What is an Encyclical? And why does bioethics matter to living my everyday life? Join Dr. Correira in this upper-level high school course (for anyone!) and learn what Pope Saint John Paul II wrote in “The Splendor of Truth” -- a dynamic study of the fundamentals of the Church and moral theology.

Please note that this is a seminar course intended for enrichment. It does not contain any assessments.

How to get the most out of Veritatis Splendor: The Bioethics Encyclicals of JPII with Kris Correira, DSc:

• First, download and read the syllabus

• Next, complete each item in the order that they appear. In general:

  • Read the indicated section of the encyclical;

  • Consider the question given and write down your thoughts;

  • Watch class recording.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total classes: 4

Duration: 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes) per class

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: High school

Suggested credit: none (seminar course)

Instructor: Kris Correira, DSc

Instructor Email: athomescience@gmail.com

Course description: This series focuses on two encyclicals of Pope Saint John Paul II written in the 1990’s that are essential readings in bioethics and moral theology. Encyclicals aren’t written just for theologians! As laymen, we can (and should!) be studying the writings as well, to gain a rich understanding of how to think and live in our culture today. In this course, we will dive into Veritatis Splender (The Splendor of Truth).

"The splendour of truth shines forth in all the works of the Creator and, in a special way, in man, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26). Truth enlightens man's intelligence and shapes his freedom, leading him to know and love the Lord. Hence the Psalmist prays: 'Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord' (Ps 4:6)."

Course outline:

• Class 1: Veritatis Splendor (VS) Introduction & Chapter 1 (pp. 1 – 19; §1 – 27)

• Class 2: VS Chapter 2, Part I & II (pp. 19 – 41; §28 – 64)

• Class 3: VS Chapter 2, Part III & IV (pp. 41 – 53; §65 – 83)

• Class 4: VS Chapter 3 (pp. 53 – 76; §84 – 120)

Course materials:

• All  materials are supplied.

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2021 Homeschool Connections and Kris Correira, DSc.  All rights reserved. This course is designed by Kris Correira, DSc.

• This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the fifth commandment (yes, that 5th commandment) and in violation of US and International copyright laws.

• You may print or download to local hard disk extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.