How much can and should Christians engage with non-Christian literature as part of a larger journey of intellectual formation? How can we fruitfully study pagan poets, historians, philosophers, and rhetoricians? And what role can music play in liberal learning?

In this conversation, Prof. Squires leads us through a discussion of these questions and considers the strengths and weaknesses of great books programs (both Catholic and non-Catholic) and anti-intellectual strains within the Christian tradition. On two occasions, he even turns the table and interviews the interviewer.

Links of Potential Interest:

Stuart Squires, The Pelagian Controversy: An Introduction to the Enemies of Grace and the Conspiracy of Lost Souls

Dr. Squires’ podcast “Catholicism and Culture”

St. Basil, “Address to Young Men on the Right Use of Greek Literature”

Josef Pieper, What Does “Academic” Mean?: Two Essays on the Chances of the University Today

Pope Saint John Paul II, Fides et Ratio

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091998_fides-et-ratio.html

Tertullian, “The Prescription Against Heretics”

Jared Ortiz, “All Things Hold Together: A Great Books Education and the Catholic Tradition”

R. R. Reno, “Critical Thinking and the Culture of Skepticism”