Classical Et Cetera Should Students Study Pagan Beliefs in a Classical Education?
Sep 3, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of pagan philosophy and literature! Discover why studying pagan texts can enrich a Christian education. The discussion highlights how ancient thinkers like Plato and Aristotle posed significant questions, leading to deeper Christian truths. Learn about practical strategies for teaching Greek myths and how they can enhance comprehension of classic literature. The conversation emphasizes discernment in reading pagan works, ensuring they align with Christian doctrine.
47:28
Why Study Pagan Classics
- The hosts frame the pagan-classics question as whether Christians should read pagan authors and why.
- They point listeners to Cheryl Lowe's article "Why Should Christians Read the Pagan Classics?" for a full treatment.
Pagan Vs Secular Distinction
- The panel distinguishes 'pagan' (religious polytheists) from 'secular' (non-religious) thinkers when discussing classics.
- They note philosophers often participated in pagan religion yet pursued abstract reason and truth.
Greeks Asked The Right Questions
- Chesterton's framing: paganism searched and Christianity supplied answers.
- The hosts say pagans asked many of the right questions even if their answers were incomplete.
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Intro
00:00 • 17min
Why Study Pagan Authors?
17:10 • 6min
Paul at the Areopagus and Natural Reason
23:20 • 9min
Teaching Greek Myths: Practical Concerns
32:41 • 9min
Philosophy, Discernment, and the One Truth
41:38 • 5min
Outro
46:34 • 54sec
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On the nature of the gods
Cicero
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The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State.
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Bob Burg
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Magister Ludi
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Dallaire's Book of Greek Myths
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Jules Verne
George Towle
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Accompanied by his French valet, Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a thrilling race against time, encountering various challenges and exciting adventures along the way.
The novel explores themes of adventure, determination, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lyon, Volume 1
null
Beth Brower
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The human factor
R. H. Ward
On this week's Classical Et Cetera, Memoria Press takes on one of our most common questions in classical Christian education: Why should Christians study paganism at all?
We explore how to approach pagan philosophy, literature, and Greek mythology in the classroom, and why these texts still matter for students learning within the tradition of Christianity. From Plato and Aristotle to Paul at the Areopagus, we consider how pagan authors asked the right questions—and how the Bible is where we ultimately get the answers.
Whether you’re a homeschool parent, a teacher, or simply curious about classical education, this conversation will help you see how pagan works can be taught with discernment, why they remain part of a Memoria Press curriculum, and how to read them in light of the truth of Christianity.
Read "Why Should Christians Read the Pagan Classics" from our founder, Cheryl Lowe: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/why-should-christians-read-pagan-classics/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=185
*What We're Reading* from This Episode:
_The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion_—Beth Brower (Tanya)
_The Human Factor_—Graham Greene (Paul)
_Around the World in Eighty Days_—Jules Verne (Paul)
_The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin)