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
Dec 24, 2025 • 32min
Participation in the Divine Nature: Aquinas and the Catholic Vision of Theosis – Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine explores the profound concept of theosis, explaining how Christians can participate in divine life without becoming God. He clarifies misconceptions about divinization, emphasizing its monotheistic nature. The discussion connects doctrine to worship, illustrating how beliefs shape liturgical practices. Highlighting the role of grace and the sacraments, Pine illustrates humanity's purpose: to enjoy God and experience His love through Christ's Incarnation. The lecture invites listeners into a deeper understanding of their faith and relationship with the divine.
9 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 56min
What Difference Did Christianity Make? Why the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Irish Converted – Fr. Terence Crotty, O.P.
Fr. Terence Crotty, O.P., a Scripture scholar and Regent of Studies in the Irish Dominican Order, delves into the rapid spread of Christianity among the Greeks, Romans, and Irish. He argues that Christianity uniquely satisfied humanity's quest for truth and happiness through charity, dignity for women and slaves, and a loving God. Crotty highlights how Christian communities attracted various social classes and discusses the transformative impact of figures like St. Patrick and St. Brigid on Irish society, emphasizing the religion's profound societal effects.
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Disappearing Man: Body, Soul, and the Question of Who We Are – Dr. Paul LaPenna
Dr. Paul LaPenna discusses the profound case of a man in a coma, exploring the relationship between body and soul. He argues that personal identity endures even through significant loss of abilities. Delving into neuroscience and Thomistic philosophy, he rejects materialism and Cartesian dualism, presenting a unified view of humanity. He highlights the emotional journey with the patient's family and reflects on the role of faith in enduring change and loss. Finally, he shares the man's inspiring recovery and the importance of grounding oneself in the unchanging God.
Dec 19, 2025 • 43min
Rebutting Necessitarian Universalism: Three Thomistic Arguments – Prof. Mats Wahlberg
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Mats Wahlberg, a systematic theology expert and former Aquinas Chair, challenges the idea of necessitarian universalism, arguing it clashes with key Christian beliefs. He presents three compelling Thomistic arguments for the possibility of eternal damnation, emphasizing God's respect for human nature and the significance of true free will. Wahlberg clarifies misconceptions about hell, framing it as self-exclusion from divine love rather than arbitrary punishment, and delves into the interplay between goodness, freedom, and the nature of divine causality.
Dec 18, 2025 • 46min
Reprobation and Permission of Sin – Prof. Thomas Osborne
Thomas M. Osborne, Jr. is a philosophy professor at the University of St. Thomas, specializing in Aquinas and medieval thought. He dives into the complex interplay of reprobation and predestination, elucidating how God's grace leads the elect to glory while sin is merely permitted, not willed. Osborne explores the moral implications of divine causation, freedom, and the nature of sin. Using engaging analogies, he clarifies how reprobation highlights both justice and mercy, emphasizing that human responsibility remains central to moral failings.
Dec 17, 2025 • 47min
Aquinas's Interpretation of Predestination in Scripture – Fr. Piotr Roszak
Fr. Piotr Roszak, an expert in Thomistic and biblical theology, discusses Aquinas's interpretation of predestination, emphasizing its biblical foundation. He explains how predestination reflects God's merciful love and freedom, rather than deterministic causes. Roszak also explores key biblical motifs, such as the Book of Life, and Aquinas's balance of divine causality with human cooperation. He highlights Christ as central to predestination and stresses that the ultimate goal is friendship with God, inviting listeners to rethink this profound doctrine.
Dec 16, 2025 • 43min
Why is Thomism so Fixated on Predestination? – Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.
Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., a Dominican scholar and editor in the Thomistic tradition, dives into the significance of predestination in Thomism. He argues that this doctrine is central to understanding God, creation, and salvation. Exploring themes like divine providence and the creator-creature distinction, he highlights how predestination unites various aspects of Thomistic philosophy. Fr. Cuddy also discusses its implications for human freedom and moral life, emphasizing its necessity for conversion and grace.
Dec 15, 2025 • 48min
What is predestination? – Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., a Dominican theologian and President of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, dives deep into the hopeful doctrine of predestination. He unpacks its roots in God's eternal plan and emphasizes the interplay between divine grace and human freedom. Drawing upon St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine, Fr. Legge articulates how grace enhances freedom, allowing us to love the highest good. He also explores the nuances of predestination in relation to evil, showcasing its complex metaphysical dimensions.
Dec 12, 2025 • 42min
Does Nature Make Laws? – Prof. Raymond Hain
In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Raymond Hain, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Providence College, delves into the philosophy of natural law and its implications for human morality. He explores how moral norms emerge from our rational engagement with the universe, drawing on insights from St. Thomas Aquinas. Hain also tackles the challenge posed by evolutionary theory to our understanding of essential human nature and the need for a moral framework. His arguments reveal how faith and reason can harmonize, enriching our understanding of ethical principles.
6 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 56min
'The greatest of all God's works': Justification in Catholic Theology – Prof. Matthew Thomas
Prof. Matthew Thomas, an expert in Pauline theology and patristics, explores the profound concept of justification in Catholic theology. He emphasizes why justification is even greater than creation, highlighting how it restores righteousness through grace. Listen as he unpacks three facets of justification: forgiveness, transformation, and incorporation into the Church. Thomas also delves into the debate between faith and works, connecting ancient scripture to modern discussions, while advocating for Protestant-Catholic dialogue rooted in shared beliefs.
