The New Saint Thomas Institute Opens!
Last Monday, one of my favorite apologists/writers/bloggers Dr. Taylor Marshall launched the New Saint Thomas Institute. I am pleased to be one of the first 500 charter members!
Great! What the heck is it?
It’s an online institute aimed at bringing theology and philosophy education forward in a fun and engaging way. If anyone is familiar with Dr. Marshall’s writing and teaching style, they will understand that it is going to be a fun way to dive deeper into the Catholic faith by studying the greats. As one might imagine from the name, there will be a strong focus on Thomastic scholarship which will be very interesting and rewarding.
What do you get out of it?
One of the other compelling aspects of the Institute is that they are offering a continuing education program for credit, offering a one-year certificate of mastery and an eventual two year Master’s Degree program. For those of us with busy lifestyles, a job, and a kid being able to study in this way for credit is a real benefit.
I have had an affinity to Saint Thomas Aquinas for awhile, and I even attempted to read the Summa on my own this year. It was very challenging, so I suspected that I needed some additional background. (This is actually what led me to find Dr. Marshall in the first place.) This Institute will provide some of the foundation necessary to appreciate Saint Thomas’ work fully, and I’m very excited about that. You can read about 7 reasons to join the New Saint Thomas Institute over at Dr. Marshall’s blog.
Also, there is a community aspect. Dr. Marshall aims for a collegiate-style feel and I have already seen some of that in action. The member forum is taking on the feel of a college orientation mixer, and I have already been contacted by someone local to me that also belongs to the Institute so we can discuss the video presentations and study together. My brother-in-law also signed up from Illinois, so plenty of bonding experiences abound.
There’s even a clever mascot, Tommy the Muskox. (Saint Thomas had the nickname “the dumb ox” because he was quiet and large.)
Curious? Good!
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, I encourage you to check out three preview videos provided by Dr. Marshall. Then you should really head over and sign up. You won’t be sorry, it’s great being a Fighting Muskoxen!
If you’re a current member of the New Saint Thomas Institute, feel free to chime in with why you have joined up and what excites you about the program.