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
May 10, 2019 • 1h 18min
The Search for Life Beyond Earth: What Would This Mean for Our Faith? | Prof. Jonathan Lunine
Prof. Jonathan Lunine discusses the implications of searching for extraterrestrial life on faith, exploring the Drake Equation and theological views on aliens. They delve into the possibilities of life beyond Earth, Aquinas' insights on spiritual beliefs, and the impact of encountering extraterrestrial life on salvation history. The discussion covers parallels between loneliness in the universe and Christian beliefs, communication challenges with ETs, and the uniqueness of human creation.
May 9, 2019 • 1h 5min
The Fragility of Order: Catholic Reflections on Turbulent Time | George Weigel
Catholic commentator George Weigel discusses the importance of order in turbulent times, principles of Catholic Social Doctrine like human rights and the common good, evolution of wealth in society, the significance of human ecology on political freedom, and the impact of virtue and sin on societal order.
May 9, 2019 • 41min
How to Avoid Being Unhappy: Vices that Undermine Human Flourishing | Prof. Scott Cleveland
Philosophy and psychology expert Prof. Scott Cleveland discusses vices that hinder human flourishing, drawing insights from Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. Topics include vainglory, spiritual apathy, envy, cultivating virtues for happiness, and coping with sadness.
May 8, 2019 • 1h 17min
The Historicity of Adam | Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, OP
Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, OP, a molecular biologist and theologian, discusses theology, evolution, and the historicity of Adam. They cover topics like God's nature and creation, genetics, evolution, human origins, connection between creationism and evolution, and original sin.
May 7, 2019 • 46min
The Catholic Vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings | Prof. Paul Gondreau
Prof. Paul Gondreau discusses how J.R.R. Tolkien's Catholic beliefs are reflected in 'The Lord of the Rings', highlighting themes of God, Christ, Eucharist, and divine providence. The podcast explores the influence of Catholic faith on characters, biblical imagery, virtues, and Eucharistic themes in the fantasy world. Topics include Eucharistic resonance, elevated womanhood, marriage, anti-Pelagianism, grace, divine folly, and forgiveness in Tolkien's work.
May 4, 2019 • 51min
Can Beauty Save the World? | Prof. Raymond Hain
Prof. Raymond Hain discusses beauty as a transcendental element embodying goodness and truth, symbolizing God. The podcast explores conflicts between truth, beauty, and goodness, touching on poetry vs. philosophy. Analyzing Coriolanus, they delve into magnanimity as the crown of virtues. The impact of old Norse sagas on Tolkien's work and Christian themes in literature are also explored.
May 3, 2019 • 1h 15min
God, Beauty, and Mathematics | Prof. Alexander Pruss
Prof. Alexander Pruss discusses the certainty of mathematics, compares Plato's abstract world with deflationary views, explores beauty in mathematics linked to theology, examines the influence of God on objectivity and logic, and talks about the preference for simpler theories in science.
May 2, 2019 • 43min
Sin And Redemption In The Lord of The Rings | Prof. Paige Hochschild
Prof. Paige Hochschild discusses sin, redemption, and moral lessons in Tolkien's works, drawing parallels with biblical stories. They explore character arcs, virtues, vices, and the importance of humility, trust, and mercy in countering sin. The podcast delves into themes of possession, vanity, and consequences of disobedience in elvish history.
May 1, 2019 • 1h 1min
How to Read the "Dark Passages" of the Bible and Still Be a Christian | Prof. Matthew Ramage
Prof. Matthew Ramage discusses 'dark passages' in the Bible, reconciling apparent contradictions with monotheism. He explores spiritual growth analogies, personal faith journeys, plural language in the Hebrew Bible, and recommended readings for interpreting challenging biblical passages.
Apr 30, 2019 • 50min
Holy Mary, Mother of God | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., an ordained Dominican priest, delves into the biblical roots and theological significance of calling Mary the Mother of God. He explores parallels between Mary and the Temple in the Old Testament, Mary's connection to the incarnation, and the use of figural reading of the Old Testament. Additionally, he discusses the parallels between Mary and the Church, the theological implications of Mary as the Mother of God, and the significance of the Virgin Mary in Catholic theology and Christian reflections.
