The Thomistic Institute Why Stories Matter for Transmitting the Faith – Prof. Michael Dauphinais
Michael A. Dauphinais, a theologian who studies C.S. Lewis and Aquinas, argues that humans comprehend reality through story. He discusses how narratives shape moral formation, Tolkien’s ideas of recovery and consolation, the Creed as a narrative key, the gospel as invitation, false stories of pride, conversion images like the prodigal son, and resurrection as the ultimate joyous turn.
50:56
Logos Is Essentially Story
- Human reasoning (logos) is fundamentally narrative: people understand reality by telling and living stories.
- Dauphinais links logos to embodied storytelling, using children learning to narrate their day as evidence that stories form rational life.
Tolkien's Three Functions Of Story
- Tolkien defines three functions of story: recovery, escape, and consolation, which explain why fantasy matters morally and spiritually.
- Dauphinais emphasizes fantasy as a natural sub-creative human activity that sharpens, not dulls, reason.
The Creed Works Like A Key
- The Apostles' Creed functions like a key: a precise, unguessable narrative shape that opens the door out of sin and death.
- Dauphinais stresses its specificity (Nazareth, Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate) as what makes it revelatory and salvific.
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Intro
00:00 • 58sec
Recovering the Catholic Intellectual Tradition
00:58 • 2min
Ideas as Stories and the Atmosphere of Narrative
03:10 • 3min
Logos, Storytelling, and Human Nature
05:54 • 1min
MacIntyre and Moral Formation through Stories
07:20 • 3min
Tolkien: Recovery, Escape, and Consolation
09:55 • 4min
The Creed as a Key to the Christian Story
14:07 • 2min
The Gospel as Invitation and Proclamation
16:20 • 1min
The False Story of Pride and Its Effects
17:32 • 5min
Conversion Stories: Prodigal Son and Restoration
22:55 • 8min
Suffering, Acceptance, and Christian Meaning
31:14 • 11min
Resurrection as Eucatastrophe and Final Hope
41:48 • 3min
Practical Imagery: Therese, Vikings, and Everyday Faith
45:09 • 5min
Outro
50:24 • 31sec
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On Stories
J.R.R. Tolkien
#6
• Mentioned in 847 episodes
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
#8459
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Salvifici doloris
Pope St. John Paul II
In "Salvifici Doloris," Pope John Paul II offers a profound reflection on the Christian meaning of human suffering.
He explores the relationship between suffering and redemption, emphasizing the salvific power of Christ's suffering and its significance for human life.
The Pope connects suffering to the mystery of the cross, highlighting its redemptive potential and its role in the process of sanctification.
He emphasizes the importance of solidarity with those who suffer and the need for compassion and understanding.
The document provides a theological framework for understanding and responding to suffering, offering hope and guidance to those who experience pain and loss.
#498
• Mentioned in 84 episodes
After Virtue
Alistair McIntyre
Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics.
MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality.
He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches.
MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions.
His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.
#2989
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
The Everlasting Man
G.K. Chesterton
G. K.
Chesterton's "The Everlasting Man" is a sweeping historical and philosophical work that traces the history of humanity from its origins to the present day.
Chesterton argues for the unique position of humanity within creation and the enduring significance of Christianity.
The book is a powerful defense of the Christian faith, blending historical analysis with philosophical insights and Chesterton's characteristic wit and eloquence.
It is a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in history, philosophy, and theology.
The book's exploration of the relationship between faith and reason, and its defense of the Christian worldview, continue to resonate with readers today.
#564
• Mentioned in 76 episodes
The Problem of Pain
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Problem of Pain', C.S.
Lewis addresses the age-old question of how a good and all-powerful God can permit pain and suffering.
Lewis argues that human suffering is a consequence of the existence of evil and free will, and that God uses suffering as a tool to draw us nearer to Him. He categorizes pain as both physical and emotional, serving as a warning signal that alerts us to potential harm and compels us to make necessary changes.
Lewis also discusses the Fall of Man and how it led to chaos and disaster, emphasizing that God's goodness is not negated by suffering but rather evidenced through His merciful intervention.
The book concludes by reassuring that God's wisdom is infinitely superior to ours and that pain eventually leads us back to a loving relationship with our Creator.
#1541
• Mentioned in 36 episodes
Voyage of the Dawn Treader
C.S. Lewis
In this adventure, Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace are transported back to Narnia, where they join Prince Caspian on his ship, the Dawn Treader.
Their journey takes them to various islands, each with its own unique challenges and wonders.
Along the way, they encounter a sea serpent, an island where anything turns to gold, and a mysterious Dark Island.
Eustace's transformation into a dragon and his subsequent redemption are pivotal moments in the story.
The crew's quest to find the seven lost lords and reach the edge of the world is filled with trials, temptations, and the guidance of the lion Aslan.
#178
• Mentioned in 163 episodes
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
#85
• Mentioned in 259 episodes
Paradise Lost
John Milton
Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden.
The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.
#1974
• Mentioned in 30 episodes
Apology
Plato
Plato's *Apology* is a historical and philosophical account of Socrates' defense at his trial in 399 BCE. Socrates was charged with corrupting the youth and impiety, but instead of apologizing, he defended his actions as a philosopher, emphasizing his commitment to truth and virtue.
The dialogue captures Socrates' fearless reasoning and his reflections on mortality, leading to his eventual sentencing to death by drinking hemlock.
#2379
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
Purgatorio
Dante Alighieri
In *Purgatorio*, Dante Alighieri continues his journey from *Inferno*, guided by the Roman poet Virgil.
The poem follows Dante as he ascends Mount Purgatory, a seven-terrace mountain where souls atone for the seven deadly sins.
Along the way, Dante encounters various historical and mythological figures, engaging in discussions about sin, love, and human development.
The journey culminates at the Garden of Eden, where Dante meets Beatrice, who will guide him through the next stage of his journey in *Paradiso*.
The poem explores themes of redemption, suffering, and the purification of the soul, all while reflecting on divine truth and human history.
#538
• Mentioned in 79 episodes
Inferno
Dante Alighieri
Inferno is the first part of Dante Alighieri's epic poem, The Divine Comedy.
It describes Dante's journey through the nine concentric circles of Hell, each representing a different level of sin and punishment.
Guided by Virgil, Dante encounters various historical and mythological figures, witnessing their punishments which are symbolic of their sins.
The poem is an allegory of the soul's journey towards God, with Inferno representing the recognition and rejection of sin.
Dante's journey through Hell is also a personal and spiritual exploration, reflecting his own struggles and the political and social issues of his time.
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Darby and Joan
Maurice Baring
Prof. Michael Dauphinais argues that stories are not just useful for faith—they are how human beings understand reality, and the Christian story of creation, redemption, and resurrection is the true narrative that reorders the imagination.
This lecture was given on March 27th, 2026, at Florida State University.
Apply for the Thomistic Institute Study Abroad program by August 1, 2026. To learn more, visit https://thomisticinstitute.org/study-abroad.
About the Speaker:
Michael A. Dauphinais, Ph.D., serves as the Fr. Matthew Lamb Professor of Catholic Theology and the co-director of the Aquinas Center for Theological Renewal at Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida. He has co-authored with Matthew Levering Knowing the Love of Christ: An Introduction to the Theology of Thomas Aquinas; Holy People, Holy Land: A Theological Introduction to the Bible; and The Wisdom of the Word: Biblical Answers to Ten Questions about Catholicism. He specializes in C.S. Lewis, the Bible, and St. Thomas Aquinas. He speaks frequently in both academic and popular settings, and particularly enjoys visiting Thomistic Institute student chapters. Dr. Dauphinais hosts The Catholic Theology Show podcast to help a wide audience discover the richness of coming to know and love God as he has revealed himself in Jesus Christ.
Keywords: Alasdair MacIntyre, C. S. Lewis, Christian Story, Creed, Gospel, Imagination, Storytelling, Tolkien