Catholic Studies Academy
Catholic Studies Academy empowers Catholics to strengthen their faith through the systematic study of philosophy and theology in a flexible and affordable way. Join NowNew Book from Dr. Smith on Politics!
Catholic Studies Academy is excited to announce the publication of Dr. Smith’s new book!
Understanding Modern Political Ideas: A Guidebook for Christians and Other Patriots
The Myth of Self
In a previous post I discussed the importance of Rene Descartes in shaping modern philosophy and much of the modern world. This is evident from two of his most important ideas: (a) the endorsement of radical doubt and (b) the conception of the self. I have already...
Episode 76 – Against Modern Hope: Pope Benedict XVI on Authentic Hope
Episode 76 - Against Modern Hope: Pope Benedict XVI on Authentic Hope 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"-...
Episode 75: What is ‘Christian’ about Hope?
Episode 75: What is 'Christian' about Hope? 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...
Now Is No Time for Versus Populum
With dioceses throughout the United States and Europe dispensing with the Sunday obligation in an attempt to help slow the spread of COVID-19, many priests have taken to livestreaming their Sunday Masses over the internet. In a recent article on Cruxnow.com, Mark...
Episode 74: The Capital Sins, Part 3: Wrath, Sloth, and Pride
The Capital Sins, Part 3: Wrath, Sloth, and Pride 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-...
Episode 73: The Capital Sins, Part 2: Envy and Love of Praise
The Capital Sins, Part 2: Envy and Love of Praise In this episode, Drs. Smith and Bulzacchelli continue their discussion of the capital sins talking about envy and vanity. They cover: 1. The place of envy in the list2. Envy in the Parables3. St Thomas and envy – habit...
Episode 72: The Capital Sins, Part 1: Greed, Gluttony, and Lust
The Capital Sins, Part 1: Greed, Gluttony, and Lust 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...
Episode 71: Lent: To Stand Down
Lent: To Stand Down 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...
What should I do for Lent?
What should I do for Lent? Let’s start by slamming some really bad advice you’re likely to get: Instead of giving something up for Lent, do something extra! No! Don’t. Let me tell you why. To start with, the term “Lent” means exactly the opposite of “do something...
Episode 70: 5 Philosophical Principles for Life
5 Philosophical Principles for Life 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....
What We Need to Win the Culture War (and why we’re still losing)
Guest post by Joe Grossheim I was listening to this lecture by Dr. Daniel De Haan, who is another one of Dr. Benjamin Smith’s former students, and he begins with an excellent observation: There are existential reasons for our commitments to certain philosophical...
They’re not bad people…or are they?
I often here pro-life people say that those who promote abortion, have abortions, or provide abortions “aren’t bad people." "They mean well,” it’s said, “but they don’t understand the error of their ways.” I agree, that may be so in some cases. We’ve all...
Episode 69: Understanding the Modern Mind
Understanding the Modern Mind 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...
Why Trust is Superior to Doubt: Overcoming Modernity
WHY TRUST IS SUPERIOR TO DOUBT Anyone who has a passing familiarity with modern philosophy, will recognize the name Rene Descartes. Indeed, it is not too much to say that he is one of the founding fathers of modernity. This is evident from two of his most important...
Episode 68: Sir Roger Scruton and “The Uses of Pessimism”
Sir Roger Scruton and "The Uses of Pessimism" 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...
Episode 67: Understanding the Trinity
Understanding the Trinity 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...
Episode 66: The Totality of the Epiphany
The Totality of the Epiphany 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...
Episode 65: Rising to Glory: Repentance and the Way of Heaven (Great Divorce Part 3)
Rising to Glory: Repentance and the Way of Heaven (Great Divorce Part 3) In this episode, Jason and Dr. Smith wrap up their conversation on 'The Great Divorce'. Click Here to Support CSA Please subscribe to our podcast on iTunes or Google Play to get...
