The American founders appropriated the Roman Poet and his works to establish an atmosphere of victory, authority, and dignity. Through the use of literary symbols and allusions, the framers of our great country placed their project squarely within a tradition the roots of which are deep in the ancient world. This talk will consider specific elements from the Great Seal, as designed by the Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson, and their intentional evocation of Vergil's poetry, including the Aeneid.Panel discussion with Joe Carlson and Daniel Foucachon, followed by refreshments. RSVP below, OR email [email protected] (with how many will be attending). … Continue Reading "Vergil and the American Dream"

Containing some of Shakespeare’s most iconic and beautiful speeches, The Merchant of Venice raises important questions about the virtue and quality of mercy, its relationship to justice, and how it is (or isn’t) shown to the “other.” In this talk, Dr. Joe Carlson will highlight and discuss the tension between what we say as Christians and how we act, as it is pictured in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. Panel discussion and Q/A to follow.  NOTE: We have been made aware of an issue with the RSVP not working for some people. If you are unable to RSVP below, please … Continue Reading "Shakespeare’s Unfunny Comedy: The problem with The Merchant of Venice"