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
Dec 3, 2024 • 46min
Human Person, Community, and Communion | Dr. R.J. Snell
R.J. Snell, Editor-in-Chief of Public Discourse and Director of Academic Programs at the Witherspoon Institute, discusses the crisis of meaning in modern society. He contrasts loneliness and disenchantment showcased in Elena Ferrante's fiction with the Christian vision of personhood rooted in the Trinity. Snell emphasizes the importance of community and storytelling in recovering communion and joy. He advocates for embracing the Sabbath to foster leisure and spiritual enrichment, enriching our lives through meaningful connections and shared experiences.
Dec 2, 2024 • 35min
Saint Thomas and the Acquired Virtues | Prof. Candace Vogler
Candace Vogler, David B. and Clare E. Stern Professor of Philosophy at the University of Chicago, dives into the nuances of virtue in St. Thomas Aquinas' philosophy. She contrasts Aquinas' dynamic view of virtue with Aristotle's static approach, and unpacks the four cardinal virtues essential for correcting human flaws. Vogler explains how acquired virtues develop through societal influence while emphasizing the distinction between these and the divine gift of infused virtues, ultimately linking moral self-improvement to both human effort and spiritual grace.
5 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 26min
Friendships and Social Life - Thomistic Insights | Prof. Thomas Hibbs & Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Join Professor Thomas Hibbs, a leading philosophy expert from Baylor University, and Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, a Dominican priest and University Chaplain at The Catholic University of America, as they delve into the essence of friendship. They discuss the alarming decline of meaningful relationships today, emphasizing insights from Aristotle and Aquinas on the intrinsic value of true friendship. The conversation critiques modern individualism, advocating for a richer understanding of community and the common good, highlighting how genuine connections can alleviate suffering.
Nov 28, 2024 • 27min
Feasting like a Saint | Prof. Michael Foley
In this engaging discussion, Professor Michael Foley, a Catholic theologian and Patristics expert from Baylor University, shares wisdom on how to celebrate with virtue. He outlines five principles for drinking like a saint, including moderation and gratitude. Foley dives into the biblical perspective on alcohol, revealing its cultural significance and the positive social interactions it fosters. He connects drinking traditions to the Eucharist and emphasizes the importance of memory and community in celebrations, advocating for meaningful connections over unhealthy habits.
Nov 27, 2024 • 34min
Honorable Festivity: An Oxymoron? | Prof. Michael Foley
Michael Foley, a Catholic theologian and Professor of Patristics at Baylor University, dives into the concept of 'honorable festivity.' He discusses how dining transcends mere sustenance, linking it to cultural and divine significance through the Eucharist. Foley also highlights modern challenges like the decline of family meals and ethical dilemmas in agriculture, advocating for personal engagement and charity. He explores the moral complexities of food consumption, emphasizing gratitude and respect in our eating practices.
4 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 40min
Praying the Psalms in Friendship with God | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., a professor of patristics and ancient languages, shares his insights on the power of the Psalms in cultivating friendship with God. He emphasizes their role as a mirror to our souls, fostering self-reflection and emotional healing. Drawing from St. Athanasius and St. Thomas Aquinas, he discusses the joy and transformative nature of this divine relationship. Listeners will learn how aligning their will with God's enhances this connection and the significance of embracing God's love through prayer.
Nov 25, 2024 • 44min
Aquinas, the 'Great Theory of Beauty', and Music | Prof. Michael Dickson
Professor Michael Dickson, a Philosophy expert from the University of South Carolina, delves into the rich relationship between beauty and music. He critiques modernist architecture's influence on church design, arguing that it undermines traditional beauty. Dickson explores concepts from ancient philosophers like Pythagoras and Aquinas, advocating for a deeper appreciation of musical beauty grounded in clarity and proportion. He also examines the limitations of various musical genres, particularly 80s punk rock, revealing a complex landscape of beauty in today’s music.
Nov 22, 2024 • 37min
Justified by Grace, But What is Grace and What Does it Do? | Prof. Michael Root
Michael Root, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the Catholic University of America, draws from his rich theological background to explore the nuances of grace and justification. He discusses the Augustinian view, emphasizing that salvation requires God’s unmerited favor. Personal anecdotes on sin and confession highlight the differences between mortal and venial sins. Root also contrasts humility in faith with various theological perspectives from the Reformation, urging listeners to consider the delicate balance of grace, faith, and human agency in their spiritual journey.
Nov 21, 2024 • 48min
The Effects of Grace, Justification & Sanctification | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Dive into the intricacies of grace with insights from Aquinas, revealing how it shapes justification and human free will. Discover the liberating power of divine grace over sin, illustrated through Augustine's experiences. Explore the dynamic interplay of grace and free will, contrasting Thomistic theology with Protestant thought. This discussion highlights the balance between divine assistance and personal responsibility in the journey towards salvation.
Nov 20, 2024 • 50min
Luther and Aquinas on Grace and Justification | Dr. Nathaniel Peters
Dr. Nathaniel Peters, Director of the Morningside Institute and a theology expert, dives deep into the contrasting views of grace and justification held by Martin Luther and Thomas Aquinas. He discusses how their perspectives shaped the Protestant Reformation, illuminating Aquinas's notion of transformative grace through works versus Luther's focus on faith and divine grace as an external justification. The conversation uncovers the profound implications these theological differences have on our understanding of salvation.
