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
Apr 9, 2020 • 1h 12min
What Is Politics About Anyway? Thomas Aquinas on the Common Good | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., delves into Thomas Aquinas' perspective on politics, highlighting the reverence for politics and the common good in medieval thought, exploring the concept of the common good in Catholic Church documents, and navigating the challenges of politics while upholding values. Aquinas emphasizes citizen involvement in achieving the political common good and the coordination of societal parts towards the common enjoyment of the political order.
Apr 8, 2020 • 59min
The Presence of God in a Season of Solitude | Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Brent, a Dominican priest, discusses deepening spiritual perception of God through love, seeking His presence, and understanding spiritual consolation and desolation. He also explores the significance of sacraments for spiritual growth and how inner stillness and quietude facilitate communication with God, emphasizing the importance of faith, hope, and love in returning to the Trinity.
Apr 7, 2020 • 55min
The Place of the Altar and the Shape of the Font | Prof. Robin Jenson
Prof. Robin Jenson discusses the design of churches, the role of ecclesiastical authorities in maintaining beauty, and the evolution of altars in church history. They explore changes in Roman Catholic church design post-Vatican II, symbolism in baptismal fonts and altars, and ancient baptismal practices using living water.
Apr 4, 2020 • 1h 34min
Complicating Private Property | Prof. Joseph Capizzi
Prof. Joseph Capizzi explores the church's stance on private property, delving into the theological concept of universal destination of goods. The discussion covers ethical responsibility, property rights in law, needs vs. wants, societal regulations, wealth distribution, human bodies as property, and moral dimensions of ownership.
Apr 3, 2020 • 59min
Plagues: What We Can Learn from the Bible | Fr. Anthony Giambrone, O.P.
Fr. Anthony Giambrone, an expert in Biblical studies, discusses the meaning of plagues in biblical and modern contexts, contrasting perspectives on hope and distress, exploring divine wrath, and the intersection of faith and science. Themes include alienation, faith, divine punishment, and the role of repentance during pandemics like COVID-19.
Apr 2, 2020 • 46min
Is Postmodernism a Problem for Religion? | Prof. Joseph Trabbic
Philosophy professor Prof. Joseph Trabbic discusses the clash between postmodernism and belief in God, exploring anti-fideists' rational arguments, the impact of Jean-Francois Lyotard's postmodernism on religion, and Thomas Aquinas' argument for God's existence through change. The discussion also touches on gaining knowledge of God through reason, atheism, and the relationship between belief and religion.
Apr 1, 2020 • 32min
Grace and Anxiety: Spiritual Growth in a Time of Turmoil | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., an expert in spiritual growth and theology, delves into the connection between grace, anxiety, and spiritual growth in tumultuous times. The podcast highlights strategies for handling emotions like sorrow and fear through rationality and divine intervention, emphasizing seeking guidance and finding solace in God's grace.
Mar 31, 2020 • 58min
Before Church and State | Dr. Andrew Willard Jones
Dr. Andrew Willard Jones discusses evolving Catholic political thought towards post-liberalism, societal structures' roles, state sovereignty in human relationships, law, virtue, and governance in medieval society. He explores promoting peace, undoing sin, and countering liberalism through spiritual means.
Mar 28, 2020 • 1h 6min
Demons at the Feast of Love: Concupiscence, Benevolence, and Transcendence | Dr. R.J. Snell
Dr. R.J. Snell discusses the complexities of love and happiness, exploring concupiscence, benevolence, and the intertwining of natural love and love for God. The podcast contemplates humanitarian sentimentalism, challenges of self-love, and the demand to love all neighbors. It also delves into the theological virtue of caritas, distinguishing between natural and infused love, and highlighting the importance of justice and charity in politics and the common good.
Mar 26, 2020 • 44min
Love Comes to Grief: Scenes from Augustine's Confessions | Prof. Erika Kidd
Prof. Erika Kidd discusses Augustine's Confessions, debunking misconceptions about love, exploring the impact of grief on love, and highlighting Augustine's evolving understanding of love as interconnected with loving God and others.
