What is Catholic education? Why is it in need of renewal? Can't we learn the methods of science and mathematics in a secular setting? If so, how would Catholic education view these subjects differently? Dr. Alex Lessard joins us to discuss these topics. Toward the end, Dr. Lessard gives details about an upcoming conference with many Catholic speakers including Edward Feser. Listeners who go to the show notes page will see a BONUS offer (over 55% off) to stream the conference.
Jun 09, 2023•34 min
What is the apparent conflict between Dignitatis Humanae and 19th-century Papal teaching? What is Michael Dunnigan's solution to the conflict? How can we properly reconcile particular passages in Quanta Cura with Dignitatis Humanae? Dr. Michael Dunnigan joins the show again to discuss these topics.
May 30, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 232
What is the important terminology to know in discussions on gender? Is gender merely a social construct? What does the evidence say regarding differences between males and females? How should Catholic schools respond to gender issues? How should Catholics respond/react to friends that identify as transgender? Jason Evert joins us to discuss these topics and his new book Male, Female, Other? A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender ....
May 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min
How can we know when a Pope has spoken infallibly? What are the conditions that must be met? Did Pope Leo XIII speak infallibly in Providentissimus Deus? Did the Pope speak infallibly in Humanae Vitae or Evangelium Vitae? What should we make of the “manifestly evident” criterion in canon law? Dr. John Joy returns to the show to discuss these topics as we look at his recent book Disputed Questions on Papal Infallibility . The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in con...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 230
Is the Kalam cosmological argument sound? In particular, is there a successful philosophical argument for the finitude of the past? Jordan Carstensen (grad student at Holy Apostles College) argues in the affirmative. Jimmy Akin, who affirms the scientific evidence supporting the Kalam, argues that philosophical arguments for a finite past do not work. This episode consists of a dialogue between Jimmy and Jordan, moderated by John.
May 16, 2023•1 hr 23 min
Pat Flynn and I discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Kevin Vost. We mention the aspects of his character and his work that drew us to him. Pat shares a few personal stories, and John explains Dr. Vost's morning routine before writing. Further resources and his books can be found at https://www.classicaltheism.com/vost
Apr 18, 2023•32 min
Why think the Gospels present truthful testimony? What are undesigned coincidences and how to they point to Gospel authenticity? How can we harmonize discrepancies in Gospel accounts? Dr. Lydia McGrew joins us to discuss these topics and more. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, an...
Apr 17, 2023•53 min•Ep. 228
What are you really? What is a person? How can reason and science shed light on these questions? How can persons originate? Dr. Josh Rasmussen joins us to discuss his new book-length investigation into these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, and (3) He founded the Catholi...
Apr 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 227
Who really wrote the Pentateuch? What are the arguments for the Documentary Hypothesis? Why don't those arguments succeed? What evidence supports an ancient Pentateuch? Dr. John Bergsma joins us to address these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, and (3) He founded the Cat...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 11 min
What are persons? Why are persons "irreducible" and what does that mean? Can we argue from human persons to the existence of God? What was the De Auxilius debate and where does Dr. Spencer come down on that in his book? We discuss these topics and more. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah an...
Mar 06, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 225
Why are there so many different Catholic Bible translations? How did the Catholic ESV come about? Why is an essentially literal translation come about? Dr. Mark Giszczak joins the show to discuss these questions and mroe.
Feb 21, 2023•48 min
What is metaphysics? How does a Thomist approach God's existence? Can one prove God's existence using the real distinction between essences and their acts of existence? How does Dr. Kerr respond to several objections including the issue of existential inertia? We tackle these topics and more in the episode. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God ...
Feb 13, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 224
What is God? What did St. Thomas Aquinas teach about the nature of God in the prima pars? Could God reveal someone's entire future to them? Dr. Kevin Vost joins us to discuss his brand new book out titled What is God? www.classicaltheism.com/episodes
Jan 30, 2023•41 min•Ep. 223
Were Adam and Eve REAL? Why is this an important topic for young people? Gary Michuta and I discuss the topic in some detail.
Jan 30, 2023•43 min
What did the First Vatican Council teach about faith and reason? How do Thomists parse the act of faith? How does the Vatican Council's account of faith and reason fit well with Thomistic hylomorphic dualism over and against Descartes' view? Dr. Gaven Kerr joins the podcast again to discuss these issues. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of ...
Jan 16, 2023•55 min•Ep. 222
Lydia McGrew joins the show again to defend the reliability and historicity of John's Gospel. In part 2, she tackles the objection that Jesus sounds too different in John's Gospel compared to the Synoptics. Therefore, critics allege, John must have highly edited, adapted, and revised the words of Jesus. Also, we discuss why the evidence supports the traditional authorship that the Beloved Disciple was none other than the Apostle John himself. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic ...
Jan 02, 2023•51 min•Ep. 221
Is the Pope worth defending? What should we think of his controversial statement, "Who am I to judge?" What about the proper understanding of Amoris Laetitia ? Is the "Pachamama incident" a black mark on the Francis Pontificate? Dr. Robert Fastiggi joins the show to discuss these issues. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism ...
Dec 28, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 220
Professor Kevin Gutzman discusses his new book The Jeffersonians. I ask him what we should think about those who want to cancel the legacy of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe due to their involvement in slavery. We also discuss the constitutionality of the Louisiana Purchase. Consider this a special bonus episode for those interest in U.S. History. I also announce this year's BIG Xmas/New Year's book giveaway.
Dec 22, 2022•57 min
We discuss the Essence/Energies distinction and how it is similar/different from how Aquinas thinks about Divine Simplicity. Also, a special thanks to Jack Boczar of the CT Research team for his help in preparing for this episode.
Dec 12, 2022•56 min•Ep. 219
Jake Buscher joins the podcast to explain and defend St. Thomas Aquinas's 4th way to God's existence. Jake thinks the argument is valid and sound. He explains the premises and defends it against several objections. Support the Classical Theism Podcast: One-time donations: www.classicaltheism.com/contribute Monthly contributions: www.classicaltheism.com/support Hop on the email list to learn about all free book contests and other cool stuff: www.classicaltheism.com/subscribe...
Nov 29, 2022•57 min•Ep. 218
We look at the traditional authorship and meaning of the book of Isaiah.
Nov 22, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 217
I sat down with Jimmy Akin to debrief his recent debate on Capturing Christianity against The Other Paul . The debrief is also available in video format at www.youtube.com/jimmyakin The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, and (3) He founded the Catholic Church. We place a strong emphas...
Nov 07, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 216
Who are the "Four More Witnesses" that give insight into the early Church? Why is Origen such an important figure and why are his contributions sometimes qualified? Who was Clement of Alexandria and why are his writings important? How old did Irenaeus think Jesus was? Rod Bennett joins us to discuss these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) th...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 215
How might a philosophical Thomist analyze the problem of evil? Why is evil and suffering so debilitating in the lives of many such as Rachel in the Old Testament? What should we think about the work of Fr. Brian Davies and Dr. Eleonore Stump on the problem of evil? Dr. John Knasas joins us to discuss these topics. In this episode, he focuses his comments on the work of two other prominent Thomists that have written in this area. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian idea...
Oct 26, 2022•1 hr 1 min
How might a philosophical Thomist analyze the problem of evil? Why is evil and suffering so debilitating in the lives of many such as Rachel in the Old Testament? What should we think about the work of Fr. Brian Davies and Dr. Eleonore Stump on the problem of evil? Dr. John Knasas joins us to discuss these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) t...
Oct 24, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 214
Is Pascal's Wager still defensible today? Is it even possible to take Pascal's wager if we don't have willful control over what we believe? Supposing we can take the wager, ought we to do so? Is it rational to choose a belief for practical reasons and not merely evidential reasons? Dr. Liz Jackson joins us to discuss these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian...
Oct 17, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 213
What is beauty? How can we define it? Is beauty merely in the eye of the beholder? How should with think about God's beauty? How can there be such a thing as 'divine beauty' if divine simplicity is true? Dr. Samuel G. Parkison joins us to discuss these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Mes...
Oct 10, 2022•54 min•Ep. 212
What are the sacraments? Why do Catholics add sacraments to the simple faith of the New Testament? Do sacraments constitute an earning of salvation? How does a new ITC document shed light on these ideas? Michael Gormley joins us to discuss these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah an...
Oct 03, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 211
What does the Catholic Church teach about justification? Is faith the only thing necessary for salvation? Are we saved by our own works? What are the similarities between the Catholic and Lutheran positions? What should Catholics think about Paul’s assertion in Romans 7 that sin dwells in him? Dr. Christopher J. Malloy joins us to discuss these topics and his book False Mercy . The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, ...
Sep 26, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 2010
Does the God of classical theism exist? What metaphysical arguments has Dr. Koons been working on as of late? Does the passage of time itself point to a purely actual cause of time's flow? Dr. Robert Koons joins us to discuss these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, and (3...
Sep 19, 2022•56 min•Ep. 209
