Catholic Studies Academy Podcast
157 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsPodcast by Jason Gale
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Episodes
The Liberal Arts and the Renewal of Western Civilization
February 09, 2024 01:28 - 1 hour - 69.4 MBThe Liberal Arts and the Renewal of Western Civilization Description: #liberalarts, #Western_civilization, #Classical_Education Have you ever heard of the liberal arts? Maybe when you were applying for college? But you probably don't know that the liberal arts are at the heart of western civilization? In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith explores the history, meaning, and value of the liberal arts. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the role of education in shapin...
Ratzinger's Introduction to Christianity
January 24, 2024 11:27 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBCardinal Joseph Ratzinger was a leading churchman and one of the greatest Catholic theologians of the 20th century. In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli leads us on a guided tour of Ratzinger's classic text, Introduction to Christianity. In this discussion, we explore the problems of presenting Christian faith in the contemporary world, Ratzinger's dialectical engagement with existentialism, freedom, Vatican II, theology and culture, and much more. You will not want...
2023: A Year in Review
January 15, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 79.2 MBWe live in interesting times --- for better or worse. Confusion and anxiety are the hallmarks of the age. In this episode, our contributors discuss and critique the key cultural, political, and philosophical developments of 2023. The discussion covers divergent views on natalism, the sexula revolution, political power, the decline of liberalism, and so much more. Join us as we continue to explore the Catholic intellectual tradition, classical philosophy, and the world around us. Topics Inc...
Marriage, Annulments, and Tribunals
September 26, 2023 09:28 - 1 hour - 70.1 MBDr. Bulzacchelli speaks with canonist Tyler Ross about the matrimony in the Catholic Church today from the perspective of canon law. Topics include: Annulment Mixed marriages Impediments and Defects in attempted marriages
The Decline Continues: After Post-Modernism
September 08, 2023 00:38 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBAre you confused and frustrated by current cultural trends? You are in good company. America and Europe are experiencing an unprecedented period of self-destruction. What is going on!? This episode is wide-ranging romp through the philosophical flotsam of our current cultural crisis. And we are featuring a new guest: Mr. Whit Smith --- entrepreneur, music producer, and Catholic provocateur. If you want to understand what is going on, this is the podcast for you. Listen, subscribe, and share. ...
Against Reductionism
August 09, 2023 11:25 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBFamously Aristotle claims that being ("reality") is primarily said of substance and claims that substance is the basic, foundational, unity of reality. In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Mr. Grossheim (Ph.D. student in Philosophy) explain how substance is discovered through a methodical analysis of change, which culminates in the insight that real composites are always composed of form and matter, that is, that substance cannot be reduced to a more basic kind of real...
How God Rules over Politics: The Hierarchy of Law According to Saint Thomas Aquinas
July 16, 2023 23:52 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith explores the connection between God and politics in the thought of Thomas Aquinas. Specifically, Smith explains the hierarchical connect of God to natural law and law to God. This connection lays the basis for a naturalistic, theistic politics that is also consistent with divine law. If you are interested in the debates about politics and religion this is the episode for you. Please listen, like, and subscribe. Topics include: Law, Au...
Just What is Catholic Intellectual Tradition?
June 29, 2023 10:40 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBCatholics rightly hold out their own Catholic Intellectual Tradition as an alternative to contemporary errors and aberrations. But just what is the Catholic Intellectual Tradition? What distinguishes it as a specific way of thinking about the world and man? Does it consistent primarily in learning a particular content, or is it a method? Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith take up these question in the newest episode of Take Every Thought Captive. Enjoy, subscribe, and like. Topics include: · ...
The Church in the Age of Dionysius: Challenges Facing the Church
June 02, 2023 11:32 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBMany Catholics feel like they are constantly under siege from a hostile culture. We seem to lurch from one crisis or controversy to another. Even worse, local churches seem to be in permanent decline. What are the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual reasons for the current state of the church? How should we respond? Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith address these questions in this episode of Take Every Thought Captive. A thoughtful and sober discussion. Listen, share, and subscribe. Topics i...
Globalism, Nationalism, and Catholicism
May 16, 2023 18:59 - 1 hour - 69.5 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli leads a discussion on the intersection of globalism, nationalism, and Catholic faith. This conversation was occasioned by Pope Francis's recent remarks on the subject. His Holiness suggested that Catholics should affirm both roots and bridges. What should Catholics do to affirm national and religious roots? And how should "rootedness" be balanced with building bridges to others. This is an in depth conversation that touches on th...
The Authoritarian Option: Rethinking the Limits of Political Theory
April 24, 2023 23:01 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBIn modern political discourse, authoritarianism is often denounced but rarely defined or understood. In this exploratory discussion, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli consider the meaning and possible legitimacy of authoritarianism. The discussion focuses on ideas taken from Plato, including the paradoxical claim that doing whatever you feel like is not really freedom. This exploration pushes the limits of political legitimacy and raises important questions about the limits and meaning freedom, ...
America in Decline
April 05, 2023 14:33 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBA recent study published by the Wall Street Journal and the University of Chicago found that traditional American values are in steep decline. Specifically, Americans were found to value patriotism, children, and religion to a far lesser degree than previous generations. In fact, the only value that has increased is the putative importance of money. In this episode of Take Every Thought captive Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzaccelli are joined by special guests Bob Gorman ( a scholar of internationa...
Greed and the Love of Money
March 16, 2023 23:20 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli interviews Dr. Smith about his recent edition of Logosletter entitled, "Should we Desire Riches: The Forgotten Vice of Greed." This is a wide-ranging and detailed discussion that covers the meaning of ownership, the foundations of private property, and the spiritual effects of a disordered desire for riches. The discussion concludes with ideas about avoiding greed. Following the view of Thomas Aquinas, Dr. Smith argues that an un...
Engaging the Chosen: Images, the Bible, and Discernment
February 10, 2023 11:56 - 1 hour - 71.8 MBThis week, Dr. Smith interviews special guest, Joan Watson, about the Chosen. In recent years, Joan has become a well known speaker and writer and much of her work directly interacts with the smash tv series The Chosen. If you want to engage the Chosen from a Catholic and Biblical perspective, you are going to love this episode. We discuss criticisms of the Chosen, major themes, discernment, and so much more. We hope you enjoy! Topics: Theological objections to images The uses and dangers of...
God, Conservatives ,and Higher Education: The Conservative Case for Higher Education
January 27, 2023 01:09 - 36 minutes - 33 MBWhy do conservatives revile higher education? Is there any way for conservatives and higher education to reconcile? In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith addresses the open hostility between conservatives and higher education. He discusses conservative anti-intellectual attitudes, the "woke left," and the nature of higher education. Along the way Dr. Smith develops an Aristotelian-Thomist argument for the abiding significance of higher education for conservatives. Topics ...
The Meaning and Morality of Economics: Aristotelian and Modern Perspectives
January 12, 2023 22:49 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith interviews special guest Mr. Phillip Berns, ABD graduate student at the Center for Thomistic Studies. Mr. Berns' research focuses on the intersection of economics and Aristotelian philosophy. This is a serious exploration of the nature of economics, the scientific character of economic theory, and the morality of economic action. Frequent contributor, Mr. Joseph Grossheim (MA philosophy, ABD) also joins in the discussion. Topics include...
Encountering Christ in Advent and Christmas
December 22, 2022 12:28 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli explores the historical origins and major theological themes of Advent and Christmas. The discussion centers on the development of the liturgy and the ways in which these liturgical seasons help us to encounter Christ. The discussion concludes with suggestions for better ways to celebrate these important seasons. Historical origins Liturgical development The intersection of personal devotion and liturgy The eschatological theme...
The Eclipse of Metaphysics: Thomism and the Road back to Reality
December 06, 2022 12:36 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith explores the modes of thought that have led us to our contemporary crisis in culture and elucidates five Thomistic principles for recovering an authentic sense of reality. Dr. Smith discusses the reliability of human reason, the errors of postmodernism, and the proper understanding of nature. This is a crucial and important episode that you do not want to miss! Topics include: Postmodernism, scientism, and existentialism The reliabili...
American Elections, What would Aristotle Say?
November 18, 2022 12:08 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the recent US elections using the political categories developed by Aristotle, including aristocracy, oligarchy, democracy, republicanism, etc. Dr. Smith defends the view that American politics features a broad middle-class, focused on the household defending itself from domination by oligarchs and revolution and redistribution by the "dispossessed." Topics: What is democracy? How do democracy and oligarch...
"God Is Dead": Should Catholics Read Nietzsche?
October 23, 2022 18:56 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBPerhaps the most notorious statement in the history of philosophy is Friedrich Nietzsche's claim that "God is Dead." In this episode of "Take Every Thought Captive," Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the death of God, the rise of unbelief, and the sources of unbelief identified by Nietzsche. Ironically, Nietzsche turns out to be a useful resource for Christians, because of his keen understanding of the causes of unbelief. The conversation wraps up with a brief discussion of Dr. Smith's n...
Vatican 2: Continuity or Rupture
October 16, 2022 14:46 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The conversation focuses on the continuity of the Council with the prior Catholic tradition. Through this interpretive lense, a taxonomy of approaches to Catholic faith is developed. It is hoped that this discussion will contribute to a better understanding of the Second Vatican Council and the current state of the church. Topics include: Hermeneutic...
The Case for Christian Monarchy
September 13, 2022 18:35 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith explore the idea of Christian monarchy. Smith and Bulzacchelli critique false misconceptions of Christian monarchy, and discuss some features that have made this form of government attractive to Christiians over the centuries. This discussion is an excellent opportunity for rethinking our assumptions about democracy and the best form (for forms) of government. Topics include: - The divine right of kings - Absolutism...
Hegel On Freedom
August 07, 2022 17:53 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss Hegel's view of freedom. We cover: - Kantian freedom: freedom of rational (universal and consistent) decision making - Kantian freedom + mutual recognition - Our self-recognition is only verified by the mutual recognition of someone else - But the "other" is a problem - Freedom and the end of history is a social and cultural achievement - Freedom is found in the ethical and the ethical is obedience to the rational sta...
This is my Body: Aquinas and Transubstantiation
July 25, 2022 14:15 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith explore the metaphysical structure of transubstantiation. The launch point for this discussion is the treatment developed by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologiae. If you have ever wanted to gain more insight into the meaning and ontology of the Eucharist this is a great opportunity for you. ST III.75 Natural place and time vs. sacramental place and time The reality of the accidents The relation of the Euch...
Aquinas, Freedom, and the Crisis of Culture
July 04, 2022 14:45 - 59 minutes - 53.9 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Jason and Dr. Benjamin Smith discuss the topic of freedom. We cover: - William of Ockham and historical context - Servias Pinckaers on rivaling views of freedom - Freedom for Excellence vs Freedom of Indifference/License - Freedom and the Good - The Nature of the will - Reason and will - The role of virtue - The role of the law - Authentic Freedom and the cultural crisis today
Episode 125: June 24, 2022 - Victory For Virtue
June 25, 2022 16:59 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBEpisode 125: June 24, 2022 - Victory For Virtue by Jason Gale
Pelosi, Communion, and Canon Law
June 02, 2022 16:16 - 1 hour - 65.5 MBIn this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and canonist, Tyler Ross discuss the theological and canonical issues surrounding the ban of Nancy Pelosi from Holy Communion. We cover: - The issue - Is this excommunication? - Types of excommunications - Mortal Sin and Excommunication - Canon 915 and 916 - The relationship of ethics and politics - Conditions – obstinate, manifest, and gravity (serious) - Scandal - Bad Commentary out there - Clarity on the issue and the implications - Difficult practicalities
Abortion And the Elements of the Culture War
May 07, 2022 19:37 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the current debate over abortion, the Dobbs case, and the elements of the culture war. We cover: - The Dobbs Case - The reaction to the Dobbs case - The culture behind abortion - Elements of the Abortion Worldview - History and the Narrative - Lifestyle - Eschatology
Hegel And the Purpose of History
April 20, 2022 20:59 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBIn this episode, Dr. Smith and Jason discuss the influence of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. We cover: - Hegel's place in history - Hegel's idea of history history: human experience changes - Progress: achievement, inadequacy, new stage of consciousness - Trajectory of history and Geist - Omega point of history: the fully adequate realization of consciousness
What is Human Dignity?: A Thomistic Perspective
March 22, 2022 20:49 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Mr. Joe Grossheim discuss the Thomist theory of human dignity, including Thomas Aquinas's controversial claim that human dignity can be lost. We also explore whether human dignity can serve as the foundation of ethics. This discussion is inspired by the recent debates surrounding Alisdair MacIntyre's critical comments regarding human dignity last year. Topics include: - Personalism, JP2, and Human dignity - The meaning of human dig...
Answering Modern Objections to Christianity
March 07, 2022 16:58 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss 4 modern objections to Christianity and how to combat them. We cover: - Relativism - Pluralism - Scientism - Neo-Marxism
Answering Modern Objections
March 07, 2022 16:58 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss 4 modern objections to Christianity and how to combat them. We cover: - Relativism - Pluralism - Scientism - Neo-Marxism
The Crisis In Philosophy: 1900-2000
February 21, 2022 19:18 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss his upcoming course in philosophy covering 20th century philosophy. We cover: - The end of Idealism - Husserl and Phenomenology - Neo-Marxism - Heidegger - Existentialism - Logical Positivism - Post-modernism and more
Crisis, Institutional Failure, and Public Reason
January 28, 2022 23:28 - 57 minutes - 52.2 MBIn this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli, Dr. Smith, and Jason discuss the current crises we are experiencing in the world, the Church, and seemingly everywhere we turn. We take a 30,000 foot view of the current culture underlying the crises. We cover: - Diagnosing the problem - We cannot think rationally - Reactionary thinking - Public reasoning for public reasoning - Decline of public reasoning - Truncation of reason to scientism - Atheism – the view of the person - Human suffering - A New Dogmat...
Nature Acts for an End: Aristotle and the Order of Nature
January 18, 2022 21:49 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBIn episode 116, Jason and Dr. Smith welcome special guest, Joe Grossheim to discuss a classical saying, "Nature Acts for an End." We cover: - Why this is an important question - Aristotle and the Physics Book II - What is Nature? - Art and Nature - Necessity and Chance - Intelligence and chance - Nature, ends, and ethics https://www.newadvent.org/summa/2001.htm#article2
Special Offer from Catholic Studies Academy
November 26, 2021 17:31 - 53 seconds - 125 KBGo to: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/shop-courses/ and use code: csasoundcloud to get any course for $25! shhhhhhh...don't tell anyone!
Nature Acts for an Ends
November 22, 2021 21:26 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith welcome special guest, Joe Grossheim to discuss a classical saying, "Nature Acts for an End." We cover: - Why this is an important question - Aristotle and the Physics Book II - What is Nature? - Art and Nature - Necessity and Chance - Intelligence and chance - Nature, ends, and ethics
Aquinas 4th Way and Why it Works
November 10, 2021 21:37 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBIn this episode, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss Aquinas' 4th Way to understand the existence of God. We cover: - Reading the 4th Way - The uniqueness of this argument - Gradation and degree - The metaphysical foundation The 4th Way - "The fourth way is taken from the gradation to be found in things. Among beings there are some more and some less good, true, noble and the like. But "more" and "less" are predicated of different things, according as they resemble in their different ways...
Aquinas on Predestination
October 21, 2021 17:34 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the topic of predestination in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. We cover: Principles of Predestination - God is the cause of every perfection, including the good of order to an end (means and end) - Providence is God’s plan for the good of order - Providence presupposes the intention/ will of God - Everything subject to God’s infallible providence - The gravity of sin and the necessity of grace Providence rightly attributed to God - Argu...
Divine Providence and The Infallible Plan of God
October 06, 2021 19:21 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the difficult but important topic of Divine Providence from the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. We cover: - Principle of Causality - First and Second Causes - Important Corollaries - What is subject to God's Providence - Providence and Evil - Does God cause Evil? - Does Providence negate Free Will? Read Summa I, ques. 22 - https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1022.htm
The Political Responsibility of Christians
September 16, 2021 16:18 - 1 hour - 58 MBIn this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzaccelli discuss the role that Christians should play in the political sphere. What kinds of policies should Chrsitians support? What are the obligations of the Christian to the state? How is the political community related to the kingdom of God? These and other questions are addressed in this deep dive discussion. We cover: - Eschatology, Christian faith, and politics - The dangers of utopianism - The Bible, moral law, and p...
Lessons from the Trial And Death Of Socrates
September 16, 2021 15:41 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss lessons to be learned from the trial and death of Socrates. We cover: - Historical background - Transition to democracy from Aristocracy - The Sophists, rhetoric, and relativism - The Socratic method. - The importance of asking questions - The Trial - Philosophy helps the city - Is there a tension between politics and philosophy?
The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living: Why Philosophy is Necessary for Life
August 22, 2021 20:27 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the necessity of philosophy. We cover: - Socrates "The unexamined life is not worth living." - What does philosophy do for the human person? - Ultimate questions - The big three categories - Place of Science - Where do I begin? - Do I love wisdom or do i want to be foolish?
Vatican II and the Liturgy: What do the Documents Really Say?
August 12, 2021 16:05 - 1 hour - 62 MBIn this episode, Dr. Richard Bulzacchelli and Canonist, Tyler Ross discuss the liturgy as was envisioned by the documents of the Second Vatican Council. We cover: - Traditiones Custodes - Preservation of Latin and Use of Vernacular - Girl Altar boys - The placement of the altar - ad orientum and versus populum - and much more
Death: Philosophical and Theological Perspectives
July 22, 2021 15:13 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBIn this episode, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss many different aspects of death. We cover: - The ancient view of death - Life after death in ancient philosophy? - The Stoics - Greeks, Romans, and Manicheans - Energies and Pseudo-science - Christianity - Worship a God who is not part of the cosmos - Heidegger and Christianity
Youth Ministry in an Age of Unbelief
July 08, 2021 15:09 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss serious issues around the youth and belief. We cover: - relation-based youth ministry and the problem that people already don't believe - is relation based ministry still possible? - Trust someone or the message? - Secular view of reality – objective and subjective approaches - Ways forward for adolescents
Freedom in America: A Philosophical Defense
June 29, 2021 01:38 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBIn this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith discuss freedom as the founder's intended. We cover: - The Declaration of Independence - Influence of the English Philosophers - The Monarchy - Progressives’ concept of freedom - If we are going to defend American freedom, we need to get it right! - Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - Private property - Scottish Commonsense Realism and Thomas Reed - Self-Evidence under attack Buy Dr. Smith's Book on Political Philosophy - https://www....
Rival Versions of Happiness: Aristotle, Stoics, and Christians
June 21, 2021 13:46 - 59 minutes - 54 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss rival points of view of happiness. We cover: - Aristotle's idea of happiness - The Stoic's view of happiness - Christianity's view of happiness - Eternal life - Happiness in Sacred Scripture - John 17:3, Proverbs 3:13-18, Col 3:1-17, Phil 3:8-11
Skojec, Dreher, and Clericalism
June 08, 2021 15:35 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss Steve Skojec's article, Rod Dreher's response, and the issue of clericalism. We cover: - Steve Skojec's article - https://skojecfile.steveskojec.com/p/against-crippled-religion - Rod Dreher's response - https://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/catholicism-steve-skojec-has-had-enough/ - Marginalization and persecution of orthodox Catholics - "Mere Catholics" - Clericalism - Ecclesiological issues
How to be Happy: Aristotle and the Good Life
May 24, 2021 14:38 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBIn this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith talk about happiness from a philosophical perspective. We cover: - Trying to define happiness - Happiness, Actions, Ends, and Goods - An end desired for its own sake - Imperfect vs perfect ends - External goods and virtue - A desirable life #ThomasAquinas #AristotleEthics #Happiness