The Thomistic Institute

Professor Adam Eitel, an Associate Professor of Theology, discusses the importance of friendship in effective leadership and its role in human life. He explores the concept of love and the nature of true friendship according to Thomas Aquinas. Additionally, he delves into Thomas Aquinas's belief in a friendship with God and the concept of friendship with God and others. These topics highlight the necessity of cultivating meaningful relationships and mutual pursuit of good within the fellowship of the church.

"Does Evil Disprove God?" features Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Prof. W. Matthews Grant discussing the concept of evil and its correlation to God. They explore moral evil, the problem of evil, God's attributes, and perspectives on free will and determinism. The podcast delves into the nature of evil and its implications for God's existence in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.

Professor Patrick Callahan, Director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses Thomas Aquinas' principles on beauty and the human person, explores the concept of beauty in relation to God and the natural world, and delves into the qualities of the sublime in art, highlighting the distinction between commercialized and selfless art.

Father Alan O'Sullivan O.P., Chaplain of Trinity College, Dublin, discusses the concept of the good life from Aquinas' perspective, the origins of the good life in Western civilization, understanding temperaments, the moral dimensions of human acts and character formation, virtues becoming second nature through practice, the role of charity in virtuous life, and exploring virtues and individual strengths.

Father Thomas Petri, O.P., President of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies, discusses St. John Paul II's theology of the body and its connection to St. Thomas Aquinas. They explore the concept of the spousal meaning of the body, the effects of original sin on relationships, the link between Theology of the Body and contraception, the relationship between the immaterial and material in human thought, achieving harmony and virtue, the formal element of marriage, and the importance of St. John Paul II's book and St. Thomas Aquinas in The Theology of the Body.

Father Dominic Langevin, O.P. discusses the sacrament of confession, distinguishing between venial and mortal sins. The importance of examining one's conscience and acts of sin is explored. The concept of forgiveness and the role of confession in Christianity are highlighted, along with the biblical sources and ministers of the sacrament. Seeking Christ's mercy through confession and the grace of forgetting are emphasized.

Dr. Paul LaPenna, neurologist and Associate Professor of Neurology, explores the relationship between neuroscience and the soul. He discusses the impact of the scientific revolution on the development of the scientific method and the mechacinistic conception of nature. The discussion also covers the distinction between qualitative and quantitative things, challenges reductionism in neuroscience, and highlights the immateriality of human beings. The speaker shares their personal journey from studying science to becoming a doctor and reflects on the limits of science and the importance of faith. The immaterial aspect of human beings, the Eucharist in Catholicism, divine speech, and freedom are also explored, emphasizing the Catholic view of the human person and their dignity.

Professor Brad Gregory explores the influence of greed in Christian societies throughout history, discussing topics such as the cycle of consumption, Jesus' teachings on possessions, the challenges of poverty and wealth within religious orders, the impact of technology and institutions on societies, the theological differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, the early Church's focus on the poor, the unintended consequences of the separation of church and state, and the comparison between traditional Christian almsgiving and modern philanthropy.

Professor Chad Pecknold discusses St. Augustine's Confessions, exploring topics such as the nature of the person, the concept of the interior altar of the heart, the limitations of intellect, the role of memory, the Eucharist as a cure for disintegration, and the significance of confession and right worship.

Professor Tomas Bogardus discusses the role of birthplace in determining religious beliefs, explores how religious beliefs can be shaped by upbringing, and argues against the idea that birthplace guarantees a particular religion. He delves into the influence of social forces, early teaching, and personal experiences on religious beliefs, questioning their reliability and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking. The speaker explores the relationship between luck and knowledge and presents arguments for skepticism towards beliefs shaped by one's surroundings.