Augustine Institute

{{short description|American Catholic theology graduate school}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox university | name = Augustine Institute | image_name = Logo_of_the_Augustine_Institute.jpg | motto = ''Fecisti Nos Ad Te'' (Latin) | mottoeng = ''You Have Made Us for Yourself'' | type = Private Catholic non-profit coeducational | established = 2005 | religious_affiliation = Catholic | academic_affiliation = ATS | president = Timothy C. Gray | provost = Christopher Blum | faculty = 24 | students = 550 | address = 16805 New Halls Ferry Road | city = Florissant | state = Missouri | country = US | campus = Urban | colors = {{color box|#FFD700}}{{color box|#00006F}} Gold & blue | other_name = AI | mascot = | website = {{URL|http://www.augustineinstitute.org}} }}

The '''Augustine Institute''' ('''AI''') is a private Catholic graduate theology school. Located in Florissant, Missouri, the school offers master's degree programs and distributes Catholic media materials, including the Catholic Standard Version (CSV), a new Bible translation.<ref name="CSV">{{cite web |title=Gospel of Mark, Catholic Standard Version |url=https://catholic.market/catholic-standard-version/the-gospel-of-mark-catholic-standard-version/ |website=catholic.market |accessdate=22 November 2023}}</ref>

==History== Jonathan Reyes founded the Augustine Institute in Denver in 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/3194/augustine-institute-to-open-in-denver |title=Augustine Institute to open in Denver :: Catholic News Agency (CNA) |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2005-02-24 |access-date=2012-06-09}}</ref><ref name=ref1>{{Cite web|url=https://denvergazette.com/news/business/augustine-institute-denver-st-louis-relocation/article_3f4337aa-03fc-11ef-9335-97b781e79a1c.html|title=Catholic nonprofit, grad school to leave Denver for St. Louis Boeing retreat center|last=Berdychowski|first=Bernadette|date=29 April 2024|website=Denver Gazette}}</ref> in response to post-modern culture inspired by Pope John Paul II's call for a New Evangelization.<ref>{{cite web |date=2007-11-05 |title=Augustine Institute on the forefront of the New Evangelization :: Catholic News Agency (CNA) |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/10882/augustine-institute-on-the-forefront-of-the-new-evangelization |access-date=2012-06-09 |publisher=Catholic News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fernandez-Sardina |first1=Martha |date=13 May 2016 |title=Q&A: The Augustine Institute—10 years of winning the post-modern culture |url=https://denvercatholic.org/qa-augustine-institute-10-years-winning-post-modern-culture/ |accessdate=11 August 2020 |website=Denver Catholic}}</ref>

On May 19, 2007, the first class of 11 students graduated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.archden.org/dcr//news.php?e=420&s=78&a=8813 |title=Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - New Augustine Institute |publisher=Archden.org |accessdate=2012-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306012519/http://www.archden.org/dcr//news.php?e=420&s=78&a=8813 |archive-date=2012-03-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2012, AI relocated from Teikyo Loretto Heights to Greenwood Village in the Denver Tech Center.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/9009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130224005243/http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/9009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-24 |title=Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - Local News |publisher=Archden.org |accessdate=2012-06-09 }}</ref> As of Fall 2019, it had 328 enrolled students or 144.1 full-time-equivalent,<ref name="Association of Theological Schools">{{cite web |title=Member Schools: Augustine Institute |url=https://ats.edu/member-schools/augustine-institute |website=ats.edu |publisher=Association of Theological Schools |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> the third-largest Catholic lay ecclesial ministry program in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Michal J. Kramarek, Ph.D. |author2=Mary L. Gautier, Ph.D. |title=Catholic Ministry Formation Enrollment: Statistical Overview for 2018-2019 |url=https://cara.georgetown.edu/StatisticalOverview201819.pdf |publisher=Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown University |accessdate=11 August 2020 |pages=33}}</ref>

In 2015, the Augustine Institute merged with Lighthouse Catholic Media in "a new strategic alliance."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Middendorf |first1=Mark |title=(Press Release) |url=http://wiki.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/images/5/50/StrategicAllianceAnnouncement.pdf |publisher=Lighthouse Catholic Media |accessdate=11 August 2020 |date=December 2015}}</ref>

In April 2024, the Augustine Institute acquired the 284-acre former Boeing Leadership Center (BLC) in Florissant, Missouri. The institute transitioned its operations to the new campus, with its headquarters and Graduate School of Theology opening in time for the fall 2024 semester.<ref name=ref1/><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Augustine Institute Announces New Home in St. Louis |url=https://press.augustineinstitute.org/st-louis |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=press.augustineinstitute.org |language=en}}</ref>

==Academics== The Augustine Institute offers four graduate degree programs: MA in Theology, MA in Pastoral Theology, MA in Catholic Education, and MA in Biblical Studies. With the exception of the MA in Biblical Studies, all of the degree programs can be earned either on campus or through distance education.<ref name="Association of Theological Schools"/>

The MA in Theology degree curriculum focuses on the theological foundations for effective catechesis and evangelization. The required core curriculum consists of eight courses that provide students with a foundation in Theology, Evangelization, Sacred Scripture, and Church History.<ref>{{cite web |title=Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21 |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Graduate-Bulletin-2020-21.pdf |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020 |pages=10–12}}</ref> In addition, students have four elective options. The institute also offers MA Theology students an optional Concentration in Sacred Scripture, which includes additional requirements.<ref>{{cite web |title=Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21 |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Graduate-Bulletin-2020-21.pdf |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020 |pages=16}}</ref>

The MA in Pastoral Theology was renamed and made available online in 2022.<ref name="National Catholic Register">{{cite web |title="Augustine Institute Renames Leadership Program" |url=https://www.ncregister.com/news/augustine-institute-renames-leadership-program-now-available-online |publisher=National Catholic Register |accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> It consists of twelve courses, nine required and three elective. What distinguishes this program from others is the way it is based on the four pillars of priestly and religious formation: (1) Theological Formation; (2) Spiritual Formation; (3) Pastoral, Evangelistic, and Catechetical Formation, and (4) Human Formation.<ref name="National Catholic Register"/>

The MA in Catholic Education was launched in 2023 with the aim of contributing to "the ongoing renewal of Catholic schools," according to the school's Provost, Christopher Blum.<ref name="Catholic News Agency">{{cite web |title="Graduate School Hopes New Education Program Will Help with 'Renewal' of Catholic schooling" |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255325/catholic-graduate-school-hopes-new-education-program-will-help-with-renewal-of-catholic-schooling |publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> The program is "grounded in Scripture and Catholic doctrine" and "offers pedagogical training from a Catholic and classical perspective."<ref name="Catholic News Agency"/>

The MA in Biblical Studies is offered only on campus and involves a 2 year, 48-unit-credit-hour program of study.<ref name="Master of Arts: Biblical Studies">{{cite web |title="Master of Arts: Biblical Studies" |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/degrees/master-of-arts-biblical-studies |publisher=Augustine Institute Graduate School|accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> The curriculum includes 16 courses, including language courses, courses in exegesis and the theological framework of Biblical interpretation, and two electives. Enrollment requirements include an "undergraduate degree in a related field or demonstrably strong formation in humanities, philosophy, and theology"; a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or higher, and a competitive GRE score.<ref name="Master of Arts: Biblical Studies"/>

===Authorization and Accreditation=== The Colorado Department of Higher Education authorizes the Augustine Institute to grant degrees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/Colleges/privateaccredited.asp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100527091903/http://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/Colleges/privateaccredited.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 27, 2010 |title=Private Accredited - Colorado Department of Higher Education |publisher=Highered.colorado.gov |date= |accessdate=2012-06-09}}</ref> In October 2018, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education renewed the Augustine Institute's authorization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accreditation |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/graduate-school/accreditation/ |website=augustineinstitute.org |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref>

As of 2025, the Augustine Institute is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and approved for comprehensive distance education.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ats.edu/member-schools/augustine-institute|title=Augustine Institute|website=The Association of Theological Schools The Commission on Accrediting}}</ref>

===Educational Philosophy=== Inspired by St. Augustine of Hippo's approach to theology and evangelization, the Institute "is committed to the pursuit of wisdom in service of Christian mission."<ref>{{cite web |title=Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21 |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Graduate-Bulletin-2020-21.pdf |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020 |pages=4}}</ref> It describes its distance education program as taking place "through high-definition videos, live-streamed interactive course offerings, telephone calls, promptly answered emails, lively online discussion, and substantive feedback on assignments."<ref>{{cite web |title=Augustine Institute Graduate Bulletin 2020-21 |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Graduate-Bulletin-2020-21.pdf |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020 |pages=6}}</ref> The vision of distance education it proposes has been described as representing "creative fidelity to the Catholic tradition."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Blum |first1=Christopher |title=Catholic Distance Education: What Would Newman Say? |url=https://cruxnow.com/sponsored/2018/07/catholic-distance-education-what-would-newman-say/ |website=CruxNow.com |publisher=Crux Catholic Media |accessdate=11 August 2020 |date=18 July 2018}}</ref>

The Augustine Institute's programs emphasize fidelity to the magisterium, especially as expressed in the apostolic constitution ''Ex corde Ecclesiae''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.archden.org/dcr//news.php?e=478&s=4&a=10056 |title=Archdiocese of Denver - DCR - Local News |publisher=Archden.org |accessdate=2012-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306012511/http://www.archden.org/dcr//news.php?e=478&s=4&a=10056 |archive-date=2012-03-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some Catholic dioceses use the institute's academic programs to help train their permanent deacons.<ref>[http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/denvers_augustine_institute_spreads_message_through_dvd_courses/ "Denver’s Augustine Institute Spreads Message Through DVD Courses"]</ref> The school stays closely connected to its local Catholic bishop, who is a member of the institute's Board of Trustees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Board of Trustees |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/board-of-trustees/ |website=augustineinstitute.org |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref>

==Publications== The Augustine Institute publishes ''Faith & Culture: The Journal of the Augustine Institute''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Faith & Culture: The Journal of the Augustine Institute |url=https://www.faithandculture.com/ |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref>

In addition to producing study guides and leader guides to accompany video programs, the Augustine Institute publishes books in partnership with Ignatius Press, including the ''What Every Catholic Should Know'' series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ignatius Press Augustine Institute Books |url=https://catholic.market/ignatius-press-augustine-institute/ |website=catholic.market |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> The Augustine Institute also publishes the English Standard Version Catholic Edition Bible in North America in partnership with Crossway Books.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Peter Jesserer |title=Augustine Institute Publishes Major New Catholic Bible |url=https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/augustine-institute-publishes-major-new-catholic-bible |website=ncregister.com |publisher=National Catholic Register |accessdate=11 August 2020 |date=13 May 2020}}</ref> In 2022, the Institute published the Gospel of Matthew of its new Catholic Standard Version translation,<ref name="CSV"/> the first step in a plan to "publish elegant editions of the four Gospels, the Psalms, and other important portions of Scripture," culminating in a complete CSV Bible translation.<ref>"About the Catholic Standard Version," in ''The Gospel of Matthew, Catholic Standard Version'' (Greenwood Village, CO: Augustine Institute, 2022).</ref>

===Faculty publications=== * Michael Patrick Barber, ''The Historical Jesus and the Temple: Memory, Methodology, and the Gospel of Matthew'' (Cambridge University Press, 2023).<ref>{{cite web |title="The Historical Jesus and the Temple" |url=https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/religion/biblical-studies-new-testament/historical-jesus-and-temple-memory-methodology-and-gospel-matthew?format=HB |publisher=Cambridge University Press|accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> * Mark Giszczak, ''Wisdom of Solomon,'' Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2024).<ref>{{cite web |title="Wisdom of Solomon" |url=https://bakeracademic.com/p/Wisdom-of-Solomon-Mark-Giszczak/542807|publisher=Baker Academic|accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> * Elizabeth Klein, ''Augustine's Theology of Angels'' (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).<ref>{{cite web |title="Augustine's Theology of Angels" |url=https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/religion/theology/augustines-theology-angels|publisher=Cambridge University Press|accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> *Brant Pitre, ''Jesus and Divine Christology'' (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2024).<ref>{{cite web |title="Jesus and Divine Christology"|url=https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802875129/jesus-and-divine-christology/|publisher=Eerdmans |accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> *Brant Pitre and Michael P. Barber (with John Kincaid, not a member of the AI Faculty), ''Paul, A New Covenant Jew: Rethinking Pauline Theology'' (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2019).<ref>{{cite web |title="Paul, A New Covenant Jew"|url=https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802873767/|publisher=Eerdmans|accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> *James B. Prothro, ''The Bible and Reconciliation: Confession, Repentance, and Restoration,'' Catholic Biblical Theology of the Sacraments Series (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2023).<ref>{{cite web |title="The Bible and Reconciliation"|url=https://bakeracademic.com/p/Wisdom-of-Solomon-Mark-Giszczak/542807|publisher=Baker Academic |accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref> *James B. Prothro, ''A Pauline Theology of Justification: Forgiveness, Friendship, and Life in Christ,'' Lectio Sacra (Eugene: Cascade Books, 2023).<ref>{{cite web |title="A Pauline Theology of Justification" |url=https://bakeracademic.com/p/Wisdom-of-Solomon-Mark-Giszczak/542807|publisher=Baker Academic |accessdate=1 March 2023}}</ref>

==Media== Founded in 2015, through a partnership with Ignatius Press and Lighthouse Catholic Media, the Augustine Institute operates a video, audio and ebook platform for Catholic content called Formed,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lambert |first1=Aaron |title=FORMED: 'Netflix' for Catholics |url=https://denvercatholic.org/formed-netflix-for-catholics/ |publisher=Denver Catholic |accessdate=11 August 2020 |date=30 November 2015}}</ref> which reaches over 5,000 parishes and one million subscribers "with content from 75 Catholic content providers, making it the largest collaboration of Catholic apostolates, parishes, diocese and organizations worldwide."<ref>{{cite web |title=Augustine Institute launches new version of ground-breaking platform, FORMED |url=https://religionnews.com/2019/09/11/augustine-institute-launches-new-version-of-ground-breaking-platform-formed/ |publisher=Religion News Service |accessdate=11 August 2020 |date=11 September 2019}}</ref> The Formed platform is used by many Catholic parishes to facilitate their catechetical efforts and train group leaders with Bible studies, sacramental preparation and faith formation programs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parishes |url=https://www.augustineinstitute.org/parishes/ |website=augustineinstitute.org |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref>

The Augustine Institute also houses "a team of creative storytellers who craft captivating cinematic experiences"<ref>{{cite web |title=Augustine Institute Studios |url=https://www.augustinestudios.org/ |website=augustinestudios.org |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> called Augustine Institute Studios. Their multi-part video productions include ''The Search'' (2020),<ref>{{cite web |title=Introducing the Search |url=https://leaders.formed.org/thesearch/ |website=formed.org |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> ''Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist'' (2018),<ref>{{cite web |title=Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist |url=https://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/presence |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> ''Signs of Grace'' (2018),<ref>{{cite web |title=Signs of Grace |url=https://thesignsofgrace.org/ |publisher=Augustine Institute |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> ''Divine Mercy in the Second Greatest Story Ever Told'' (2016),<ref>{{cite web |title=Divine Mercy: The Second Greatest Story Ever Told |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6513008/?ref_=adv_li_tt |website=imdb.com |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> ''Forgiven'' (2016),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rainone |first1=Colleen |title=AD: Forgiven—The Transforming Power of Confession DVDs/Study Guide |url=https://review.catechetics.com/ad-forgiven%E2%80%94-transforming-power-confession-dvdsstudy-guide |website=catechetics.com |publisher=The Catechetical Review |accessdate=11 August 2020 |date=January–March 2017}}</ref> ''Beloved'' (2015),<ref>{{cite web |title=Beloved |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6513794/?ref_=adv_li_tt |website=imdb.com |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> ''Reborn'' (2015),<ref>{{cite web |title=Reborn |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6517782/?ref_=adv_li_tt |website=imdb.com |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> and ''Symbolon'' (2014).<ref>{{cite web |title=Symbolon: Knowing the Faith |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3687572/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1 |website=imdb.com |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref>

The Augustine Institute Radio Theatre has produced four audio drama series: ''Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi'' (2016), ''The Trials of St. Patrick'' (2017), ''Ode to Saint Cecilia'' (2017), and ''The Legends of Robin Hood'' (2019).<ref>{{cite web |last1=McCusker |first1=Paul |title=A.I.R. Theatre |url=https://www.paulmccusker.com/air-theatre |website=paulmccusker.com |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref> The 10-part audio drama, ''Brother Francis'', won the 2018 Audie Award for Audio Drama, while ''The Trials of St. Patrick'' was a finalist for the Inspirational/Faith-Based Fiction award in the same year.<ref>{{cite web |title=2018 Audie Awards |url=https://www.audiopub.org/winners/2018-audies |website=audiopub.org |publisher=Audio Publishers Association |accessdate=11 August 2020 |archive-date=30 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230160940/https://www.audiopub.org/winners/2018-audies |url-status=dead }}</ref> The audio drama, ''The Legends of Robin Hood'', won five ATC Seneca awards for Best Original Score, Best Sound Design, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Leading Actor.<ref>{{cite web |title=3rd Annual ATC Seneca Awards Winners |url=https://www.thesenecas.org/announcements/3rd-annual-atc-seneca-awards-winners |website=thesenecas.org |accessdate=11 August 2020}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{Official website|augustineinstitute.org}} * [http://formed.org/ FORMED] * [https://www.youtube.com/@AugustineInstitute/ Augustine Institute YouTube channel]

Category:Catholic universities and colleges in Missouri Category:Universities and colleges in St. Louis County, Missouri Category:Archdiocese of St. Louis Category:Distance education institutions based in the United States Category:Christianity in St. Louis Category:Universities and colleges established in 2005 Category:2005 establishments in Colorado