Show Notes
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the question: How do we know God exists? Today we will wrap up our discussion of St. Thomas Aquinas's Five Ways by analysing the Fourth Way (the argument from gradation/degree) and the Fifth Way (the argument from order). Aquinas' Five Ways are among the most famous arguments for the existence of God, and they have been hugely influential in the history of the Philosophy of Religion. They have also been at times misunderstood and misrepresented, so in this series, we're taking the time to delve deep and understand what, exactly, Aquinas is arguing. SUPPORT THE PODCAST This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links: Donate via PayPal Support us on Patreon! Contact the podcast: www.caitlinwest.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
References and further reading/listening/viewing: Summa Theologiae Part 1, Question 2 Summa Contra Gentiles Edward Feser: Aquinas: A Beginner's Guide Five Proofs of the Existence of God Empirical science and the transcendentals Four Causes and Five WaysRéginald Garrigou-Lagrange, The one God: a commentary on the first part of St. Thomas' Theological summa. The Thomistic Institute: St. Thomas Aquinas' Fifth Way & Arguments from Modern Science (Aquinas 101) St. Thomas' SIMPLEST Proof for the Existence of God (Aquinas 101)Thomas Joseph White #9: The Fifth Way (I, 2, 3) Thomas Joseph White #8: The Fourth Way (I, 2, 3) Why is the Fourth Way the LEAST Popular of St. Thomas' Five Ways? (Aquinas 101) Why Does Truth Depend Upon Being in St. Thomas' Fourth Way? (Aquinas 101) The Fourth Way: If You’re the Tallest, You’re Also a Cause! (Aquinas 101) Pints With Aquinas: Explaining Thomas Aquinas' Proofs
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What if needing other people isn't a sign of weakness? What if it's actually part of God's design for the human person? In this episode, we continue our deep dive into St John Paul II's Theology of the Body. We return to Genesis to explore the creation of Eve and two fundamental experiences of the human person: original unity and original nakedness. Through Adam and Eve's encounter, John Paul II reveals what it means to be created male and female, why human beings are made for relationship, and how our bodies reveal a deeper calling to love, communion, and self-gift. In this episode, we discuss: Why the human person is made for relationship Eve as 'helpmate' What it means to be created male and female John Paul II's concept of "original unity" How difference can lead to unity rather than division What the body reveals about our capacity for self-gift How marriage is an image of the Trinity Why the meaning of human existence is connected to love What John Paul II means by "original nakedness" The difference between looking at someone's body and truly seeing them as a person What original unity and nakedness can teach us about our relationships today John Paul II's reading of Genesis reveals that we aren't made simply to exist alongside one another. We are made to know and be known, to love and be loved, and ultimately to make a gift of ourselves to others. SUPPORT THE PODCAST This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links: Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/caitlinwest Contact: www.caitlinwest.com
In this episode, we continue our series on St Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways by exploring his Fourth Way: the Argument from Gradation, or Degree.