Updated on April 10, 2026
Senior liberal studies capstone rooted in the teachings of the Fathers of the Church
University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas
Developer and Instructor of Record
Fall 2022, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Summer 2026, Fall 2026
Introductory Materials
Syllabus – 15 week (Spring 2025)
Syllabus – 5 week (Summer 2025)
Lectures:
- What is this Return to God class?
- The Return to God: Syllabus & Class Bones – 15 week (Fall 2024)
- The Return to God: Syllabus & Class Bones – 5 week (Summer 2025)
- Return to God Truth Troop Teams: Study Group Recordings & More (Fall 2024)
- The Best Free Computer Resources for Catholic Theology
- How do I use the Catholic Study Bible?
Theme 1: Creation
- Genesis 1-3 Theological Dive: Why did God create us? What does it mean that we are fallen?
- Who is St. Maximus the Confessor?
- Who is St. Francis of Assisi?
Theme 2: Fall
- The Fall of Man: A Close Reading of St. Maximus the Confessor’s Ad Thalassium 61
- The Life of St. Augustine and How to Read his Confessions
Theme 3: Christ
- John’s Gospel: The Descent & Ascent of the Logos
- Christ’s Reunification of the Cosmos: St. Maximus the Confessor’s Ambiguum 41
Theme 4: Liturgy
- Introduction to Liturgy, part 1: What is Traditional Christian Liturgy? (Citing CCC & the Didache)
- Introduction to Liturgy, part 2: What is the Purpose of Traditional Christian Liturgy? (Citing Schmemann’s For the Life of the World)
- Return to God Class: Liturgy Attendance Assignment (Fall 2024)