The Thomistic Institute

Guest Douglas Farrow discusses the historical and theological significance of Israel, including Christian views on the dispersal of Jewry, debates on Israel's theological importance, the concept of supercessionism, and the relationship between Jews and Christians in God's plans.

Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, discusses the significance of Jesus's prayer in relation to the Trinity, exploring Aquinas's perspective on Christ's actions, the interconnectedness of his prayers with God's salvific plan, the duality of Christ's nature within the Trinity, the complexities of adoption and prayer, the concept of kenosis in relation to salvation, and Aquinas's interpretation of Christ's prayer during the cry of dereliction.

Neuroscience expert Daniel De Haan delves into the historical shifts in cognition and consciousness, emphasizing the relevance of reconnecting with the soul amidst advancements in neuroscience. He explores theoretical distinctions in human personhood, contrasts Aristotelian and Cartesian beliefs on the soul, and discusses the evolution of understanding human anatomy and psychosomatic attributes. The podcast also covers the transformation of neuroscience concepts throughout history, blending cognitive neuroscience with philosophical perspectives.

Panel discussion on religious liberty and St. Thomas Aquinas' stance on legislating virtues, living in a confessional state with controversial practices, ethical considerations of legalizing prostitution, debating consensus documents, exploring principles of conscience in Catholicism, challenges of Catholicism in a secular world, community, human relationships, and divine influence.

Catholic intellectual Robert Royal discusses the challenges faced today, including engaging with post-truth world, Pope Francis's shift in focus, evolution, neuroscience impact on free will, and the role of Christian intellectuals in preserving religious freedom.

Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, discusses Aquinas' views on law and morality, examining how all laws legislate morality. They explore natural inclinations, virtues, resisting temptations, and theological concepts like sin and evil.

Dr. Chad Pecknold discusses Pope Benedict's perspectives on the challenges facing the Church, including the impact of relativism, clerical abuse scandal, virtues of chastity and obedience, theological synthesis, liturgy, and societal implications of worship. Pecknold highlights Benedict's commitment to faith amidst crisis and the need for fatherly guidance in the Church.

Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, discusses Aquinas' views on natural inclinations, incl. dogs in natural law and human friendship. Explores natural law and self-realization, compares Enlightenment and Thomistic views on society, contrasts Aquinas with Locke, Bestiad, Rousseau on eternal law and natural law, and examines objections to natural law.

Joseph Capizzi, an expert on Saint Augustine, delves into Augustine's concept of the two cities - earthly and city of God. The discussion covers themes of love, moral communities, church and secular world intertwining, societal justice, legitimate kingdoms, and more. They also explore philosophical perspectives on judgment, ignorance, necessity, societal issues like politics, justice, and ethical considerations around war and torture. The conversation contrasts sacrifices made by Romans for earthly glory with those required for the kingdom, and explores the relationship between faith, suffering, virtue, love, and citizenship within a historical context.

Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, a Dominican theologian, explores Aquinas' perspective on eternal law, natural inclinations, and natural law. Topics covered include the divine reason governing the universe, human participation in divine providence through natural law, the intersection of human reason, will, and divine law, political common good, limitations of state power, religious liberty, and the role of natural law in promoting human flourishing and freedom.