Topic Ideas

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We are always looking for a few good topics. If you are thinking about leading a discussion, feel free to choose any topic you would like. If you need ideas or inspiration, check out some of the past discussions or the list below — but don't feel confined to this list. Be creative!

The ideas below are the result of group brainstorming; if you would like to suggest something to add to this list, please email us . We're always eager to hear any suggestions.

Topic Ideas

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Stem Cell Research
• "Would/Do Clones have souls" and other issues surrounding transhumanism
• Chimeras — what do we make of them?
• Astronomy
• Astrology
• Chinese Catholic Church — Roman Church and State Churches
• Christian Music
• Military Career of St. Ignatius
• History of Missionaries in the New World
• Process vs. Classical Theology
• Celibacy and Priesthood
• Evangelical Catholicism
• Charismatic Catholicism
• The Past of Pope Benedict XVI / Cardinal Ratzinger
• Why the name "Benedict XVI"?
• Video: Contraception: Why Not? By Janet Smith
• Evolution of the Soul
• The Dominicans
• The Jesuits
• Catholic Schooling: benefits and costs
• Eastern Religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism, Confucianism
• Islam
• Saints
• Mother Theresa
• Just War and Pacifism
• The Catholic Church and Reformation Age Politics
• Genetically Modified Food
  • The Vatican's statements about it
• Genetically Modified Organisms in general
• Interfaith Marriage
• The Catholic Approach to Protestants
• Does God care who wins sporting events?
• Petitionary Prayer
• "Why Pray" if He knows already?
• Prayer
• History/State of the Catholic Church in the USA
• Sacraments
• Evolution and changes in this idea
• Separation of Church and State
  • France and secularism
  • England: Joining of church and state
  • Saudi Arabia
• Medical Ethics and Morality
• Movie Series and Discussion: The Mission, Romero, The Passion, others...
• Church Latin — a Primer
• "The Year of the Eucharist" — see faithmag.org, usccb.org (documents), vatican.va
• Overpopulation
• Witchcraft
• Wealth
• Vestments — Explanation
• Living your faith at work and in daily life
• Canonization / Beatification process
• Abortion
• The Liturgical Calendar
• The African Church
• Healing
• Pentecost
• The Rosary
• Henri Nouwen
• Ecumenism
• Miracles
• "Beatific Vision"
• Issues surrounding priesthood: celibacy, women, numbers, etc. ...
• Apostolic Succession
• Abraham
• Catholic Marriage
• The USCCB's "Zero Tolerance for Abuse" policy for priests
• Nicene Creed
• Inspirations from Pope John Paul II
• Early History of the Papacy
• US involvement in conflict over the years
• The Neoconservative Movement
  • policy effects
  • history of
• The Significance of Mary
• Comparison/contrast of Catholicism with various Protestantisms
• Literature: proper, improper, neutral, etc.
• Dreams in the Bible / significance of dreams
• What is the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith?
• Roles of and needs for various angels/demons/spirits.
• Food in spirituality
• The role of Sacrifice in religion
• Semi-religious traditions: Mardi Gras, Paczki, Oplatki (sp?), etc. ...
• Ethics of the food chain
• Euthanasia, Terry Schiavo, Extraordinary means
• Papal Sin
• Theology
  • Bronner
  • Liberation Theology
  • Phases
  • Catholic vs. others
• The Da Vinci Code
• "Progress" vs. "hidden oppression" of remote peoples
• The common good vs. unequal distribution of prosperity
• Achievement vs. Charity — goals in life
• Doctrines of Social Justice within the Catholic Church
  • The Catholic Worker
• "Western Man's Burden" (i.e., modern version of "white man's burden")
• Absolutism vs. Relativism
• Intellectualism and Faith
• Science and Religion
• Multi-Faith "Bridging"
• Inconsistencies in the Bible
• Lives of the Popes
• Jesus and Environmentalism
• Christianity and Environmentalism
• God in Movies and TV
• Revelation
• Music in the Church — Past, Present, and ... Future?
• Diseases and suffering: implications for theology
• Natural Law Revisited: An in-depth discussion of 1 topic (with an expert handy?)
• Utilitarianism — good/bad ?