Christ and Classics

As immortal supernatural beings, modern readers might expect the gods and goddesses to be completely self-sufficient and omnipotent. However, they seem to be no less needy than humans. So, what gain do the gods receive for involving themselves in the lives of the Achaeans and Trojans? Why does Hera nag Zeus for nearly ending the Trojan War without razing Troy? Why does Zeus himself desire the praise of the gods? Is Zeus a good husband to Hera? What even makes a good husband? How does he compare with Paris in the previous section, Book 3? Devin and Colton consider these questions in Episode 5, Iliad Book 4.

In what ways specifically does Patroclus' death catalyze the fulfillment of Zeus's multi-layered will?

In this episode, Devin and Colton discuss Books 15–17 of Homer's Iliad. They explore the significance of Patroclus' death and its role in turning the tides of the war. They also delve into Zeus' grand scheme, Achilles' rage, and the nature of Patroclus and Achilles' friendship. The conversation touches on the connection between Zeus' sacrifice of his son Sarpedon and the central theme of sacrifice in the Christian narrative, as well as the paradox of freedom and predestination.

Key points:

In this episode, Colton and Devin discuss books 12–14 of Homer's Iliad. They explore the relational tensions between the gods, particularly Zeus and Poseidon along with Zeus and Hera, and the uncertainties and limitations of Zeus as the supreme Olympian. They also draw parallels between the complexities of living in time as Christians and the perplexities of being in a world orchestrated by a sovereign God. The central theme of Achilles' fury is highlighted, along with the desire for reconciliation and the beauty of Christ's cross.

Takeaways:

In this episode, Devin and Colton talk with Dr. Mark Menaldo, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Liberal Studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce in Commerce, TX. Dr. Menaldo is a recent convert to Christianity, and God used Great Books, particularly ancient and modern philosophical works, to draw his soul toward the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We asked him if he would tell us his story, and he said yes.

Dr. Menaldo also is a published author. You can find his books on the history of philosophy and leadership on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Menaldo/author/B00GAA6MKQ?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Not all books are created equal. Some are written for information. Some are written for entertainment. Some ought not to have been written in the first place. Yet, there are many books that have commonly been deemed "great." Many of these are novels, myths, and fairy tales of sorts. Many are philosophical treatises. Some are a combination of both.

In this episode Devin and Colton raise and attempt to answer the question "What is a Great Book?" We discuss three governing criteria, which harken back to Episode 1.

A "Great Book" will

1. raise deep anthropological and moral questions;

2. arrest the attention with aesthetic beauty;

3. have had significant influence on later generations, which is an inevitable corollary of the first two criteria.

They also discuss the differences between Bram Stoker's Dracula and Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series as well as the differences between ancient classics and modern classics, leaning heavily on C.S. Lewis for direction.

In this episode, Devin and Colton consider a larger section of Homer's Iliad: Books 9–11.

The fate of Troy hinges upon books 9–11. Zeus has begun to accomplish his promise to Thetis and raze Troy to the ground, bringing his will to its end. But first somehow he will need to draw Achilles out of his ship. Yet, before Homer does this, he exalts three of Achaea’s finest heroes: Odysseus, Diomedes, and surprisingly Agamemnon himself—whom Homer has not heretofore given much spotlight on the battlefield. What are we to make of Agamemnon? In these three chapters he is all over the map. He ranges from seeking to lavishly restore his relationship with Achilles (Book 9), to wracked by anxiety (Book 10), and to apparently one of the most valiant heroes of the Achaeans (Book 11). And so, is Achilles’ version of Agamemnon—which seemed accurate before as a self-exalting, parasitic commander—actually mistaken? What are we, then, to make of Achilles? Is his wrath and bitterness simply immaturity? Or is there greater depth in his slighted honor?

Book 8 of Homer’s Iliad is a major turning point in the poem. Zeus forbids the rest of the gods to intervene in the war to grant the Trojans the upperhand in battle. Why? When we keep in mind the two promises Zeus has made—first, to raze Troy and second, to grant Thetis her prayer to glorify Achilles—Zeus’s actions in Book 8 make more sense. Inspired by almighty Zeus, the Trojans beat down the Greeks, which sets the stage for the them to call upon Achilles, who will eventually come out of his ship’s hull to burn Troy to the ground. This, ironically and unavoidably, will lead to Achilles' own swift death. Zeus’s will is complicated with many moving parts, and Devin and Colton explore it in this episode.

In this episode Colton sits down with Ben House, a former headmaster and humanities teacher, to consider the differences between classical education and the all-pervasive “progressive” alternative seen in most public and many private schools. We discuss how classical schools are incompatible with progressive schools—noting key differences—and why the former is the only alternative that encourages life-long learning.

Ben is a published author. You can find his book on history and teaching, along with several essays and book reviews below!

The Heavy Laden Bookshelf:

• https://benhouseblog.wordpress.com/page/2/

Amazon:

• Punic Wars & Culture Wars: Christian Essays on History and Teaching: https://www.amazon.com/Punic-Wars-Culture.../dp/0967831784

• A chapter contribution in The Devil's Diet: The Seven Deadly Sins Revisited: https://www.amazon.com/Devils.../dp/B0C51V997R/ref=sr_1_1...

Reformation.org:
• "Classical Christian Education: A Look at Some History": https://reformed.org/christian-family/classical-christian-education-a-look-at-some-history-by-ben-house/?fbclid=IwAR0xi4Qfk-2adAauvna8YLxFlHXxlmwZE_RAWSCqngqIMQDoT9KGx-33rYM

Hector and Paris are back in the battle, and immediately Apollo and Athena agree to temporarily halt the war by rousing Hector’s desire to show himself as mighty. Athena awakens in him this lust for glory, and Hector calls both armies to sit while he any Argive challenger willing to fight him duel to the bloody death. Ajax the Great is chosen by lot, and they fight.

But why?

Why does Homer have another pair of heroes fight in no-man’s land—especially when there is no indication the result of their duel will finally end the war? Could their violent mano-a-mano intentionally set the stage for their beautiful reconciliation and trading of arms? Could it be that Apollo and Athena halted the war by means of Hector and Ajax simply so that both armies could go unarmed and gather their dead together? Devin and Colton explore these questions in Episode 9: Iliad, Book 7!

Why can we arguably consider Hector, captain of the Trojans, to be a “Hero of Heroes” in Homer’s Iliad? How do his manly characteristics compare with that of Paris, or even the legendary Achilles? Why does glory and honor drive Hector back into the battlefield away from his precious wife and infant son? And how can this scene between Hector and Andromache simultaneously be both tragic and beautiful? Colton and special guest Ben House attempt to answer these questions on Episode 7: Iliad, Book 6.

You can find Ben's writings in a few places!

The Heavy Laden Bookshelf:

Amazon:

Reformation.org: