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
10 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 47min
Scripture as a Source of Wisdom in Catholic Theology | Fr. Jordan Schmidt, O.P.
Fr. Jordan Schmidt, an Assistant Professor of Sacred Scripture with a PhD in biblical studies, sheds light on the profound concept of wisdom within Catholic theology. He reflects on personal experiences that shaped his understanding of wisdom, emphasizing its accessibility. The discussion reveals wisdom as a crucial element of scripture that nurtures both practical living and a deeper relationship with God. Schmidt advocates for engaging with biblical texts as a means to develop wisdom, highlighting its transformative role in Christian life.
Dec 9, 2024 • 49min
'The Lord of All Loves Her': Mary’s Sapiential Garments | Prof. Nina Sophie Heereman
Nina Sophie Heereman, an Associate Professor for Sacred Scripture at St. Patrick’s Seminary & University, dives into the profound relationship between Mary and biblical wisdom. She examines the feminine portrayal of wisdom and its connections to Christ, emphasizing the soul's journey towards divine union through love. Heereman explores Mary’s unique role as the embodiment of wisdom in Christian theology, illuminating her significance in the redemption narrative. This engaging discussion merges theology with spirituality, offering deep insights into Marian devotion.
Dec 6, 2024 • 52min
So Death Doth Touch the Resurrection: Death and Human Nature | Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P.
Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P., an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas, leads a thought-provoking discussion on death and human nature. She delves into Clarence Darrow's philosophical arguments against the soul and immortality, sparking a debate on empirical evidence versus ancient beliefs. The conversation also highlights St. Thomas Aquinas’s views on the immortal soul and the significance of abstract reasoning. Gardner explores early Christian beliefs about bodily resurrection, illuminating how they foster hope for eternal life.
Dec 5, 2024 • 41min
What Does "Creation" Really Mean? w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Dr. William Carroll
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. hosts Dr. William Carroll, an expert in intellectual history and the history of science. They unpack St. Thomas Aquinas’s profound insights on creation, discussing how it intertwines with time and cosmology. The conversation reveals the historical tensions between faith and science, particularly through the Galileo-Inquisition episode. They also explore the concept of 'conceptual therapy' to tackle misconceptions in cosmology and clarify the nature of creation ex nihilo, enhancing our understanding of the relationship between existence and creation.
Dec 4, 2024 • 39min
If Your Head Causes You to Sin | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine dives into the dangers of undisciplined thinking and the need for structured thought rooted in Catholic tradition. He explores St. Thomas Aquinas' profound influence, advocating for a harmonious blend of faith and reason. Pine critiques modernity's obsession with immediate results, promoting a contemplative approach to reality. He emphasizes the importance of divine engagement and the transformative power of grace, urging listeners to find meaning in a world often steeped in nihilism.
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.
