Welcome to the first episode of a new series on Literature and the Moral Imagination, where we explore the timeless stories that challenge us to think deeply about virtue, vice, and the human condition. In this episode, I dive into John Milton’s epic masterpiece, Paradise Lost, a profound meditation on free will, divine justice, and the nature of evil.

Join me as I unpack Milton’s ambitious attempt to “justify the ways of God to men” and navigate the complex characters and themes that make this poem a cornerstone of Western literature. I’ll explore:

* The tension between free will and divine providence.

* Satan’s captivating yet tragic character—hero, villain, or both?

* The Fall of humanity as a deeply human story of disobedience and redemption.

* How Paradise Lost continues to resonate in a world wrestling with questions of freedom, morality, and grace.

Whether you’re new to Milton or returning to his world with fresh eyes, this episode offers a compelling look at how Paradise Lost shapes our understanding of good, evil, and what it means to be human. Tune in, reflect, and be inspired to wrestle with these eternal questions in your own life.

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