Study Center

It is necessary for Catholic parents to consider carefully what they mean when they speak of education. In many conversations today, one hears confident references to methods, programs, and well-known educational figures, as though these were sufficient guides for forming children. Parents compare curricula, adopt labels, and align themselves with prevailing trends, yet rarely pause to ask the more fundamental questions upon which all sound judgment depends. What is the purpose of education? What has the Church taught about it? What did those whom the Church calls saints actually study? Without clear answers to these questions, discussion remains superficial, however … Continue

In most places today, civics education languishes in a culture of ignorance and irrational feeling. It presents political life as an arena in which men and women battle for the control of public resources. It makes no effort to establish a clear view of the nature of man or the true purpose of society. Students are taught about branches of government, elections, and rights, yet are rarely led to ask the prior and more important questions: Without answers to these questions, civics becomes chaotic, an endless batlle of selfish opinions and emotions. It doesn’t produce wisdom, but confusion—citizens who may … Continue

In this debate, cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker and New York Times columnist Ross Douthat explore whether a secular society can truly sustain itself. For years, many intellectuals predicted that as religion declined, society would become calmer, more rational, and more scientific. Instead, modern politics often feels just as fervent—driven by new forms of moral conflict, tribalism, and ideological certainty. So where does morality come from without God? Are ideas like human dignity and human rights grounded in something transcendent—or can they stand on reason alone? In this conversation, Pinker and Douthat debate the role of faith in modern life and … Continue

In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we provide rigorous comprehension assessments that challenge students to thoroughly study lessons and demonstrate their understanding of important concepts. These assessments will be difficult for most students because they require careful study and thoughtful, well-written responses. Students may benefit from seeing a model for imitation. This morning, I completed and submitted the Comprehension Assessment for the first lesson in the Academy’s course on Aristotle’s Politics. The assignment probebly took me an hour to complete, while I managed other tasks in a comfortable way. This is how real academic work is normally done in real-life … Continue

Summary Young Catholic couples should not feel pressured to have large families by cultural or political messaging. Decisions about children must be made prudently and privately by husband and wife, based on their real circumstances, including health, finances, and social environment. Large families are not a requirement of Catholic teaching, and having many children should not be treated as an ideal in itself. Couples must avoid unrealistic expectations about marriage and parenting, especially the assumption that they can easily raise perfectly devout children regardless of circumstances. Family life is long, demanding work that requires serious preparation, patience, and adaptability. Rather … Continue

One tool I use daily for study and writing is Verbum, which is one of the largest digital libraries available for Catholic books. I’m happy to announce that Verbum has added the Classical Liberal Arts Academy to its list of recognized colleges, seminaries and universities, and offers 30-50% off on its academic software for enrolled students. To request this discount, you will need a letter from the CLAA verifying your enrollment status, which we’re happy to provide. Verbum is highly recommended. God bless your studies, Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.HeadmasterClassical Liberal Arts Academy

In the present age of artificial intelligence, it has become common to assert that man is superior to machines. This claim is often made as though it were obvious, needing no defense. Yet when examined carefully, it becomes clear that such a statement is usually made in a generic and theoretical sense rather than in an individual and actual one. Machines already surpass many men not only in tasks associated with intelligence, but also in efficiency, consistency, and productivity in work. This fact forces us to reconsider what is really meant by human superiority. The question must therefore be posed … Continue

Summary Living with strong convictions in a free and diverse society requires a clear distinction between private and public life. In private life, individuals may order their actions entirely according to their own beliefs. In public life, however, they must respect the equal rights and freedoms of others and cannot treat shared spaces as extensions of their own authority. The expression of beliefs requires prudence. While individuals are free to speak according to their convictions, public and professional contexts impose real consequences, which must be accepted as part of living in a free society rather than interpreted as violations of … Continue