Christians Reading Classics

Latest Episodes:

The Scandal of the Christian Imagination Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

As we wrap up season 1 of Christians Reading Classics, Nadya reflects on the scandal of the Christian imagination and the role of reading classic books in forming a nourished imagination.

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Listen and read The Daily Liturgy by going to http://mereorthodoxy.com/daily-liturgy

T.S. Eliot - The Hollow Men with Eric Hutchinson Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams and Eric Hutchinson delve into T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Hollow Men', exploring its themes, complexities, and the nature of classic literature. They discuss what defines a classic, the challenges of appreciating poetry today, and how to cultivate an appreciation for it. The conversation also touches on the role of poets in society and the importance of art and poetry in the human experience, concluding with reflections on the necessity of literature and the interconnectedness of past and present works.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to T.S. Eliot and The Hollow Men 03:09 Defining a Classic: What Makes Literature Timeless? 05:56 The Challenges of Appreciating Classics in Modern Times 09:03 Training Ourselves to Read and Appreciate Poetry 11:54 The Complexity of The Hollow Men: Analyzing the Poem 14:54 Imagery and Themes in The Hollow Men 17:51 Understanding the Spiritual Disease in The Hollow Men 21:01 The Role of Community in Appreciating Poetry 23:51 The Lasting Impact of T.S. Eliot's Work 33:32 Aeneas and the Underworld: Literary Connections 39:13 Intertextuality: Virgil, Dante, and Conrad 45:04 The Role of Tradition in Literature 49:51 The Poet's Purpose: Creation and Connection 57:51 The Necessity of Poetry in Human Experience

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C.S. Lewis - The Great Divorce with Dr. Leslie Baynes Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams and Dr. Leslie Baynes explore the works of C.S. Lewis, particularly focusing on 'The Great Divorce.' They discuss the definition of a classic, the significance of free will, and the themes of choice and divine grace in Lewis's writing. The conversation also touches on Lewis's influences, his relationships with women, and the timeless messages found in his works that resonate with modern readers. Additionally, Dr. Baynes shares insights about her upcoming book on Lewis and the Bible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to C.S. Lewis and His Works 02:47 Defining a Classic: The Enduring Nature of Literature 05:51 The Impact of C.S. Lewis's Works on Readers 08:46 C.S. Lewis's Life and Influences During WWII 11:57 The Great Divorce: Themes and Symbolism 14:51 Understanding Theosis and Its Significance 17:34 The Role of Language and Beauty in Lewis's Writing 20:48 The Evolution of Lewis's Poetry and Literary Style 22:47 The Lasting Legacy of C.S. Lewis 31:24 Theosis and Divine Reality 34:08 The Vignettes of The Great Divorce 37:26 Free Will and Self-Reflection 42:11 Universalism vs. Predestination 44:23 Timeless Lessons from The Great Divorce 47:11 Exploring Lewis's New Book 56:05 Literary Influences and Personal Connections

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Dorothy L. Sayers - Gaudy Night with Carolyn Weber Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams and Carolyn Weber explore the literary significance of Dorothy L. Sayers' 'Gaudy Night', discussing its themes of women's roles in academia, the intersection of murder mysteries and theology, and the nature of what constitutes a classic. They look into Sayers' complex character, her contributions to literature, and the broader implications of her work in the context of 20th-century society.

Chapters

00:00 The Literary Landscape of 1935
03:15 Defining a Classic 04:53 Dorothy L. Sayers: A Complex Figure 09:42 Murder Mysteries and Theology 11:42 Exploring Gaudy Night 19:12 Oxford as a Character 22:37 Women in Academia 30:07 The Pursuit of Meaningful Work 32:47 The Unusual Mystery of Gaudy Night 40:04 Reading Murder Mysteries as a Christian

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Flannery O'Connor - A Good Man Is Hard To Find with Jon Parrish Peede Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams and Jon Parrish Peede discuss the literary legacy of Flannery O'Connor, exploring her impact on American literature and the theological themes present in her work. They highlight the Southern Gothic genre, O'Connor's unique storytelling style, and the reader's engagement with her stories. It also touches on her reception over the years and personal reflections on her most significant works.

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Sinclair Lewis - It Couldn't Happen Here with Daniel K. Williams Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams and historian Daniel K. Williams examine Sinclair Lewis's 1935 novel "It Can't Happen Here," analyzing its treatment of democracy, authoritarianism, and religion's political role. Their discussion covers what qualifies a work as a literary classic, the historical circumstances surrounding Lewis's writing, and how his observations about democratic institutions' vulnerability and the manipulation of religious sentiment for political ends continue to resonate with contemporary American political debates and concerns about authoritarianism.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sinclair Lewis and His Work 02:54 Defining a Classic: What Makes Literature Enduring? 05:56 Sinclair Lewis: The Man Behind the Novels 11:44 Exploring the Themes of It Can't Happen Here 20:34 The Role of Religion in American Politics 28:29 Reflections on Mainstream America in the 1930s 31:56 The Spiritual Crisis Behind Authoritarianism 33:59 Literary Merits and Critiques of Sinclair Lewis 36:04 Public Reception and Political Context of the Novel 39:37 Huey Long and the Threat of Authoritarianism 43:00 Reading the Novel as Christians in 2025 47:06 The Attraction to Authoritarianism and Hyper Patriotism 50:20 Preserving Democracy: A Call for Self-Critical Patriotism 52:03I nfluential Classics and Historical Understanding

Listen and read The Daily Liturgy by going to http://mereorthodoxy.com/daily-liturgy

The Heart of a Dog - Mikhail Bulgakov with Vika Pechersky Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams and Vika Pichersky delve into Mikhail Bulgakov's 'Heart of a Dog,' exploring its themes, characters, and the critique of Soviet society. They discuss the nature of classics, the challenges of translation, and the moral questions raised by the transformation of a dog into a human. The conversation highlights the relevance of Bulgakov's work in contemporary discussions about humanity, morality, and the role of fiction in conveying complex truths. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Context of Bulgakov's Work 02:37 Defining Literary Classics 05:34 Navigating Russian Literature in Translation 08:51 Understanding Heart of a Dog 11:38 Character Analysis and Themes in Heart of a Dog 17:34 The Role of Science and Morality 23:28 Bulgakov's Critique of Soviet Society 29:33 The Purpose of Fiction and Its Relevance Today Links Vika Pechersky, "Dostoevsky: Prophet and Radical Visionary for an Apocalyptic Future" Vika Pechersky, "What Dostoevsky Taught Me About Sending My Son to College" Vika Pechersky, "Dostoevsky and Euthanasia"

Listen and read The Daily Liturgy by going to http://mereorthodoxy.com/daily-liturgy

C. S. Lewis - That Hideous Strength with Philip D. Bunn and Ronni Kurtz Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams discusses C.S. Lewis's novel 'That Hideous Strength' with experts Philip Bunn and Ronni Kurtz. They explore the themes of the book, its place in Lewis's Space Trilogy, and the significance of literary classics. The theological implications of Lewis's work, character analysis, the role of academia, and the ethical considerations surrounding technology are discussed as well. The conversation highlights the relevance of Lewis's ideas in today's context, particularly regarding the nature of humanity and the purpose of fiction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to C.S. Lewis and 'That Hideous Strength' 02:55 Defining a Classic: What Makes Literature Timeless? 05:55 Exploring C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy: Themes and Structure 09:01 Theological Underpinnings in 'That Hideous Strength' 11:52 Character Dynamics: Mark and Jane's Journey 15:09 Academic Settings and Their Critique in Lewis's Work 17:59 Technology and Education: A Modern Reflection 21:07 The Dangers of AI and Its Philosophical Implications 24:08 Corruption of Thought: The Impact of Misrepresentation 27:09 Philosophical Questions: The NICE and Its Convictions 28:45 Exploring the NICE Mentality 31:28 The Role of Finitude in Humanity 34:18 Ransom: The Unremarkable Hero 40:09 C.S. Lewis: A Reflection of His Character 42:31 Resonance of Lewis's Work Today 48:40 The Purpose of Fiction 55:13 Classic Literature Aspirations

Listen and read The Daily Liturgy by going to http://mereorthodoxy.com/daily-liturgy

Alexis de Tocqueville - Democracy in America with John Wilsey Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Nadia Williams speaks with church historian John Wilsey about Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America," marking its 190th anniversary. They explore what makes this political work a classic, Tocqueville's aristocratic background and surprising observations about American equality, religion's central role in preserving democratic freedom, and why American conservatives should appreciate his insights about the balance between individual liberty and community responsibility.

Chapters

0:00 - What Makes a Classic
7:30 - Tocqueville's Aristocratic Background
23:17 - The Prison Reform Pretext
26:16 - Structure of Democracy in America
39:56 - Religion's Surprising Role in Democracy
55:24 - The Book's Reception Then and Now
57:53 - Why Conservatives Should Read Tocqueville
1:06:19 - Freedom Requires Responsibility
1:09:20 - The Book John Wishes He'd Written

Links 1. John D. Wilsey's abridgment of Democracy in America 2. George Wilson Pierson, Tocqueville in America
3. Gustave de Beaumont, Marie, Or Slavery in the United States 4. Year-long Vital Remnants season on Democracy in America 5. Robert Tracy McKenzie, We the Fallen People 6. This podcast is based on this edition of Democracy in America--it is the Liberty Fund edition translated by James T. Schleifer and edited by Eduardo Nolla. 7. John D. Wilsey, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer

Listen and read The Daily Liturgy by going to http://mereorthodoxy.com/daily-liturgy

The Nicene Creed with Shawn Wilhite and Coleman Ford Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Nadya Williams talks with theologians Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite about the Nicene Creed, marking its 1700th anniversary. They explore what makes a theological work a "classic," the historical background of the Council of Nicaea, the meaning of key Christological terms, and how to "think Nicenely" in the Christian life. The discussion blends history, theology, and practical discipleship, showing how the Creed shapes Christian identity and worship.

Chapters
00:04 – Introduction and Reading of the Nicene Creed
02:18 – Guests' Backgrounds and Book Collaboration
02:57 – What Makes a Theological Classic?
07:19 – Defining the Work of Theologians as "Doctors of the Soul"
17:18 – Historical Background of the Council of Nicaea
22:47 – Why the Debate over Christ's Relationship to the Father Mattered
28:21 – Constantine's Role and Political Context
32:23 – Structure of the Creed and Differences Between 325 and 381 Versions
38:25 – Christology in the Creed: Begottenness, Substance, and "Light from Light"
49:50 – Visual Imagery and Theological Language
54:32 – Thinking "Nicenely" and Why It Matters Today
01:00:18 – Writing Together as Friends
01:04:21 – Classics the Guests Wish They Had Written

Links

Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite, Nicaea for Today: Why an Ancient Creed (Still) Matters Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite, Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls

Listen and read The Daily Liturgy by going to http://mereorthodoxy.com/daily-liturgy

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