

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

Mar 18, 2020 • 57min
Happiness Cannot Be Had Alone | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. discusses the radical life choices of Christopher McCandless, the importance of human connection for happiness, challenges in forming meaningful relationships, the classical understanding of happiness and the common good, virtues and sacraments in heaven, and the depth of friendship in Christianity.

Mar 14, 2020 • 55min
The Intellectual Life of the Mother of God | Dr. Zena Hitz
Dr. Zena Hitz discusses Mary's intellectual virtues, comparing them to figures like Albert Einstein. The podcast explores seclusion for learning, withdrawal for self-collection, and the human elements of the intellectual life, emphasizing solitude, virtues, and dedicated spaces for contemplation.

Mar 11, 2020 • 45min
What is Immateriality? | Prof. Therese Cory
Philosopher and theologian Prof. Therese Cory explores the concept of immateriality, contrasting the 'spooky body view' with Thomas Aquinas' perspective. They discuss the intellect and intelligible as one in intellectual activity, the distinction between self-manifesting being and extended being, and Aquinas' argument on the cognitive nature of immateriality.

Mar 10, 2020 • 1h
God and the Mystery Of Human Suffering | Prof. Michael Sirilla
Prof. Michael Sirilla, a theology and philosophy professor, delves into the philosophical paradoxes and theological significance of human suffering. The discussion explores the existence of God and evil, suffering in the context of Christ's sacrifice, theomimesis, theosis, kenosis, free will, consent, and the complexity of suffering under a loving God.

Mar 7, 2020 • 48min
What is Law? A Thomistic Perspective | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. discusses the Thomistic perspective on law, highlighting the role of laws in guiding human actions towards the good. He delves into various types of law such as eternal, natural, human, and divine law, emphasizing the importance of intellect and will in following natural law. The podcast also explores practical reason, virtues, natural law argumentation, and ethical considerations of breaking human laws.

Mar 5, 2020 • 51min
What Must I Do to Be Saved? Catholicism and the Doctrine of Justification | Prof. Francis Beckwith
Prof. Francis Beckwith, an expert in Catholicism, dives into the differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs on justification, exploring concepts like praying to saints and purgatory. He delves into the historical context of the Reformation, Martin Luther's actions, and the impact on views of purgatory and post-baptismal sin. The discussion also focuses on the interpretation of Abraham's justification by faith in Romans 4 and the multi-faceted concept of justification in Catholicism, involving ongoing actions, obedience, grace, and salvation.

Mar 4, 2020 • 60min
The Question of Free Will in the Modern World | Prof. Paul Symington
Prof. Paul Symington explores free will in philosophy, discussing Aristotelian and Thomistic views, hylomorphism, intellect-will interplay, determinism, consciousness, and Freud's theories on decision-making.

Mar 3, 2020 • 57min
The Trinitarian Consciousness of Christ | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., discusses the Trinitarian consciousness of Christ, exploring his human self-awareness in cultural context and divine unity with the Father and Holy Spirit. The conversation delves into Christ's unique sonship claims, depiction in the Gospels, and the debates surrounding the number of consciousnesses Christ may possess. It also explores the significance of Jesus' miracles in uncovering his divine nature and the importance of maintaining a coherent philosophical position in theological discourse.

Feb 29, 2020 • 1h 8min
True Friendship: A Thomistic Guide | Prof. John Cuddeback
Explore the significance and types of true friendship with guest Prof. John Cuddeback, emphasizing the importance of shared life, virtue, and deliberate effort. Delve into the rarity of genuine friendships, building trust and deep connections. Learn about the steps to initiate meaningful relationships by choosing loyal friends and fostering divine friendship inspired by Christ's love.

Feb 27, 2020 • 1h 1min
God Is Not Nice | Prof. Ulrich Lehner
Prof. Ulrich Lehner challenges the notion of a 'Nice God' theology, emphasizing radical transformation and a deeper spiritual connection. He explores varying levels of love from God, the importance of living virtuous lives in a church community, and balancing emotions with reason in faith. The podcast highlights the concept of God not always being 'nice' and the human imitation of Christ through a blend of tenderness and truth.


