The Enduring Relevance of St. Thomas Aquinas

Friends, most in contemporary secular culture have probably never heard of the name “Thomas Aquinas.” However, his thought remains more pertinent than ever—not only to theology and philosophy but also to current conversations on how to build a more stable, just, and prosperous political order. Today, we discuss the evergreen genius of St. Thomas Aquinas and how his legacy continues in the life and work of the contemporary Dominican theologian Fr. Paul Murray.   

A listener asks, does the devil know that his rebellion is ultimately futile?

00:00 | Intro
01:12 | Bishop Barron in Rome
02:01 | Aquinas’ impact on Bishop Barron’s formation
03:56 | Why medieval thinkers like Aquinas still matter
06:18 | The relationship between metaphysics and ethics
07:29 | God as Being itself rather than as the greatest of beings
12:43 | How God can be both transcendent and immanent
15:58 | God’s non-competitive relationship with Creation
21:29 | Defining true human and social goods
23:00 | Does metaphysical speculation have a role in politics?
25:45 | Fr. Paul Murray, St. Thomas Aquinas, and the Dominican charism
29:54 | Listener question
31:49 | Word on Fire Institute

———Show Notes———

[csikomas]

If everyone knew this, was taught this, this world would already be saved. Access to Bishop Barron, FREE access is vital.

[catherinelavallee]

Thanks, Bishop, for making Theology accessible to the average Catholic.

[CatherineButler-pxof]

Bishop Robert Barron for Pope!! This man would really secure the future of the Catholic Church!

[marypinakat]

*“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.”*
- ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II

[CamilaVillaloboss]

My favorite person to hear in the entire world

[lowersaxon]

As a born protestant who always had doubts if Protestantism is any more than a middle class ethics I have to say that for Europe/the West Thomas cannot be overrated from a general pov with respect to ethics, morals, law, culture and civilization.
I have left out theology bc, as said, I‘m not a Catholic. My bridge to him was economics, being a retired prof of economics.
Thank you.

[tappanzee]

Props to the new host. Doing a fanstastic job. Just the right flare/calm.

[nan-]

A great explanation of the philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The argument for contingency is especially instructive. Thank-you Bishop Barron.

[luluq]

I have listened to other videos of Bishop Barron deliberating on St. Thomas and on his theology of who God is. This video in particular addressed all nuances in such a complete and succinct matter. I wish I had been taught all of this ages ago but I am grateful that it is being taught now. This never gets old and my soul leaps for joy whenever I hear Bishop Barron teach on this. I have a strong feeling this video will be one for the ages. Thank you!

[marypinakat]

St. Thomas Aquinas theologian and philosopher Patron Saint of universities and colleges, pray for us and the whole world ✨🙏

[anneturner]

So happy you’re in the world with me . Game changer. Thank you.

[marc]

Thanks Matthew and Bishop Barron and the whole team for creating this wonderful and smart content on such a regular basis!

[joopremme]

The best way to understand Aristotle is through the commentaries of Aquinas.

[KathieKearns]

Thank you, dear Bishop Barron and Matthew; a fascinating, captivating and illuminating discussion.

[catholicnewsworld]

Looks like an interesting topic...St. Thomas can reach philosophers and academics even today...thanks for your great work! Blessings!

[CrucifixSalvation]

Ite ad Thomam, Glory to St. Thomas Aquinas and the Thomistic school!

[tommcgoldrick]

I came across Bishop Robert by chance in searching on Catholic theology. His deep knowledge of theology and philosophy has really opened up my spiritual life and want to study the catholic philosphers and theologians. His erudite explanations of catholic theology is wonderful and would convert anyone to the true religion.

[nwoomer]

A young person's introduction to philosophy absolutely matters. Shortly after I was confirmed in the church, around age 15, I started reading Nietzsche and found him thrillingly subversive. This ignited a lifelong love of philosophy in me (it was my undergraduate major) but it also led me away from Christianity and Catholicism for 30 years. I've only recently returned. If I'd had a more traditional introduction to philosophy -- starting with Plato and Aristotle, with an appreciation for teleology and metaphysics -- I may have been able to read Nietzsche, Marx, Foucault et al. a little more critically. Today, I fear a lot of young men are following a similar path I did and embracing the atheistic "vitalist" right. It would be wonderful if a (preferably young) Catholic philosopher or theologian figured out a way to reach young people who are interested in philosophy and introduce them to the subject through, e.g. Aquinas.

[Rehabed]

Your Grace, please don’t allow the TLM to be snuffed out. It is such a beautiful thing that so many have yet to experience. I do not mean that it is “better” than the Novus Ordo or to create divide. It would be so sad to lose it, I can only speak for myself, the TLM totally change my relationship with Christ. It awoken my spirit to yearn for Christ and to deepen my faith and understanding of Christ and the Church. Attending daily TLM fills me with purpose, the strength to try and be a more holy man.

[stevemezz]

Sounds fantastic! Is there a way to access and read Bishop Barron's paper?