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.

Mariusz Tabaczek OP, a renowned Dominican friar and professor specializing in Thomistic philosophy and theology, dives into the fascinating interplay between creation and evolution. He challenges misconceptions about divine creation and argues that evolution should be seen as a process of production rather than creation ex nihilo. Exploring Aquinas' definitions and the concept of primordial matter, he presents how human souls emerge uniquely from divine action. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of teleology and offers fresh insights on the compatibility of faith and science.

Lezione Inaugurale del Programma Joint Diploma 2025/26 | Prof. Pasquale Porro - Tommaso d'Aquino e Napoli

Why does the Vatican support an astronomical observatory? That question masks a deeper question: why does anyone choose to be a scientist? The motivation behind our choices, both as individuals and as a society, determines the questions we pursue and the kinds of answers that are found to be satisfying. It determines the kinds of answers that are found to be satisfying. And ultimately, it affects the way in which we think of ourselves.

Jesus Christ is not only truly God, but he is also truly human, the divine person of the Word in two natures, divine and human. This means that his true human nature is integral and complete, composed of an immaterial soul and a material body. While we believe as Catholics in the human reality of Jesus’ body, it is not a matter of faith that we confess certain facts about Jesus’ DNA, including the mere fact that his human body had and has DNA. Yet theology today has to grapple with the fact that Jesus had DNA, because we know since the discovery of the chemical’s full significance in the twentieth century, that DNA is a fundamental part of the life and genetic inheritance of earthly living things, ourselves, and Jesus, included. DNA testing by commercial companies is a way by which customers can have their DNA matched to relations and regional populations. This paper asks what would be the result of a DNA test taken by Jesus, with particular reference to the fact that Jesus had no biological father. It investigates the question of Jesus’ DNA from different theological perspectives, including the Thomistic tradition, and surveys possible solutions.