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
Feb 19, 2021 • 43min
Suffering, Sacrifice, and Leadership | Prof. Joseph McInerney
Prof. Joseph McInerney, a leadership studies expert, explores the connection between suffering and leadership, drawing insights from Christian traditions. Topics include the levels of leadership, love, sacrifice, the story of a Jesuit priest in the Soviet Union, and the redemptive power of suffering in God's plan.
Feb 17, 2021 • 1h 10min
When is War Justified? A Catholic Perspective | Prof. Joseph Capizzi
Prof. Joseph Capizzi discusses Catholic perspectives on war, emphasizing force for peacemaking and just war theory. They explore St. Augustine's two cities and reflections on sin, justice, and moral dilemmas. The conversation touches on the morality of political actions, the authority of the state in war, and the role of international authorities in overseeing conflicts.
Feb 15, 2021 • 59min
Reading Scripture with Benedict and Francis | Prof. Lewis Ayres
Prof. Lewis Ayres discusses the shared views of popes Benedict and Francis on scripture, emphasizing Christianity's focus on the living Word. They explore modern biblical scholarship's impact on Catholic interpretation, the significance of Christ in scripture, and the importance of reading scripture for spiritual depth. The discussion also touches on Newman's perspective on scripture's complexity and depth.
Feb 12, 2021 • 41min
Catholicism in Contemporary Astronomy | Prof. Karin Oberg
Prof. Karin Oberg discusses Catholicism in modern astronomy, aligning the Big Bang theory with Christian beliefs, exploring scientific advancements like exoplanets, contemplating the existence of extraterrestrial life, and sharing insights on navigating faith and science as a Catholic astronomer.
Feb 10, 2021 • 46min
Does God Exist? And How Could We Know? | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
Prof. Joshua Hochschild discusses Aquinas' views on God's existence, emphasizing epistemic humility, different modes of knowledge, and the role of philosophical arguments. They explore human cognition, methods of inquiry, and the path to knowing God through rational demonstrations. The conversation delves into affective understanding, virtue cultivation, and the purpose of scientific arguments in deepening wonder and contemplation.
Feb 8, 2021 • 47min
Aquinas on the Final Purpose of Human Existence and Human Prudence | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. discusses Aquinas' view on morality, happiness, and prudence. They explore the pursuit of common goods, shared life with God, and balancing moral wisdom in pandemic decisions. The podcast delves into human purpose, final pursuits, and navigating political ideologies in society
Feb 5, 2021 • 49min
Why Did God Become Man? | Prof. Corey Barnes
Prof. Corey Barnes discusses the paradox of Jesus being divine and human, exploring Christology debates, the concept of Docetism, and Irenaeus' Christology. They delve into the Chalcedonian definition of Christ, the theology of the hypostatic union, and the significance of the Incarnation for human salvation.
Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 2min
Flannery O'Connor and the Christian Intellectual Tradition | Prof. Ralph Wood
Prof. Ralph Wood discusses Flannery O'Connor's comedic writing style, faith, and Thomistic influence. Topics include the triumph of good over evil, O'Connor's academic journey, her beliefs on the Eucharist, addressing nihilism and violence, and exploring themes of forgiveness and spiritual apathy in her works.
Feb 1, 2021 • 42min
Christianity and Nationalism | Fr. Conor McDonough, O.P.
Fr. Conor McDonough, O.P., a Catholic priest, discusses the tensions between globalism and nationalism within Catholicism, exploring the concepts of nation and state, the universalistic mission of Christianity, the Church's view on nationhood and nationalism, and the importance of community beyond the family in pursuing the common good.
Jan 29, 2021 • 43min
Prayer, Study, and the Mind's Ascent to God | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P. discusses prayer, study, and the mind's ascent to God in Christianity. Topics include contrasting Christian beliefs with other religions, the goal of human existence, communion with God, Christ's divine power, the ascent to God through knowledge, and the spiritual journey through prayer and study according to Aquinas.
