CEPHAS 2025: “What is God?”
Philosophical, Christian, and Islamic Approaches (22-25 August)
The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all-powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God… (Nostra Aetate, 3)
On the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (1965), CEPHAS 2025 invited participants to come together to reflect on ‘What is God’, ‘What is that inexpressible mystery which encompasses our existence?” (Nostra Aetate, 1).
In the first lecture, Prof. Corbett (University of St Andrews) differentiated between what we can know about God through our reason, and the knowledge of God which comes from Divine revelation, and to which we assent by Faith. He also provided an introductory survey, and account, of Aquinas’s philosophical treatment of ‘the one God’, in relation also to Muslim objections to the Christian faith.
Dr Fernando Servantes (University of Bristol) provided two fascinating lectures on the rise of Islam, which he situated historically and contextually. Dr Servantes underlined those Christian doctrines which Muslims would find most difficult to accept in relation to Christianity, including, for example, in relation to the earlier Christological debates leading up to, and consequent upon, the fourth ecumenical council of Chalcedon in 451.
Sr Magdalene Eitenmiller, O.P. (St Mary’s Twickenham; Blackfriars, Oxford) gave two lectures on the two great mysteries of the Catholic Faith – the divinity of the blessed Trinity and the humanity of Christ – and how, in Aquinas’ treatment, these do not involve contradiction with the knowledge of God known to reason. In doing so, Sr Magdalene opened up what is highly distinctive about the Christian supernatural knowledge of God.
As usual, following each lecture, there were theology workshops in three smaller groups – led by Sr Valery Walker, as well as by Sr Magdalene and by Prof. Corbett – in which there was the opportunity to unpack some of the content of the lectures, as well as to engage – in detail – with selected articles of the Summa Theologiae.
Stefan Kaminski (Director of the Christian Heritage Centre) also gave a welcome talk on the history of Stonyhurst and the CHC, and participants enjoyed making full use of the beautiful CHC, St Peter’s Church, and the surrounding countryside, throughout their stay, as well as of ‘Stefan’s bar’ in the evenings…!
As usual, there was also the opportunity to partake in the daily liturgy, led by Sr Magdalene, and to hear mass, with Fr Michael this year as our resident priest.
Participants commented:
I can’t fault it!
All speakers are very approachable and friendly
There was always a huge amount of content but the clarity of presentation and handouts helped with note-taking and review
The Muslim content I found fascinating and relevant to the world today
I was met with patience, tolerance, and kindness. For that, I say thank you – a profound thank you!
I came to learn and be informed which I was, and would enjoy coming back for more