Afleveringen
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In today’s episode, we explore Thomas Aquinas’s discussion on the mission of the divine persons in Summa Theologica, Part One, Question 43, Articles 4–8. Aquinas explains why only the Son and the Holy Spirit are sent and why the Father is never sent.
We begin by addressing the key objections:
If mission means being sent, does this imply inferiority?Can God’s presence truly change when He is omnipresent?If mission follows procession, does that mean only the Son and Spirit can be sent?Aquinas clarifies that mission does not imply inferiority but follows the eternal order of procession—the Son proceeds from the Father, and the Spirit proceeds from both. Their mission in creation is not a change in God but a new presence in the world:
The Son is sent visibly through the Incarnation.The Spirit is sent invisibly into the souls of believers.The Father is never sent because He does not proceed from another.In the end, we see that divine mission is not about hierarchy, but about God’s way of making Himself present in the world through grace and salvation.
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Tune in for this deep dive into Thomistic theology, where we uncover the richness of divine mission and its role in Christian doctrine!
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In today's episode, we dive into Justin Martyr’s powerful reflections on the relationship between the old and new covenants. We explore how the Law, given on Horeb, is now abrogated and replaced by the eternal and final law—Christ. Justin addresses the promises made through the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, where a new covenant is foretold, not according to the old law, but through the grace of the crucified Christ. This new covenant, open to all nations, offers salvation and piety through faith in Christ. We'll also examine how the Jews, in Justin's view, have misunderstood the Law of Moses and failed to recognize the true fulfillment of God's promises in the person of Jesus. Join us as we unpack this crucial transition from the old to the new, and the enduring significance of Christ as the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Podcast Description for Today’s Readings
In today’s readings, Justin Martyr defends the Christian faith against accusations that it is based on myths. He insists that Christians have not been deceived but hold to the truth revealed by the Spirit of God. As he debates with Trypho, he faces ridicule yet continues to argue that faith in Christ is grounded in divine revelation, not empty fables. Trypho, however, remains focused on the Law, questioning how Christians can claim to follow God while rejecting circumcision, the Sabbath, and the Mosaic commandments.
Augustine reflects on the nature of true joy. He compares his own restless ambition—seeking honor and wealth—to a beggar on the streets of Milan, who, despite his poverty, was content and laughing. Augustine realizes that worldly success brings no real happiness. The beggar, though lacking all that Augustine desired, was happier than he was. This contrast leads him to recognize the futility of earthly pursuits apart from God.
Finally, Thomas Aquinas explains what it means for the Son and the Holy Spirit to be sent. In God, mission does not imply change or inferiority but a new mode of presence. The Son, though eternally begotten, was sent into the world through the Incarnation, and the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost to dwell in believers. These missions reveal the work of the Trinity in creation while preserving the divine persons’ eternal unity and equality.
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Today’s readings explore the nature of divine truth and the relationships within the Trinity.
Justin Martyr argues that true knowledge comes from the prophets, who spoke by divine inspiration, rather than from human philosophers. He describes his journey to faith, sparked by a conversation that led him to see Christianity as the only true philosophy. Trypho, however, remains skeptical, insisting that salvation requires adherence to Jewish law and that Christ, if He exists at all, remains unknown until Elijah reveals Him.
Augustine, reflecting on his struggle with doubt, comes to recognize the necessity of faith in human life. He sees that belief is essential—not just in religion, but in everyday matters such as history, relationships, and even one’s own birth. He begins to understand that Scripture’s authority is not diminished by its simple language but is made greater by its ability to draw in both the humble and the wise.
Finally, Thomas Aquinas explains the equality of the persons of the Trinity. While the Father begets the Son and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both, this does not imply any hierarchy or inferiority. Each person of the Trinity fully possesses the divine nature. Their distinctions are relational, not essential, ensuring that there is order without inequality, distinction without division, and unity without subordination.
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In today’s readings, Justin Martyr challenges Greek philosophical assumptions about the soul, arguing that it is not naturally immortal but rather sustained by God's will. He contends that only God is truly unbegotten and incorruptible, while all created things—including human souls—depend on Him for their existence. His dialogue with Trypho highlights the contrast between Christian and Platonic views of the soul’s nature and destiny.
Augustine, in Confessions, wrestles with doubt, struggling between his longing for certainty and his fear of being deceived. As he listens to Ambrose’s teaching, he begins to see Scripture in a new light, realizing that his previous objections were based on misunderstandings. Though still hesitant, he recognizes that faith is not an enemy but the remedy his heart has been resisting all along.
Finally, Thomas Aquinas, in Summa Theologica, explains that the distinctions between the persons of the Trinity arise from their eternal relationships rather than from any difference in divine essence. The Father begets the Son, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both, but all remain fully and equally God. These relationships, known as notional acts, clarify the doctrine of the Trinity without dividing God’s unity.
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Today, we continue our journey through the early Church with Justin Martyr, Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas. In our reading from Dialogue with Trypho, Justin discusses whether the soul can see God, engaging in a rich philosophical debate that highlights both Christian and Platonic influences. From Confessions, Augustine reflects on his encounters with Ambrose, detailing his growing appreciation for the Catholic faith despite his lingering doubts. Finally, in the Summa Theologica, Aquinas addresses the nature of divine relations, explaining how relation and person are identical in God while remaining conceptually distinct.
Join us as we explore these foundational theological insights that shaped the development of Christian doctrine.
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Today, we continue our journey through the Church Fathers with three engaging readings. Augustine shares how his mother Monica, deeply devoted to God, willingly abandoned a long-held tradition at the guidance of Bishop Ambrose, showing her humility and obedience. In Dialogue with Trypho, Justin Martyr recounts his encounter with an old man who challenged his philosophical assumptions and led him toward Christianity. Finally, in Summa Theologica, Aquinas explains how divine attributes—power, wisdom, and goodness—are appropriated to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to help us understand the distinctions within the Trinity. Join us as we explore these profound theological insights and historical moments.
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Today's discussion explores a fascinating intersection of philosophy, theology, and divine attributes. In Augustine’s Confessions, we examine how the prayers of a persistent mother influenced one of the greatest Christian minds in history. Justin Martyr’s dialogue reveals the intellectual struggles of a seeker, highlighting the competing schools of Greek philosophy and how they shaped early Christian apologetics. Lastly, we turn to Aquinas, where we break down his theological precision in distinguishing how God’s attributes are spoken of in relation to the divine Persons.
These texts challenge us to consider how faith, reason, and tradition work together in shaping Christian doctrine.
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Find more resources and support this project:
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Today's discussion explores a fascinating intersection of philosophy, theology, and divine attributes. In Augustine’s Confessions, we examine how the prayers of a persistent mother influenced one of the greatest Christian minds in history. Justin Martyr’s dialogue reveals the intellectual struggles of a seeker, highlighting the competing schools of Greek philosophy and how they shaped early Christian apologetics. Lastly, we turn to Aquinas, where we break down his theological precision in distinguishing how God’s attributes are spoken of in relation to the divine Persons.
These texts challenge us to consider how faith, reason, and tradition work together in shaping Christian doctrine.
Explore the Project
Find more resources and support this project:
🔗 Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com
🔗 Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
🔗 Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com
🔗 Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
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In today’s readings, we witness the deep spiritual anguish and transformation of Augustine as his mother, Monica, follows him to Milan, unwavering in her prayers for his conversion. Her faith, patience, and devotion to the words of Ambrose serve as a powerful reminder of the influence of a mother’s prayers. Meanwhile, Justin Martyr continues to recount his philosophical journey, revealing his pursuit of truth across the Stoics, Peripatetics, Pythagoreans, and Platonists before ultimately finding fulfillment in Christianity. Lastly, in Thomas Aquinas, we explore whether notional adjectives, verbs, or participles can be predicated of the essential names of God, delving deeper into the nature of divine attribution.
Explore these rich theological insights as we continue our journey through the great minds of the Church.
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Find more resources and support this project:
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Today’s readings explore deep theological themes across three influential works. The Epistle to Diognetus continues with reflections on divine revelation and the importance of knowledge to the Christian life. Augustine’s Confessions recounts his encounters with Helpidius and his growing doubts about Manichaean distortions of Scripture, along with his experiences teaching rhetoric in Rome. Finally, Thomas Aquinas examines whether the essence of God is the same as His persons, clarifying the relationship between divine unity and the Trinity.
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Today, we continue with The Epistle to Diognetus and Augustine’s Confessions, exploring profound theological reflections on the nature of evil, divine love, and salvation. Diognetus discusses why Christ was sent when He was and the blessings that flow from faith, while Augustine wrestles with his former Manichaean views and the struggle to understand the Incarnation. Finally, Thomas Aquinas examines whether "Love" is the proper name of the Holy Ghost, shedding light on the Holy Spirit’s unique procession in the Trinity.
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In today’s reading, we delve deeper into Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, continuing our exploration of the Trinity and why it's so significant for our understanding of Christian doctrine. Michael Patton explains the decision to cover more articles per question, particularly when discussing such a crucial topic—one that has defined and distinguished the Christian faith through the centuries. Aquinas’s writings give us a fuller perspective on the profound theological truths surrounding the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with today’s reading offering more depth than usual to grasp the fullness of these concepts.
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In today’s reading, we explore Thomas Aquinas’s theological insight on the procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son. Aquinas responds to the objection that the Holy Spirit proceeds perfectly from the Father alone, and addresses why it is not superfluous to say the Holy Spirit also proceeds from the Son. He carefully explains how the Holy Spirit’s procession reflects the eternal relationship of love between the Father and the Son, offering a deeper understanding of the unity within the Trinity. This theological reflection challenges us to see the profound interconnectedness of the divine persons.
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In today’s reading, we dive into Thomas Aquinas's theological reflections on the nature of the Holy Spirit and whether He proceeds from the Son. Aquinas explores the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, addressing key theological concepts that help explain the unity and distinction of the divine persons in the Trinity. Aquinas draws on Scripture and the Nicene Creed to clarify the procession of the Holy Spirit and His intimate connection with both the Father and the Son. This article highlights the profound theological insights that continue to shape our understanding of the Trinity today.
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Today, we explore The Epistle to Diognetus, where Mathetes presents a powerful defense of Christianity against pagan and Jewish misunderstandings, highlighting the Christian way of life as distinct from the world. Next, we turn to Augustine’s Confessions, where he recounts his departure for Rome and the deep sorrow of his mother, Monica, as she prays fervently for his conversion. Finally, we engage with Aquinas in Summa Theologica, Question 35, where he examines the theological concept of the "Image" in God, demonstrating how the Son is the perfect reflection of the Father.
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Today, we introduce The Epistle to Diognetus, a remarkable yet often overlooked early Christian text. Written by Mathetes, whose name simply means "disciple," this letter offers a compelling portrait of Christian identity in the ancient world. Unlike the pagans and Jews, Christians live "in the world but not of it," embodying a new way of life that transcends cultural and national boundaries. We also uncover a fascinating fact—this letter was nearly lost forever when its only known manuscript was destroyed in a fire, saved only through prior copies. Join us as we explore this hidden gem of early Christian apologetics.
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In today’s readings, we delve into the writings of The Epistle to Diognetus, Augustine of Hippo, and Thomas Aquinas. We explore the superstitions of the Jews as discussed in The Epistle to Diognetus, and reflect on Augustine’s spiritual journey during a time of sickness and deep prayer. Finally, we engage with Thomas Aquinas’s thoughts on whether the term “Holy Spirit” is a proper name for one divine person, diving into the theological distinctions he draws. Each reading offers profound insights into the early Church’s teachings and theological reflections.
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Today’s reading explores Ignatius of Antioch’s Epistle to Polycarp (Chapters 7-8), Augustine’s Confessions (Book 5, Chapters 6-8), and Aquinas’ Summa Theologica (Part 1, Question 34, Article 2). Ignatius exhorts unity, discipline, and submission to God, while Augustine reflects on his disillusionment with the Manichaeans and how God used Faustus’ failure to guide him toward truth. Aquinas discusses why the Son is properly called the Word of God, reinforcing the theological depth of Christ’s eternal procession from the Father.
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In this episode, we explore Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 34, Article 2, where Aquinas considers whether "Word" is taken essentially or personally in reference to God. He argues that "Word" properly signifies a divine person—the Son—since He proceeds from the Father as the perfect expression of divine knowledge. This discussion deepens our understanding of Trinitarian theology and the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son.
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