The Thomistic Institute

Delve into philosophical teachings on friendship with insights from Plato, Aristotle, and Christian perspectives. Explore the essence of true friendship, ethical principles, and the challenges of forming relationships in the digital age. Reflect on the impact of friends on character development and navigating friendships during religious conversion.

Dr. Farr Curlin, clinical practice and conscience expert, discusses ethical dilemmas in conscientious medical practice, focusing on conflicts between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities. The debate explores whether doctors should prioritize patient autonomy over their own values, raising questions about the goals of medicine and the importance of upholding a commitment to patient health amidst ethical challenges.

Fr. Simon Gaine, OP, discusses the theological perspective on Neanderthals, genetic analysis revealing their relationship with Homo sapiens, and the implications of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans on topics like original sin and soul inheritance.

Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP discusses the role of priests in moral instruction, decline in confessions post-Vatican II, significance of clerical celibacy for spiritual strength, and the importance of priests in guiding individuals through confession and administering sacraments.

Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP, discusses the importance of accompaniment in moral development, exploring historical views on friendship in theological texts. He highlights challenges in priestly accompaniment in modern culture and the significance of charity, accompaniment, and friendship in fostering moral growth.

Fr. Andrew Hofer, OP, discusses St. Thomas Aquinas' teachings on deification, exploring how humans can comprehend God's essence, the role of Christ in divinization, the progression from grace to glory, and the distinctions between God and human nature.

Philosophy expert Prof. Jennifer Frey delves into the concept of the human person, emphasizing the importance of philosophical anthropology for ethical inquiry. The discussion covers Walker Percy's introspective journey, Elizabeth Anscombe's moral norms, human virtues, happiness, and the challenges of moral decision-making amidst complexities.

Prof. Paige Hochschild discusses Mary as the New Eve, comparing their trust in God's plan. The podcast explores sin as a broken covenant, Mary's model of faith, and her role in theological reflection. It delves into the importance of revelation in the Jewish Hebrew Scriptures and the development of Marian devotion.

Prof. Christopher Kaczor discusses conscientious objection in healthcare, highlighting the balance between patient rights and physician autonomy. The potential consequences of removing conscientious objection are examined, emphasizing the impact on different demographic groups and the doctor-patient relationship. The debate on objections to conscientious objection in healthcare is explored, addressing concerns about consequences, monopoly, and inconsistencies. The podcast also delves into the limits and justifications for conscientious objection, advocating for restrictions on objections to practices that harm patient well-being.

Fr. Conor McDonough, OP, an expert in Christian storytelling, discusses the significance of storytelling in shaping worldviews, C.S. Lewis's Christian perspective on viewing the world as a narrative with a clear purpose, exploring creation and redemption through Biblical narratives, the influence of storytelling in Christianity from saints' lives to medieval sermons and theater, how authors blend Christian elements with older narratives, and the power of storytelling in C.S. Lewis' Narnia series.