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
Nov 26, 2025 • 55min
Theology of the Body – Prof. Paige Hochschild
Prof. Paige Hochschild, a theology expert from Mount St. Mary's University, delves into John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, critiquing contemporary purity culture and exploring the impact of dualism on human sexuality. She discusses the significance of bodily integration and the transformative power of grace in relationships. Hochschild emphasizes that true fulfillment stems from divine love and community, while also defending celibacy as a valuable vocation that enriches understanding of marriage. Her insights connect classical theology with modern social issues.
Nov 25, 2025 • 34min
Identity vs. Nature: Aquinas on Who Creates Me – Prof. Jacob Wood
In this engaging discussion, Prof. Jacob W. Wood, a theologian from Franciscan University of Steubenville, navigates the complex waters of identity and nature through the lens of Aquinas. He contrasts Aquinas's views on human nature as divinely created with modern expressive individualism, exploring themes of authentic freedom and common purpose. Wood addresses how virtues foster true freedom and critiques gender identity as a chosen performance, emphasizing the importance of a shared human nature in dialogue across traditions.
12 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 34min
The Way of Beauty: The Church and the Arts – Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P.
Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P., is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame and a Dominican priest specializing in liturgical studies. He explores how beauty in art, architecture, and liturgy elevates worship and forms the soul. The discussion touches on how beauty leads to God, with insights from Aquinas on integrity, proportion, and clarity. Fr. Innocent emphasizes the role of beauty in both personal and communal worship and its importance in evangelization, illustrating his points with examples from diverse church architectures.
Nov 21, 2025 • 38min
Mariology 101: Part 1 – Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Fr. James Dominic Brent, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and chaplain at the Dominican House of Studies, dives into Mariology by exploring Mary's titles and her key role as Mother of God. He discusses how understanding these titles enhances our devotion to her. From tracing the origins of the Immaculate Conception to the significance of Mary's perpetual virginity, Brent unpacks pivotal attributes and how they connect to Mary's mission in salvation history. His analysis culminates in the assertion that Mary's motherhood uniquely defines her diverse roles.
Nov 20, 2025 • 41min
Finding Meaning Amidst the Chaos Or: Why Get Out of Bed in the Morning? – Dr. Robert McNamara
Dr. Robert McNamara, a philosophy lecturer and specialist in medieval and phenomenological thought, dives into the chaos of contemporary life. He discusses how nihilism and absurdism poison our cultural air and lead to meaninglessness. By emphasizing wonder, attention, and virtue, he offers a path to finding purpose amidst chaos. McNamara draws on Viktor Frankl’s insights about finding dignity in suffering and argues that personal meaning is linked to our unique destinies. He also provides practical tips for cultivating wonder through friendship, nature, and the arts.
Nov 19, 2025 • 37min
A Feeble Plant in the Breeze: Personal and Social Forms of Acedia – Prof. Carl Vennerstrom
Prof. Carl Vennerstrom, a specialist in eastern patristic theology and monasticism, dives deep into the concept of acedia—often known as spiritual sloth. He discusses the existential nausea depicted in Sartre's work and contrasts it with insights from early Christian monastics in Egypt. Vennerstrom explores how Evagrius of Pontus described the eight principal demons that undermine virtue, the noonday demon's tactics, and how modern technology exacerbates feelings of acedia. He links this rampant modern vice to societal conditions, urging for a deeper understanding and remedy.
Nov 18, 2025 • 45min
Your Eucharistic Identity – Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Fr. Gregory Pine explores the depth of our Eucharistic identity, emphasizing the importance of sacraments as visible signs of invisible grace. He discusses how defining ourselves against others leads to a distorted self-image, and elucidates Catholic teachings on justification and the transformative power of the Eucharist. Pine highlights how the Mass re-presents Christ's sacrifice, ignites charity, and fosters a sense of belonging within the mystical body of Christ. He underscores that our graces are intentional and meant to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Nov 17, 2025 • 38min
Aquinas and Newman on the Pursuit of Wisdom and Happiness – Prof. Jennifer Frey
In this insightful discussion, Professor Jennifer A. Frey, a leading philosopher from the University of Tulsa, delves into the pursuit of wisdom through the lenses of Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman. She critiques the modern university's focus on specialization, likening it to a 'knowledge-production machine' that neglects the humanities. Frey champions Newman's vision of a liberal education, which fosters universal knowledge and promotes human flourishing. She argues that wisdom should guide all disciplines, encouraging students to engage in philosophical inquiry for a meaningful life.
12 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 48min
Minimum Wage vs. Just Wage: A Thomistic Clarification of Catholic Social Teaching – Dr. Michael Krom
Dr. Michael Krom, a Professor specializing in Thomistic thought, discusses the nuances of just wages within Catholic social teaching. He highlights the distinction between moral and political claims concerning wages and explores Scripture's take on labor compensation. Krom delves into the historical context of wage debates and how Aquinas's teachings can illuminate modern discussions on sufficiency and justice. He also emphasizes the importance of subsidiarity in addressing wage issues, advocating for local solutions over government intervention.
Nov 13, 2025 • 43min
Would St. Thomas Baptize and Extraterrestrial? – Dr. Edmund Lazzari
Dr. Edmund Lazzari, a Teaching Fellow at Duquesne University, dives deep into the intriguing intersection of Thomistic theology and extraterrestrial life. He explores whether St. Thomas Aquinas would consider baptizing an intelligent non-human species and discusses the implications of astrobiology on Catholic teaching. Lazzari explains the nature of intelligence, the immortality of the soul, and whether non-humans require salvation. He argues that Aquinas's framework expertly addresses questions about the spiritual independence of other species in light of the human fall.
