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
Feb 12, 2019 • 1h 13min
Being Religious in a Post-Medieval World: Spinoza, Paschal and Thomas | Prof. F. C. Bauerschmidt
Prof. F. C. Bauerschmidt discusses the contrasting views of Spinoza and Pascal on God, with Spinoza emphasizing nature and Pascal focusing on the free creator. They explore the perspectives of historical figures on religious pursuits, delve into the shift towards God's irrelevance in post-medieval thought, and compare the approaches of Thomas, Spinoza, and Pascal to life and knowledge.
Feb 11, 2019 • 57min
When is Religious Belief Irrational? On the Harmony of Faith and Reason | Fr. Thomas Joseph White OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White OP discusses the harmony of faith and reason in religious belief. Topics include critiquing religious rationality, wonders of scientific exploration, internal consistency of religious claims, the concept of Logos in Christianity, original sin's influence on human frailty, and the rationality of belief in miracles and saints.
Feb 8, 2019 • 1h 16min
Christianity in the Public Square | R.R. Reno
R.R. Reno discusses Christianity in the public square, emphasizing the importance of weak gods to counter totalitarianism. They explore the role of faith in shaping resilient citizens and promoting unity. The conversation delves into contrasting views on inevitability, self-transcendence, and the desire for connection in American society, critiquing populist policies and advocating for deep thinking in public discourse.
Feb 6, 2019 • 53min
"Late Have I Loved You" - Augustine & Thomas on Grace & Conversion | Paige Hochschild
Expert in Augustine and Thomas's philosophy on grace and conversion, Paige Hochschild discusses the transformative power of grace in Augustine's 'Confessions' and St. Paul's writings. She explores the parallels between biblical narratives and key themes of personal responsibility, divine providence, and spiritual victory, drawing comparisons between Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.
Feb 4, 2019 • 47min
What Can Film Teach Us About Religion? C.S. Lewis Goes to the Movies | Thomas Hibbs
Thomas Hibbs discusses the influence of C.S. Lewis on film, symbolism in Batman Begins, death in films, practicing the presence of God, re-read value of The Lord of the Rings, technology in superhero movies, and magic in Harry Potter.
Feb 1, 2019 • 1h 7min
The Antidote to Death: St. Thomas Aquinas on the Eucharist | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses the Eucharist as the antidote to death. The podcast explores early Christian beliefs on the Eucharist, the significance of church hierarchy, and St. Thomas Aquinas' teachings. It also delves into the symbolism of bread and wine, authenticity debates of ancient texts, and the spiritual nourishment provided by the Eucharist.
Jan 30, 2019 • 1h 42min
Is Belief in Miracles Rational? | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., a Dominican priest specialized in theology and philosophy, explores the rationality of belief in miracles. He challenges skepticism, discusses David Hume's arguments, analyzes witness behavior, and emphasizes the importance of historical evidence and independent testimonies. The discussion also touches on the apostles' testimony, the efficacy of prayer, and the distinction between scientific explanations and unique historical events.
Jan 29, 2019 • 40min
Law Without a Law Giver? Why Natural Rights Require a Divine Source | Prof. Francis Beckwith
Philosopher and legal scholar Prof. Francis Beckwith discusses natural rights, linking them to a divine source for universal moral truths. The podcast explores the significance of natural law, human flourishing, and the story of Kurt Wise. It also delves into the characteristics of natural moral law, evolutionary explanations, and argues that a transcendent intelligence like God is the source of natural rights.
Jan 25, 2019 • 58min
Aquinas on the Person and the Analogical Scale of Truth | Enrique Martinez
Enrique Martinez, an expert in Aquinas philosophy, discusses the Thomistic view on truth, personhood, and relationships. Topics include universality vs. singularity in knowledge, the significance of immateriality in understanding the human person, and the role of individuality in communication. Martinez also explores the concept of faces reflecting individuality and divine essence.
Jan 24, 2019 • 49min
The First Theologians: Who Were the Church Fathers and Why Do They Matter? | Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP discusses the criteria for being considered a church father and their role in preserving collective memory. He delves into the Church Fathers' impact on theology, the development of the Canon, and the significance of tradition. The episode explores the various senses of scripture, influence of key figures on source texts, and complexities in categorizing individuals like Novation and Nestorius.
