The Science of Spiritual Direction: What the James Webb Telescope Can Teach Us About the Search for God

Rev. John Kartje, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Biblical Studies and Homilectics at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, will speak on the topic, The Science of Spiritual Direction: What the James Webb Telescope Can Teach Us About the Search for God. The newly launched James Webb Telescope will soon be opening new and vast horizons on our understanding of the universe.  Insofar as both science and spirituality are grounded on one’s engagement with mystery, the practice of good science has much to teach us about effective ways to journey through the spiritual life.  Join us as we explore the spiritual lessons to be gleaned from the past, present, and future of the James Webb Telescope project.

Father John was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2002.  He has served in parish and campus ministry in both Chicago and Washington, DC, as well as Mundelein Seminary where he has taught scripture since 2009.  He was appointed the rector at Mundelein in 2015.  Father John holds doctorate degrees in scripture (Catholic University of America) and in astrophysics (University of Chicago).  He spoke to LSUS in September of 2019 on the topic, From Physics to the Divine: One Priest’s Journey and on Zoom in September of 2020 on the topic, Genesis in the Bible and Science.