Jessie's four presentations will look at "hermeneutics," the technical word used for how we interpret the Bible. This is a foundational concern for biblical scholars who are often faced with difficult texts that involve violence or other actions that clash with our modern violence. Such texts are sometimes used to justify such actions when not read against the larger scope of the Bible, or other contradictory texts.

Kieran's four presentations will examine how St. Paul navigated the context of his time, namely the politics and power of the Roman Empire. For Rome, and indeed many of the people in the early first century, Caesar was lord. Of course, this clashes with a central dimension of Paul's theology: for the early Christian community, Christ is Lord.

Seán's four presentations will explore the Book of Revelation, an extraordinary text which has long fascinated scholars. Unfortunately, the rich imagery and apocalyptic themes also frequently draw attention for the wrong reasons, and the text has often been used as a prophetic announcement in uncertain times that the "end is near." Therefore, Seán will take a different approach, and seek to highlight what how the text understands the world against the backdrop of "the lamb that was slain."

This year marks ten years since the release of Laudato Si’ – On Care for Our Common Home, the influential encyclical from Pope Francis. For the last day of our Summer School, Jane Mellett will offer a presentation which reflects on its hope-filled legacy, as well as the challenges of the last decade. The presentation will highlight the urgent need for a renewed ecological spirituality, one that is deeply rooted in God's Word.