

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

Aug 8, 2018 • 52min
Accompaniment as the Perfection of the Image of God | Fr. James Sullivan, OP
Fr. James Sullivan discusses sin, grace, and redemption in the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness to grow spiritually. He explores the significance of accompaniment in confession and developing a closer relationship with God. The podcast reflects on refining silver as a metaphor for supporting others through challenges to reveal their true selves and reflect the image of God.

Dec 15, 2016 • 59min
The Rest is Said in Praise to God: Aquinas on the Rites of the Mass (Pt 2) | Fr. Innocent Smith OP
Fr. Innocent Smith OP, a Dominican priest specializing in Thomas Aquinas, discusses the Eucharistic mystery, sacraments, and the Roman Canon of the Mass. The podcast explores Saint Augustine's threefold perspective on sacraments, Aquinas' theological interpretations, and the distinctions between spiritual and rational offerings. Fasting before Mass and the inclusive nature of the liturgy are also highlighted.

Dec 15, 2016 • 58min
The Rest is Said in Praise to God: Aquinas on the Rites of the Mass (Pt 1) | Fr. Innocent Smith OP
Fr. Innocent Smith OP, an expert in Aquinas on the Rites of the Mass, delves into Thomas Aquinas's unique perspective on the Eucharistic liturgy, exploring specific Mass components like the Introit and the significance of Kyrie and Gloria prayers. The podcast also covers Thomas' interpretations of the Three Masses of Christmas, the Collect and Greetings in the Mass, and the incorporation of liturgical prayers and readings in his theology.

Dec 14, 2016 • 1h 10min
Why Are We? Classical & Contemporary Answers to the Meaning of Life | Fr. James Brent OP
Fr. James Brent OP, a priest specializing in the meaning of life, discusses nihilism, existential vacuum, and transcendent meaning. He explores the importance of love, contemplation, and aligning pursuits with knowing and loving God.

Dec 1, 2016 • 1h 15min
Vectors to God: Growing in Faith, Hope, and Love | Fr. Dominic Legge, OP
Fr. Dominic Legge, OP discusses 'vectors to God' through faith, hope, and love. He delves into the nature of faith beyond emotions, the importance of aligning faith with reason, and the difference between knowing about God and knowing Him intimately. The chapter also explores faith independent of communication abilities and emphasizes the relationship between emotions, love, and faith in marriage and connection to God.

Nov 30, 2016 • 1h
Introduction to Metaphysics Part Three: Philosophy as Wisdom | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, a Dominican friar and theology professor, discusses Aquinas' philosophy as wisdom, metaphysical knowledge, causal powers, analogy and causation in reality. He explores Aquinas' views on the hierarchy of being, immaterial soul, and philosophical understanding of animal sight, emphasizing the integration of metaphysics with scientific perspectives.

Nov 30, 2016 • 49min
Introduction to Metaphysics Part One: Form and Matter; Substance and Accidents | Fr. T.J. White
Fr. T.J. White, a theologian specializing in metaphysics, discusses Thomas Aquinas' metaphysics. Topics include form and matter, substance and accidents, principles as constitutive causes, and the distinction between ontological structure and intellectual understanding. The podcast explores formal nature, the enduring influence of form in determining reality, and the role of form and matter in natural realities over time. It also delves into substance, properties, and the concept of substance as an individual with defined nature.

Nov 24, 2016 • 1h 4min
What Is Politics About Anyway? Aquinas on the Common Good | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, OP
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, OP, discusses Aquinas' views on politics, emphasizing the common good over personal interests. He explores the historical perspectives on the common good, contrasting it with individual goods. The podcast touches on Aquinas' take on the Syrian refugee crisis and the implications of prioritizing personal gains over the community's welfare.

Nov 11, 2016 • 25min
The City of God and the Virtue of Hope | Fr. Dominic Legge, OP
Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, discusses Augustine's city of God, highlighting the virtues of hope and humility. He explores hope in politics, cultural disenfranchisement, and the importance of spiritual hope amidst personal struggles. The podcast delves into God's unconditional love, the vice of Achadia, and how hope serves as its antidote.

Nov 10, 2016 • 1h 25min
Masters, Parasites, or Gardeners? Thomistic Reflections on Environmental Ethics | Prof. Therese Cory
Prof. Therese Cory, an environmental ethics expert, dives into Thomistic reflections on environmental ethics. Topics include viewing nature as raw material or inherently perfect, Aquinas' perspectives on human relationship with nature, interspecies violence, human art as sub-creators, doctors and gardeners' interactions with nature, contrasting views on environmental ethics, and alignment with fulfilling the divine plan.


