Catholic Studies Academy Podcast

A great discussion on the need to recover classical education and the true liberal arts with Dr. Benjamin Smith and Mr. Joseph Grossheim.

Dr. Bulzacchelli speaks with canonist Tyler Ross about ecumenical dialogue and how to do it well. Mr. Ross shares his recent experiences with public discussions with a Protestant pastor on topics of dispute between Protestants and Catholics.

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