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
Nov 3, 2020 • 59min
Lust and Spiritual Contemplation According to St. Thomas Aquinas | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., an expert in St. Thomas Aquinas' teachings, discusses the conflict between lust and spiritual contemplation. He highlights how lust hinders spiritual growth and contrasts bodily pleasures with spiritual goods. The podcast explores the transformative power of the Eucharist in providing divine love and nourishment for spiritual growth. Fr. Hofer delves into a Q&A session on marriage, drawing from St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas' perspectives. The discussion emphasizes the pursuit of higher pleasures rooted in grace and wisdom over ephemeral lustful desires.
Oct 31, 2020 • 51min
Embodied Contemplation and the New Creation | Fr. Isaac Morales, O.P.
Fr. Isaac Morales, O.P., discusses the interconnectedness of resurrection and the vision of God, emphasizing the importance of our bodies. He explores desires for the vision of God, the role of resurrection, and embodied contemplation in worship. The podcast delves into the eternal Sabbath, transition to eternity, and the broader universal context of worldly events.
Oct 29, 2020 • 58min
What Happened to the Second Coming? | Fr. Richard Ounsworth, O.P.
Fr. Richard Ounsworth, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses the delay in Christ's return, differing scholarly views on Jesus as an apocalyptic prophet, the relationship between Christ's Transfiguration and Second Coming, the symbolism of Jonah's story, living with hope for the Second Coming, the significance of the divine office in spiritual journey, and the role of the Holy Spirit in preparing believers for Christ's return.
Oct 27, 2020 • 42min
We Shall Be Like Him: Contemplation as Deification | Fr. Isaac Morales, O.P.
Fr. Isaac Morales, O.P. elaborates on the biblical concept of theosis, emphasizing contemplation as a means to be transformed into God's likeness. The discussion highlights Moses' encounters with God and St. Paul's teachings on the transformative power of encountering the glory of the Lord.
Oct 24, 2020 • 33min
Seeing God | Fr. Ephrem Reese, O.P.
Fr. Ephrem Reese discusses the concept of contemplation, Beatific Vision, and purity in experiencing God. They explore the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, the role of moral virtue, and the importance of faith in encountering God's presence.
Oct 22, 2020 • 58min
God in St. Augustine's Confessions | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P. discusses St. Augustine's Confessions as theological works centered on God's attributes and the journey towards understanding Him. Topics include Augustine's reflections on Christ, original sin, humility, and the influence of his writings on the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Oct 17, 2020 • 29min
Common Mistakes about God and Suffering | Prof. Robert Koons
Philosophy professor Prof. Robert Koons discusses common misconceptions about God and suffering, emphasizing God's value of individual beings over global happiness. He explores the reasons behind imperfection in creation, the infinite nature of God, the role of prayer, and the partnership between humans and God in combating suffering. The podcast also delves into suffering as a means of cooperating with God, demonstrating love, and addressing the problem of evil to understand the relationship between God's love, human suffering, and redemption.
Oct 15, 2020 • 18min
Love, Friendship, and Heavenly Happiness | Prof. Christopher Kaczor
Philosophy and ethics expert Prof. Christopher Kaczor discusses the transformative power of parenthood, emphasizing virtues and personal growth. Delving into the importance of humility, following commandments, and wholehearted love for God in achieving heavenly happiness, while also stressing the significance of aiding those in need for spiritual development.
Oct 15, 2020 • 58min
Hillbilly Thomism Flannery O'Connor's Vision Of Grace | Prof. Jennifer Frey
Prof. Jennifer Frey discusses Flannery O'Connor's vision of grace in her fiction. They explore O'Connor's life, her struggles, and the themes of human perfection, supernatural beatitude, and grace in her works. The discussion also touches on the complementary nature of philosophy and literature in deepening our understanding of complex concepts like love and wisdom.
Oct 10, 2020 • 1h 15min
Is the Human Person Naturally Religious? Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., an expert in theology, discusses whether the human person is naturally religious. Topics include human sacrifice in ancient civilizations, Kant's theoretical agnosticism towards God, and Freud, Nietzsche, and Marx's views on religion. The podcast also explores Aquinas' perspective on the virtue of religion, natural theology, corrupted religious urges in modern culture, and the shift towards a more secular worldview.
