Catholic Theology Show Can Philosophy Help Us Evangelize? w/ Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Oct 22, 2024
Fr. James Brent, a Dominican friar and philosophy professor, dives into the synergy between philosophy and theology. He discusses how sound philosophy lays the groundwork for faith and explores themes from Aquinas and John Paul II. Fr. Brent shares his journey from atheism to embracing Dominican spirituality, highlighting the importance of metaphysics in understanding existence. The conversation emphasizes the role of faith and reason in revealing truth, while also touching on the transformative power of the Rosary as a meditation on divine mercy.
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Philosophy's Power
- Philosophy can help us understand important truths like God's existence and the soul's immortality.
- Contemporary philosophy often leans towards skepticism, but a renewed perennial philosophy can guide us to these truths.
Understanding Metaphysics
- Metaphysics studies being as such, exploring the properties and causes of beings simply because they exist.
- It goes beyond specific sciences to explore fundamental questions about existence and reality.
Fr. Brent's Philosophical Journey
- Fr. Brent's interest in philosophy began in college and led him to study in secular environments dominated by naturalism.
- He discovered the limitations of this view and the appeal of perennial philosophy, particularly Thomism.