Course Description

The fourth question of the Baltimore Catechism asked "Why did God make me?" The answer familiar to many of us was "To know, love and serve God, to be happy with Him in this life and in the next." For over 3500 years of western civilization the question of happiness has been among the central questions of life. Various Greek, Roman, Jewish and Christian philosophers offer distinct contributions to this central question. More than just a platitude the goal of authentic happiness is deeply tied to our origin, our purpose, and our destiny and provides a rich philosophical and theological perspective on God's plan for the human person. This course evaluates these answers, and seeks to present an authentically Catholic perspective to happiness as the goal of Catholic life.

Hours of Instruction: 6.5

ICT Fellow Ryan Hanning, PhD

Ryan Hanning PhD is a Professor of Theology and Catholic Studies and teaches for the University of Mary as well as serves as an instructor and mentor for the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Catechetical Institute. He is a Fellow at the Institute of Catholic Theology, the Havard Virtuous Leadership Institute, and founding Fellow of the San Juan Diego Institute which assists several Universities, non-profits and religious apostolates. He is also a board member and officer for Fraternus US. In addition to teaching and consulting, Ryan also serves as Asst. Editor at Hearth & Field a Christian Agrarian Journal and writes and speaks internationally on education, theology, ecological ethics and virtuous leadership. He earned a PhD in Theology from Maryvale Institute Liverpool Hope University in England, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at ASU and has studied at University of Dallas, Cambridge, and the Jagiellonian. He is a member of the Royal Historic Society, American Catholic Historical Association and Fellowship of Catholic Scholars. Ryan currently homesteads in Tennessee with his beautiful wife Rebecca, and their ten well socialized homeschooled children.

Course Curriculum

Available in the Course Dashboard after Registration

    1. Reflection Questions for Online Courses

    2. Session 1 - Video

    1. Session 2 - Video

    1. Session 3 - Video

    1. Happiness handout one

    2. Links

About this course

  • $7.50
  • 6 lessons
  • 6.5 hours of video content