Dr. James Stroud and P. Edmund Waldstein, O.Cist., discuss the watershed encyclical of St. John Paul II on moral theology, Veritatis splendor (The Splendor of Truth) as the Church approaches the thirtieth anniversary of its promulgation.

Veritatis Splendor at 30

Dr. John Solheid and Dr. Kevin Clarke muse on Origen, apocatastasis, and the issues surrounding the issue with Fr. Dylan Schrader.

Further Musings on Universalism

Thomas Davenport, OP, "Locating Heaven: Modern Science and the Place of Christ's Glorified Body," Nova et Vetera 20, no. 1 (Winter 2023): 93–114: https://stpaulcenter.com/05-nv-21-1-davenport/

Thomas Davenport, OP, "Locating Heaven: Modern Science and the Place of Christ's Glorified Body," Nova et Vetera 20, no. 1 (Winter 2023): 93–114: <a href="https://stpaulcenter.com/05-nv-21-1-davenport/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://stpaulcenter.com/05-nv-21-1-davenport/</a>

The Ascension

Dr. Matthew Dugandzic and Dr. Ryan Brady discuss intrinsic evils.

Intrinsic Evils

Gaven Kerr

Dr. Gaven Kerr discusses St. Thomas Aquinas's Fifth Way (from the governance of things) to demonstrate the existence of God.

Gaven Kerr on the Fifth Way

Benedict XVI

Sacra Doctrina Project members discuss Joseph Ratzinger / Benedict XVI and pay tribute to him at his passing from this life. May he rest in peace.

Tribute to Joseph Ratzinger / Benedict XVI

Taylor Patrick O'Neill:Christmas: Home AloneFamily Drama: There Will Be BloodPsychological Thriller: The ConversationForeign Language: The Seventh SealCatholic: Children of Men2022: The BatmanFr. Dylan Schrader:Christmas: Ben Hur (1959)Family Drama: Babette's FeastPsychological Thriller: eXistenZForeign Language: Pom PokoCatholic: The Reluctant Saint (Joseph of Cupertino)2022: Father StuUrban Hannon:Christmas: Catch Me If You CanFamily Drama: Ordinary PeoplePsychological Thriller: ZodiacForeign Language: ParasiteCatholic: In Bruges2022: TÁR

Taylor Patrick O'Neill:<ol><li>Christmas: Home Alone</li><li>Family Drama: There Will Be Blood</li><li>Psychological Thriller: The Conversation</li><li>Foreign Language: The Seventh Seal</li><li>Catholic: Children of Men</li><li>2022: The Batman</li></ol>Fr. Dylan Schrader:<ol><li>Christmas: Ben Hur (1959)</li><li>Family Drama: Babette's Feast</li><li>Psychological Thriller: eXistenZ</li><li>Foreign Language: Pom Poko</li><li>Catholic: The Reluctant Saint (Joseph of Cupertino)</li><li>2022: Father Stu</li></ol>Urban Hannon:<ol><li>Christmas: Catch Me If You Can</li><li>Family Drama: Ordinary People</li><li>Psychological Thriller: Zodiac</li><li>Foreign Language: Parasite</li><li>Catholic: In Bruges</li><li>2022: TÁR</li></ol>

2022 Movie Draft

Doctors Matthew Dugandzic and Kevin Clarke discuss divine impassibility and related divine attributes (such as immutability) with Father Dylan Schrader.

Divine Impassibility

Doctors Daniel Garland and Kevin Clarke discuss with Fr. Dylan Schrader why Christ isn't and can't be a human person.

Why Can't Christ Be a Human Person?

In this special episode, Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, speaks about Chalcedonian Christology and the concept of pure nature. This was a keynote address given at the 2022 Sacra Doctrina Project annual conference.

Chalcedonian Christology and the Concept of Pure Nature

A podcast featuring some of the founding members of The Sacra Doctrina Project discussing theological questions with other academic theologians and philosophers. The podcast takes place in a quaestiones disputatae style, encouraging lively and charitable debate. Listen to the most recent episode below.

In this special episode Dr. Patrick Gardner speaks about the infused moral virtues and the common good. This was a plenary address given at the 2022 Sacra Doctrina Project annual conference.

Grace and the City: Infused Moral Virtues and Common Goods

On the Land O’Lakes StatementThe original statement: “Statement on the Nature of the Contemporary Catholic University”Fr. John Jenkins, CSC, “The document that changed Catholic education forever”Dr. Michael McLean, “‘Academic Freedom’ and the Tyranny of the Modern College Campus”Optionally, see also §III of “A Porposal for the Fulfillment of Catholic Liberal Education” the founding document of Thomas Aquinas CollegePatrick Reilly, “The Land O’ Lakes Statement Has Caused Devastation For 49 Years”Church DocumentsPope Leo XIII, LibertasVatican II: Gravissimum EducationisOptionally, see Lamb &amp; Levering, eds. The Reception of Vatican II, ch. 15, Paige E. Hochschild’s commentary (file attached)Pope St. John Paul II: Ex Corde EcclesiaePope Benedict XVI: La Sapienza University speech of 2008This speech was cancelled due to faculty protests, evidently over use of quote in a 90’s speech of Ratzinger’s quoting Feyerabend contra Galileo here

<ul><li>On the Land O’Lakes Statement<ul><li>The original statement: <a href="https://archives.nd.edu/episodes/visitors/lol/idea.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Statement on the Nature of the Contemporary Catholic University”</a></li><li>Fr. John Jenkins, CSC, <a href="https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2017/07/11/document-changed-catholic-education-forever" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The document that changed Catholic education forever”</a></li><li>Dr. Michael McLean, <a href="https://www.thomasaquinas.edu/news/president-mclean-academic-freedom-and-tyranny-modern-college-campus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“‘Academic Freedom’ and the Tyranny of the Modern College Campus”</a></li><li>Optionally, see also §III of <a href="https://www.thomasaquinas.edu/sites/default/files/2021-06/BlueBook-2020-email.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“A Porposal for the Fulfillment of Catholic Liberal Education”</a> the founding document of Thomas Aquinas College</li><li>Patrick Reilly, <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-land-o-lakes-statement-has-caused-devastation-for-49-years" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The Land O’ Lakes Statement Has Caused Devastation For 49 Years”</a></li></ul></li><li>Church Documents<ul><li>Pope Leo XIII, <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_20061888_libertas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Libertas</a></li><li>Vatican II: <a href="https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissimum-educationis_en.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gravissimum Educationis</a></li><li>Optionally, see Lamb &amp; Levering, eds. The Reception of Vatican II, ch. 15, Paige E. Hochschild’s commentary (file attached)</li><li>Pope St. John Paul II: <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_15081990_ex-corde-ecclesiae.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ex Corde Ecclesiae</a></li><li>Pope Benedict XVI: <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2008/january/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20080117_la-sapienza.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Sapienza University speech of 2008</a><ul><li>This speech was cancelled due to faculty protests, evidently over use of quote in a 90’s speech of Ratzinger’s quoting Feyerabend <a href="https://archive.org/details/againstmethod0000feye/page/124/mode/2up?q=%22faithful+to+reason%22&amp;view=theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">contra Galileo here</a></li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>

Truth, Freedom, and the Catholic University

Fr. Dylan Schrader and Dr. Daniel Garland discuss Thomas Aquinas and the Bible along with biblical theology and the historical critical method today.

Aquinas and the Bible

Drs. Ryan Brady and Matthew Dugandzic are joined by the prolific author and translator, Dr. Matthew Minerd, to continue the discussion about theological manuals, including his recent translation of Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange's De Revelatione.

Theological Manuals Revisited

Dr. Matthew Dugandzic and Dr. Ryan Brady discuss theological manuals and the manualist tradition. Why are they so often criticized, and are these criticisms fair? Were the manuals destructive of real theology, or is it time to revive them?

Theological Manuals?

Fr. Dylan Schrader and Dr. Kevin Clarke discuss private revelation. How does a private revelation different from public revelation, and how are they related? Why should the Church bother with alleged private revelations? What criteria does the Church use to evaluate them? What are the possible dangers and fruits?

Fr. Dylan Schrader and Dr. Kevin Clarke discuss private revelation. How does a private revelation different from public revelation, and how are they related? Why should the Church bother with alleged private revelations? What criteria does the Church use to evaluate them? What are the possible dangers and fruits?

Private Revelation

Against Heresies in the public domainDemonstration on the Apostolic Preaching, translated by Fr. John Behr.Pope Francis announces Irenaeus will be declared a doctor of the Church.

<a href="https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Against Heresies in the public domain</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3oRHBZn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Demonstration on the Apostolic Preaching, translated by Fr. John Behr.</a> <a href="https://aleteia.org/2021/10/07/pope-will-make-irenaeus-of-lyon-a-doctor-of-the-church/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pope Francis announces Irenaeus will be declared a doctor of the Church.</a>

Irenaeus of Lyons: The Church’s Newest Oldest Doctor

Fr. Dylan Schrader moderates a discussion among Matthew Dugandzic, William Diem, and Ryan Brady on the question of whether the perverted faculty argument can be used to produce sound moral judgments.

Is the Perverted Faculty Argument Sound?

"Pope Francis says Mary is not the ‘co-redemptrix’"Garrigou-Lagrange, Mother of the Savior Charles De Koninck, "Ego Sapientia" "Vatican’s doctrinal office: Don’t promote alleged apparitions connected to ‘Lady of All Nations’ "Development of Doctrine: Revelation, Magisterium, and Human Reason"June 10-12, 2021| Rochester, NYAdditional Papers Requested. See link above for more details. 

<a href="https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/03/once-again-pope-francis-says-mary-is-not-the-co-redemptrix/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Pope Francis says Mary is not the ‘co-redemptrix’"</a><a href="https://ia802804.us.archive.org/26/items/Garrigou-LagrangeEnglish/Mother%20of%20The%20Savior%20and%20Our%20Interior%20Life%20-%20Garrigou-Lagrange,%20Reginald,%20O.P_.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Garrigou-Lagrange, Mother of the Savior </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Writings-Charles-Koninck-2/dp/0268026238?dchild=1&amp;keywords=charles+de+koninck&amp;qid=1617206425&amp;sr=8-2&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=thechafir-20&amp;linkId=7365680ac427f38f5d2f604ee0431287&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charles De Koninck, "Ego Sapientia" </a><a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vaticans-doctrinal-office-asks-catholics-not-to-promote-alleged-apparitions-connected-to-lady-of-all-nations-73574" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Vatican’s doctrinal office: Don’t promote alleged apparitions connected to ‘Lady of All Nations’</a> <a href="https://www.sacradoctrinaproject.org/conference" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Development of Doctrine: Revelation, Magisterium, and Human Reason"</a>June 10-12, 2021| Rochester, NYAdditional Papers Requested. See link above for more details.

Is Mary Co-Redemptrix? Is She Mediatrix of All Graces?

Lexicon of Thomas Aquinasvocātio, ōnis, f., a calling, vocation on the part of God. Est autem exsecutio praedestinationis vocatio et magnificatio, PP. Q. 23. Art. 2 c; vocatio semper est temporalis, quia ponit adductionem quandam ad aliquid, 1 Sent. 41. 1. 2 ad 3; vocatio importat distantiam in eo, qui vocatur, 4 Sent. 17. 1. 1. 2 ob. 3; vocatio est duplex quaedam exterior, ut quae fit per praedicatorem; et haec non est iustificatio, sed disponit ad eam. quaedam vero interior. et haec quandoque quidem non pertingit ad finem suum ex vocati defectu, et haec vocatio nihil aliud est, quam aliquis instinctus vel motus ad bonum a Deo immissus, et haec etiam vocatio non est idem, quod iustificatio, sed via ad illam. quandoque autem pertingit ad finem, quando scilicet aliquis audit vocantem et venit ad Christum …; et haec vocatio idem est, quod iustificatio, secundum substantiam, sed differt ratione, quia vocatio dicitur, secundum quod per infusionem gratiae et auxilium homo a peccato retrahitur, sed iustificatio respicit terminum ad quem, scilicet praedictae rectitudinis statum, 4 Sent. 17. 1. 1. 2 c. Cf. PP. Q. 23. Art. 8; PS. Q. 98. Art. 4; PS. Q. 113. Art. 1 (ter); Is. 1 b; Eph. 1. 4 and 4. 1; et passim.Catholic Dictionary (1887):vocation. In its more restricted and special sense vocation is taken for that “disposition of Divine Providence” whereby persons are invited to serve God in some special state—e.g. as ecclesiastics or religious. The ecclesiastical vocation is manifested by the pious desires of the heart, by innocence of life, by the sincere love of Christ, by pure zeal for God’s glory and the salvation of souls. That to the religious state, or the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels, comes to souls with a certain pressing invitation, with a strong desire of self-sacrifice and a clear perception of worldly vanity, with a certain attractiveness for intimacy with Christ and for the exaltation of his holy Name. But it is given differently to different persons, and prepares them “powerfully” though “sweetly” for the practice of solid virtue. “If thou wouldst be perfect,” said our Lord, “go sell what thou hast and give to the poor,.… and come, follow Me.”ST II-IIae, q. 183Yves Congar, Lay People in the Church, ch. 6, "Vocation" 

<ol><li>Lexicon of Thomas Aquinas vocātio, ōnis, f., a calling, vocation on the part of God. Est autem exsecutio praedestinationis vocatio et magnificatio, PP. Q. 23. Art. 2 c; vocatio semper est temporalis, quia ponit adductionem quandam ad aliquid, 1 Sent. 41. 1. 2 ad 3; vocatio importat distantiam in eo, qui vocatur, 4 Sent. 17. 1. 1. 2 ob. 3; vocatio est duplex quaedam exterior, ut quae fit per praedicatorem; et haec non est iustificatio, sed disponit ad eam. quaedam vero interior. et haec quandoque quidem non pertingit ad finem suum ex vocati defectu, et haec vocatio nihil aliud est, quam aliquis instinctus vel motus ad bonum a Deo immissus, et haec etiam vocatio non est idem, quod iustificatio, sed via ad illam. quandoque autem pertingit ad finem, quando scilicet aliquis audit vocantem et venit ad Christum …; et haec vocatio idem est, quod iustificatio, secundum substantiam, sed differt ratione, quia vocatio dicitur, secundum quod per infusionem gratiae et auxilium homo a peccato retrahitur, sed iustificatio respicit terminum ad quem, scilicet praedictae rectitudinis statum, 4 Sent. 17. 1. 1. 2 c. Cf. PP. Q. 23. Art. 8; PS. Q. 98. Art. 4; PS. Q. 113. Art. 1 (ter); Is. 1 b; Eph. 1. 4 and 4. 1; et passim.</li><li>Catholic Dictionary (1887): vocation. In its more restricted and special sense vocation is taken for that “disposition of Divine Providence” whereby persons are invited to serve God in some special state—e.g. as ecclesiastics or religious. The ecclesiastical vocation is manifested by the pious desires of the heart, by innocence of life, by the sincere love of Christ, by pure zeal for God’s glory and the salvation of souls. That to the religious state, or the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels, comes to souls with a certain pressing invitation, with a strong desire of self-sacrifice and a clear perception of worldly vanity, with a certain attractiveness for intimacy with Christ and for the exaltation of his holy Name. But it is given differently to different persons, and prepares them “powerfully” though “sweetly” for the practice of solid virtue. “If thou wouldst be perfect,” said our Lord, “go sell what thou hast and give to the poor,.… and come, follow Me.”</li><li>ST II-IIae, q. 183</li><li>Yves Congar, Lay People in the Church, ch. 6, "Vocation"  </li></ol>

A Discourse on Vocations

Phenomenal in both its depth and accessibility, this is a great podcast for anyone wanting to delve into a serious, but entertaining and understandable conversation on theology.

A Great Podcast

As a follower of Dr. Taylor Patrick O&#39;Neill&#39;s work, I&#39;m very excited to see this podcast launched. All of the hosts are knowledgeable in many areas of sacred doctrine. Dr. O&#39;Neill is a Catholic scholar who understands Aquinas well and does a fantastic job of communicating his thought to others. I look forward to making this show part of my podcast routine!

An Outstanding New Catholic Podcast

Sed Contra: A Podcast of Catholic Theology

In this episode, Fr. Dylan Schrader moderates a debate between Dr. William Diem and Dr. Taylor Patrick O'Neill who argue on behalf of Molinism and Báñezianism, respectively. Does God move the will directly? How does the scientia media relate to divine omnipotence? Are there any overlaps between the thought of Molina and Báñez? Join us for consideration of those questions and more. Also, you may know leave us a voicemail with questions or comments that we will feature in our next episode. Call 319-382-0886 to leave us a message.

In this episode, Fr. Dylan Schrader moderates a debate between Dr. William Diem and Dr. Taylor Patrick O'Neill who argue on behalf of Molinism and Báñezianism, respectively. Does God move the will directly? How does the scientia media relate to divine omnipotence? Are there any overlaps between the thought of Molina and Báñez? Join us for consideration of those questions and more. Also, you may know leave us a voicemail with questions or comments that we will feature in our next episode. Call 319-382-0886 to leave us a message.

Molinism vs. Báñezianism: A Debate

On this episode of Sed Contra, Brandon Wanless, Daniel Lendman, and Taylor Patrick O'Neill are joined by Fr. Dylan Schrader. They discuss some of the uniqueness of the sacrament of marriage and question whether there are truly any ministers for this sacrament. They also discuss the signification of marriage and the relation between natural and sacramental marriage.

Are the Bride and Groom Really the Ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony?

We're back! On this episode, Fr. Dylan Schrader and Dr. Matthew Dugandžić discuss what the passions are according to Aquinas and how the passions of Christ are similar and different to those we experience.

The Passions of the Christ

On this month's episode, five of the six founding members of The Sacra Doctrina Project meet to discuss the doctrine of universalism. What is it? Does it have a basis in the Catholic theological tradition? Recent versions of universalism are contrasted with the seminal work Dare We Hope? by Hans Urs von Balthasar. Finally, the hosts debate whether this is really the best of all possible worlds.

Contra Universalism (and Is This the Best of All Possible Worlds?)

Main text of  comment: Elizabeth Johnson Interview with US Catholic: "No one had to die for our sins" Other texts referenced in this episode: Elizabeth Johnson, She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse Freeing Theology: The Essentials of Theology in Feminist Perspective, edited by Catherine M. Lacugna Opening the Field of Practical Theology: An Introduction, edited by Kathleen A. Cahalan and Gordon S. Mikoski  Christopher J. Thompson, The Joyful Mystery: Field Notes Toward a Green Thomism

Main text of comment: <a href="http://www.uscatholic.org/articles/201811/no-one-had-die-our-sins-31563" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Johnson Interview with US Catholic: "No one had to die for our sins"</a> Other texts referenced in this episode: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/She-Who-Feminist-Theological-Discourse/dp/0824522079/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=she+who+is&amp;qid=1557782645&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Johnson, She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Freeing-Theology-Essentials-Feminist-Perspective/dp/0060649356/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=Freeing+theology+%3A+the+essentials+of+theology+in+feminist+perspective&amp;qid=1557783316&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1-fkmrnull" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Freeing Theology: The Essentials of Theology in Feminist Perspective, edited by Catherine M. Lacugna</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Field-Practical-Theology-Introduction/dp/0742561259/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=practical+theology&amp;qid=1557783647&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-12" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Opening the Field of Practical Theology: An Introduction, edited by Kathleen A. Cahalan and Gordon S. Mikoski </a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joyful-Mystery-Toward-Thomism-Living/dp/1945125616/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+joyful+mystery&amp;qid=1557787423&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher J. Thompson, The Joyful Mystery: Field Notes Toward a Green Thomism</a>

Is the Crucifixion Necessary? (And Will the Entire Created Order be Saved?)

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Relationships & Love

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!