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 20, 2019 • 1h 21min
Karl Barth: A Catholic Appraisal | Bruce Marshall
Expert in Karl Barth's theology, Bruce Marshall, discusses Barth's impact on Protestant theology vs. Catholic theology, emphasizing key concerns like God's revelation intertwined with his being. Conversations explore Trinity distinctions, incarnation significance, and contrasts Barth and Aquinas' views on salvation. The discussion also touches on the nature of Jesus, hypothetical scenarios in theology, and the connection between theology and economy. Salvation concepts, human participation in Christ's sacrifice, and revisiting Catholic readings with a new perspective are explored.
May 17, 2019 • 43min
The Sanctification of the Priesthood in Our Age | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the clash between Luther and Cajetan in 1518 over forgiveness of sins and apostolic authority. He explores human sexuality, pleasure, and autonomy in modern times, technology's impact on contemporary culture, the significance of celibacy and priestly consecration, and the qualities and duties of a priest in the modern age.
May 15, 2019 • 1h 1min
Why Modern Science Cannot Explain Away the Human Soul | Prof. Mark Barker
Prof. Mark Barker discusses the limitations of modern science in explaining the human soul, contrasting empirical science with philosophy and literature. The conversation explores Aristotle's concept of hylomorphism, the debate on artificial intelligence and consciousness, and the evolution of philosophical thought from Aristotle to Descartes.
May 13, 2019 • 1h 4min
More Than a Body, More Than a Mind: The Human Person in the Thought of Aquinas| Fr. Petri, O.P.
Fr. Petri, O.P., a Dominican priest, discusses St. Thomas Aquinas' views on the human person as a union of body and soul. Topics include emotions, human love, morality, grace, angels' influence, and the contrast between Aristotelian and Christian perspectives on individuality.
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.
