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
Apr 21, 2024 • 44min
Thomism, Natural Rights, and the Politics of Prudence | Prof. Matthew Gaetano
Prof. Matthew Gaetano discusses Thomism, natural rights, and the politics of prudence. Topics include differing viewpoints on individual rights, School of Salamanca's view on natural rights and equality, resistance to tyranny, and early modern Thomists' defense of custom and natural rights.
5 snips
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Light of Faith: Why It's Not Irrational to Believe | Fr. James Brent, OP
Fr. James Brent, OP, discusses the rationality of faith, evidences of divine origin, objections to faith, role of conscience, doctrine development, rational conversion, grace in belief, faith in Christianity, baptism, and Christian witnessing.
Apr 21, 2024 • 45min
Do We Really Need Catholic Schools Anymore? | Prof. Nicole Garnett
Prof. Nicole Garnett discusses the importance of Catholic schools in education, highlighting their role in providing excellence and faith formation. The podcast explores the challenges faced by Catholic schools in the US and emphasizes the need to preserve them as stabilizing institutions. It also delves into the unique features of Catholic schools, the dedication of women religious, and the impact of Teach for America on Catholic education.
Apr 21, 2024 • 58min
The Communion of the Saints in This World and the Next | Prof. Michael Root
Prof. Michael Root discusses the communion of saints, unity in Christianity, bearing each other's burdens, and the significance of relics. The podcast explores theological views on the afterlife, the intercession of saints, the soul-body relationship, and Mary's bodily assumption in Catholic theology.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 23min
The Reasonableness of Faith and the Faithfulness of Reason | Prof. Jeremy Wilkins
Prof. Jeremy Wilkins dives into the intersection of faith and reason, contrasting pre-modern and modern philosophy. The discussion delves into the role of belief and trust in societal progress, exploring the plausibility of faith in a purposeful universe. The podcast also examines New Testament texts, Jesus worship, and the historical significance of Jesus' crucifixion.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 26min
True Sacrifice: Understanding the Mass | Prof. Bruce D. Marshall
Prof. Bruce D. Marshall discusses the significance of sacrifice in the mass, exploring its importance, objections, and historical background. Topics include the relationship between offering, sacrifice, and intention, the significance of genuine devotion in rituals, and the symbolic representation of Christ's sacrifice in the Eucharist.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 24min
Is Atheism Irrational? What Reason Can Tell Us about God's Existence | Prof. John O'Callaghan
Prof. John O'Callaghan discusses rationality, truth, and atheism, contrasting historical and modern perspectives. The podcast explores beauty in creation, addresses atheism's rationality, and emphasizes mercy towards atheists. It also examines evolving understanding in science and philosophy, highlights challenges in discussing atheism and faith, and reflects on the concept of mercy in philosophy and society.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 3min
Verbum Domini: The Catholic Approach to Scripture | Prof. Boyd Taylor Coolman
Prof. Boyd Taylor Coolman explores the Catholic approach to Scripture, discussing the formation of the New Testament canon, interpreting scripture through historical context and theological significance. The podcast delves into controversies over the interpretation of the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the importance of unity between the texts and emphasizing the Catholic principles of interpretation.
Apr 21, 2024 • 43min
Liberty in the Things of God: Christian Origins of Religious Freedom | Prof. Robert Louis Wilken
Prof. Robert Louis Wilken, an expert in Christian origins of religious freedom, challenges conventional views on the origins of religious freedom, tracing it back to early Christian writings in the Roman Empire. They explore Tertullian's moral argument for religious freedom based on human dignity and free will, highlighting the evolution of religious freedom from Christian antiquity to the Reformation era with a focus on the valorization of conscience. The podcast also discusses the role of key religious figures like James Madison in shaping the concept of religious freedom in Western civilization.
Apr 21, 2024 • 1h 8min
What's So Special About the Universe? Multiverse Theory & Catholic Theology | Prof. Stephen Barr
Physicist Prof. Stephen Barr explores the fine-tuning of the universe for life, delving into anthropic coincidences, multiverse theory, and the religious interpretation of the universe's vastness. The podcast also discusses the implications of the multiverse theory, universe branching, and challenges in understanding the arrow of time and entropy at the Big Bang.
