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2024 - 2025 | 5 Seasons

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Join Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, as he shines the light of faith and reason on culture, science, politics, the arts, and current issues through lively, in-depth conversations with friends. Not seeing the video you're looking for? Click the toggle button below to browse previous seasons of "In Focus".

Near-death experiences have long been a source of fascination. What exactly are near-death experiences? And what do they show us about God and the reality of the spiritual world around us?

Scott Smith, an attorney, theologian, and author of Near-Death Experiences, and Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, talk about the history and evidence of near-death experiences from biblical times through today. Join them for this intriguing conversation about life and death, saints and mystics, heaven, hell, purgatory, and God’s endless mercy.

 

Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, became president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. Father Pivonka held leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including as vice president for Mission and Planning. For his province, he directed Post-Novitiate Formation (2008-2012) and Franciscan Pathways ministry (2012-2019). He has hosted multiple video series including The Wild Goose on the Holy Spirit, Sign of Contradiction on St. Francis of Assisi, Metanoia on conversion, and in 2024, 10th Hour Production’s My father’s Father on God the Father. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021) and his most recent, Joyful Sons and Daughters: Embracing the Father’s Love (Word Among Us, 2024). Father Pivonka also hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN and the In Person, In Focus, and the My father's Father series on Faith and Reason.