

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 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.

Apr 27, 2019 • 1h 4min
The Good Life Panel Discussion | Prof. Steven Jensen, Fr. John Corbett, OP, and Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Prof. Steven Jensen, Fr. John Corbett, and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss femininity, masculinity, mortal sin, and the ultimate end of God. They explore how God satisfies human desires, the nature of charity in relation to atheists, St. Thomas' concept of art, morality in movies, and habits in the afterlife.

Apr 26, 2019 • 58min
Beyond Human Means: The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit | Fr. John Corbett, OP
Fr. John Corbett, OP, discusses the distinction between acquired and infused virtues, reflecting the Kingdom of God through actions, and the relationship between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and virtues. The podcast explores how virtues shape character, the challenges in harmonizing natural and supernatural aspects, and the importance of receptivity to divine revelation.

Apr 24, 2019 • 59min
In Us Without Us: The Infused Virtues | Fr. John Corbett, O.P.
Fr. John Corbett, O.P., an expert in infused virtues, explores the dynamics of virtues like prudence and justice, habitus, and the influence of operative habits. The podcast also delves into the development of philosophical understanding, the difference between fasting and dieting, and the debate on infused moral virtues. Lastly, it discusses the significance of infused moral virtues in martyrdom and dramatic life conversions.

Apr 18, 2019 • 57min
Our Ultimate End and the Dark Night of the Soul | Prof. Steven Jensen
Prof. Steven Jensen delves into Aquinas and St. John of the Cross's teachings on the ultimate end and dark night of the soul. Topics include desire, spiritual growth, purification through dark nights, aligning will with the divine good, satisfaction, mysticism, love of God and others, and complexities of human nature in pursuit of the good.

Apr 17, 2019 • 56min
Principles of the Moral Life | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. discusses the moral life through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas. Topics include virtues for human perfection, aligning actions with God, sin, and achieving happiness by understanding divine truths.

Apr 16, 2019 • 1h 2min
Made for Love: Why Do We Exist? | Prof. R.J. Snell
Prof. R.J. Snell discusses the search for purpose amidst fear and pressure for success, the impact of technology on values and freedom, the moral aspects of human companionship in Genesis, the importance of celebrating goodness and truth, the need for Sabbath rest to foster creativity, and the influence of narratives and worship on character development.


