

Catholic Theology Show
Ave Maria University
Presented by Ave Maria University, Dr. Michael Dauphinais, Chair and Professor of Theology, sits down with colleagues and friends to discuss Catholic theology. Ave Maria is a Catholic University located in Southwest Florida. This Catholic podcast covers themes such as the value of a Catholic higher education, religious liberty, how to pray, the philosophies of Thomas Aquinas and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 25, 2025 • 57min
The Summa for Beginners: The Sacraments w/Dr. Roger Nutt | Ep. 166
How can Catholics understand the sacraments through Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica? Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University, to explore Aquinas’s treatment of the sacraments in the third part of the Summa. They discuss how the sacraments, as efficacious signs instituted by Christ, extend His redemptive work by addressing both the guilt and disorder of sin, drawing believers into deeper intimacy with God through grace. Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community): https://www.avemaria.edu/annunciation-circle/Ave Maria University website: https://www.avemaria.edu/Dr. Roger Nutt’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/roger-nutt-s-t-l-s-t-dGeneral Principles of Sacramental Theology by Dr. Roger Nutt, published by Catholic University of America Press:https://www.cuapress.org/9780813229386/general-principles-of-sacramental-theology/The Sacraments w/Dr. Roger Nutt | Ep. 56https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ysMkOp2ksgelbHgNrlFET?si=9XvTh6bbSC2KwCJkF5FH-AThe Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI w/ Dr. Roger Nutt | Ep. 15 https://open.spotify.com/episode/46oP4ofRybS9wyvFQNy1sK?si=8-JrXeAnSG2hzxAaaw_lGQ▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.

Nov 18, 2025 • 60min
The Summa for Beginners: Understanding Christ w/Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep. 165
How can Catholics deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ through Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae? Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Father Guy Mansini, a Benedictine priest and the Max Seckler Professor of Catholic Theology at Ave Maria University, to explore the Christology of the Summa’s third part. They discuss how Aquinas presents Christ as true God and true man, situating His identity and work within the framework of God’s creation and human redemption.Fr. Guy Mansini’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/fr-guy-mansini-s-t-dThe Moral Life in the Summa Theologiae w/ Fr. Romanus Cessario | The Summa for Beginners Pt.3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fvg7ZnxpUoaFqLXQOtPRS?si=s5pLuCdXQuKo1q-lW_bB9QThe Development of Doctrine in Catholic Theology w/Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep.113: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Fvg7ZnxpUoaFqLXQOtPRS?si=nJ7m2M_9QXSP9bC2rSPtlAWhat is Fundamental Theology? w/Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep. 54: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3nnBF8d1VkQbUpDmat13LE?si=pbWuiH2zSLSmuX-fYT3kqQWhy Should We Care About Ecclesiology? w/Fr. Guy Mansini | Ep. 13: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7II8REa2TCjrmJjidDec2Y?si=K1rVMk_ASeu20YU21fByXw

Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Summa for Beginners: The Moral Life w/Fr. Romanus Cessario O.P. | Ep. 164
How can Catholics understand the moral life within the framework of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae? Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Fr. Romanus Cessario, a Dominican priest and the Adam Cardinal Maida Professor of Catholic Theology at Ave Maria University, to explore the moral theology presented in the second part of the Summa. They discuss how Aquinas situates moral theology between God’s creation and Christ’s redemption, emphasizing the pursuit of beatitude, the role of natural law as an imprint of divine providence, and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Fr. Romanus Cessario’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/fr-romanus-cessario-s-t-dExploring God and Creation in the Summa Theologiae w/ Dr. Daniel Lendman | The Summa for Beginners Pt. 2:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vsITzmSp9MXQcUC6sRail?si=-BF5BMtOR0yqpf5OC4gNUg&nd=1&dlsi=7410abd9cdc24c1aA Foretaste of Future Glory w/ Fr. Romanus Cessario | Ep. 63:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vsITzmSp9MXQcUC6sRail?si=-BF5BMtOR0yqpf5OC4gNUg&nd=1&dlsi=05d8428a7d154abcWhat is Truth? w/ Fr. Romanus Cessario | Ep. 18:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HEV7O8aEuvTbJVHwSCt1N?si=wL0KuBzNROm1_gKpJXbhyA&nd=1&dlsi=610c05c8031543a1

Nov 4, 2025 • 57min
The Summa for Beginners: God and Creation w/Dr. Daniel Lendman | Ep. 163
How can Catholics deepen their understanding of God and His creation through the lens of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae? In this episode, Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Daniel Lendman, a professor of theology and dean of students at Ave Maria University, to discuss the first part of the Summa Theologiae. They explore Aquinas’s approach to God’s existence, divine simplicity, providence, predestination, and the Trinity, emphasizing how these teachings reveal God as the creator who lovingly draws all creation to Himself. Dr. Daniel Lendman’s faculty profile at Ave Maria University:https://www.avemaria.edu/faculty-and-staff/daniel-lendman-ph-dDr. Daniel Lendman on The Sacra Doctrina Project website, which details his publications:https://www.sacradoctrinaproject.org/daniellendmanPrevious Episodes with Dr. Lendman:How to Read Romans as a Catholic with Dr. Daniel Lendman | Ep. 70https://youtu.be/e5H-N08mjeA

Oct 28, 2025 • 59min
The Summa for Beginners: Aquinas and Theology w/Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. | Ep. 162
How can Catholics approach the study of theology through the lens of Saint Thomas Aquinas? Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican priest and professor of theology at the Dominican House of Studies, to explore the significance of Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae. Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. also shares insights from his book, The Summa Illuminated, which aims to make Aquinas’s complex work accessible by highlighting its comprehensive and contemplative approach to theology. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.’s profile at the Dominican House of Studies The Summa Illuminated, by Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. published by Ave Maria Press and available for preorder Fr Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.’s book, Catholic Theology: An Introduction, published by ECT Press The Importance of Studying Theology Daily w/ Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. | Ep. 26

Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
Celebrating Three Years of The Catholic Theology Show w/ Dr. Michael Dauphinais | Ep. 160
What does it mean to evangelize through theology in a world of bad ideas about God and deepening cultural crises? To mark the third anniversary of The Catholic Theology Show, host Dr. Michael Dauphinais welcomes back his colleague and frequent guest, Dr. Roger Nutt, provost and professor of theology at Ave Maria University. Together, they reflect on the podcast's roots in St. John Paul II's vision for the New Evangelization and the dangers of flawed theology. They also discuss the show's growth, episode planning inspired by great books and classroom insights, and enduring lessons on surrendering to God's mercy amid personal and societal struggles. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Dr. Michael Dauphinais's faculty profile at Ave Maria University Dr. Roger Nutt's faculty profile at Ave Maria University Check out Dr Michael Dauphinais’s book, Knowing the Love of Christ, co-authored with Matthew Levering, from Notre Dame Press

Oct 14, 2025 • 57min
How Theology Answers the Questions of Philosophy w/ Fr. James Brent, O.P. | Ep. 159
How can Catholics engage with the mystery of God through reason and faith? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Fr. James Brent, O.P., assistant professor of philosophy at the Dominican House of Studies. They explore how philosophy in the perennial tradition raises profound questions about God’s existence, His plan, the problem of evil, the human soul, life after death, and the pursuit of ultimate happiness, questions that are finally only answered by faith in God's revelation in Jesus Christ. They also discuss Fr. Brent's recent book The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Fr. James Brent’s profile at the Dominican House of Studies Contemplata, a podcast hosted by Fr. James Brent, O.P. Fr James Brent, O.P.’s new book, The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity, published by Pauline Books & Media Can Philosophy Help Us Evangelize? w/ Fr. James Brent, O.P. | Ep. 108

Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Role of Beauty in the Catholic Life w/ Dr. Janice Chik Breidenbach
How does beauty guide Catholics toward God and shape their moral and spiritual lives? Dr. Michael Dauphinais is joined by Dr. Janice Chik Breidenbach, a professor of philosophy at Ave Maria University, to explore the profound role of beauty in faith. They discuss how beauty, as seen in nature, art, and moral goodness, serves as an accessible yet demanding path to God, reflecting His creative order. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Dr. Janice Chik Breidenbach's personal website The Philosophy of Motherhood w/ Dr. Janice Chik Breidenbach

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h
The Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering w/ Megan Hjelmstad | Ep. 157
How can Catholics find meaning in suffering and grow closer to God through it?Dr. Michael Dauphinais engages with Megan Hjelmstad, author of Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering, to explore the theological and practical dimensions of suffering. They discuss how suffering, often an obstacle to faith, can be transformed into a path toward redemption by uniting it with Christ’s cross. Hjelmstad shares her personal experiences with chronic illness, pregnancy loss, and dietary restrictions, illustrating how these challenges led her to a deeper understanding of redemptive suffering. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Megan Hjelmstad's personal website Find Megan Hjelmstad’s new book, Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering, published by Emmaus Road

Sep 23, 2025 • 52min
Analog Hunger in a Digital World w/ Dr. Paul Vitz | Ep. 156
How can we find authentic identity in an increasingly digital world? Dr. Michael Dauphinais sits down with Dr. Paul Vitz, Catholic psychologist and professor emeritus, to discuss his book, Analog Hunger in a Digital World: Confronting Today's Identity Crisis. They explore the tension between the analog experiences that ground human identity in reality and the digital world's tendency to disconnect us from our bodies, relationships, and God. Resources: Annunciation Circle (Ave Maria University Monthly Giving Community) Ave Maria University website Dr. Paul Vitz's profile from the Catholic Education Resource Center Find Dr. Paul Vitz on Amazon, including Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism Dr Paul Vitz’s latest book Analog Hunger in a Digital World: Confronting Today’s Identity Crisis, published by St Augustine’s Press


