notre Dame)
  • Jeffrey Lehman (Ph.D., University of Dallas)
  • Israel McGrew (Ph.D., Marquette University)
  • Christopher Mooney (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame)
  • Brant Pitre (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame)
  • Lucas Pollice (M.T.S., St. Mary's College of Ave Maria University)
  • James Prothro (Ph.D., University of Cambridge)
  • John Sehorn, Academic Dean (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame)
  • Andrew Seeley (Ph.D., University of Toronto)
  • Carl Vennerstrom (Ph.D., The Catholic University of America)

Recent Faculty Publications[edit]

  • Michael Patrick Barber, The Historical Jesus and the Temple: Memory, Methodology, and the Gospel of Matthew (Cambridge University Press, 2023).[21]
  • Mark Giszczak, Wisdom of Solomon, Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2024).[22]
  • Elizabeth Klein, Augustine's Theology of Angels (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).[23]
  • Brant Pitre, Jesus and Divine Christology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2024).[24]
  • Brant Pitre and Michael P. Barber (with John Kincaid, not a member of the AI Faculty), Paul, A New Covenant Jew: Rethinking Pauline Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2019).[25]
  • James B. Prothro, The Bible and Reconciliation: Confession, Repentance, and Restoration, Catholic Biblical Theology of the Sacraments Series (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023).[26]
  • James B. Prothro, A Pauline Theology of Justification: Forgiveness, Friendship, and Life in Christ, Lectio Sacra (Eugene: Cascade Books, 2023).[27]

Educational Philosophy[edit]

Inspired by St. Augustine of Hippo's approach to theology and evangelization, the Institute "is committed to the pursuit of wisdom in service of Christian mission."[28] It describes its distance education program as taking place "through high-definition videos, live-streamed interactive course offerings, telephone calls, promptly answered emails, lively online discussion, and substantive feedback on assignments."[29] The vision of distance education it proposes has been described as representing "creative fidelity to the Catholic tradition."[30]

The Augustine Institute's programs emphasize fidelity to the magisterium, especially as expressed in the apostolic constitution Ex corde Ecclesiae.[31] Some Catholic dioceses use the institute's academic programs to help train their permanent deacons.[32] The school stays closely connected to its local Catholic bishop, who is a member of the institute's Board of Trustees.[33]

Authorization and Accreditation[edit]

The Colorado Department of Higher Education authorizes the Augustine Institute to grant degrees.[34] In October 2018, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education renewed the Augustine Institute's authorization.[35]

As of 2016,[36] the Augustine Institute is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and approved for comprehensive distance education.[37]

FORMED media platform[edit]

Founded in 2015, through a partnership with Ignatius Press and Lighthouse Catholic Media, the Augustine Institute operates a video, audio and ebook platform for Catholic content called FORMED,[38] which reaches over 5,000 parishes and one million subscribers "with content from 75 Catholic content providers, making it the largest collaboration of Catholic apostolates, parishes, diocese and organizations worldwide."[39] The FORMED platform is used by many Catholic parishes to facilitate their catechetical efforts and train group leaders with Bible studies, sacramental preparation and faith formation programs.[40]

Augustine Institute Studios[edit]

The Augustine Institute houses "a team of creative storytellers who craft captivating cinematic experiences"[41] called Augustine Institute Studios. Their multi-part video productions include The Search (2020),[42] Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist (2018),[43] Signs of Grace (2018),[44] Divine Mercy in the Second Greatest Story Ever Told (2016),[45] Forgiven (2016),[46] Beloved (2015),[47] Reborn (2015),[48] and Symbolon (2014).[49]

Augustine Institute Radio Theatre[edit]

The Augustine Institute Radio Theatre has produced four audio drama series: Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi (2016), The Trials of St. Patrick (2017), Ode to Saint Cecilia (2017), and The Legends of Robin Hood (2019).[50] The 10-part audio drama, Brother Francis, won the 2018 Audie Award for Audio Drama, while The Trials of St. Patrick was a finalist for the Inspirational/Faith-Based Fiction award in the same year.[51] The audio drama, The Legends of Robin Hood, won five ATC Seneca awards for Best Original Score, Best Sound Design, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Leading Actor.[52]

Journal[edit]

The Augustine Institute publishes Faith & Culture: The Journal of the Augustine Institute.[53]

Book and Bible Publishing[edit]

In addition to producing study guides and leader guides to accompany video programs, the Augustine Institute publishes books in partnership with Ignatius Press, including the What Every Catholic Should Know series.[54] The Augustine Institute also publishes the English Standard Version Catholic Edition Bible in North America in partnership with Crossway Books.[55] In 2022, the Institute published the Gospel of Matthew of its new Catholic Standard Version translation,[1] the first step in a plan to "publish elegant editions of the four Gospels, the Psalms, and other important portions of Scripture," culminating in a complete CSV Bible translation.[56]

Move to Missouri[edit]

In April 2024, the Augustine Institute announced it had acquired the 284-acre former Boeing Leadership Center (BLC) in Florissant, MO. The Augustine Institute will begin transitioning its operations over the next few years, with its headquarters and Graduate School of Theology opening on the new campus in time for the fall 2024 semester.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Gospel of Mark, Catholic Standard Version". catholic.market. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Augustine Institute to open in Denver :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)". Catholic News Agency. 2005-02-24. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  3. ^ "Augustine Institute on the forefront of the New Evangelization :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)". Catholic News Agency. 2007-11-05. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  4. ^ Fernandez-Sardina, Martha (13 May 2016). "Q&A: The Augustine Institute—10 years of winning the post-modern culture". Denver Catholic. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - New Augustine Institute". Archden.org. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  6. ^ "Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - Local News". Archden.org. Archived from the original on 2013-02-24. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  7. ^ "Member Schools: Augustine Institute". ats.edu. Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  8. ^ Michal J. Kramarek, Ph.D.; Mary L. Gautier, Ph.D. "Catholic Ministry Formation Enrollment: Statistical Overview for 2018-2019" (PDF). Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown University. p. 33. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  9. ^ Middendorf, Mark (December 2015). "(Press Release)" (PDF). Lighthouse Catholic Media. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  10. ^ "The Augustine Institute Announces New Home in St. Louis". press.augustineinstitute.org. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  11. ^ "Member Schools: Augustine Institute". ats.edu. Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  12. ^ "Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21" (PDF). Augustine Institute. pp. 10–12. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  13. ^ "Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21" (PDF). Augustine Institute. p. 16. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  14. ^ ""Augustine Institute Renames Leadership Program"". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  15. ^ ""Augustine Institute Renames Leadership Program"". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  16. ^ ""Graduate School Hopes New Education Program Will Help with 'Renewal' of Catholic schooling"". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  17. ^ ""Graduate School Hopes New Education Program Will Help with 'Renewal' of Catholic schooling"". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  18. ^ ""Master of Arts: Biblical Studies"". Augustine Institute Graduate School. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  19. ^ ""Master of Arts: Biblical Studies"". Augustine Institute Graduate School. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  20. ^ ""Faculty & Staff"". Augustine Institute Graduate School. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  21. ^ ""The Historical Jesus and the Temple"". Cambridge University Press. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  22. ^ ""Wisdom of Solomon"". Baker Academic. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  23. ^ ""Augustine's Theology of Angels"". Cambridge University Press. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  24. ^ ""Jesus and Divine Christology"". Eerdmans. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  25. ^ ""Paul, A New Covenant Jew"". Eerdmans. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  26. ^ ""The Bible and Reconciliation"". Baker Academic. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  27. ^ ""A Pauline Theology of Justification"". Baker Academic. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  28. ^ "Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21" (PDF). Augustine Institute. p. 4. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  29. ^ "Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21" (PDF). Augustine Institute. p. 6. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  30. ^ Blum, Christopher (18 July 2018). "Catholic Distance Education: What Would Newman Say?". CruxNow.com. Crux Catholic Media. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  31. ^ "Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - Local News". Archden.org. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  32. ^ "Denver’s Augustine Institute Spreads Message Through DVD Courses"
  33. ^ "Board of Trustees". augustineinstitute.org. Augustine Institute. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  34. ^ "Private Accredited - Colorado Department of Higher Education". Highered.colorado.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
  35. ^ "Accreditation". augustineinstitute.org. Augustine Institute. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  36. ^ "Accreditation affirms school's excellence". Denver Catholic. 17 May 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  37. ^ "Member Schools: Augustine Institute". ats.edu. Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  38. ^ Lambert, Aaron (30 November 2015). "FORMED: 'Netflix' for Catholics". Denver Catholic. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  39. ^ "Augustine Institute launches new version of ground-breaking platform, FORMED". Religion News Service. 11 September 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  40. ^ "Parishes". augustineinstitute.org. Augustine Institute. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  41. ^ "Augustine Institute Studios". augustinestudios.org. Augustine Institute. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  42. ^ "Introducing the Search". formed.org. Augustine Institute. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  43. ^ "Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist". Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  44. ^ "Signs of Grace". Augustine Institute. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  45. ^ "Divine Mercy: The Second Greatest Story Ever Told". imdb.com. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  46. ^ Rainone, Colleen (January–March 2017). "AD: Forgiven—The Transforming Power of Confession DVDs/Study Guide". catechetics.com. The Catechetical Review. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  47. ^ "Beloved". imdb.com. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  48. ^ "Reborn". imdb.com. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  49. ^ "Symbolon: Knowing the Faith". imdb.com. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  50. ^ McCusker, Paul. "A.I.R. Theatre". paulmccusker.com. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  51. ^ "2018 Audie Awards". audiopub.org. Audio Publishers Association. Archived from the original on 30 December 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  52. ^ "3rd Annual ATC Seneca Awards Winners". thesenecas.org. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  53. ^ "Faith & Culture: The Journal of the Augustine Institute". Augustine Institute. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  54. ^ "Ignatius Press Augustine Institute Books". catholic.market. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  55. ^ Smith, Peter Jesserer (13 May 2020). "Augustine Institute Publishes Major New Catholic Bible". ncregister.com. National Catholic Register. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  56. ^ "About the Catholic Standard Version," in The Gospel of Matthew, Catholic Standard Version (Greenwood Village, CO: Augustine Institute, 2022).

External links[edit]

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