Classical Theism Podcast

What is Aquinas's argument for an Unmoved Mover? How does Shields's interpretation differ from other contemporary Thomists? What should we think about the objection from Newton's law of inertia? Dr. Daniel Shields joins the show to discuss these topics.  The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of...

Fr. Anthony Giambrone O.P. joins the show to discuss two big topics: (1) the historicity of the Gospels and (2) Jesus's statement that the Son doesn't know the day or the hour of the end of the world.  ------- The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God...

Another chat with Pat Flynn about his new book  The Best Argument for God.  In this interview, we look more at his contemporary methodology of worldview comparison.  Check out more here: https://www.classicaltheism.com/bestargument The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian...

Jimmy Akin joins us to examine the latest Apostolic Exhortation titled Laudete Deum. We examine the authority of the document, its scientific claims, and respond to four criticisms of the document. I guarantee Jimmy will surprise you with at least one of his (always very thoughtful) answers. The show notes page for this episode is https://www.classicaltheism.com/laudatedeum If you like the show, p...

What are the  best  arguments for God's existence? How do traditional approaches differ from modern approaches? If someone affirms there is a necessary being, why should they think that being is God? Pat Flynn joins the podcast to discuss his new book  The Best Argument for God . The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests,...

What is the meaning of Messiah? Why should we think Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament? Do all messianic prophecies have the same evidentiary weight? Doesn't Jesus falsely say the end of the world will come within one generation? How can we respond to skeptical claims of critics who argue the evidence for Jesus and his Resurrection is weak and based on hearsay? Jimmy Akin joins the...

Is Genesis the most important book of the Bible? Why think so? How can we understand the text that seems to be in conflict with science? Does God's command for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac mean that God is immoral? How does the Old Testament point forward to New Covenant realities?  We discuss these topics with Steve Ray who has written an excellent new commentary on the entire book of Genesis.  ___...

What is intelligent design (ID)? Should Catholics promote it? Does it fall into simplistic God-of-the-gaps thinking or is it creationism in disguise? What should we think about the fact that the three most recent popes have endorsed evolution? Dr. Jay Richards joins us to discuss these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of va...

Is the Old Testament actually true? Why read the Old Testament when we have the New Testament? Doesn't the Old Testament endorse polygamy and slavery? Can we still defend Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch? Dr. Jeffrey Morrow is back on the show to dive into these topics.

How does pop culture relate to evangelism and apologetics? What is the Voyage podcast and how do they seek to spread the Good News through recognizing "seeds of the Word"? Mike Schramm, a co-host of the Voyage podcast, joins us to discuss these ideas. 

Do the Gospels reliably transmit Jesus's teaching? How is this possible when they are recorded decades after the events? Could people actually have remembered the Sermon on the Mount? Also, why should we think what the Gospels present is actually true? Gary Michuta joins us to discuss these topics.  The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help...

What does Scripture say about Christ's atonement? What is penal substitution theory and what is wrong with it? What theories of atonement work best from a Catholic perspective? Dr. John Joy, Chris Plance, and Michael Gormley join the show for a roundtable discussion on these topics. The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guest...

What should students study in the science classroom? How might this look different in a Catholic school compared to an American public school? Is naturalism reinforced by the way science is taught in many schools? Is it possible to teach biology in a pedagogically responsible way yet without disrespecting those who hold religious views about creation? Dr. Kenneth Kemp joins us to discuss these top...

I sat down with Jake Buscher of the  Cutting the Gordian Knot  podcast to discuss my recent debated on Deuteronomy 21.  The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Catholic Christian worldview: (1) the God of classical theism exists, (2) Jesus is our Messiah and Lord, and (3) He founded the Cat...

What is classical theism? What makes it distinct from theism in general? How should we answer common charges that classical theism makes God cold, distant, and unloving? Is there accuracy to the charge that classical theism is based purely on Greek philosophy as opposed to Scripture? What should we make of the confusion over terminology, specifically regarding "theistic personalism", "neo-classica...

Are the captive bride verses in Deuteronomy 21:10-14 an example of sanctioned immorality in the Old Testament? Are the passages the writings of mere men and not inspired by God? Dana Harper joins me to debate these issues.  Format:  Opening Statements (8-10 minutes each) Open Dialogue (30-40 minutes) Closing Statements (1-2 minutes) Show notes will be found at:  https://www.classicaltheism.com/deu...

Can the Church ever reverse her teaching? How can we define the notion of a magisterial reversal and what doctrines constitute potential candidates for this? Did the Church reverse her teaching that "Outside the Church, there is no salvation"? Michael Lofton joins us to discuss these topics. ______________________________________________________ If you like the show, consider becoming a financial...

What are the origins of modern gender theory? What philosophical positions lie behind the modern gender movements? How can we critique these theories philosophically? What can Christian metaphysics put in place of these theories? Dr. Abigail Favale joins the podcast to discuss these topics.

What is Catholic education? Why is it in need of renewal? Can't we learn the methods of science and mathematics in a secular setting? If so, how would Catholic education view these subjects differently? Dr. Alex Lessard joins us to discuss these topics.  Toward the end, Dr. Lessard gives details about an upcoming conference with many Catholic speakers including Edward Feser. Listeners who go to th...

What is the apparent conflict between Dignitatis Humanae and 19th-century Papal teaching? What is Michael Dunnigan's solution to the conflict? How can we properly reconcile particular passages in Quanta Cura with Dignitatis Humanae? Dr. Michael Dunnigan joins the show again to discuss these topics.

What is the important terminology to know in discussions on gender? Is gender merely a social construct? What does the evidence say regarding differences between males and females? How should Catholic schools respond to gender issues? How should Catholics respond/react to friends that identify as transgender? Jason Evert joins us to discuss these topics and his new book Male, Female, Other? A Cath...

How can we know when a Pope has spoken infallibly? What are the conditions that must be met? Did Pope Leo XIII speak infallibly in Providentissimus Deus? Did the Pope speak infallibly in Humanae Vitae or Evangelium Vitae? What should we make of the "manifestly evident" criterion in canon law? Dr. John Joy returns to the show to discuss these topics as we look at his recent book  Disputed Questions...

Is the Kalam cosmological argument sound? In particular, is there a successful philosophical argument for the finitude of the past? Jordan Carstensen (grad student at Holy Apostles College) argues in the affirmative. Jimmy Akin, who affirms the scientific evidence supporting the Kalam, argues that philosophical arguments for a finite past do not work. This episode consists of a dialogue between Ji...

Pat Flynn and I discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Kevin Vost. We mention the aspects of his character and his work that drew us to him. Pat shares a few personal stories, and John explains Dr. Vost's morning routine before writing. Further resources and his books can be found at https://www.classicaltheism.com/vost  

Why think the Gospels present truthful testimony? What are undesigned coincidences and how to they point to Gospel authenticity? How can we harmonize discrepancies in Gospel accounts? Dr. Lydia McGrew joins us to discuss these topics and more.  The Classical Theism Podcast aims to defend Catholic Christian ideas in conversation. With the help of various guests, I defend three pillars of the Cathol...