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In this special episode, we sit down with our in-house theologian, Andrew McGovern, and special guest Alex Spieldenner from Aquinas and Beyond to explore the Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception and St. Thomas Aquinas.
We begin with Pope Pius IX’s historic 1854 ex cathedra definition: that Mary was preserved from all stain of original sin from the first moment of her conception by a singular grace and the merits of Jesus Christ. Why does this dogma matter?
Did St. Thomas Aquinas actually deny the Immaculate Conception?
Deep dive into Summa Theologica III, Question 27 – what Aquinas actually taught
Mary’s holiness, sanctification in the womb, and grace fitting for the Mother of God
Medieval understanding of generation, ensoulment, animation, and “quickening.”
Why Aquinas emphasized that Mary (and everyone) needs Christ the Redeemer
Blessed John Duns Scoutus’ and the Franciscan Teaching
Franciscan perspective: Bl. John Duns Scotus and his stronger emphasis on the Primacy of Christ
Scotus’ famous principle: “God could do it, it was fitting, therefore He did it.”
Comparison of Christology between Aquinas and Duns Scotus
Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant (with biblical reference to Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6)
What are Réginald Marie Garrigou-Lagrange OP’s thoughts on Duns Scotus?
What would Aquinas think about the topic with our knowledge of biology and medicine?
What was Aquinas’ knowledge of the process of conception?
Philosophical and biological discussion: zygotes, the union of sperm and egg, and how modern science relates to Aquinas’ thought
Would St. Thomas Aquinas support first-trimester abortion?
