In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland invites listeners on a journey from ancient Athens to Jerusalem, exploring how Greek philosophy, especially Aristotle, has helped clarify Christian faith without ever replacing divine revelation. While reason must always remain subordinate to revelation, the wisdom of Athens can still serve the truth revealed in Christ. 

Derek is joined by Louis Markos, Professor of English and Scholar in Residence at Houston Christian University and holder of the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. A prolific author, speaker, and public intellectual, Markos has written over thirty books on topics ranging from classical literature and philosophy to C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Christian apologetics. His latest book, From Aristotle to Christ: How Aristotelian Thought Clarified the Christian Faith, is the third volume in a trilogy exploring how pagan philosophy prepared the way for Christian theology. 

Their conversation focuses especially on Aristotle’s ethics, the nature of virtue, the role of habit in moral formation, and how Christians can affirm virtue without falling into works-righteousness. Together, Derek and Lou explore how Aristotle can help believers think clearly about goodness, character, and holiness in a morally confused age while keeping Jesus firmly at the center. 

Key Highlights 

Lou Markos’s journey into faith, philosophy, and literature 

Aristotle’s understanding of virtue, goodness, and habit 

The role of habit in forming character 

The “self-reinforcing cycle” of virtue and habit 

How Aristotle helps believers conform their souls to the image of Christ 

Book mentioned in this episode: 
From Achilles to Christ: Why Christians Should Read the Pagan Classics by Louis Markos 
From Plato to Christ: How Platonic Thought Shaped the Christian Faith by Louis Markos 
From Aristotle to Christ: How Aristotelian Thought Clarified the Christian Faith by Louis Markos 
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis 

Louis Markos’ Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JSBEBG?ingress=0&visitId=c43cc519-1ee8-4d84-b220-be3385b263bf&ref_=ap_rdr 

Louis Markos’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mcYKcQaJDA_a7sFVsHSgg 

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Order Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 

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Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com 

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