To continue the discussion on Atheism which I began on June 14 <read here>, I want to examine some dictionary definitions of religion and argue that Atheism fits within these definitions. My hope is that, if you have any Atheist friends, this article will equip you with some conversation points...
Read the Full ArticleIt is time to start thinking about organizing your class materials for next year! I love the feeling of a new year—new information to learn and several trips to Staples. Here are some things I recommend beyond Henle Latin Grammar: 1. A vocabulary notebook. This is a great idea created by an...
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It is late August—Day 1 of school for your Challenge kids. You, the tutor, ask the question, “What sort of cool things did you learn over the summer that challenged your thinking? What did you learn that made you defend your beliefs?” Hands shoot up all over the classroom,...
Read the Full ArticleSummer vacations are an important part of the American culture. We plan for them all year, and if we are thrifty we prepare for them financially through the year. I have recently returned from one of the most memorable vacations I have ever taken—Narnia. It began on a Friday....
Read the Full ArticleMusic begins to atrophy when it departs too far from the dance… poetry begins to atrophy when it gets too far from music. -Ezra Pound, ABC of Reading I recently attended a Parent Practicum where I had the opportunity to listen to a wonderful conversation. The discussion tied together ideas...
Read the Full ArticleAccording to Wikipedia, “New Atheism” is the name given to the ideas promoted by a collection of 21st-century atheist writers (foremost among them: Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and the late Christopher Hitchens) who have advocated the view that “religion should not simply be tolerated but should be...
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In Classical Conversations, we often speak of the wonderful fruit of restoring the education of two generations of students—the education of the students who are in Classical Conversations and also the education of their parents. What does this mean? If we want our children to receive a thoroughly classical,...
Read the Full ArticleI will soon turn fifty years old and the hour glass suggests that I may have gathered some wisdom. These are lessons that I wish I had learned a whole lot earlier in life. I could have saved myself a lot of grief. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Lighten...
Read the Full ArticleIf the Bible is to be believed—I would argue it is—then there are two weaknesses of which men and women must be aware. Each is a weakness to which one or the other is highly susceptible. Man is more susceptible to one, while woman is more susceptible to the...
Read the Full ArticleAs of this month, Robert Bortins will officially begin his tenure as CEO for Classical Conversations, Inc. I recently had the chance to sit down with Robert and ask him about his background and about his plans for CC. This transcript of our interview will help Classical Conversations get...
Read the Full ArticleOne reason for the study of Latin is that it is rigorous—translating is similar to working mathematical equations. I love this about Latin. I also love the fact that eventually I will be able to read ancient writings myself; I will be able to appreciate Cicero not only for...
Read the Full ArticleHomo doctus in se semper divitias habet. (A learned man always has wealth within himself.) My life is littered with failed attempts to learn foreign languages. If there is such a thing as having a “knack” for learning languages I do not have it. As my wife, kids, and...
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