The Book Club

If you lost every good thing in your life, would you still praise God? The Book of Job from the Old Testament is considered one of the great masterpieces of early literature. Michael Knowles is joined by Owen Anderson, Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Arizona State University, to examine one of the Bible's most profound stories, which explores the issues of human suffering, the nature of God, and the meaning of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know if you’re trapped in a false reality? Can you see the truth or are you simply looking at shadows on the wall? Solveig Gold joins Michael Knowles to discuss Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” from his renowned work, “The Republic.” This symbolic story about human perception and the pursuit of truth reminds us not to trust our senses alone. We must step outside the cave and challenge our perceptions to discover the true nature of reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Illingworth, an expert on medieval literature, joins Michael Knowles to dissect Geoffrey Chaucer's iconic 'The Canterbury Tales.' They explore its blend of humor and serious themes, highlighting Chaucer's storytelling magic. The discussion dives into the diverse characters, the intense love and rivalry in 'The Knight's Tale,' and the absurdity of fate reflected in the tales. They also examine the characters' pilgrimage, balancing humor with spiritual insights, making this medieval work resonate with humanity's complexities.

Michael Knowles and guest John Yoo discuss how Hobbes's Leviathan shaped political philosophy. They explore Hobbes as the first modern political philosopher, his views on law, the relevance of his ideas in America, the symbolism of the monster Leviathan, and the conservative nature of the American Revolution.

What can we learn from ancient Greek poetry? A foundational text of Western Civilization—The Iliad by Homer—is one of the oldest pieces of literature still read by modern audiences. Why? Because we recognize ourselves in its timeless themes of war, love, fate, and free will. Ivy League classicist Joshua Katz joins Michael Knowles to discuss this 2,800-year-old poem embodying the human condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allie Stuckey, host of the Relatable Podcast, shares her insights on the enduring relevance of John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress.' She discusses how this 17th-century allegory reflects the struggles of modern Christians facing societal pressures and temptations. The conversation navigates the balance between authentic faith and cultural conformity, highlighting lessons of resilience and sacrifice from Christian history. Allie emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith amidst today's challenges, drawing powerful connections to Bunyan's journey.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Stephen Marmer, a clinical psychiatrist and professor at UCLA, delves into Freud's 'Civilization and Its Discontents.' The conversation examines the clash between personal desires and societal expectations, emphasizing the role of guilt and morality in human happiness. Marmer highlights how repressed desires can lead to neurosis and the importance of sublimation for individual fulfillment. The relevance of Freud's theories on childhood and personal responsibility adds depth, urging listeners to reflect on their own roles in societal challenges.

Could anyone have predicted the future of America 200 years ago? Alexis de Tocqueville foresaw a society fraught with materialism and “soft despotism" in his classic study of self-governance, freedom, and equality, Democracy in America. Pete Peterson, Dean of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, and Michael Knowles discuss what we can learn from de Tocqueville’s prophetic words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens if you follow your heart, pursuing love and happiness above all else, devoid of duty or virtue? Nothing good according to Leo Tolstoy, author of Anna Karenina. Inez Stepman, senior policy analyst at Independent Women’s Forum, joins Michael Knowles for a deep dive into this great literary work about fidelity, marriage, and betrayal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American Revolution led to the birth of a new, free nation, while the French Revolution led to blood and terror. What was the difference and what can we learn from history before it’s rewritten or forgotten entirely? Political theorist and Bible scholar Yoram Hazony joins Michael Knowles for a discussion about Edmund Burke’s treatise “Reflections on the Revolution in France.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices