

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

Mar 25, 2016 • 1h 7min
Analogical Naming Of God In Aquinas | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, dives into Aquinas' analogical naming of God, exploring how negation leads to positive attributes following Dionysius the Areopagite's influence. He discusses debates on apophatic vs positive knowledge of God and the limitations of assigning names to God, emphasizing transcendence. The podcast delves into Aquinas' analogical theory of naming God and the implications of univocal, equivocal, and analogical predications, focusing on 'He Who Is' as a significant name for God's eternal existence and omniscience.

Mar 25, 2016 • 1h 13min
The Descent Of Christ into Hell | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the historical and modern interpretations of Christ's descent into hell, analyzing various New Testament texts and theological debates on who Christ preached to and the implications on the Trinity. The podcast also explores themes of charity, grace, and the redemption of humanity through Christ's grace and Virgin Mary's intercession. Additionally, it delves into the ramifications of Christ's innocence and the effects of sin on individuals.

Mar 25, 2016 • 45min
Immortality and Resurrection | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the skepticism surrounding the physical resurrection of Jesus, exploring the influence of Spinoza's naturalistic philosophy and the evolution of philosophy from Spinoza to modernity. He delves into the philosophical and theological reflections on death, immortality, resurrection, and the essence of being human, drawing connections to ancient myths and the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Mar 25, 2016 • 39min
Predestination | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the historical evolution of predestination in the Catholic Church, exploring the salvation of the elect and damnation of the reprobated. The podcast delves into the theological differences between John Calvin and Karl Barth on predestination, emphasizing the interplay of divine love and human freedom, and navigating the complexities of predestination in relation to grace and personal freedom.

Mar 25, 2016 • 51min
What is Truth? | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the concept of truth and its connection to being, exploring metaphysical and theological contemplation. He highlights the healing power of the Eucharist, the importance of seeking truth in religion, and the formation of deep friendships through the pursuit of truth and union with Christ.

Mar 23, 2016 • 56min
"You Spoke in a Vision"(Ps 89:19): Iconoclasts, Exegetes, and God's Word as an Image | Fr. Giambrone
Fr. Giambrone shares insights on sacred scripture from an aesthetic viewpoint. He discusses the primal yearning for beauty in art and the healing vision needed in humanity. The chapter explores the prohibition of graven images and divine representation, contrasting different religious perspectives. It delves into gendered portrayals of Christ in Renaissance art and the unique vision of Russian painter Zinaida Zerebryakova. The podcast also discusses symbolism and poetry in religious imagery.

Mar 23, 2016 • 56min
Beauty and the Spiritual Senses | Prof. Francesca Murphy
Prof. Francesca Murphy discusses aesthetics, theology, and the connection between beauty and spiritual senses. Topics include Kantian perspectives on beauty and ethics, the development of spiritual senses through grace, the transformation of beauty over Christian history, the interplay of values and aesthetics in art, and the contrast between spiritual senses in hermits and everyday experiences.

Mar 23, 2016 • 52min
It's Complicated: Art, the Beautiful, and the True Good in Dante's Purgatorio | Dr. Robert Royal
Dr. Robert Royal, an expert in Dante's Purgatorio, discusses the significance of purgatorio in the Divine Comedy, focusing on themes of beauty, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of truth and goodness. He explores Dante's journey from darkness to purification, emphasizing the incorporation of scholastic philosophy and theology in art.

Mar 13, 2016 • 52min
The Presence Of God | Fr. James Brent, OP
Fr. James Brent, OP, a Dominican Priest and theologian, discusses the presence of God in everyday life, navigating distractions and spiritual growth, finding serenity in life priorities, and exploring God's plan, free will, and divine providence with practical insights and anecdotes.

Mar 7, 2016 • 1h 30min
God after Darwin: Are Christianity and Evolution Compatible? | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, discusses the compatibility of Christianity and evolution. Topics include creation doctrine, human uniqueness, eschatology, spiritual behavior in non-human species, and interpreting the Bible literal vs. symbolic. The conversation also explores intelligent design, the physical resurrection in Catholic beliefs, and the Birmingham paradox.