Christ and Classics

In this episode, Devin and Colton discuss the book 'The Silver Chair' by C.S. Lewis. The conversation focuses on the theme of remembering, exploring how Eustace's and Jill's forgetfulness can play a purposeful role in accomplishing Aslan's will. Colton and Devin explore why the characters in Narnia are susceptible to forgetting Aslan's commands and the role of pain in awakening their memory. They also draw parallels between the characters' struggles and the biblical narrative, highlighting the providence of God and the purpose of forgetting. The conversation delves into the deceptive nature of the Queen and her parallels to modernist tendencies. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of remembering and how even mistakes play an important role in God's providence.

In this episode, Devin and Colton discuss The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis. They explore the episodic nature of the book and the common thread of covetousness that ties the different “episodes” together. They also toss around themes of sanctification and the role of Sol, the sun, within the story. Their conversation also explores the power of stories, particularly in relation to children and their understanding of complex concepts. 

Takeaways

In this episode, Devin and Colton make an inquiry about skepticism and faith in C. S. Lewis' book, Prince Caspian. They explore the characters of Miraz, Trumpkin, and Susan, who all demonstrate varying degrees of skepticism towards the fantastical elements of Narnia. The conversation camps on the importance of childlikeness and the recognition of a more magical and spiritual world. The hosts also discuss the hope for Susan's character and the strength that comes from embracing faith. Overall, the episode highlights the central theme of faith and the dangers of skepticism in Lewis' second Chronicle, Prince Caspian.

At a glance:

In this conversation, Devin and Colton hosted their good friend Keith Kresge to discuss educational egalitarianism within C. S. Lewis’ short essay “Democratic Education.” They explore the idea that education should be focused on the interests of those who want to learn and can learn, rather than trying to equalize curriculum. They also extend Lewis’ thesis to the role of parents as guides of their children’s education and the importance of recognizing individual gifts and roles in society. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to education and the dangers of an egalitarian mindset. The interlocutors also delve into the challenges of responding to a society that rejects inequality and the pursuit of superiority. Men and women—especially Christians who believe in a church of diverse gifts—should embrace their own inferiorities and superiorities without guilt or shame, though envy and arrogance is to be avoided at all costs. 

Takeaways

In this short essay, C. S. Lewis explores the concept of democratic education and its relationship to preserving democracy. Lewis argues against the abolition of compulsory subjects and emphasizes the need for a wide curriculum that provides opportunities for every student. He questions the desirability and feasibility of a nation educated democratically. Lewis also examines the two sources of the demand for equality—fair play (good) and envy (very bad)—and the dangers of attempting to propitiate evil passions. He advocates for an aristocratic and highbrow education that prioritizes the interests of intellectually curious students.

In this episode, Colton Moore and Devin Wilkins discuss the first book in C. S. Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. They explore the themes of winter and Christmas in Narnia, the significance of Father Christmas in the story, and the use of mythological imagery to communicate the gospel. They also address concerns about the inclusion of pagan gods in children's stories. The conversation explores the relationship between myth and truth, particularly in the context of Christianity. It delves into the idea that myth can participate in truth and how the incarnation is seen as the culmination of Myth becoming fact (Devin) or the Fact becoming myth (Colton). 

Key points:

In this episode, Devin and Colton discuss C.S. Lewis' essay "Meditation in a Toolshed" and its application to reading and teaching literature. They explore the difference between experiential knowledge (enjoyment) and analytical knowledge (contemplation), using Lewis’ metaphor of a toolshed and a beam of light. They emphasize the importance of both types of knowledge in the need to balance them in reading and teaching literature. The hosts also share their favorite Narnia Chronicles and how they enjoy and contemplate those stories.

Takeaways

In this episode, Colton Moore and Devin Wilkins introduce Season 2 of the Christ in Classics podcast, which will focus on the works of C.S. Lewis. They discuss how Lewis has impacted them both and kick off season 2 with a delightful conversation they had with Dr. Michael Ward from the University of Oxford.

Special thanks to GlossaHouse for partnering with the Christ & Classics Podcast! You can find their ancient language resources at https://glossahouse.com.

Arguably today's leading C.S. Lewis scholar, Michael Ward, English literary critic and theologian, works at the University of Oxford as a member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He also teaches in the MA program at Houston Christian University as Professor of Apologetics. He has published and edited several books and numerous essays, including:

Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis (Oxford University Press): https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Narnia-Seven-Heavens-Imagination/dp/019973870X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CGQDIO2GOUKI&keywords=planet+narnia&qid=1705930064&sprefix=planet+narni%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1

The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis (Cambridge University Press, edited with Robert MacSwain):https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Companion-Lewis-Companions-Religion/dp/0521711142/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J4EBXJK6PDPH&keywords=cambridge+companion+to+lewis&qid=1705930100&sprefix=cambridge+companion+to+lewi%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1

After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man:https://www.amazon.com/After-Humanity-Commentary-Lewis-Abolition/dp/1943243778/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WTDEZXIEOAL&keywords=after+humanity&qid=1705930162&sprefix=after+humanit%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1

You can find more about Michael Ward at https://michaelward.net/.

In this episode Colton discusses this final section Homer’s Iliad. He reconsiders the question he posed in Episode 2, “Is the purpose of Achilles’ rage to set up the reader for something beautiful in Book 24?” Achilles’ rage does not cease until Priam secretly comes to him by night to offer a ransom for the body of Hector. Why is this? How is it that Priam can still Achilles’ rage once and for all? Could vice serve virtue in any capacity—meaning, does sin ever play a specifically-designed role in bringing about something wonderful that otherwise would not have occurred without sin? Colton considers all these questions in this final episode.

What is the purpose of the shield Hephaestus forges for Achilles? Could the shield represent the inner-workings of the ideal Man? As such, could it be an ironic rebuke of Achilles’ rage seen thus far in the Iliad? Could it even be an image of the ideal City of cities—with an eye toward Troy? In this episode, Colton considers this question as he races through Books 18–20 of Homer’s Iliad.