The Thomistic Institute

Fr. Thomas Petri, O.P. is the President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception and a moral theology expert. He discusses marriage's evolution as a spiritual partnership, highlighting its transformation from a societal norm to a universal call to holiness. Petri examines the historical teachings on marriage and contraception, particularly in light of Pope Paul VI's Humanae Vitae, and addresses the tensions between traditional doctrines and modern perspectives. He also delves into the complexities of dissent within the Church and the theological developments of the 20th century.

In this enlightening discussion, William E. Carroll, a retired professor of philosophy and history of science from the Aquinas Institute, dives into the intricate relationship between cosmology and the concept of creation. He examines how modern theories like the Big Bang imply a creator while addressing the challenges posed by notions of an eternal universe. Carroll revisits medieval Aristotelian ideas, shedding light on philosophical perspectives on creation and causality. His insights bridge the historical and contemporary, merging science with deep theological questions.

Fr. Dominic Langevin, O.P., a theologian and expert in sacramental theology, explores the profound impact of sacraments on our lives with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. They discuss how sacraments enhance human flourishing and connect us to divine grace, emphasizing their role in personal and communal spiritual growth. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and the importance of embracing our physical existence in conjunction with our spiritual life. Their insights encourage a deeper engagement with these sacred rituals.

Fr. Stephen Brock, a priest and professor of Medieval Philosophy at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, delves into Aquinas's argument for God's existence. He discusses how nature's goal-directed behavior suggests an underlying intelligence, despite lacking cognition. Brock highlights the tension between classical philosophy and Darwinism, proposing that both can coexist in understanding life's complexities. He uses the analogy of an archer and arrow to illustrate divine influence in nature, revealing a harmonious interplay between intellect and evolution.

John O'Callaghan, Director Emeritus of the Jacques Maritain Center at Notre Dame and a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, shares his insights on atheism. He examines the philosophical roots of atheism, contrasting it with divine revelation. O'Callaghan delves into Aquinas's view that without divine insight, God’s existence isn’t easily grasped by reason alone. He highlights the historical evolution of atheism and emphasizes the need for compassion from believers to bridge divides, fostering respectful dialogue between belief systems.

In this discussion, Professor Joshua Hochschild, a philosophy expert from Mount St. Mary’s University, dives deep into the existence of God. He contrasts Thomas Aquinas’s empirical reasoning with modern skepticism, tackling challenges posed by philosophers like David Hume. Hochschild unpacks Aquinas's five arguments for God's existence, emphasizing their philosophical significance and relevance today. He explores the concept of the unmoved mover, shedding light on the critical role of first causes in understanding change and existence.

W. Matthews Grant, a prominent philosopher and expert on Aquinas, dives deep into the intricacies of divine causality and human freedom. He discusses how God's role as the ultimate source of existence aligns with human autonomy, referencing insights from thinkers like Alvin Plantinga. Grant challenges conventional views, proposing a 'both-and' framework to reconcile God's influence and moral responsibility. His engaging exploration highlights the complexity of divine agency, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between faith and free will.

Dr. Medi Volpe, a Catholic moral theologian and mother of four, dives into the multifaceted problem of evil. She contrasts early Christian views with modern thought, discussing Augustine's insights and the reframing of suffering through theologians like Gutierrez and Cone. Volpe emphasizes storytelling, using examples from saint Maximilian Kolbe and 'The Lord of the Rings' to highlight individual choices in the face of evil. Her reflections connect personal decisions to broader narratives of redemption, culminating in the reassuring presence of Jesus amid suffering.

In this discussion, John O'Callaghan, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Notre Dame University and a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, explores the intricate relationship between divine mercy and justice from a Thomistic perspective. He delves into Aquinas’s views on creation from nothing, emphasizing the philosophical nuances of being versus non-being. O'Callaghan also examines how metaphors shape our understanding of existence and the transformative power of divine forgiveness in the Christian narrative, highlighting pivotal connections between mercy and justice.

Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., a professor of patristics and ancient languages, unpacks St. Thomas Aquinas’ insights into the Apostle Paul's notion of divine justice. He explores the balance of grace and justice in salvation, urging listeners to rethink these concepts through various cultural lenses. Delving deeper, he emphasizes the pivotal role of mercy in achieving true justice and living a faith-filled life aligned with God's love. Fr. Hofer's engaging discourse ties ancient theology to modern understanding, opening up profound discussions on justice and mercy.