An Expert Exploration Into St. Thomas Aquinas | Fr. Gregory Pine

The discussion centers on St. Thomas Aquinas: his life, works, and relevance to contemporary issues. Fr. Gregory Pine, a professor of philosophy and expert on Aquinas, explains why Catholics, Protestants, and conservatives frequently quote him, emphasizing Aquinas's ability to translate divine wisdom into accessible human concepts. They explore Aquinas's mystical vision and his view that his writings were "straw" compared to divine revelation. The conversation examines why Aquinas fell out of favor during the Enlightenment, attributing it to an overemphasis on minute details and a skepticism about knowing objective truth. Fr. Pine suggests Aquinas's appeal lies in his capacity to simplify complex issues and provide principles for engaging with life freely. The conversation also touches on applying Aquinas's teachings to modern problems like lust, despair, and the search for certainty in a skeptical culture.