Angelicum Thomistic Institute

History of the Debates on Divine Action | Dr. Edmund Lazzari by Angelicum Thomistic Institute

Can God be Omnipotent and Kenotic? Understanding Divine Action in the Bible | Justin Schembri, O.P. by Angelicum Thomistic Institute

Theories of Causation | Thomas Davenport, O.P. by Angelicum Thomistic Institute

Comunión en la Verdad: La Sabiduría en Tomás y Buenaventura | Francisco Javier Rubio Hípola by Angelicum Thomistic Institute

In this engaging discussion, Dominican theologian Raymund Snyder, OP, explores the relationship between beauty and the divine. He argues that beauty can guide the mind toward God, citing historical figures like Augustine and Dante. Raymund introduces the palace analogy from Thomas Aquinas to illustrate order and hierarchy as evidence of an intelligent cause. He emphasizes how the universe’s mutual order points to divine perfection and presents beauty as a powerful starting point for faith and evangelization, likening creation to divine poetry.

Lorella Congiunti, a philosopher specializing in Thomistic thought, dives into the intriguing intersection of chance and providence as seen through the lens of Thomas Aquinas. She unpacks the multifaceted nature of 'chance,' contrasting it with probability and discussing its cultural significance. Exploring determinism, biology, and cosmology, Lorella argues that chance plays a vital role in understanding human experience. She highlights how Aquinas integrates chance within divine governance, offering insights relevant to contemporary debates on the nature of existence.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin O'Reilly, OP, a Dominican priest and expert on Thomas Aquinas, dives deep into the concept of appropriation in theology. He explains how divine attributes are distinctly attributed to the Son of the Trinity, revealing a Christologically centered view of beauty. O'Reilly explores the elements of beauty—integrity, proportion, and clarity—arguing that created beauty reflects the divine Word. He also discusses how creatures mirror the Trinity and connect beauty to form, goodness, and providence.

François-Xavier Putallaz, a Swiss Catholic scholar, delves into Thomas Aquinas's insights on intellect and faith. He discusses Aristotle's owl metaphor, illustrating how our intellect struggles with knowledge due to its limitations. The conversation explores the balance between philosophy and theology, emphasizing the importance of humility in grasping divine truths. Putallaz critiques modern utilitarianism's focus on pleasure, illustrating how physical comforts can soothe grief but not provide true consolation. The session culminates in a deep reflection on faith as a pathway to understanding what reason alone cannot.

Ludger Schwienhorst-Schönberger, an academic lecturer in Thomistic theology, dives deep into Thomas Aquinas's interpretation of the Ten Commandments. He explores the integration of divine law within Aquinas’s framework, emphasizing its role in guiding rational beings towards God. The discussion highlights the harmony between law and love, the necessity of positive divine law, and the moral implications regarding human actions and intentions. Intriguingly, Schwienhorst-Schönberger addresses the nuanced view on anger and outlines the importance of inner thoughts under divine law.

Patrick Zoll SJ, a Jesuit scholar known for his expertise in Thomas Aquinas, dives into deep theological discussions. He explores the tension between classical and personal theism, addressing divine simplicity's implications. Zoll argues that while we can know God's existence, grasping His essence fully remains elusive. He examines Aquinas’s arguments against Maimonides, highlighting negative theology's nuances. Throughout, Zoll asserts that we can attain positive yet limited knowledge of God through analogical language, bridging philosophical insights with contemporary relevance.