Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 7 March 1274), was a Doctor of the Church, Philosopher, Theologian, Jurist, Dominican Friar, and Priest. Known as Doctor Angelicus "Angelic Doctor," and the Doctor Communis "Universal Doctor" his writings serve as a defense and proof of the validity of Christ's authority over all. The Summa contra Gentiles (also known as Liber de veritate catholicae fidei contra errores infidelium, "Book on the truth of the Catholic faith against the errors of the unbelievers"). The Summa contra Gentiles consists of four books. The structure of Saint Thomas's work is designed to proceed from general philosophical arguments for monotheism, to which Muslims and Jews are likely to consent even within their own respective religious traditions, before progressing to the discussion of specifically Christian doctrine.
Book II is dedicated to the Creation (in other words, the physical universe, everything which exists).
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of religion, or simply curious about the impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the world, this playlist is designed to provide an informative and engaging journey through its captivating past. Subscribe to the Contemplating History channel for more educational content and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history.
25 July 2026
Summa Contra Gentiles, Book II: XXXIII Arguments of Whom Want To Prove an Eternal World by Creatures
From Contemplating History
Pope Leo on Social Doctrine in the Digital Age | Magnifica Humanitas Part 2
From Crash Course Catholicism
What is Catholic Social Doctrine, and what does it have to say about artificial intelligence?
In Part 2 of our series on Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, we explore chapters 1 and 2 of the encyclical and discover why the Church's social teaching is more relevant than ever in the digital age.
Pope Leo does not create an entirely new moral framework for AI. Instead, he shows how the timeless principles of Catholic Social Teaching (human dignity, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, social justice, and integral human development) help us navigate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What Catholic Social Teaching actually is
- Why the Church speaks about AI, politics, economics, and technology
- How Pope Leo applies Catholic social doctrine to the digital revolution
- Why human dignity is the foundation of human rights
- The common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, and social justice in the age of AI
- Why algorithms, data, and digital platforms raise new moral questions
- How Christians can think faithfully about emerging technologies
The Mystery of the Boleyn Siblings’ Births | Was Mary Boleyn Older Than Anne Boleyn?
From History Calling
Was Anne Boleyn older than her sister Mary Boleyn, or was the other Boleyn girl actually born first? In this Tudor history documentary from History Calling we look at what we know about the ages and birth years of Mary and Anne Boleyn, the mistress and the second wife of Henry VIII and a set of sisters that the world is still fascinated by today.
Both were the daughters of Sir Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Howard and they were the sisters of this couple’s only other surviving child, George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford (by the way we’ll also look at when George Boleyn was born). Most historians think all three arrived in the world between 1499 and 1508, but the birth order of the girls has been hotly debated for centuries and this also affects what we think we know about their brother’s birth. We’ll look at what the primary sources tell us about how old each Boleyn was, based on when Mary and Austria went to Mechelen and France to serve in the courts of Margaret of Austria, Mary Tudor and Queen Claude of France, when Mary Boleyn got married, how old Anne Boleyn was when she died according to some near contemporary sources and the legal argument made by Mary’s descendant Lord Hunsdon during the reign of his cousin, Elizabeth I, which indicates that he believed his grandmother to be the elder sister. You’ll hear from original sources including what Thomas Boleyn said about his children, the writings of William Camden and the recollections of the Duchess of Feria, who worked for Mary I. You’ll also hear what top Tudor historians like Eric Ives and Retha Warnicke have made of the debate.
St James and the Seashell: The Enduring Journey of a Symbol
For centuries, the symbol of pilgrims to St James shrine in Compostela has been a scallop shell. Mr Esparza explains some of the theories as to why.
From Aleteia
By Daniel Esparza
Several theories attempt to explain the connection between St. James and the shell. One popular legend recounts the miraculous discovery of the saint’s remains.The image of St. James, patron saint of Spain and pilgrims, is often accompanied by a curious symbol: the famous seashell. The shell is symbol of the famous Camino, the Way of St. James, leading pilgrims along the paths to the saint's tomb.
This association, surprising as it might be, has little to do with the fact that James was a fisherman. Its history is instead woven into the long tapestry of faith and pilgrimages, and has a very practical, down-to-earth explanation. Exploring these connection reveals not only a fascinating story, but also insights into the power of symbols and the enduring legacy of St. James.
Several theories attempt to explain the connection between St. James and the distinctive fan-shaped scallop shell. One popular legend recounts the miraculous discovery of the saint’s remains. After his martyrdom in Jerusalem, his disciples transported his body to Galicia, Spain. According to the legend, a terrible storm hit the ship and scattered the remains. Miraculously, they later washed ashore covered in scallop shells, leading the faithful to the saint's final resting place. This legend obviously served to solidify the shell’s symbolic association with St. James.
But, in addition to legends, practical considerations played a major role. Scallop shells were (and still are) abundant along the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage route leading to the saint’s shrine in Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims readily adopted the shells as water containers, utensils, and even makeshift armor. Over time, the shell transcended its utilitarian purpose to become a badge of identification for pilgrims and the distinctive symbol of their journey.
Diverse paths, same destination
The symbolism of the seashell goes beyond practicality. Its radiating lines represent the diverse paths traveled by pilgrims, all converging on the same destination. This resonates with the universality of the Catholic faith, and the belief that individual journeys, with their unique challenges and experiences, ultimately lead to a shared spiritual destination: Christ himself.
Needless to say, the shell also evokes themes of baptism and rebirth, as pilgrims emerge from their metaphorical journey transformed by their experiences.
The association with St. James also has maritime connotations. Being a fisherman, the saint has been naturally associated with the sea and, thus, with traveling, exploring, and venturing into the unknown. The shell also hints at the courage and resilience required to embark on a spiritual journey, venturing into uncharted territories of faith and self-discovery.
Today, the scallop shell remains a powerful symbol of St. James and his Camino. It adorns the cathedral in Santiago, appears on pilgrims’ passports, and is proudly worn by travelers as they navigate their physical and spiritual paths.
The Vatican Is Going To Force Catholics To Swear A Loyalty Oath To Vatican 2
Some of us predicted this long ago. Such a move signals a new religion. Why else would they ask for a loyalty oath to a pastoral, nonbinding Council?
Everything You Need To Know About Medieval Food
From Modern History TV
Jason Kingsley talks about medieval food in this compilation of videos relating to medieval food. Discover what people really ate in the Middle Ages. This collection of medieval food videos explores the daily meals, feasts, ingredients, cooking methods and flavours that shaped life hundreds of years ago. From the humble peasant's table to the lavish banquets of kings and nobles, these episodes uncover the reality behind medieval cuisine and separate historical fact from modern myth.
What did medieval peasants eat?
What did knights and kings have for dinner?
What did medieval bread, ale and pottage taste like?
Was medieval food really bland?
Which spices, herbs and ingredients were available?
How was food cooked without modern kitchens?
What was served at great feasts and banquets?
...then this compilation is for you.
Drawing on historical sources, archaeological evidence and practical experiments, Modern History TV recreates the everyday experience of eating in medieval Europe. Whether you're interested in medieval history, castles, knights, historical cooking, archaeology, living history or authentic medieval life, you'll find plenty to enjoy here.
If you enjoy historically accurate explorations of the Middle Ages, consider subscribing for more videos on medieval life, castles, armour, horses, warfare, travel, clothing and the daily lives of ordinary people.
Traditional Catholic Morning Prayers in English | July
There’s No Way Out of Wes Huff’s Dilemma
From
Protestants like Wes Huff face a new, unanswerable Protestant Dilemma. In this video, I explain why they should either reject the 27-book New Testament, or they should become Catholic.
Why Was St James Called a “Son of Thunder”?
Today is the Feast of St James the Great, called by Jesus, with his brother John, Boanerges, which is translated as "Sons of Thunder".
From Aleteia
By Philip Kosloski
St. James and his brother John were both apostles of Jesus and had a peculiar name in the Gospels that may indicate their unique personality.
The Gospels are generally light on descriptions of the 12 apostles. Most of the apostles don't appear very often and typically when they do appear, it is only in name.
One interesting description that is given in the Gospel of Mark is when Jesus appears to using a nickname for the brothers, Ss James and John.
Sons of thunder
The Gospel of Mark narrates the calling of the 12 apostles and adds the detail that Jesus called the brothers "sons of thunder":
And he went up into the hills, and called to him those whom he desired; and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach and have authority to cast out demons: Simon whom he surnamed Peter; James the son of Zeb′edee and John the brother of James, whom he surnamed Bo-aner′ges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
One possible explanation is given by the Catholic Encyclopedia, claiming that James and John had a fiery temper and were very zealous in their desire to evangelize:
Several incidents scattered through the Synoptics suggest that James and John had that particular character indicated by the name "Boanerges," sons of thunder, given to them by the Lord (Mark 3:17); they were burning and impetuous in their evangelical zeal and severe in temper. The two brothers showed their fiery temperament against "a certain man casting out devils" in the name of the Christ; John, answering, said: "We [James is probably meant] forbade him, because he followeth not with us" (Luke 9:49). When the Samaritans refused to receive Christ, James and John said: "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?" (Luke 9:54; cf. 9:49).
The Encyclopedia of the Bible also mentions that "Jerome thought it referred to their fiery eloquence; others have taken it as referring to their fiery dispositions. It may be that they were at one time zealots or revolutionaries. Perhaps the epithet reflects the ancient mythology about the Dioscuri (Heavenly Twins), the Sons of Zeus or Thunder."
Scholars continue to debate the exact meaning of the phrase and what Jesus was referring to when he named James and John the "sons of thunder."
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