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 6, 2025 • 47min
How the Sacraments Can Change Your Life w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P., a theologian and expert in sacramental theology, explores the profound impact of sacraments on our lives with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. They discuss how sacraments enhance human flourishing and connect us to divine grace, emphasizing their role in personal and communal spiritual growth. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and the importance of embracing our physical existence in conjunction with our spiritual life. Their insights encourage a deeper engagement with these sacred rituals.
Feb 5, 2025 • 51min
Aquinas's Shortest Way to God’s Existence, and How Darwinism Fits Within It | Fr. Stephen Brock
Fr. Stephen Brock, a priest and professor of Medieval Philosophy at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, delves into Aquinas's argument for God's existence. He discusses how nature's goal-directed behavior suggests an underlying intelligence, despite lacking cognition. Brock highlights the tension between classical philosophy and Darwinism, proposing that both can coexist in understanding life's complexities. He uses the analogy of an archer and arrow to illustrate divine influence in nature, revealing a harmonious interplay between intellect and evolution.
7 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 60min
Is Atheism Rational? | Prof. John O'Callaghan
John O'Callaghan, Director Emeritus of the Jacques Maritain Center at Notre Dame and a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, shares his insights on atheism. He examines the philosophical roots of atheism, contrasting it with divine revelation. O'Callaghan delves into Aquinas's view that without divine insight, God’s existence isn’t easily grasped by reason alone. He highlights the historical evolution of atheism and emphasizes the need for compassion from believers to bridge divides, fostering respectful dialogue between belief systems.
Feb 3, 2025 • 44min
More than Spiritual: Proofs for the Existence of God | Prof. Joshua Hochschild
In this discussion, Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert from Mount St. Mary’s University, dives deep into the existence of God. He contrasts Thomas Aquinas’s empirical reasoning with modern skepticism, tackling challenges posed by philosophers like David Hume. Hochschild unpacks Aquinas's five arguments for God's existence, emphasizing their philosophical significance and relevance today. He explores the concept of the unmoved mover, shedding light on the critical role of first causes in understanding change and existence.
5 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 44min
Divine Causality and Human Freedom | Prof. W. Matthews Grant
W. Matthews Grant, a prominent philosopher and expert on Aquinas, dives deep into the intricacies of divine causality and human freedom. He discusses how God's role as the ultimate source of existence aligns with human autonomy, referencing insights from thinkers like Alvin Plantinga. Grant challenges conventional views, proposing a 'both-and' framework to reconcile God's influence and moral responsibility. His engaging exploration highlights the complexity of divine agency, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between faith and free will.
Jan 30, 2025 • 43min
God's Response to the Problem of Evil | Dr. Medi Volpe
Dr. Medi Volpe, a Catholic moral theologian and mother of four, dives into the multifaceted problem of evil. She contrasts early Christian views with modern thought, discussing Augustine's insights and the reframing of suffering through theologians like Gutierrez and Cone. Volpe emphasizes storytelling, using examples from saint Maximilian Kolbe and 'The Lord of the Rings' to highlight individual choices in the face of evil. Her reflections connect personal decisions to broader narratives of redemption, culminating in the reassuring presence of Jesus amid suffering.
Jan 29, 2025 • 56min
Creation: Mercy Beyond Justice | Prof. John O'Callaghan
In this discussion, John O'Callaghan, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Notre Dame University and a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, explores the intricate relationship between divine mercy and justice from a Thomistic perspective. He delves into Aquinas’s views on creation from nothing, emphasizing the philosophical nuances of being versus non-being. O'Callaghan also examines how metaphors shape our understanding of existence and the transformative power of divine forgiveness in the Christian narrative, highlighting pivotal connections between mercy and justice.
Jan 28, 2025 • 38min
God's Justice According to St. Thomas' Reading of the Apostle Paul | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., a professor of patristics and ancient languages, unpacks St. Thomas Aquinas’ insights into the Apostle Paul's notion of divine justice. He explores the balance of grace and justice in salvation, urging listeners to rethink these concepts through various cultural lenses. Delving deeper, he emphasizes the pivotal role of mercy in achieving true justice and living a faith-filled life aligned with God's love. Fr. Hofer's engaging discourse ties ancient theology to modern understanding, opening up profound discussions on justice and mercy.
Jan 27, 2025 • 38min
God's Mercy According to St. Thomas' Reading of the Apostle Paul | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., a professor of patristics and ancient languages at the Dominican House of Studies, explores profound themes surrounding God's mercy. He discusses how mercy and justice intertwine through St. Thomas Aquinas's interpretation of St. Paul. The conversation delves into the transformative power of divine mercy and the moral complexities of human forgiveness. Hofer emphasizes the critical role of acknowledging personal failings in seeking Christ’s mercy, while also highlighting the importance of grace in our present lives.
Jan 24, 2025 • 56min
Catholic Feminism | Erika Bachiochi
Erika Bachiochi, a legal scholar and editor-in-chief of Fairer Disputations, dives into her transformative journey toward Catholic feminism. She discusses the disconnect between traditional feminist thought and Catholic teachings on dignity, especially regarding abortion. Drawing from Pope John Paul II's ideas, she critiques modern views, advocating for a renewed feminism that honors women's unique roles. Bachiochi emphasizes the importance of education and moral responsibility, inspiring a life-affirming culture for women beyond conventional societal expectations.
