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?”
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”
Proclaiming Claudius Emperor
Claudius, the 4th emperor of Rome, had to be dragged out from behind curtains where he was hiding in order to be proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. A bookish man, preferring to write and study history, Claudius did not want to be emperor. After all, many of the previous emperors had been killed by rivals. It is said that Claudius, a partially crippled man from birth, accentuated his condition so as not to appear a rival to Caligula who had been killing other heirs. In the end, Claudius’ fears were not unfounded, for he was assassinated himself. Taken from … Continue Reading “Proclaiming Claudius Emperor”
A Tour of Wes Callihan’s Personal Library
Wes Callihan gives a tour of his personal library, located at his home in Potlatch, Idaho. This tour also doubles as a mini-lecture on a philosophy of the “Great Books.” Wes explains why his collection is slightly different than Mortimer Adler’s Great Books set (University of Chicago Press). Wes Callihan organizes his library chronologically by time period, in part so that he can brush his fingers through the “leafs of time.” Enjoy this tour! YouTube version HERE.
"I'm giving my kids the education I never received"
“I’m giving my kids the education I never received.” Is that a familiar statement? Most parents who give their children a classical education did not receive a classical education themselves. But it’s not too late! Old Western Culture is a Great Books video course intended for high school aged students, but is designed in such a way as to be conducive to adult continuing education as well! Even if you only have time to watch the lectures, you will get a sweeping overview of the Great Books that shaped Western Civilization. A classical education FOR your kids, WITH your kids, … Continue Reading “"I'm giving my kids the education I never received"”
The Priestess at Delphi
Ever wondered about the prophecies from Delphi mentioned in ancient Greek literature? Here is an extract from the “Guide to the Art” which accompanies Drama and Lyric, Unit 2 of The Greeks, part of the Old Western Culture great books series taught by Wes Callihan.