One of the participants in the first Theology 101 class suggested that I collect some testimonials to help promote future runs of Theology 101; the suggestion was a great idea. This page now contains testimonials from both the first (2013-14), second (2014-15) and third (2015-16) runs of Theology 101.
From participants in the 2015-2016 Theology 101 class
“I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of this class. I love learning more and more about our amazing Catholic Faith, I can’t get enough. This class has helped me in so many ways. I was challenged to think about my faith in a very real way. I was happy to realize that in every session I was learning something more and something new. The more I learned about God, the more I kept falling in love with Him. With each passing week, I was finding myself praying more and being more aware of the world around me. Since taking the class my spiritual life has grown and I have developed an even stronger relationship with God. I am so very thankful for this option in our parish and very thankful to Dick for offering this class.” – Andrea Mueller
“This was a great experience and opportunity to grown in my faith. I learned so much throughout the year. I think the course should be a mandatory requirement for all Catholic adults” – Darren Mueller
“The class is based on the book, ‘Theology and Sanity,’ by Frank Sheed. Dick walks you through the book, explaining and unpacking the revealed truths God has made known to us. He ties in sections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture to support these truths and teachings of our faith. His website (dicklandkamer.workpress.com) offers supplemental articles, exegesis and suggestions for further reading. He updates the website weekly and has review questions each week to gauge our understanding of the material covered.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the class. It has clarified and corrected my understanding of our Catholic faith. I attended Catholic schools from K-12, and while I was taught well, I’ve realized that it can never be enough. As adults, we must continue learning and growing in the rich treasures and teachings of our faith. It is continually unfolding for us, expanding and becoming deeper. This class provides the theological groundwork for the revealed truths we believe as Catholics. During our discussions about what Christ has revealed, I often times find my heart ‘burning within me’ like the disciples on the way to Emmaus.
“I’d suggest it to others because it offers great instruction. The spiritual work of mercy, to instruct the ignorant, is being carried out in each class. Dick takes the time to explain the text, answer questions, and above all, ensure that the participants understand what is being taught. It is a great gift to the participants, and it also empowers them to be able to explain what they believe if they are ever questioned.” – Geri Vossen
From participants in the 2014-2015 Theology 101 class
“I signed up for Theology 101 last summer with the idea that I would gain more book knowledge about God and the Church, and while I definitely gained that, I gained so much more. The things I have learned in Theology 101 have drastically changed the lens through which I view life in general, its religious aspects as well as its secular ones. I had no idea how all-encompassing this class would be. Dick does a fantastic job at weaving the lives of the saints, Catholic literature, plenteous Scripture and even science and current events into Sheed’s text during his weekly lectures. This class is truly a hidden treasure within our parish, and an invaluable resource for Catholic school teachers, religious ed teachers, parents, grandparents, really anyone. I am amazed how it has helped me converse with others, even my young children, about the Catholic Church and the truths Christ teaches. The other unintended (but probably most important) benefit of this class has been the opportunity to grow leaps and bounds in my prayer life and relationship with God. Theology 101 is hands-down one of the most worthwhile parish classes/studies in which I have ever participated, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone looking to grow in their Faith and relationship with Christ.” – Monica DeGraffenreid
“Dick Landkamer’s weekly, 2 semester class, ‘Theology 101,’ is clear evidence that it is one of his vocations in this life to inform people of the nature of God, and the gifts we people can receive from Him if we will just follow His path of righteousness. Landkamer’s class is evidence that he performs that task scrupulously. The text, Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed, augmented by Mr. Landkamer’s clear and complete commentary, offers an impressive analysis of the Christian faith. This is so much more than a Bible Study, and I recommend it highly to those who aspire to complete their lives’ pathways to heaven.” – Mary Baalman
“I have searched for truth in my life and ‘Theology and Sanity’ is full of truth. From the beginning of the book to the end it is non-stop information and knowledge. Sheed breaks it down to be understandable and Dick explains the finer points so that most anyone will become more aware of truth in their life, the truth of our faith.” – Terry Edwards
From participants in the 2013-2014 Theology 101 class
“This class answered many lingering questions I have had my entire life. Such as ‘What made the Son of Man different than other messengers who were said to be sent?’ Also, ‘Why is there suffering in the world?’ ‘What can I do to be a better person?’ You need this class if you have ever asked any of these questions. You will be delighted with the instructor’s insight into the lives of Saints as you move thru the material. I promise you will look at your Catholic faith in a different Way! Don’t miss this opportunity.” – Mitch Allen
“As a life-long Catholic, I knew I should know my faith well, but knew I didn’t. This class was just what I was searching for. It provided a setting where one could learn Catholic doctrine, while not having to worry about a grade. The quizzes and answers were given out before going over them in class. (Talk about no pressure.) This class got me excited about my Catholic faith and opened up a whole new understanding and appreciation for it. It was truly worth every minute I spent on it!” – Benita Strunk
“In addition to this theology class, I have spent the past 3 years with a wonderful Bible study group at St. Catherine of Siena. The theology class deepened my understanding of my faith and all I learned in Bible study. I’m glad I attended the class!” – Barb Berry
(Note: The following three sections, Pros, Cons, and Other are all one testimonial – editor.)
“Pros:
- Dave and I had an “aha” moment during or preparing for every class.
- Seemingly simple subjects got deep and deep subjects were broken down simply.
- Learned what is expected on earth to see the glory of God in heaven.
- It has put Dave and I on the same page in many of our discussions with friends, family, coworkers and each other.
- The instructor is a walking Catholic Google Guy. When a question arises he easily quotes saints, the bible and other sources to explain a point in a different way.
- Developed new wonderful friendships.
“Cons:
- The book and notes I will probably never ‘put away.’
- I wanted to get a nap on the way home from Manhattan last weekend but instead Dave and I discussed the class. (And the class had been over for several weeks.) Don’t take that wrong…we are really fun people. HA
- May want to take the class a second time to pick up the finer points.
“Other:
Don’t let the time commitment scare you. The notes and the book make catching up possible, but we always felt like we missed out on something if we missed a class.” – Linda and Dave Lauer
Theology and Sanity 