Sed Contra: A Podcast of Catholic Theology

Quodlibet 11: So What's Taylor and Urban's Big Disagreement on Original Sin?

Jun 16, 2025

Engaging personalities collide as hosts tackle questions from St. Thomas Aquinas to pop music. A lively debate on original sin unfolds, exploring the complexities of human nature and morality. They delve into the art of translation in Catholic literature, contrasting hymnody styles. The conversation meanders through theological reflections on music's emotional impact, highlighting Aquinas’ thoughts. Ultimately, the speakers stress the importance of constructive disagreements in understanding faith and invite listener questions.

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INSIGHT

Original Sin as Loss of Original Justice

Urban Hannon argues original sin deprives us of original justice, creating a state akin to pure nature.
He distinguishes the formal guilt from Adam and the material disorder of concupiscence causing this loss.

INSIGHT

Nature's Integrity as Preternatural Gift

Taylor Patrick O'Neill sees original justice as a preternatural gift safeguarding nature's integrity.
He explains that nature has proper ordering, but that order is fragile and can be lost without supernatural support.

INSIGHT

Concupiscence Corrupts Nature Like Death

Urban Hannon reads St. Thomas that concupiscence corrupts nature running counter to reason's order.
He compares this to natural death, both requiring supernatural power to be reversed.

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Prima Pars

St. Thomas Aquinas

The Summa Theologica, or Summa Theologiae, is a comprehensive systematic theology by Thomas Aquinas. It presents arguments for Christian doctrine and addresses a wide range of theological questions, divided into three parts: God, Ethics, and Christ. The Summa uses reason and philosophical arguments to explain and defend Christian beliefs, and remains a highly influential work in Catholic theology and philosophy.

Summa

St. Thomas Aquinas

Adoro te devote

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St. Thomas Aquinas

The Adoro te devote is a beautiful Eucharistic hymn attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas. It expresses profound adoration and love for Jesus Christ present in the Holy Eucharist. The hymn's simple yet powerful language conveys a deep sense of awe and reverence for the mystery of the Real Presence. Its lyrical quality and heartfelt devotion have made it a beloved prayer among Catholics for centuries. The hymn's themes of faith, love, and worship resonate deeply with believers, offering a profound meditation on the Eucharist. It is often prayed after receiving Holy Communion.

De Veritate

prout distinguitur a revelatione, a verisimili, a possibili, et a falso (On Truth, as It Is Distinguished from Revelation, the Probable, the Possible, and the False)

Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury

De Veritate, published in 1624, is a seminal work by Edward Herbert that explores the nature of truth and its distinction from other concepts like revelation and probability. It outlines a system of natural religion based on innate common notions, which became foundational for English Deism. The work is notable for its metaphysical approach and its influence on later philosophical thought.

Summa Contra Gentiles

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St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas's Summa Contra Gentiles is a comprehensive work aiming to refute errors of non-Christians using reason and revelation. It systematically addresses philosophical and theological issues, demonstrating the compatibility of faith and reason. The work is divided into four parts, covering God, creation, the human person, and Christ. It's a cornerstone of Thomistic thought, influencing generations of theologians and philosophers. Its impact on Christian apologetics and intellectual history is undeniable. The Summa Contra Gentiles remains a significant resource for understanding Aquinas's approach to philosophical and theological inquiry.