John Mark Reynolds, president of the Constantine Schools and College, discusses the intriguing revival of interest in Eastern Orthodoxy among young men. He explores factors attracting this demographic to the ancient church, such as its rich worship traditions and sense of community. The conversation dives into themes of ‘chronological loneliness’ and how Orthodoxy offers a connection to historical narratives. Reynolds also critiques modern spirituality's dismissal of the miraculous, emphasizing the need for transcendence in today's world.
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insights INSIGHT
Books Bridge Chronological Loneliness
Reading ancient texts connects us to a shared human experience across time and culture.
Books act as bridges to the past, easing our chronological loneliness and enriching our understanding.
insights INSIGHT
Orthodoxy Balances Mind and Heart
Orthodoxy embraces intellectual rigor, simple faith, and timeless tradition.
It uniquely balances Greek philosophy, cultural heritage, and living faith for the whole person.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Sensory Liturgy Engages Whole Person
John Mark describes the sensory experience of Orthodox liturgy: smells, sounds, and ornate visuals.
Standing through services and ancient traditions engage the whole person in worship.
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Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.
The Republic
Plato
Boldly Go
William Shatner
Joshua Brandon
A memoir reflecting on William Shatner's
The Iliad
Homer
The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector[1][3][5].
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
Dr John Mark Reynolds is the president of the Constantine Schools and College in Texas and the author of numerous books including 'When Athens Met Jerusalem: an Introduction to Classical and Christian Thought'.
He is a frequent blogger and lecturer on a wide range of topics including ancient philosophy, classical and home education, politics, faith, and virtue.
John Mark was involved in recent research that made global headlines, showing a huge upswing in the numbers of young men entering the Eastern Orthodox Church - precisely the demographic most absent in many churches.
Belle Tindall and Justin Brierley ask John Mark: What is it about this ancient church stream that has re-enchanted these young converts?
John Mark Reynolds: https://www.saintconstantinecollege.org/about/welcome-from-the-president
For Re-Enchanting: https://www.seenandunseen.com/podcast
There’s more to life than the world we can see. Re-Enchanting is a podcast from Seen & Unseen recorded at Lambeth Palace Library, the home of the Centre for Cultural Witness. Justin Brierley and Belle Tindall engage faith and spirituality with leading figures in science, history, politics, art and education. Can our culture be re-enchanted by the vision of Christianity?
Re-Enchanting 
