Christ and Classics

46. Dante’s Divine Comedy, Part 1: Inferno (feat. Dr. Joe Carlson)

In this episode of the Christ in Classics podcast, Colton Moore interviews Joe Carlson, a scholar and translator of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. They discuss Carlson's background in classical literature, the significance of classical education, and the intricate relationship between sin and punishment in Dante's work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reading the entire Divine Comedy and reflects on personal interpretations of Dante's themes. In this conversation, Dr. Carlson and Colton explore the themes of sin, punishment, and divine justice as depicted in Dante's Inferno. They discuss the contrasting views of misers and spendthrifts, the hierarchy of sins, and the intellectual versus bestial nature of sin. The role of Satan in the punishment of sinners is examined, along with the concept that hell is a place where individuals embrace their desires, leading to their own punishment. The discussion also touches on the transition to Purgatorio and the idea of sanctification in the Christian life.

45. Passing the Torch: An Apology for Classical Christian Education (feat. Dr. Louis Markos)

In this episode of the Christ & Classics podcast, Colton Moore speaks with Dr. Louis Markos about his new book, Passing the Torch: An Apology for Classical Christian Education. His book discusses the importance of the traditio, the passing down and preservation of the classical academic and moral tradition of antiquity. The conversation reveals that this tradition, seen most expressly in the West, is a self-correcting tradition. They also explore the necessity of structure in education and the importance of instilling virtues and inquiry within students. They discuss the challenges faced by students today, including a lack of reading engagement, and the dangers of low expectations in education. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the need for a cultural literacy that empowers all students, regardless of their background, to participate meaningfully in a democratic society. Lastly, Markos concludes his time on the show by sharing insights on how classical education can be adapted to reach diverse student populations, fostering a love for learning and virtue in contexts non-receptive to a classical education.

44: Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (feat. Buck Holler)

In this episode of the Christ & Classics podcast, Colton hosts Buck Holler, former horse trainer and currently the Director of Consulting at the CiRCE Institute. The two discuss their personal connections and familial backgrounds (Colton and Buck are LONG LOST fourth cousins—more or less!). They analyze the moral lessons of the play, focusing on the characters of Brutus and Antony and the implications of democracy and the plebeians' role in governance. The conversation highlights the complexities of honor, ambition, and the consequences of political actions. This conversation considers the themes of leadership, authority, and the complexities of human nature, illustrated so aptly in the motivations for Brutus’ actions throughout the play. Along the way, Colton and Buck discuss the role of the populace and the power of persuasion, while also reflecting on the nature of betrayal and the need for guidance in leadership. ______ Buck Holler is a former horse trainer and rodeo cowboy from Red Bluff, CA. Retiring from the rodeo circuit, Buck headed to New England to study theology and languages at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2001. Since then he has worked as an educator and administrator in CA, New York City, and eastern NC. Buck first joined The CiRCE Institute as an apprentice in 2007, became a head mentor for the East Coast III apprenticeship in 2017, began the Latin Apprenticeship in 2019, and now serves in Concord, NC as CiRCE’s director of consulting.

43. The Hobbit (feat. Dr. Holly Ordway)

In this episode of the Christ in Classics podcast, Colton Moore engages with Dr. Holly Ordway, a prominent scholar on Tolkien, to explore the themes of heroism in The Hobbit. They discuss Dr. Ordway's personal journey with Tolkien's works, the role of literary criticism, and how “Hobbitness” shapes heroism throughout Tolkien’s book for children, discussing the natural development of Bilbo into a hero, his overt expressions of heroism, and especially his heroism as a moral example; Bilbo, in short, is a courageous, honest, and faithful figure. The discussion also touches on the character development of Thorin and Gandalf, as well as the broader literary tradition of “underdog” heroes. Ultimately, they highlight the profound impact of Tolkien's storytelling on readers and the moral lessons embedded within his narratives. ______ Dr. Holly Ordway is the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture at the the Word on Fire Institute and Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is a Subject Editor for the Journal of Inklings Studies.  Her book Tolkien’s Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages (Word on Fire Academic, 2021) received the 2022 Mythopoeic Society Scholarship Award in Inklings Studies: https://www.amazon.com/Tolkiens-Modern-Reading-Middle-earth-Beyond/dp/1943243727/ Her newest book is Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography, which was released in time for the 50th anniversary of Tolkien’s death on September 2nd, 2023:  https://www.amazon.com/Tolkiens-Faith-Spiritual-Holly-Ordway/dp/1685789919/

42. Plato’s Meno (feat. Matt Bianco of the CiRCE Institute)

In this episode of the Christ and Classics podcast, Colton Moore and Matt Bianco delve into Plato's dialogue, Meno, exploring the nature of virtue and whether it can be taught. The conversation highlights the complexities of teaching virtue and the innate understanding of right and wrong. In this conversation, Moore and Bianco explore the concept of virtue from both a theological and philosophical perspective, drawing on the teachings of Plato and the Christian tradition. They discuss the implications of virtue in parenting, education, and the nature of God, closing with the pursuit of knowledge, and the ongoing quest for understanding in both life and faith. Find more from Matt Bianco here: https://circeinstitute.org/blog/author/mattbianco/ [https://circeinstitute.org/blog/author/mattbianco/] For Colton's new book (co-authored), see here: https://glossahouse.com/products/beyond-the-horizon-an-appeal-to-parents-for-classical-christian-education [https://glossahouse.com/products/beyond-the-horizon-an-appeal-to-parents-for-classical-christian-education]