Cincinnatus and George Washington
Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was a Roman farmer in the 5th century B.C. Because Rome was in dire need of a leader to fight off invaders, the Roman Senate asked Cincinnatus to be “Dictator” for a term of six months. The Roman Senate was worried that the person they chose as dictator might not return the power to the Senate when the time was up. But the reason they chose Cincinnatus was that he was known to be a man of virtue, who had proven himself as a consul. After two weeks, he had taken care of the situation with their … Continue Reading “Cincinnatus and George Washington”
Plundering the Egyptians | by Wesley Callihan
I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians. – Exodus 3:21-22; 12:35-36 Does secular literature have any value for a Christian? There are so many good books by Christians – why should we waste our time with anything else? For many … Continue Reading “Plundering the Egyptians | by Wesley Callihan”
Why the Aeneid mattered to the early Christians (and why it still matters to us today!)
In this excerpt from The Aeneid, part of the Old Western Culture curriculum on the great books, Wes Callihan explains why the Aeneid was particularly important to the Romans AND the early Christians. Find out more about this course HERE.
Cathy Duffy's 102 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum
We’re thrilled that the Old Western Culture curriculum will be included in Cathy Duffy’s upcoming book “102 Top Picks“! You can read Cathy Duffy’s online review of Old Western Culture here: HERE.
The Relationship Woes of Dido and Aeneas
Advice for all men: When you mess up, fess up! Part of what makes the Aeneid such a timeless classic is that it captures so many aspects of human nature. Wes Callihan brings these alive in the Old Western Culture curriculum. This excerpt from The Aeneid (unit 1 of The Romans) is an example of how Wes Callihan brings the classics alive. This is learning literature re-imagined!
In what way is Old Western Culture a "Christian Approach" to the Great Books?
Old Western Culture is a distinctly Christian course. The creators of the course believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, the Providence of God working in history, and that all truth is God’s truth wherever it may be found. A Christian worldview is not “taught” as an afterthought, but assumed throughout and thoroughly integrated in the approach to the material. Below are two small excerpts from the course which demonstrate how this works itself out in Old Western Culture. Platonic Heresies and the Church (excerpt from The Philosophers). Why the Aeneid Mattered to Early Christians (and still matters today!) The … Continue Reading “In what way is Old Western Culture a "Christian Approach" to the Great Books?”
History: A Moral Requirement
The study of history is a moral requirement for Christians. Think of the Israelites who were required to remember the past. Think of Paul in the NT: ‘These things were written for our instruction.’ – Wesley Callihan, Porch of our Fathers
Why Roman Roads Media?
The goal of Roman Roads Media is to make the classical subjects friendly to the homeschool. Many curriculums are designed by educators with the classroom in mind. The curriculum we produce has the homeschooler in mind from conception to delivery, with emphasis placed upon communicating a love of learning.
Exodus Books reviews Old Western Culture
Exodus Books, a bookstore in Portland, as well as a large online reseller of curriculum, now carries the Old Western Culture curriculum, and wrote a review. The review (written by Caleb Crossman), was not only well-written and comprehensive, but very entertaining to read! Caleb shows his knowledge (and love) of the classics as he uses classical allusions throughout. Our favorite excerpt is when Wes Callihan is called a “benevolent centaur,” an allusion to Chiron, the centaur in Greek mythology who helped in the education of Achilles: The mastermind behind Old Western Culture is Wesley Callihan, a veteran of Christian education. His presence hovers … Continue Reading “Exodus Books reviews Old Western Culture”
"Weren't the Greeks Pagans?"
Julian the ApostateIn the first clip below, Wes Callihan explains why Christians should study Greek pagan literature. In the second clip he gives an example of how the early Christians used the pagan epics. In fact, the pagan emperor Julian the Apostate forbade the Christians from teaching these epics because the Christians were using them to preach Christ! Matt Bianco, of Classical Conversations, wrote an article giving some great background to the story of Julian the Apostate, and the outlawing of the pagan epics, which you can read HERE.Find out more about Old Western Culture.“Weren’t the Greeks Pagan?” Julian the … Continue Reading “"Weren't the Greeks Pagans?"”