The Thomistic Institute

Guest Prof. Paul Gondreau delves into Catholic moral teachings on human sexuality, contrasting body-soul unity with materialist and dualist views. He critiques materialism, discusses the unity of body and soul, and explores the moral implications of viewing humans as a body-soul unity versus soul alone.

Prof. Catherine Pakaluk discusses Pope John Paul II's views on family life, socialism, and communism. They delve into his experiences under totalitarian regimes, his passion for engaging with youth and his profound views on pilgrimage. The conversation also explores the influence of Pope Leo and Pope John Paul II on society, their teachings on integrating religious values to combat societal challenges, and the historical connection between faith, patriotism, and nature through John Paul II's actions.

Prof. Christopher Kaczor explores the Kalam cosmological argument and the beginning of the universe. He discusses concepts of infinity, the cause of the universe, and God as the ultimate creator. The podcast delves into arguments for and against God's existence, touching on the problem of evil and the impact of believing in life after death.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., discusses the importance of thinking and willing for spiritual pursuits, exploring concepts of nihilism through 'The Seawolf,' challenges of thinking, pursuit of knowledge and virtue, keeping the Lord's Day holy, and embracing sadness for deeper human experiences.

Prof. Matthew Ramage discusses morally challenging passages in the Old Testament, interpreting violence and evolving beliefs in different religions. Exploring methods of biblical interpretation, symbolic meanings in dark passages, and divine truths in biblical stories. Delving into the alignment of beliefs with Catholic teachings and the evolution of views on violent events.

Prof. Gaven Kerr discusses Aquinas's Five Ways as rational proof of God's existence. He explores causal series, essence vs. existence, and Aquinas's view on evolution. The importance of understanding philosophical arguments is highlighted, along with debates on the existence of God.

Fr. Albert Trudel, OP, discusses how the Beatitudes serve as the new Law, examples of humility and pride in Purgatory, Dante's interaction with an angel, and the role of virtues in combating sinful behaviors.

Fr. Albert Trudel, a Dominican priest, delves into love, authentic goods, Dante's Inferno and Purgatorio, Bonaventure's mystical knowledge, and the connection between knowledge, love, sin, and grace in a thought-provoking discussion on spirituality.

Dr. Robert Royal, an expert in comedy and pilgrimage, explores the ideas of pilgrimage and ultimate purposes drawing from Dante's Divine Comedy. They discuss Bernard of Clairvaux's beliefs, Dante's concept of moving beyond human experiences, discussing Aristotle's four causes. The podcast delves into modern science dismissing final causes and the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment in life through differing perspectives on existence. They examine happiness, transcendence, and pilgrimage through Aristotle's eudaimonia and Dante's Beatitude, analyzing themes of love, redemption, and spiritual growth in Dante's Divine Comedy.

Dr. Robert Royal discusses Dante's Divine Comedy, exploring theological drama and concepts of love, mathematics, and grace. The podcast delves into moral dilemmas, redemption narratives, and the influence of Roman and Christian ideologies on Dante's work.