The Thomistic Institute
The Thomistic Institute
The Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square. The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church, is our touchstone.
The Thomistic Institute Podcast features the lectures and talks from our conferences, campus chapters events, intellectual retreats, livestream events, and much more.
Founded in 2009, the Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.
The Thomistic Institute Podcast features the lectures and talks from our conferences, campus chapters events, intellectual retreats, livestream events, and much more.
Founded in 2009, the Thomistic Institute is part of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 19, 2025 • 43min
Rebutting Necessitarian Universalism: Three Thomistic Arguments – Prof. Mats Wahlberg
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Mats Wahlberg, a systematic theology expert and former Aquinas Chair, challenges the idea of necessitarian universalism, arguing it clashes with key Christian beliefs. He presents three compelling Thomistic arguments for the possibility of eternal damnation, emphasizing God's respect for human nature and the significance of true free will. Wahlberg clarifies misconceptions about hell, framing it as self-exclusion from divine love rather than arbitrary punishment, and delves into the interplay between goodness, freedom, and the nature of divine causality.
Dec 18, 2025 • 46min
Reprobation and Permission of Sin – Prof. Thomas Osborne
Thomas M. Osborne, Jr. is a philosophy professor at the University of St. Thomas, specializing in Aquinas and medieval thought. He dives into the complex interplay of reprobation and predestination, elucidating how God's grace leads the elect to glory while sin is merely permitted, not willed. Osborne explores the moral implications of divine causation, freedom, and the nature of sin. Using engaging analogies, he clarifies how reprobation highlights both justice and mercy, emphasizing that human responsibility remains central to moral failings.
Dec 17, 2025 • 47min
Aquinas's Interpretation of Predestination in Scripture – Fr. Piotr Roszak
Fr. Piotr Roszak, an expert in Thomistic and biblical theology, discusses Aquinas's interpretation of predestination, emphasizing its biblical foundation. He explains how predestination reflects God's merciful love and freedom, rather than deterministic causes. Roszak also explores key biblical motifs, such as the Book of Life, and Aquinas's balance of divine causality with human cooperation. He highlights Christ as central to predestination and stresses that the ultimate goal is friendship with God, inviting listeners to rethink this profound doctrine.
Dec 16, 2025 • 43min
Why is Thomism so Fixated on Predestination? – Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican scholar and editor in the Thomistic tradition, dives into the significance of predestination in Thomism. He argues that this doctrine is central to understanding God, creation, and salvation. Exploring themes like divine providence and the creator-creature distinction, he highlights how predestination unites various aspects of Thomistic philosophy. Fr. Cuddy also discusses its implications for human freedom and moral life, emphasizing its necessity for conversion and grace.
Dec 15, 2025 • 48min
What is predestination? – Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., a Dominican theologian and President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, dives deep into the hopeful doctrine of predestination. He unpacks its roots in God's eternal plan and emphasizes the interplay between divine grace and human freedom. Drawing upon St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine, Fr. Legge articulates how grace enhances freedom, allowing us to love the highest good. He also explores the nuances of predestination in relation to evil, showcasing its complex metaphysical dimensions.
Dec 12, 2025 • 42min
Does Nature Make Laws? – Prof. Raymond Hain
In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Raymond Hain, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Providence College, delves into the philosophy of natural law and its implications for human morality. He explores how moral norms emerge from our rational engagement with the universe, drawing on insights from St. Thomas Aquinas. Hain also tackles the challenge posed by evolutionary theory to our understanding of essential human nature and the need for a moral framework. His arguments reveal how faith and reason can harmonize, enriching our understanding of ethical principles.
Dec 11, 2025 • 56min
'The greatest of all God's works': Justification in Catholic Theology – Prof. Matthew Thomas
Prof. Matthew Thomas, an expert in Pauline theology and patristics, explores the profound concept of justification in Catholic theology. He emphasizes why justification is even greater than creation, highlighting how it restores righteousness through grace. Listen as he unpacks three facets of justification: forgiveness, transformation, and incorporation into the Church. Thomas also delves into the debate between faith and works, connecting ancient scripture to modern discussions, while advocating for Protestant-Catholic dialogue rooted in shared beliefs.
Dec 10, 2025 • 47min
Can Divine Providence Be Known Through Natural Reason? The Classics' Response – Prof. Carlos A. Casanova
In this engaging discussion, Carlos A. Casanova, a philosophy lecturer and expert in Thomistic thought, explores how classical metaphysics can reveal a divine intellect governing the universe. He delves into Aristotle's insights on final causality, emphasizing nature's purpose-driven actions. Casanova also discusses Aquinas' teleological perspectives on providence, the intricacies of divine art, and tackles modern skepticism regarding final causes. The conversation highlights the interplay between nature, divine agency, and human understanding.
Dec 9, 2025 • 41min
Living Mary's Mediation through De Montfort’s 'Total Consecration' – Fr. John Langlois, O.P.
Fr. John Langlois, O.P., a Dominican priest and church historian, discusses the profound impact of Saint Louis de Montfort’s Marian 'total consecration.' He explains how this devotion fosters an intimate union with Jesus through Mary's maternal guidance. Topics include how consecration to Mary serves as a powerful tool against temptation and sin, and the importance of her role in directing us toward Christ. Fr. Langlois also shares his personal vocation story and highlights Mary's protective nature as a mediatrix in our spiritual journeys.
Dec 8, 2025 • 49min
The History of Devotion to Mary: She Who Leads Us to Jesus – Fr. John Langlois, O.P.
Fr. John Langlois, O.P., a Dominican priest and Church historian, provides an enlightening exploration of Marian devotion. He traces the roots of Mary’s role from Scripture to the medieval era, emphasizing her maternal intercession. Langlois highlights the development of the rosary as a Christ-centered prayer, unpacks the Theotokos controversy, and discusses the evolution of Marian architecture. He articulates how Mary leads the faithful to Christ, particularly through the calming and meditative power of the rosary in turbulent times.
