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The Thomistic Institute (TI) is a national organization focused on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. The TI has a chapter at Iowa State University that offers numerous events and activities for ISU students and Ames community members. The ISU chapter of the TI hosts lectures by experts in theology, philosophy, science, literature, and various fields that intersect Roman Catholicism. It also offers book studies where students may strengthen their intellectual understanding of theology in specific topics. The ISU TI also offers weekly Aquinas 101 meetings tailored for students with little-to-no theology backgrounds. Aquinas 101 topics vary week-to-week and are often broad subjects with many exciting discussions.

Speaker Events

What are Speaker Events?

Each semester the Thomistic Institute brings in guest speakers to give lectures on philosophical or theological topics. The lectures are hosted on campus and are free and open to the public. All the lectures are recorded and can be listened to afterwards on TI Rewind.

Speakers for Spring 2026:


Dr. Stephen Meredith
Date: Monday, February 9
Location: SICTR 0114
Title: Biotechnology and Human Nature


Fr. Gregory Pine, OP
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Location: Gerdin 1148
Title: Sins of Speech (Lying, Gossip, Swearing, etc)


Dr. Timothy Pawl
Date: Thursday, April 16
Location: SICTR 0114
Title: The Seven Deadly Sins

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Book Studies

What is a Book Study?

A book study is a phenomenal opportunity to read a theological book with the guidance of a book study leader and support of students reading the same book. Book studies are FREE and meet once a week (for roughly one hour) to discuss the assigned weekly reading.

Books for Spring 2026:

  • Prudence by Fr Gregory Pine, OP (Difficulty: Beginner) 
  • The Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis M. Martinez (Difficulty: Intermediate)

  • Five Proofs of the Existence of God by Dr Edward Feser (Difficulty: Advanced)

Registration:

Use this link to sign up for a book study! Registration will close on Friday 2/6/26

Disclosure:

The Thomistic Institute is a FREE "book club," NOT a "free book" club. Please discern your availability before signing up for a book study. The Thomistic Institute generously pays for your book, so please use it accordingly by attending meetings regularly. Your book will be confiscated if you choose to drop out of the book study or do not attend regularly. Thank you for understanding!

 

 

 

 

 Aquinas 101

 

    What is Aquinas 101?

    Aquinas 101 meets weekly to watch and discuss short videos on Thomistic     theology. Aquinas 101 provides a safe environment for students to openly discuss     their thoughts on God, virtue, Catholicism, philosophy, and science. Discussion     questions are provided to spark conversations, but deeper questions typically arise.     Please come with an open mind!

    Wednesdays at 7pm in Pearson 2105

    Website: https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org/

Events