The Thomistic Institute Why Modern Christians Need the Eucharist – Prof. Michael Dauphinais
Mar 27, 2026
Michael A. Dauphinais, a Thomistic scholar and professor who studies Aquinas and C.S. Lewis, explains why the Eucharist matters for modern Christians. He explores modernity’s limits, the creed as encounter with Christ, biblical roots in John and Corinthians, early testimony, and Aquinas’s view of the Eucharist as restorative communion with the Trinity.
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Modern Mindset of Empiricism and Worldly Hope
- Modern mentality centers on empiricism and nominalism that trusts senses and individual competition.
- Michael Dauphinais ties this to a hope for earthly progress that often slides into despair, illustrated by Locke, Bacon, and C.S. Lewis quotes.
Creed As Personal Communion Not Mere Propositions
- The creed is not abstract doctrine but an entry into a person; faith unites the believer to the living Christ.
- Dauphinais cites Aquinas: the act of faith terminates in the reality (the person), not merely a proposition, and the New Testament creed is 'Jesus is Lord.'
Apostles Creed Frames Baptism Eucharist And Spirit
- The Apostles' Creed maps baptismal entry: Father (creator and intimate), Son (history of death and resurrection), Spirit (church and sacraments).
- Dauphinais follows Ratzinger identifying the third article as the Holy Spirit's work realized in baptism and Eucharist.
