Zena Hitz, a philosopher and tutor at St. John's College, delves into the allure of abandoning worldly possessions for a religious life. She explores the profound relationship between faith and reason, asserting that renunciation is central to true Christian belief. Hitz critiques the mainstream's lack of radical spirituality and highlights the emotional depth of faith beyond mere logic. She shares her transformative journey and the struggles of balancing intellectual pursuits with community life, inviting listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Illing's Religious Upbringing
Sean Illing was raised Catholic, attending Sunday school and mass.
However, the faith didn't stick, and he remains a skeptical non-believer.
insights INSIGHT
Hitz's Central Question
Zena Hitz's faith journey started with a philosophical question about renunciation and happiness.
This question drove her exploration of religious life and shaped her book.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Augustine's Conversion
Augustine's conversion involved studying philosophy, which opened his mind to Christianity.
True faith, however, came through a moment of grace, not pure reason.
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Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence[2][4][5].
Crime and Punishment
Bibliophile Bibliophile Pro
Constance Black Garnett
FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY
Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought[2][4][5].
Lost in Thought
Zena Hertz
No description available as the book is not found in the provided sources.
A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life
Zena Hitz
In 'A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life', Zena Hitz delves into questions about happiness, meaning, and the allure of religious life. Drawing on her personal experience in a Christian community, she examines themes of faith, sacrifice, and asceticism, offering insights into human flourishing and happiness. The book challenges modern perceptions by providing a nuanced view of religious life and its relevance to contemporary culture.
What would drive someone to renounce all their possessions, relationships, and ambitions to join a religious community? Sean talks with Zena Hitz, whose new book A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life explores this question — drawing from her own experience. They discuss the occasionally perplexing relationship between faith and reason, why Hitz thinks the act of renunciation is the pinnacle of Christian belief, and why the radicalism at the heart of Christianity seems so absent from mainstream practice.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
