D.C. Schindler to Give Annual John Paul II Lecture: Marriage as Natural Sacrament

D.C. Schindler to Give Annual John Paul II Lecture: Marriage as Natural Sacrament

D.C. Schindler, associate professor of metaphysics and anthropology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at The Catholic University of America, will give the seventh annual John Paul II lecture, "Marriage as a Natural Sacrament," Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Lynch Auditorium.

The John Paul II lecture, which began in 2007 and is made possible by anonymous donors, is designed to promote theological enterprises modeled on the work of St. John Paul II. Past lecturers have included Cardinal Francis Arinze in 2008, Guy Mansini, OSB, in 2010 and John McDermott in 2012.

"The late pope drew out what was best from the tradition and what is best from the current times," said Associate Professor of Theology Christopher Malloy. "The wisdom of the tradition can shed light on current problems and guide the fruitful use of new insights."

Schindler received his doctorate from The Catholic University of America in 2001, with a dissertation on the philosophy of the Swiss theologian and Catholic priest Hans Urs von Balthasar, and taught at Villanova University from 2001 to 2013. He received an Alexander Von Humboldt fellowship to do research in Munich in 2007-08. Currently, he is working on a multivolume critique of the modern concept of freedom as the power to choose in light of a metaphysics of freedom based on actuality.

In addition to several monographs and numerous articles, Schindler has served as an editor of "Communio: International Catholic Review" since 2002 and also translates French and German.

"Schindler will be lecturing on a matter of vital importance to the health of society and marriage," said Malloy. "He is a very bright and innovative thinker; he is rising in importance and recognition."