Christians Reading Classics

Dive into the tale of Tantalus, where ambition meets divine punishment, revealing how success can become a burden. Explore King Hieron’s Olympic triumph and the moral lessons embedded in Pindar's odes. Delve into the duality of victory as both a reward and a temptation to challenge the gods. Discover how reading Greco-Roman classics can enrich a Christian’s understanding of faith, offering joy and deeper insights into the biblical world. Nadya Williams encourages embracing ancient texts for spiritual growth and character formation.

Discover the powerful link between reading classic literature and enriching the Christian imagination. Nadya tackles the challenge of a weakened imaginative life among Christians, rooted in both modern and historical contexts. She emphasizes the importance of older texts, arguing they nurture souls and affections. Gain insights into how Greco-Roman classics can contribute to Christian formation, and explore three compelling reasons to embrace these works. This thought-provoking discussion invites listeners to cultivate a more vibrant intellectual and spiritual life.

Join Eric Hutchinson, an associate professor of classics and poet, as he explores T.S. Eliot's 'The Hollow Men.' They discuss what defines a classic and how modern readers can appreciate timeless literature. The conversation highlights the spiritual themes of the poem and its complex imagery. Eric emphasizes the role of community in fostering a love for poetry and its necessity in human experience. Additionally, they connect Eliot's work to the literary tradition, citing influences from Virgil to Dante, showcasing how past texts shape modern understanding.

Dr. Leslie Baynes, an Associate Professor of New Testament and expert on C.S. Lewis, dives into the enduring relevance of 'The Great Divorce.' She discusses the nature of classics and the profound themes of choice and divine grace in Lewis's work. The conversation reveals how Lewis's relationships and experiences, especially during WWII, shaped his writing. Dr. Baynes also highlights exciting insights from her forthcoming book about Lewis's biblical influences, making connections to modern readers. This exploration showcases the timeless messages that resonate today.

Nadya Williams and Carolyn Weber explore the literary significance of Dorothy L. Sayers' 'Gaudy Night', discussing its themes of women's roles in academia, the intersection of murder mysteries and theology, and the nature of what constitutes a classic. They look into Sayers' complex character, her contributions to literature, and the broader implications of her work in the context of 20th-century society. Chapters 00:00 The Literary Landscape of 1935 03:15 Defining a Classic 04:53 Dorothy L. Sayers: A Complex Figure 09:42 Murder Mysteries and Theology 11:42 Exploring Gaudy Night 19:12 Oxford as a Character 22:37 Women in Academia 30:07 The Pursuit of Meaningful Work 32:47 The Unusual Mystery of Gaudy Night 40:04 Reading Murder Mysteries as a Christian

Nadya Williams and Jon Parrish Peede discuss the literary legacy of Flannery O'Connor, exploring her impact on American literature and the theological themes present in her work. They highlight the Southern Gothic genre, O'Connor's unique storytelling style, and the reader's engagement with her stories. It also touches on her reception over the years and personal reflections on her most significant works.

Nadya Williams and historian Daniel K. Williams examine Sinclair Lewis's 1935 novel "It Can't Happen Here," analyzing its treatment of democracy, authoritarianism, and religion's political role. Their discussion covers what qualifies a work as a literary classic, the historical circumstances surrounding Lewis's writing, and how his observations about democratic institutions' vulnerability and the manipulation of religious sentiment for political ends continue to resonate with contemporary American political debates and concerns about authoritarianism. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sinclair Lewis and His Work 02:54 Defining a Classic: What Makes Literature Enduring? 05:56 Sinclair Lewis: The Man Behind the Novels 11:44 Exploring the Themes of It Can't Happen Here 20:34 The Role of Religion in American Politics 28:29 Reflections on Mainstream America in the 1930s 31:56 The Spiritual Crisis Behind Authoritarianism 33:59 Literary Merits and Critiques of Sinclair Lewis 36:04 Public Reception and Political Context of the Novel 39:37 Huey Long and the Threat of Authoritarianism 43:00 Reading the Novel as Christians in 2025 47:06 The Attraction to Authoritarianism and Hyper Patriotism 50:20 Preserving Democracy: A Call for Self-Critical Patriotism 52:03I nfluential Classics and Historical Understanding

Nadya Williams and Vika Pichersky delve into Mikhail Bulgakov's 'Heart of a Dog,' exploring its themes, characters, and the critique of Soviet society. They discuss the nature of classics, the challenges of translation, and the moral questions raised by the transformation of a dog into a human. The conversation highlights the relevance of Bulgakov's work in contemporary discussions about humanity, morality, and the role of fiction in conveying complex truths. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Context of Bulgakov's Work 02:37 Defining Literary Classics 05:34 Navigating Russian Literature in Translation 08:51 Understanding Heart of a Dog 11:38 Character Analysis and Themes in Heart of a Dog 17:34 The Role of Science and Morality 23:28 Bulgakov's Critique of Soviet Society 29:33 The Purpose of Fiction and Its Relevance Today Links Vika Pechersky, "Dostoevsky: Prophet and Radical Visionary for an Apocalyptic Future" Vika Pechersky, "What Dostoevsky Taught Me About Sending My Son to College" Vika Pechersky, "Dostoevsky and Euthanasia"

Ronni Kurtz, an Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, and Philip D. Bunn, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, dive deep into C.S. Lewis's 'That Hideous Strength.' They explore the theological and philosophical themes in the novel, such as the ethical implications of technology and modern education. The duo discusses the relevance of Lewis's insights concerning AI and its impact on humanity. Additionally, they analyze character dynamics and the characteristics that define classic literature, emphasizing the enduring power of literary works.

John Wilsey, a church history professor and Tocqueville expert, dives into the timeless insights of Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America". They discuss Tocqueville's aristocratic lens on American equality and the crucial role religion plays in sustaining democracy. Wilsey argues that conservatives should embrace Tocqueville's views on balancing individual liberty with community responsibility. They explore the book's historical impact and its continuing relevance, shedding light on how a classic resonates with unchanging human themes.