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
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.
Nov 19, 2024 • 50min
Types of Grace | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Delve into the fascinating concepts of grace, distinguishing between sanctifying and actual grace, and its role in fostering a deeper connection with God. Explore the theological perspectives of historical figures like Thomas Aquinas, contrasting them with modern psychological views. Hear about the transformative power of God's love and how it influences human desires. Plus, uncover personal growth stories that illustrate how challenges can lead to fulfillment in areas like fitness and music, showcasing the journey from frustration to achievement.
Nov 18, 2024 • 49min
Why We Need Grace | Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, delves into the transformative power of grace in our lives. He discusses how grace heals our wounded nature and fosters a deeper relationship with God. Exploring the balance between sin and grace, he warns against presumption in confession and highlights the psychological complexities involved. Fr. White emphasizes the importance of a sacramental life in spiritual growth, illustrating that the journey is non-linear and requires continuous divine support.
Nov 15, 2024 • 39min
Augustine's Significance for Theorists on War, Justice, and Peace | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., a professor at the Dominican House of Studies and an expert on patristics, dives deep into St. Augustine's profound impact on concepts of war, justice, and peace. He unpacks Augustine's transformation from Manichaean to influential bishop, highlighting a pivotal conversion moment. The discussion emphasizes Augustine's beliefs on peace, the moral necessity of just causes in war, and critiques modern interpretations of his doctrines. His insights reveal Augustine's legacy as a cornerstone of moral theology in contemporary discourse.
Nov 14, 2024 • 57min
Disease and the Problem of Evil | Prof. Stephen Meredith
Stephen Meredith, a professor at the University of Chicago specializing in pathology and the humanities, dives deep into the connection between disease and the problem of evil. He discusses the case of a sickle cell anemia patient, raising theological questions about genetic conditions. The conversation traverses Dostoevsky's *The Brothers Karamazov*, contrasting Ivan's and Alyosha's takes on love and suffering. Meredith delves into original sin's implications on health and morality, advocating for a thoughtful perspective on human fragility and societal responsibilities.
Nov 13, 2024 • 41min
The Ethics of Organ Transplantation | Prof. Steven Jensen
In this enlightening discussion, Professor Steven J. Jensen, an expert in bioethics and moral psychology, tackles the complex ethical dilemmas surrounding organ transplantation. He offers a historical overview, shedding light on the implications of brain death as a criterion for organ donation. Jensen delves into the controversies of consent laws, the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations, and the alarming issues of organ trafficking, particularly in places like China. His insights provoke a deeper understanding of the moral landscape in this critical field.
Nov 12, 2024 • 38min
Natural Inclinations, the Passions, and Human Acts | Fr. Kevin Flannery, S.J.
Fr. Kevin Flannery, S.J., a philosophy professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University and expert in Aquinas's moral theory, dives deep into the nuances of natural inclinations and passions. He explores Aquinas's insights on natural law and the crucial role of reason in distinguishing true inclinations from passion-driven impulses. With references to Aristotle, Fr. Flannery emphasizes that passions only gain moral relevance when guided by reason and will, shedding light on moral reasoning's intricate layers in human behavior.
Nov 11, 2024 • 32min
Why Should We Believe God Exists? | Prof. Joseph Trabbic
Joseph Trabbic, an associate professor of philosophy at Ave Maria University, discusses the rational foundations for belief in God. He explores how all beings depend on God for their essence, likening this relationship to a lamp powered by extension cords. Trabbic delves into the complexities of the Trinity, asserting that belief in a non-contingent creator is grounded in reason and evidence, while expanding on the Nicene Creed's portrayal of God. His insights bridge metaphysics and moral philosophy, enriching the conversation about faith and existence.
Nov 8, 2024 • 46min
Catholicism and Capital Punishment Revisited | Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P.
In this enlightening discussion, Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P., an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas, delves into the complexities of capital punishment from a Catholic perspective. She explores John Paul II's encyclical, emphasizing evolving views on non-violence and moral opposition. Key topics include theological insights on human dignity, historical tensions within the Church regarding execution, and the importance of advocating for life-affirming alternatives. Gardner’s expertise sheds light on a nuanced debate that resonates with contemporary ethical concerns.
Nov 7, 2024 • 49min
Understanding Just War Theory w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Prof. Joseph Capizzi
Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., a renowned Dominican scholar, and Prof. Joseph Capizzi, Dean of Theology at the Catholic University of America and expert in social and political theology, as they dive into Just War Theory. They discuss the moral complexities of warfare, the role of forgiveness in both personal and national contexts, and the importance of post-conflict reconciliation. Capizzi shares insights on historical examples and the necessity of recognizing all parties as rational to foster sustainable peace, challenging listeners to rethink the ethics of conflict.
