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
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.
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.
