Catholic Studies Academy Podcast

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the meaning and history of the various political alignments, including "left" "right", "center right," etc. Once this terminology is defined the various alignments are evaluated in the light of Catholic theology. This episode is helpful for those Catholics (and others) confused by contemporary political labels. Topics: The French Revolution Liberalism Conservatism Revolutionary politics Subsidiarity Anti-clericalism The Enlightenment For more political philosophy from a Thomist, solidarism, and corporatist perspective visit: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith discuss current political events from a Catholic perspective. The discussion focuses especially on presidential politics, the rule of law, the administrative state, and the politics of abortion. The conversation bypasses the usual shallow polemics and engages the deeper trends and underlying ideas of current events. Topics include: Abortion and gradualism The Well-formed Catholic conscience, The managerial revolution The deep state Biden's mental decline Cover ups and the rule of law #managerial_revolution, #abortion, #election_2024 Explore the intersection of politics and philosophy with Dr. Smith here: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/ For an in-depth Thomistic critique of modern politics consider purchasing Dr. Smith's book: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MHO38G2CLHZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jkvuF_6ZCTrArsAOtdDPtY5KVZZH_EVaHSGtmtxiJ6FluO6Ho2gftfXQTf-_uhu8ODua7IwTbGSX8LNBlUec5nAN36Whisbjsnt37PoO2zSqXNxpI_Ti2DauhVg4rHXR5yzYVhU4lKDbmCMvclXNfBLeuUjphzqoWnR2oHU1BVvn86f808u31ereJmDdbIwbGSv_VCVs2NDeBihOzrDTbiEtkuzLJvB4j5-uJegkO70.852QKpSE3UCU2FANZWZa7CQo2lhJt8eHItOED6o6WZk&dib_tag=se&keywords=understanding+modern+political+ideas&qid=1723905217&sprefix=understanding+modern+political+ideas%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith discuss "pastoral theology". Can pastoral theology be intellectually rigorous? What distinguishes "pastoral theology" from speculative theology and other subdisciplines in theology? Is there a danger of too sharply dichotomizing between these two theological projects? How does pastoral theology overlap with non-theological disciplines, like sociology, psychology, economics, cultural studies, and so on? What does the landscape of pastoral theology look like today? What are the biggest issues for effectively ministering to the Church, and spreading the Gospel, in our time and culture? Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=496536... Purchase courses: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/ #pastoral_theology, #liturgy, #holy_mass

In this episode of Take Every Thought Captive, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli explore the unique character and ethos of medieval philosophy. The discussion focuses on distinguishing characteristics, the decline of the Roman empire, the intersection of faith and reason, and especially the enduring value of medieval philosophical thought. Join in, subscribe, and share with others! Topics: The Fall of the Roman Empire The Carolingian Renaissance The Catholic Church Metaphysics Faith and Reason Civilization theory This discussion is based on a forthcoming essay over at logosletter2022.substack.com.

The 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 shaping the world around us. Listen. Learn theology. Explore philosophy. Topics include: The decline of education Citizenship The liberal arts Postmodernism and deconstruction The spirit of Western Civilization For more great philosophical content check out Dr. Smith's Logos Letter: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/. For a Thomistic critique of modern political ideas, see Dr. Smith' book, Understanding Modern Political Ideas: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-...

Cardinal 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 to miss this episode. Topics include: Existentialism Postmodernism Jean Paul Sartre Martin Heidegger Freedom God and Modern Indifference Theological Enculturation For more great philosophical content check out Dr. Smith's Logos Letter: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/. For a Thomistic critique of modern political ideas, see Dr. Smith' book, Understanding Modern Political Ideas: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1

We 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 Include: Natalism, the culture of death, the culture of life Abortion and politics Political power Higher education The common good The failure of liberalism #sexual_revolution, #2023, #Abortion

Dr. 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

Are 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. Topics include: Postmodernism The Enlightenment Utilitarianism Scientism Covid-19 https://www.patreon.com/user?u=49653668 #postmodernism, #zeitgeist, #hedonism

Famously 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 reality. Listen, enjoy, share, and subscribe! Topics include: Substance and accidents Matter, form, and privation Reductionism and ancient atomism Plato and the separate forms Form-matter composition Design in nature

In 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, Authority, and the Common Good Eternal law Natural law Divine law Integralism and the Confessional State

Catholics 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: · Defining questions of Catholic thought · The relationship between thought, tradition, and community · The historical character of Catholic thought · Change and Catholicism · Engaging with other traditions · Balancing the past and the present For more great theology and philosophy, purchase CSA courses and become a regular reader and subscriber to Logos Letter.

Many 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 include: Pope Francis Neo-Pelagianism Early Christianity Ancient Philosophy Dionysian hedonism Christian realism Sin, Grace, and Hope **Check out philosophy and theology courses available from Catholic Studies Academy: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/shop-courses/ ** For more great philosophical content from Dr. Smith subscribe for free to Logosletter2022: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

In 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 the foundations of political community, natural law, and international relations. Topics include: National populism Globalism Ideological Colonization Pope Francis and International Relations The Common Good Diverse structures of international organization International law and immigration For more in depth content on political philosophy visit: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

In 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, the individual, obedience, and corruptio. Other topics include: Authentic freedom The real good Plato and the rule of wisdom The common good Curfew and Sabbath rest God and the natural law American decline

A 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 international relations) and Joseph Grossheim (graduate student at the Center for Thomistic Studies). Topics discussed include: the causes of decline, hedonism and technology, abuses of elite power, distorted views of happiness, diversity, and possible solutions. This is a rich discussion that touches on many important points of political philosophy, geopolitics, and theological anthropology.

In 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 unqualified and limitless is in fact vicious and undermines both the virtue and just community. Topics include: Communism The foundations of private property Comparison of John Locke and Thomas Aquinas Errors regarding property, distribution, and poverty The connection of greed to the other vices Stewardship For more great philosophical content from Dr. Smith check out catholicstudiesacdemy.com and subscribe to Logoletter2022 (it's free).

This 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 images Christian art Biblical interpretation Christian discernment The scandal of the Incarnation

Why 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 include: The nature of education The importance of higher education Human nature The meaning of conservatism The classical virtue of piety For more great content from Dr. Smith, check out logoletter2022.substack.com. #highereducation, #conservatism, #thewokeleft

In 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: The meaning of economics The place of economics in Aristotelian philosophy The relative autonomy or subordination of economics The connection of economics to the political common good Just economy Economics and the philosophy of the human person

In 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 themes of Advent The historical-redemptive significance of Christmas How to get the most out of Advent and Christmas

In 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 reliability of human cognition The meaning of truth The reality of nature Nature acts for end

In 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 oligarchy differ? Why is the middle-class the predominant class in a republic? The distinguishing values of oligarchy, democracy, and republicanism Immigration The future of American politics For more great content from Dr. Smith visit: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

Perhaps 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 newest project, Logos Letter. In this new publication, Dr. Smith explores the history of philosophy, culture, politics, faith, and everything else. Subscribe for free here: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/. Topics include: The meaning of the death of God The four causes of unbelief Christian responses to the death of God The parable of the madman Finally, follow Dr. Smith on Twitter: @logosletter2022.

In 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 of Rupture vs. the Hermeneutic of Continuity Traditionalism, Conservatism, and Progressivism Collegiality and Papal Infallibility The Universal Call to Holiness The Limitations of Vatican I The Catholic Faith in the Modern World For more great content from Dr. Smith on philosophy, faith, politics, and culture, check out Logos Letter: https://logosletter2022.substack.com/

In 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 and constitutional monarchy - Tradition, custom, and inheritance - The familial roots of monarchy - Piety, politics, and regime structures And much, much more

In 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 state Watch our previous episode on the influence of Hegel and his philosophy of history - https://youtu.be/cdslgvTLFqY

In 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 Eucharist to Christ's risen and glorified body The connection of the Eucharist to redemptive history

In 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 by Jason Gale

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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 dignity - The loss of human dignity - The true foundational principles of ethics - The Primacy of the common good - The psychology of human action Related episode on the common good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT5V-wkrAKs For more political and ethical analysis purchase Dr. Smith's book Understanding Modern Political Ideas: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss 4 modern objections to Christianity and how to combat them. We cover: - Relativism - Pluralism - Scientism - Neo-Marxism

In 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

In 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 Dogmatism and a new magisterium

In 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

Go to: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/shop-courses/ and use code: csasoundcloud to get any course for $25! shhhhhhh...don't tell anyone!

In 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

In 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 something which is the maximum, as a thing is said to be hotter according as it more nearly resembles that which is hottest; so that there is something which is truest, something best, something noblest and, consequently, something which is uttermost being; for those things that are greatest in truth are greatest in being, as it is written in Metaph. ii. Now the maximum in any genus is the cause of all in that genus; as fire, which is the maximum heat, is the cause of all hot things. Therefore there must also be something which is to all beings the cause of their being, goodness, and every other perfection; and this we call God." - https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1002.htm

In 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 - Argument from universal and infallible providence – order to supernatural end - Argument from grace and supernatural order - God reprobates some Two Objections 23.5 ad3. Seems unjust 23.5 ad3. Why not everyone? Two answers Humility and dependence on God

In 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

In 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 political community - Religious liberty, abortion, and private property - The value of limited government etc. For more political commentary from Dr. Smith purchase his book, Understanding Modern Political Ideas. In this book, Smith examines modern political ideas in the light of classical political philosophy and Christian anthology. It can be purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=understanding+modern+political+ideas&qid=1630792561&s=books&sr=1-2

In 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?

In 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?

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=benjamin+smith+political&qid=1624971760&sr=8-6

In 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