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
Jul 27, 2020 • 1h 1min
The Catholic Imagination in JRR Tolkien and Flannery O'Connor | Prof. Raymond Hain
Prof. Raymond Hain discusses Catholic themes in Tolkien and O'Connor's works, emphasizing eukatastrophe for redemption. Contrasts O'Connor's distorted style with Tolkien's natural creation, exploring suffering and hope in their narratives. Analyzes Middle Earth's grace and Catholicism, highlighting influences from human oratorians and Newman's aesthetics.
Jul 24, 2020 • 46min
Can Science Explain Everything? | Prof. John Lennox
Prof. John Lennox discusses if science can explain everything, critiquing scientism and debating the limitations of science in understanding the universe, reasons, beliefs, brain-mind distinction, and scientific fundamentalism. He emphasizes the harmony between science and faith, highlighting the complementary nature of scientific and theological explanations.
Jul 22, 2020 • 1h 3min
The Nature of Knowledge and the Knowledge of Nature | Fr. Brian Chrzastek, O.P.
Fr. Brian Chrzastek, a Dominican priest, discusses the differences between Kant and Aquinas in terms of knowledge of nature and cognition. They explore concepts like tables of judgments, spatial-temporal dimensions, and the role of imagination in understanding. The discussion touches on animal vs. human cognition, cognitive linguistic theories, and the essence of entities in cognitive processes.
9 snips
Jul 20, 2020 • 55min
Is the Bible True and Accurate? | Fr. Terence Crotty
Fr. Terence Crotty, a religious scholar and priest, discusses the truth of scripture, diverse viewpoints on evolution, the belief in Jesus, morality, and faith. He explores the selection process of the Gospels in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding within the context of Jesus. The chapter also delves into the use of humor and storytelling in the Bible, focusing on the book of Jonah to illustrate how biblical authors convey profound messages through unconventional historical accounts.
Jul 17, 2020 • 1h 1min
Four Futures: The Catholic Church in America | Prof. Gladden Pappin
Prof. Gladden Pappin shares insights on potential political trajectories for the Catholic Church in America, exploring four future scenarios. He discusses the church as a perfect society, challenges in linear history, and factors influencing its future. The conversation delves into demographics, financials, beliefs, and practices, contrasting views on its role in American society, and potential challenges like denazification and abuse crises.
Jul 15, 2020 • 1h 2min
How Is God Our Father? | Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P.
Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P., a Dominican priest, delves into the concept of God as our Father, exploring scripture, the Trinity, adoption, and the balance between paternal and maternal imagery of God. The discussion also touches on gender pronouns for the Holy Spirit, the role of priests in reflecting God's fatherhood, and the complex emotions individuals have towards God as Father.
Jul 13, 2020 • 40min
An Unjust Law is No Law at All | Prof. Raymond Hain
Legal expert Prof. Raymond Hain discusses the debate on ACA contraceptive mandate. Topics include political authority, just laws, St. Thomas's concept of law, eternal law's role in evaluating human laws, and obeying unjust laws.
Jul 10, 2020 • 1h 6min
Aquinas on Mystical Union with God | Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn
Fr. Bernhard Blankenhorn discusses the essence of contemplation, the evolution of mystical union with God, and the philosophical aspects of naming God. The exploration includes Moses's spiritual journey, Aquinas's theology of understanding, and the importance of purification for contemplative advancement.
Jul 8, 2020 • 60min
Born Broken? Aquinas On Original Sin | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. discusses Aquinas' viewpoint on original sin, exploring its effects on human nature, intellect, will, and passions. Topics include Jewish interpretations, St. Paul's writings, nature vs. grace, transmission of sin, evolution's relation to original sin, and Aquinas' perspectives on challenging scriptures and salvation.
4 snips
Jul 6, 2020 • 1h 4min
Does Nature Make Laws?: An Introduction to the Natural Law Tradition | Prof. Raymond Hain
Prof. Raymond Hain discusses natural law's role in Catholic teachings, influences on marriage laws, challenges in defining life, universal statements about living things, Aristotelian virtues, and societal norms in punishment.
