Catholic Studies Academy Podcast

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

In 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

In 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

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the importance of natural theology. We cover: - Natural Theology hesitancy among Christians - Defining our terms - From Effects to Causes - Common objections - "Ontotheology" - Causal relation transcends genus of effects

Philosophy of God - Class 3 by Jason Gale

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss a pertinent topic for Holy Week. Why did Christ have to Die? We cover: - St. Thomas and the Summa - Was it "necessary"? - What are the effects of Christ's Passion and Death? - The exaltation of Christ Summa Tertia Pars, Question 46 - https://www.newadvent.org/summa/4046.htm Summa Tertia Pars, Question 49 -https://www.newadvent.org/summa/4049.htm#article3

In our 100th episode, Jason, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli talk about the importance of faith and how they deepen their own faith. - What is faith and why it is important - The importance of deepening your faith - Good guides - Who have been our guides in our faith.

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Tyler Ross finish their discussion on Pope Francis’ Moto Propio allowing women into the ministries of acolyte and lector. We cover: - Ministry vs Orders - “Deaconesses” in the Bible - “Venerable Tradition” - Pope Francis’ Moto Propio – Spiritus Domini - http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio-20210110_spiritus-domini.html - The Ministry of Acolytes and Lectors

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and special guest, Tyler Ross, canon lawyer for the diocese of Knoxville continue their discussion on the minor orders. We cover: - Pope Paul VI Moto Propio of 1973 disbanding the minor orders - Clerical and lay state - Ministries and Minor Orders - Are the minor orders of acolyte and lector different from the ministries of acolyte and lector - Sacramentals Pope Paul VI’s Moto Propio – Ministeria quaedam, August 15,1972 - http://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/la/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19720815_ministeria-quaedam.html

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli is joined by special guest, Tyler Ross, canon lawyer for the Diocese of Knoxville to discuss issues around the minor orders and Pope Francis' decision to allow women to be installed as acolytes and lectors. We cover: - the importance of canon law - minor and major orders - Canonical changes - "ordered" toward what - Men and Orders

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss how find your identity according to St. Thomas Aquinas. We cover: - Why we need to understand ourselves - The problem with modern self-help - The Myth of Self and Introspection - Classical Realism - St. Thomas Aquinas on the Intellect - Knowing and loving external objects - The Paradox of Christianity Question 87 of Summa Prima Pars - https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1087.htm

Join Dr. Smith for a 3-Part Seminar on Modern Political Ideas. If you cannot make the times, do not worry. We will send you the video and audio links. https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/product/modern-political-ideas-a-3-part-seminar/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the issue of communion in the Catholic Church. We cover: - The origins of division - The need for communion - 3 Aspects of Communion - "Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus" - Outside the Church with valid faith and Sacraments - Reduction to the juridical - Importance of all three From: Robert Bellarmine, De Contraversiis I.3.ii. Full citation: https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/episode-95-robert-bellarmine-communion/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss some dispositions we should have going into 2021 and what Catholic wisdom and classical philosophy can offer us. We cover: - State of Affairs - Clarity - Ultimate End - Well Ordered Soul - Allegory of the Caves - Healthy Skepticism - Healthy Stoicism - Avoiding Anxiety catholicstudiesacademy.com

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith are joined by our special guest, Joseph Grossheim, a doctoral student in philosophy at the University of St. Thomas’ Thomistic Institute to discuss Conservatism in political philosophy. We cover: - A reaction to what? - Defining conservatism - Custom, Natural Law, Tradition - Liberalism and Tradition - Epistemological considerations - Have conservatives been successful? - Conservative problems with Progressives - Decentralization - Unity, Political Order, and the Common Good Get a Copy of Dr. Smith's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians-ebook/dp/B08M99QP5B/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=benjamin+smith+book&qid=1609152062&sr=8-2

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli and Dr. Smith are joined by our special guest, Joseph Grossheim, a doctoral student in philosophy at the University of St. Thomas’ Thomistic Institute to discuss Progressivism in political philosophy. We cover: - The need for the study of political philosophy - Defining Progressivism - Progress toward what? - Maximize aggregate satisfaction vs common good - Progressivism vs Libertarian - Utilitarianism and Progressivism - “As equal as possible” Get a copy of Dr. Smith's book - https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians-ebook/dp/B08M99QP5B/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=benjamin+smith+book&qid=1609152062&sr=8-2

Jason and Dr. Smith continue their discussion on the false idea of "true self". We cover: - Undefined consciousness - The "true self" vs the "false self" - Writings of Richard Rohr - Centering Prayer - Buddhist and Hindu influences - Correct way of understanding of the self Richard Rohr's Article - https://cac.org/themes/true-self-separate-self/ https://cac.org/true-self-separate-self-weekly-summary-2020-09-05/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the erroneous and modern idea of "self." We cover: - The pervasiveness of "self" - Philosophical foundations - Descartes and Kant - Undefined consciousness - Arguments against the idea of "self" Read a sample of Dr. Smith's new book - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/books/ The Myth of Self articles - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/the-myth-of-self-3/ Podcast on Kant - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/episode-69-understand-the-modern-mind/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the topic of divine providence in relation to difficult and uncertain times. We cover: - God as First Cause - Summa Prima Pars, Question 22 - God in history - The Patience of the Martyrs - Eschatological Reality - Providence gives us duties Read Summa Prima Pars, Question 22 - https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1022.htm Purchase Dr. Smith's NEW book on Political Philosophy - https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=sr_1_3?crid=233LODR81XH90&dchild=1&keywords=benjamin+smith+book&qid=1605709015&sprefix=benjamin+smith+%2Caps%2C656&sr=8-3

In this episode, Dr. Bulzacchelli, Dr. Smith and special guest, Dcn. Bob Gorman, Emeritus Professor of Political Science, discuss Dr. Smith's new book, Understanding Modern Political Ideas: A Guidebook for Christians and Other Patriots. In this episode we cover: - Post Modernism and Nature - Reason and Tradition - The Common Good and the Individual Good - Flourishing, Happiness, and Perfection - "The political community perfects man." - Temporal Goods - "Incommensurability of ideas" Buy Dr. Smith's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=benjamin+smith+political&qid=1604948572&sr=8-1

We discuss Dr. Benjamin Smiths new book! In Understanding Modern Political Ideas, Dr. Benjamin Smith defines and critically evaluates the major political ideologies of the modern period in the light of classical political thought. Drawing on the insights of Thomas Aquinas, Aristotle, Plato, and others, Smith highlights the failures and shortcomings of modern political thought, including the pretensions and fallacies of progressivism, Marxism, and neo-Marxism. In contrast to these ideologies, Smith develops an alternative approach that emphasizes the common good, local community, and personal virtue. Understanding Modern Political Ideas presents a vision of politics rooted in a classical and Christian understanding of the human person. Get your copy today! - https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Modern-Political-Ideas-Christians/dp/B08M2BKBR1/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=benjamin+smith+understanding+political+ideas&qid=1603908929&sr=8-7

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith finish their series on Marxism. We cover: - Marx's view of the fulfillment of history - The evolution of conscience - Three critiques of Marxism - Flawed Anthropology - Reduction of the Human Person to Social Relationship - The role of work - Subordination of everything to politics - Political Correctness

In this episode, Jason an Dr. Smith continue their discussion on Marxism. We cover: - Review of Hegel's view history - Marx and culture - The dialectic - Capitalism as a necessary stage - Marx's critique of capitalism - Revolt of the Proletariat

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss Marxism. We cover: - The resurgence of Marxism - The historical context of Karl Marx - Kant and Idealism - Hegelian view of history - The "Geist" - The materialism of Marxism - Freedom in the thought of Marx

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith continue their discussion of the natural law. We cover: - Natural Law known in degrees - Must be cultivated - Do Good, Avoid Evil - Responsibilities derived from Natural Law - Private Property - Eternal Law, Divine Law, Human Law in relation to Natural Moral Law

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss natural law. We cover: - Christianity and Natural law - Legacy of natural law - Basic position - Known by all but to different degree - Two Hypothesis and evidence - Bonum honestum - Three ways to find bonum honestum - Natural end and supernatural end "When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them." - Romans 2:14-16

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss how Pope St, John Paul II stood in the breach in many different ways. We cover: - The historical context - The breach in philosophical approaches - Personalism and Phenomenology - The breach of Vatican II - The breach of secular regimes - The world is different

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the ideas ad influence of David Hume. We cover: - The period of Modern Philosophy - Who was David Hume - The influence of Hume on other philosophers - Newton and Hume - Hume's Epistemology - Impressions and Ideas - The Copy Principle - The Problem of Causation

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss his new course on Modern Philosophy. We cover: - Time period - What led to 'modern' philosophy - Historical context - Effects of Scientific Revolution - Man's ability to Reason - Autonomy and Freedom - Decline of religious authority - Overconfidence in Man's abilities Click here to support the work of Catholic Studies Academy -https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the intricacies of the Principle of Double Effect. We cover: - Review of the sources of morality - The 4 rules of the Principle of Double Effect - Independent consequences and actions - Foreseeable bad consequences - Proportionality - Several Examples of applying PDE - Seriousness of judging human actions Support the work of CSA - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the judgment of human actions according to St. Thomas. We cover: - Human actions vs Acts of man - The contribution of St.Thomas - Proximate end - The sources of morality - Everything contained in the object - Foreseeable, unintended consequences

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss some distortions of hope or misrepresentations of hope. We cover: - The rival of Christian Hope according to Pope Benedict XVI - "Exiles in the desert" - Progress and Enlightenment philosophy - Bacon and Marx - The Object and Means of Hope - Modern Hope vs Christian Hope In this episode, we use these two books: 1. Cardinal Ratzinger, Christianity and the Crisis of Culture -https://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Crisis-Cultures-Pope-Benedict/dp/1586171429/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=crisis+of+culture&qid=1586909575&sr=8-6 2. Spe Salvi - http://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi.html Donate to the work of Catholic Studies Academy - catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss different aspects of hope. We cover: - The idea of hope - The passion of hope according to St. Thomas - The object of kinds of hope - Natural hope - The Virtue of Hope vs Passion of Hope - What hope does for the Christian - Ordering life according to hope Donate to the work of Catholic Studies Academy - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Drs. Smith and Bulzacchelli wrap up their series on the capital sins. We cover: - Propensity to wrath and justified anger - Proportionality - Modern Entitlement and wrath - Forgiveness, pain, and wrath - Forms of sloth - The importance of fortitude in all of life - Why sloth is deadly - Priorities and sloth - Pride and morality - Pride and the ultimate end Click here to donate to the work of Catholic Studies Academy - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Drs. Smith and Bulzacchelli discuss envy and vanity. They cover: 1. The place of envy in the list 2. Envy in the Parables 3. St Thomas and envy – habit of grieving over the good of another 4. Being Conscious of sins 5. Detraction 6. Vanity and praise 7. Whose opinion matters? 8. Vanity and Modernity Mentioned in this podcast - Max Scheler’s Book “Ressentiment” https://www.amazon.com/Ressentiment-Marquette-Studies-Philosophy-Scheler/dp/0874626021/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=max+scheler&qid=1584980701&sr=8-2

In this episode, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss three of the seven capital sins: greed, gluttony, and lust. They cover: - The origins of the list of capital sins - Capital sins as natural vices - Sins against the proper desire of the good - Greed: Possession - What really is enough? - Gluttony: Consumption - Habitual excess and the good - Lust: a sense of possession and a sense of consumption - The contrary virtue of lust

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss Lent and lenten practices and most importantly, the legitimacy of the Impossible Burger during Lent. We cover: - The meaning of "lentare" - Doing more or doing less? - The example of the monks - Book recommendations for Lent - The Impossible Burger Dr. Bulzacchelli's article on Lent - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/what-should-i-do-for-lent/ Click here to support the work of CSA – catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this solocast, Dr. Smith discusses 5 philosophical and practical principles to guide life. He covers: 5 Principles for Practical Living - Philosophy is a way of life - Augustine, Christianity, and Philosophy - The Interior Life - 1. Do not react - 2. Do not judge - 3. Attend to yourself - 4. Attend to the present - 5. Accept all from God

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss what is called Post Post-Modernism or "Po-Po-Mo". We cover: - Kant and Modernism - Post Modernism - Social Constructs and Objectivity - Privileged Discourse - Post Post Modernism - Critiques of Po-Po-Mo Click Here to view the diagram used in the podcast - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/episode-69-understand-the-modern-mind/ Click here to support the work of CSA - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss Sir Roger Scruton (1944-2020), a conservative political Philosopher and author of the book, "The Uses of Pessimism". We cover: - Legacy of Roger Scruton - Three Principles of Pessimism - Pessimism and Optimism - The "Best Case Fallacy" - The "Born Free Fallacy" - The "Utopian Fallacy" Roger Scruton "The Uses of Pessimism" - https://www.amazon.com/Uses-Pessimism-Danger-False-Hope-ebook/dp/B0048EKUFY/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=pessimism&qid=1579719169&sr=8-5 Click here to support the work of CSA - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the topic of his upcoming course on the Trinity. We cover: - The difficulty of the task - The term 'Father' and other male language - The difference between 'that' and 'how' - The Foundation of the Trinity - Three-Personal Relationship with God - The difference between solving the mystery and pondering a mystery - The vital importance of a good understanding for the rest of theology - The Trinity, Salvation, and Communion - The Trinity and Baptism Support the work of Catholic Studies Academy - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the feast days of Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord. We cover: - Christmas, Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord - The Magi - The Star - God uses the Star - Eschatological considerations to these feast days Mentioned in this podcast: CCC 528 - The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Click here to support CSA - catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith wrap up their conversation on 'The Great Divorce'.

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith continue their discussion on C.S. Lewis' masterpiece 'The Great Divorce'.

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss C.S. Lewis' classic work, The Great Divorce.

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the idea of virtue and the soldier. We cover: - An application of the primacy of the common good - What is a soldier - Is it good to be a soldier - Combat and lethal force - The virtues of a soldier - Patriotism - The defense of the common good as a act of justice - Soft Christians - The spiritual analogy of a soldier Click here to support CSA - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss the third principle or the primacy of the common good. We cover: - Review of first two principles - Man is naturally political - The political community is the 'perfect' community - The common good is a higher good than individual goods - The common good is not the multitude of individual goods - Common good is unique kind of good. - Primacy of the common good Click Here to Support CSA - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith discuss what the classics have to offer us with regards to political wisdom. We cover: - Political wisdom is not political science - Man is naturally political - Politics has a natural end, therefore it cannot change - Political community is "perfect" - Some errors in political thought Support the work of Catholic Studies Academy by donating - https://catholicstudiesacademy.com/donate-to-csa/