Readiness to Change: Conversion & the Christian Life
12th Annual Summer Seminar
June 27 – July 2, 2022

The aspiring man of natural morality is intent on eradicating this defect, on acquiring that virtue; the Christian, however, is intent on becoming another man in all things, in regard to both what is bad and what is naturally good in him.
Dietrich von Hildebrand
Transformation in Christ
The 2022 Hildebrand Project Summer Seminar “Readiness to Change: Conversion & Christian Life” was an exploration into the spiritual work of Dietrich von Hildebrand, taking its title from a chapter of the same name in Hildebrand’s religious masterpiece, Transformation in Christ. Here, we took the opportunity to situate the wisdom of that text within his larger philosophical framework, especially the fundamental attitudes found in The Art of Living. Our faculty and participants discussed how his phenomenological insights elucidate the great religious aspects of faith, reverence, and conversion.
We also put Hildebrand’s work into dialogue with the perennial tradition. Romano Guardini, Edith Stein, Plato, Augustine, St. Benedict, and St. Ignatius all became interlocutors, bringing to light the great truths Hildebrand spoke of in new and exciting ways.
Below, you will find videos of the entire seminar. Watching them, we hope you are both engaged and challenged.
Readiness to Change – Videos
Readiness to Change (Hildebrand Project Summer Seminar 2022: Readiness to Change)
Panel #1: Readiness to Change, featuring Dr. Mark Spencer, Dr. Maria Wolter, and Dr. Jim Beauregard. Readiness to Change: Conversion & the Christian Life (2022 Summer Seminar)
Reverence and Humility (Hildebrand Project Summer Seminar 2022: Readiness to Change)
Panel #2: Reverence and Humility, featuring Dr. John F. Crosby, Dr. Beth Rath, and Dr. Elisa Grimi. Readiness to Change: Conversion & the Christian Life (2022 Summer Seminar)
Faithfulness (Hildebrand Project Summer Seminar 2022: Readiness to Change)
Panel #3: Faithfulness, featuring Dr. Elizabeth Shaw, Dr. Martin Cajthaml, and Hrvoje Vargic. Readiness to Change: Conversion & the Christian Life (2022 Summer Seminar)
Recollection and Contemplation (Hildebrand Project Summer Seminar 2022: Readiness to Change)
Panel #4: Recollection and Contemplation, featuring Dr. Mark Spencer, Dr. Dan Sheffler, and Dr. Jim Beauregard. Readiness to Change: Conversion & the Christian Life (2022 Summer Seminar)
Confidence in God (Hildebrand Project Summer Seminar 2022: Readiness to Change)
Panel #5: Confidence in God, featuring Dr. Robert McNamara, Dr. Beth Rath, and Dr. Elisa Grimi. Readiness to Change: Conversion & the Christian Life (2022 Summer Seminar)
Striving for Perfection (Hildebrand Project Summer Seminar 2022: Readiness to Change)
Panel #6: Striving for Perfection, featuring Dr. Maria Wolter, Dr. Matt Breuninger, and Fr. James Brent. Readiness to Change: Conversion & the Christian Life (2022 Summer Seminar)
2022 Seminar Faculty

Mark K. Spencer

Martin Cajthaml

Beth A. Rath

DT Sheffler

John F. Crosby

Fr. James Dominic Brent, O.P

James Beauregard

Jason Bell

Elizabeth C. Shaw

Matthew Breuninger

Maria Wolter

Robert McNamara

Elisa Grimi

Aaron Preston

Walter Hopp

Hrvoje Vargić
