CEPHAS 2021: The Search for Truth: Engaging Philosophy & Theology
27th-30th August 2021
Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth – in a word, to know himself – so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves (Pope John Paul II, Fides et ratio)
CEPHAS 2021 explored the foundational themes that structure the human search for truth, with the two pillars of reason and Revelation.
There were 5 philosophy and 5 theology workshops over three days, as we reflected on core human questions and desires and sought to understand how Christianity responds to our natural capacities to know and to love, to seek the truth and to desire happiness.
There was also plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate, as well as for Mass, communal prayer and reflection.
What participants said
The residential retreat was a great opportunity to engage in study, to have time for prayer, to walk taking in God’s beautiful creation, and to socialise. The talks were challenging, thought provoking but offered stimulation and deep reflection which have given me a spiritual renewal. I was inspired, nourished and fed by this weekend. This is the first of many for me!
Thank you for such an amazing weekend. Happiness indeed!
Really enjoyed the the weekend, learnt a lot. Well organised and very comfortable!
It’s been an excellent few days, academically rigorous but also fostering communion with each other and with God.
At first the subject matter was intellectually challenging, but presentations were such that by the end everything was more accessible and comprehensible. Excellent teaching!
This course completely rekindled an interest in ideas and philosophy I wasn’t even really sure I ever had. The discussion groups are wonderful and give a chance to work through ideas and get insights from people of all different backgrounds. Really complex topics are made very accessible.
This was a great weekend. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Great people!
Really wonderful and so welcoming. Always challenging – it made me stretch my mind!
Thank you to everyone involved in the planning of this course; the amount of work that must have gone on behind the scenes really made it all run so well.