In this special crossover episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast and The Classical Mind Podcast, we dive deep into St. Bonaventure’s The Journey of the Mind to God—a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that maps the soul’s ascent to divine union. Together, we explore Bonaventure’s vision of contemplation, the role of intellect and love in knowing God, and the ways in which his thought is deeply sacramental, drawing from both Scripture and the broader Catholic tradition. Join us as we discuss the structure of Bonaventure’s journey, the influence of St. Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius, and how this medieval classic speaks to modern Christians seeking a deeper, more mystical encounter with God. Whether you're new to Bonaventure or a longtime admirer, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see creation, reason, and revelation as pathways to divine illumination.

In this episode of The Classical Mind, we dive into Walker Percy’s Love in the Ruins, a satirical yet deeply philosophical novel that explores the fragmentation of American culture, the tension between faith and modernity, and the collapse of both personal and national identity. Joining us for this discussion is Jesse Hake, Director of ClassicalU.com at Classical Academic Press. Together, we unpack Percy’s biting critique of American politics, his unique handling of race and social divisions, and the novel’s darkly comedic vision of a society unraveling at the seams.

We also explore Love in the Ruins as a work that straddles multiple genres—dystopian fiction, theological novel, political satire—and discuss its protagonist, Dr. Thomas More, whose Lapsometer attempts to diagnose the spiritual and ideological malaise of modern man. How does Percy contrast faith with scientific materialism? Is his portrayal of America’s decline eerily prophetic? And what lessons does Love in the Ruins hold for us today?

Our next book is The Journey of the Mind to God by St. Bonaventure

Endnotes:

-Junius: “Mr. Roboto” by Styx

-Jesse: The Hidden Wound by Wendell Berry

-Wesley: “The Fiction Writer and His Country” and “Some Aspects of the Grotesque in Southern Fiction” by Flannery O’Connor

In this episode of The Classical Mind, Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson dive into Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, the first Gothic novel and a cornerstone of literary history. They examine its groundbreaking blend of medieval romance, supernatural terror, and family drama, asking questions like: Is this a Christianized version of Oedipus Rex? How does the novel's atmosphere shape the Gothic genre? And why does this strange, haunting story still resonate today?

Discover the lasting impact of Walpole’s work, the moral consequences of unchecked ambition, and its fascinating connections to later Gothic masterpieces. Stay tuned to the end for a special recommendation to further explore the world of Gothic literature.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

“Helena” by My Chemical Romance

A picture of Horace Walpole’s home, Strawberry Hill

Endnotes

-Junius: The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott-Wesley:

* “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe

* The Witch (2015)

Join hosts Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson in this engaging episode of The Classical Mind as they dive into Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' contraversial work, The Communist Manifesto. Discover the historical context of the 1848 publication, the philosophy of historical materialism, and Marx’s critique of capitalism. Explore key themes like class struggle, the proletarian revolution, and the manifesto’s vision for a classless society. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to Marxist thought, this episode offers insightful analysis of one of the most influential political documents in history. Perfect for enthusiasts of philosophy, politics, and economics!

End Notes

* Junius: The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

* Wesley:

* “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” by Walter Benjamin

* Why Marx Was Right by Terry Eagleton

* The Catholic Social Teaching Collection by Word on Fire

Join the Classical Mind podcast for a captivating exploration of Plato's Phaedo, featuring insightful commentary from Dr. John Mark Reynolds.

This episode delves into the profound dialogue where Socrates, facing his own mortality, engages in a compelling argument for the immortality of the soul. Dr. Reynolds illuminates the text with his expertise, unraveling:

* Socrates' final hours and his unwavering belief in the soul's existence.

* The philosophical underpinnings of the soul's immortality and its journey after death.

* The nature of true knowledge and its connection to the soul's liberation.

Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on one of the most influential works in Western philosophy.

Dr. John Mark Reynolds, the president of The Saint Constantine School as well as a faculty member at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and a Fellow of the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute. Previously, he served as the provost of Houston Christian University and the founder and director of the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Appropriate for today’s conversation, he has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Rochester where he wrote his dissertation analyzing cosmology and psychology in Plato’s Timaeus.

Endnotes:

* Dr. Reynolds:

* When Athens Met Jerusalem

* The Passion of Joan of Arc

* Junius: Meet Joe Black

* Wesley: Hymn #299 from the 1940 Hymnal

* Bonus (not mentioned in the episode): “Learning How to Die” by Jon Foreman

In this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika Prather, the Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Coordinator at the Catholic University of America. Together, they explore Baldwin’s reflections on faith, identity, and the African American experience, analyzing the novel's profound insights into spirituality and social justice. Dr. Prather shares her expertise on how Baldwin’s narrative and characters offer timeless lessons, bridging classical and modern literature. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in literature, theology, and cultural dialogue, providing new perspectives on Baldwin's work through a classical lens.

Do you like what we’re doing here at the Classical Mind? If so, please subscribe!

Be sure to share us with your friends!

Endnotes:

* The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

* Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

Join us for the newest episode of the Classical Mind on Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical novel Thus Spake Zarathustra and find out why this is Fr. Wesley’s least favorite work. In this episode, we'll explore the key themes and ideas of Thus Spake Zarathustra, including:

* The Death of God: What does Nietzsche mean by this provocative statement? How does he see this "death" create both a crisis and an opportunity for humanity?

* The Übermensch: Who is it, and how do we become one? What are the qualities and virtues that define this higher state of being?

* Eternal Recurrence: This profound concept suggests that our lives will repeat endlessly. How can we embrace this idea and live each moment to the fullest?

* The Will to Power: Nietzsche saw this as the fundamental driving force in the universe. How does it manifest in human behavior, and how can we harness it for self-overcoming?

Endnotes:

Junius: The Watchmen

Wesley: Prometheus and Alien: Covenant

This is the scene Fr. Wesley alludes to:

Join Junius Johnson and Wesley Walker for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Classical Mind as they draft the reading list for Season 3!

In this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the themes they plan to explore, debate the merits of various texts, and reveal the final selections that will shape the next season of the podcast.

Get a sneak peek into the minds of your hosts as they share their insights and passion for classical literature.

Join us on the Classical Mind podcast as we embark on an intellectual journey into the heart of G.E.M. Anscombe's groundbreaking work, "Intention." Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker engage in a stimulating conversation, unraveling the complexities of Anscombe's philosophical insights. In this episode, they delve into the essence of intentionality, exploring its implications for human action, free will, and moral responsibility. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher or simply curious about the nature of human intention, this episode offers a rich and enlightening discussion. Tune in to the Classical Mind podcast and expand your understanding of this pivotal philosophical work.

End notes:

* Junius: Vantage Point

* Wesley:

* Wittgenstein's Tractatus

* Dr. Jennifer Frey on Anscombe

Delve into the depths of Saint Augustine's Confessions on the Classical Mind podcast. Explore themes of sin, redemption,and the journey towards spiritual enlightenment in this timeless autobiography. Discover how Augustine's personal struggles and philosophical inquiries continue to resonate with modern audiences.

Endnotes:

* Junius: Tractates on the Gospel of John by Saint Augustine

* Wesley:

* “Something More (Augustine’s Confession)” by Switchfoot

* “The Apostle Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West” by Krister Stendahl

* Bonus: Lady Bird (2017)

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