FR. ROBERT J. SPITZER, S.J., Ph.D.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fr. Spitzer is a Catholic Jesuit priest and currently the President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith. Fr. Spitzer is also the President, Master of Ceremonies, and speaker at the Napa Institute. 

As President of the Magis Center, he has led the effort to create the largest

science-based “faith and reason” institute in the U.S., producing high school and middle school programs, parish programs, catechetical and youth ministry programs, and web-based and social media materials to turn the rising tide of unbelief among young people. 

He was President of Gonzaga University from 1998 to 2009. During that time, he significantly increased the programs and curricula in faith, ethics, service, and leadership, and led the efforts to build 20 new facilities, increased the student population by 75%, and raised $200+ million for scholarships and capital projects.

He is currently the host of a weekly EWTN television program – Father Spitzer’s Universe – that discusses faith, science, philosophy, and culture.

He has made multiple media appearances, including: Larry King Live (debating Stephen Hawking, Leonard Mlodinow, and Deepak Chopra on God and modern physics), the Today Show (debating on the topic of physician assisted suicide), The History Channel in “God and The Universe” and a multiple-part PBS series “Closer to the Truth.” He has also appeared on dozens of nationally syndicated radio programs.

He has published eighteen books and many scholarly articles and with vast teaching experience he has won numerous awards including honorary doctorates from U.S. universities, the Aquinas Medal (2014), the Catholic Leadership Institute Award, the Loyola Institute Award, and awards from many professional societies.

In addition to his U.S. presentations to universities, learned societies, government officials and professional societies, he has addressed members of Tony Blair’s Cabinet in London, officials of the Russian Orthodox Church in Russia, both sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland, government officials in Costa Rica, as well as international universities, corporations, and Catholic organizations.

Academic specialties - Philosophy of Science (particularly space-time theory and transcendent implications of contemporary Big Bang cosmology), Metaphysics (particularly the theory of time and philosophy of God), and The philosophy and science of happiness and purpose in life.

He has produced nine television series for EWTN: Healing the Culture, The Spirit of Catholic Leadership, Suffering and the Love of God, Finding God through Faith and Reason, Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life, Jesus-Emmanuel, The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God, In Defense of God’s Image, and Virtue, Faith, and Freedom.

CANA Talk -

Fr Spitzer's CANA Talk will be a little different and will take place via video link. During a Q + A session, Fr Spitzer will be asked a few of the really big questions about God.