Episode 250: "Best of" Series Replay - "The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis" with Dr. Jason Baxter
Nov 12, 2024
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Dr. Jason Baxter, Associate Visiting Professor at Notre Dame and author of "The Medieval Mind of C. S. Lewis," dives into fascinating ideas. He discusses the transformative power of literature and the sacramental view of reality. The conversation explores medieval thought and its relevance today, the challenges of reading ancient texts, and the impact of C.S. Lewis on modern spirituality. Baxter also emphasizes the importance of genuine joy and deep engagement with classic literature, encouraging listeners to appreciate its layered meanings.
Understanding medieval thought is essential for appreciating the deeper context of classical literature, particularly in the works of C.S. Lewis.
The podcast advocates for a profound reading approach that emphasizes reflection and engagement over superficial consumption of texts.
Literature has the transformative power to enrich readers' lives, offering liberation and wisdom that are especially relevant in modern times.
Deep dives
The Growth of the Literary Community
The podcast discusses the significant growth of the literary community since its inception in 2019. The hosts emphasize the importance of sharing older episodes that resonate with new and returning listeners, bridging the gap between various literary discussions. This community aims to explore not just books, but the skill and art of reading effectively, inviting listeners to delve into classical literature. The hosts believe that every person can find joy and insight through stories, highlighting the belief that engaging with literature is a pathway to understanding reality itself.
The Value of the Medieval Mind
Jason Baxter's insights into the medieval mindset and its relevance to modern readers are explored in depth. He argues that understanding medieval cosmology is crucial for grappling with classical texts, such as C.S. Lewis's works, which often draw from this tradition. Through his book, 'The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis', Baxter aims to provide a bridge for readers who seek to grasp the deeper intellectual traditions that shape these literary giants. Listeners are encouraged to embrace this medieval perspective to enrich their comprehension of timeless literature.
The Nature of True Reading
A central theme of the podcast is the nature of true reading and how it differs from modern approaches. The discussion highlights the expectation that readers should aim to internalize, reflect, and revisit texts rather than merely skim through them. This contrasts with the contemporary tendency to read superficially, where books are often consumed for immediate understanding rather than deep engagement. The hosts advocate for a return to a more profound, layered understanding of literature, much like the medieval readers who absorbed and contemplated the works of their time.
Literature as a Medium for Transformation
The podcast emphasizes literature's capacity to transform readers by expanding their inner lives. C.S. Lewis's perspective on literature suggests that it serves to deepen one's existence rather than merely providing moral lessons. This intricate relationship with literature allows readers to experience a sense of liberation and richness that modernity often overlooks. The hosts encourage listeners to seek literature that resonates with their own experiences, transforming how they engage with stories and the world around them.
Rediscovering the Joy of Stories
The discussion culminates in a fervent reflection on the joy of stories and their power to connect individuals across time and space. Baxter and the hosts interactively explore how medieval thought is not just a relic of the past but a fruitful context for understanding contemporary challenges. By drawing connections between older literary traditions and modern storytelling, they present literature as an active force that should inspire and evoke emotional and intellectual responses. This conversation ultimately champions the belief that engaging deeply with stories can foster hope and wisdom in an increasingly chaotic world.
Welcome back to The Literary Life podcast! Due to a scheduling conflict, this week we are re-airing a previous episode with Dr. Jason Baxter, author of the new book Why Literature Matters from Cassiodorus Press. Angelina Stanford, Cindy Rollins, and Thomas Banks sit down for a special conversation with Jason Baxter. Jason is a speaker, writer, and college professor who writes primarily on medieval thought and is especially interested in Lewis' ideas. You can find out more about him and his books at JasonMBaxter.com.
Our hosts and Jason discuss a wide range of ideas, including the values of literature, the sacramental view of reality, why it is important to understand medieval thought, the "problem" of paganism in Lewis' writings, and how to approach reading ancient and medieval literature.
To see all the books and get the full show notes for today's episode, visit our website for the complete show notes here: https://www.theliterary.life/250/.
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