Episodes
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Classical Education
A great discussion on the need to recover classical education and the true liberal arts with Dr. Benjamin Smith and Mr. Joseph Grossheim.
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Constructive Ecumenical Dialogue
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.
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Political Loyalties and Catholic Faith
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…
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Catholicism and the Political Landscape
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…
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Pastoral Theology: Integrating Theory and Practice
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…
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The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy: Creative Retrieval
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...
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The Liberal Arts and the Renewal of Western Civilization
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...
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Ratzinger's Introduction to Christianity
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…
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2023: A Year in Review
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...
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Marriage, Annulments, and Tribunals
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
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The Decline Continues: After Post-Modernism
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...
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Against Reductionism
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...
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How God Rules over Politics: The Hierarchy of Law According to Saint Thomas Aquinas
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...
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Just What is Catholic Intellectual Tradition?
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…
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The Church in the Age of Dionysius: Challenges Facing the Church
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?...
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Globalism, Nationalism, and Catholicism
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…
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The Authoritarian Option: Rethinking the Limits of Political Theory
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...
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America in 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...
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Greed and the Love of Money
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...
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Engaging the Chosen: Images, the Bible, and Discernment
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…
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God, Conservatives ,and Higher Education: The Conservative Case for Higher Education
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...
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The Meaning and Morality of Economics: Aristotelian and Modern Perspectives
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...
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Encountering Christ in Advent and Christmas
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...
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The Eclipse of Metaphysics: Thomism and the Road back to Reality
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...
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American Elections, What would Aristotle Say?
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...
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"God Is Dead": Should Catholics Read Nietzsche?
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....
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Vatican 2: Continuity or Rupture
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...
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The Case for Christian Monarchy
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...
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Hegel On Freedom
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…
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This is my Body: Aquinas and Transubstantiation
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…
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Aquinas, Freedom, and the Crisis of Culture
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...
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Episode 125: June 24, 2022 - Victory For Virtue
Episode 125: June 24, 2022 - Victory For Virtue by Jason Gale
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Pelosi, Communion, and Canon Law
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...
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Abortion And the Elements of the Culture War
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 -...
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Hegel And the Purpose of History
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...
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What is Human Dignity?: A Thomistic Perspective
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…
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Answering Modern Objections to Christianity
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
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The Crisis In Philosophy: 1900-2000
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
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Crisis, Institutional Failure, and Public Reason
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…
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Nature Acts for an End: Aristotle and the Order of Nature
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 -...
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Nature Acts for an Ends
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…
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Aquinas 4th Way and Why it Works
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...
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Aquinas on Predestination
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 -...
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Divine Providence and The Infallible Plan of 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...
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The Political Responsibility of Christians
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…
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Lessons from the Trial And Death Of Socrates
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 -...
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The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living: Why Philosophy is Necessary for Life
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…
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Vatican II and the Liturgy: What do the Documents Really Say?
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...
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Death: Philosophical and Theological Perspectives
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…
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