The dominance of technology in our lives and the precipitous rise of artificial intelligence in the last few years has raised profound questions. We are being asked to think more deeply about what it means to be human, how we should (and whether we can) live with our creations, and what kind of life we can share together. How should we understand these new technologies? How does our use of digital technology form us? Is it changing society in fundamental ways? How should we think about the religious aspirations and dimensions of this new technology? In this webinar, professor of theology Jared Ortiz will interview philosopher Anton Barba-Kay about his new book, A Web of Our Own Making: The Nature of Digital Formation.

Join Holly Taylor Coolman (Providence College) and Boyd Taylor Coolman (Boston College) for a candid conversation, moderated by Peter Casarella (Duke University), on the wisdom needed to cultivate a flourishing marriage and family life amid the rigors of the academic career. Co-sponsored by Providence College and Cornell’s COLLIS Institute, this VITA webinar offers practical guidance and wise counsel on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 7pm (EST). Children are welcome to join you on the Zoom call as you participate!

Webinar Schedule:

7:00pm - 7:40pm - Moderated discussion

7:40pm - 8:05pm - Open Discussion/Q&A

8:05pm - 8:15 pm - Breakout discussions lead by VITA Graduate Student Organizers (Meet other grads and early career scholars and share perspectives!)