The truth never goes out of style, and First Things relies on readers like you to keep promoting

the truth in public life. For the price of one cup of coffee per month, you can access all our

subscriber perks and support the important work of First Things. Visit Firstthings.com

slash subscribe to gain full access to all of our articles as well as our prestigious monthly print edition.

That's first things.com slash subscribe.

First, I'd like to thank Richard Corcoran and New College for co-sponsoring this lecture series,

and this is the second in this series.

Well, I first came to know Bishop Robert Barron through his 2007 book,

The Priority of Christ.

And that book introduced me to a theologian

who combines intellectual penetration

and extensive knowledge and erudition

with wonderfully readable prose.

And let me tell you folks, this is not a combination you can take for granted.

I was therefore not surprised to watch Word on Fire,

which was founded by the then seminary professor, Father Robert Barron,

to watch that Word on Fire project grow and prosper.

Today, Word on Fire is an extraordinarily important ministry.

It provides crucial guidance to those who are trying to find their way to the faith,

and it nourishes all of us who seek to grow in our knowledge

and love of Christ.

It's especially fitting to have Bishop Barron with us this evening to deliver the second

...