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
Jan 7, 2019 • 1h 24min
Sacraments, Grace and Ethics: The Church at Work | Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP
Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP, discusses sacraments, grace, and ethics in the Catholic Church, addressing divine grace's impact on human actions and sacraments' role in salvation. The podcast explores forgiveness, grace, and baptism, delving into ethical decision-making, bravery, emotions, and rational choice, as well as clear ideas, desire, and decision-making processes. Additionally, it examines the history of sacraments and the Reformation, emphasizing scripture, tradition, and magisterium in understanding divine revelation.
Jan 4, 2019 • 52min
In the Beginning: The Big Bang and the God of Creation | Fr. Thomas Davenport, OP
Fr. Thomas Davenport discusses how to reconcile religious accounts of creation in Genesis with scientific theories like the Big Bang. He explores St. Augustine's interpretation of Genesis, the age of the universe, diverse interpretations of Genesis by church fathers, and the origins and order of the universe.
Jan 3, 2019 • 40min
Perspective of a Catholic Prosecutor | Honorable John Durham
Honorable John Durham, a Catholic prosecutor, shares his experiences upholding his faith while working in law. He discusses prosecuting high-profile crime families, including the New England mob, and the challenges of maintaining ethical standards. Durham reflects on how his Catholic beliefs guide him in seeking justice and upholding moral values in his career.
Jan 2, 2019 • 1h 9min
Why Leisure is Necessary for Human Beings | Zena Hitz
Expert Zena Hitz delves into the significance of leisure in human life, exploring deep contemplation and stillness beyond mere relaxation. Reflects on pursuing ultimate ends for intrinsic value and Aristotle's view on leisure fostering creativity and personal growth. Discusses challenges in attaining meaningful leisure amidst demanding work conditions, contrasting natural leisure with strenuous work situations.
Jan 1, 2019 • 50min
Literature as Philosophy | Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, explores how literature reveals hidden truths, the transformative power of literature in self-reflection, the unique ability of literature to focus on concrete aspects of life, and the value of incorporating diverse literature traditions in education.
Dec 31, 2018 • 41min
Eating God: Can the Eucharist Really be Jesus? | Alexander Pruss
Theologian and philosopher Alexander Pruss discusses the concept of the Eucharist being Jesus. The podcast explores the Real Presence in the Eucharist, theological debates on transubstantiation, early Christian beliefs on the literal interpretation, and the metaphysics of the Eucharist's significance.
Dec 28, 2018 • 1h 4min
What Do the Saints Do for Eternity? The Activity of Heaven | Michael Root
Michael Root, an expert on religious studies, discusses the concept of beatific vision, activities of saints in heaven, unity with God, resurrection of the body, and social interactions intertwined with bodily presence. The podcast explores beliefs about Jesus, transformed bodies, heavenly activities like worship, and the unique way beings praise God in the afterlife.
Dec 28, 2018 • 1h 21min
Artificial Intelligence and the Soul | Anselm Ramelow
Anselm Ramelow, an artificial intelligence expert, discusses the challenges of AI achieving consciousness and being considered persons. The podcast explores the complexities of consciousness, intentionality, and the distinction between mind and matter. It also touches on irreducible simplicity, immortality of the soul, and the relationship between consciousness and the physical body. Ramelow contemplates the potential for AI to possess free will and adaptability compared to human rationality.
Dec 27, 2018 • 41min
Hell and the Mercy of God | Adrian Reimers
Adrian Reimers, an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses the concept of a merciful God sending people to hell. Topics include the intertwining pursuit of goodness, reflections on judgment and human dignity, teachings of St. John Paul the Great, and the influence of Satan and Jesus on human salvation.
Dec 22, 2018 • 41min
The Thirst for Immortality and the Soul’s Need for Purgatory | Carol Zaleski
Carol Zaleski, an expert in theology and philosophy, discusses the evolution of human burial practices, theological perspectives on immortality, including Christian views on resurrection and purgatory. The conversation delves into purgatory analogies in other religions and the historical evolution of purgatory in Christian thought and literature.
