Christians Reading Classics

Mere Orthodoxy
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Christians Reading Classics is a podcast about classic books being read through a distinctly Christian lens. Hosted by author and classicist, Nadya Williams, Christians Reading Classics introduces—or should we say—re-introduces listeners to classic works that have inspired generations. Interviewing experts who know these books well, the hope is to inspire listeners and awaken their imagination to God's world through literary, theological, and even children's works that have stood the test of time. Christians Reading Classics is a Mere Orthodoxy podcast. Find out more at mereorthodoxy.com

  1. 3 HRS AGO

    The Education of Henry Adams with Leah Libresco Sargeant | America 250

    Nadya Williams, Books Editor for Mere Orthodoxy, talks with Leah Libresco Sargeant, author of The Dignity of Dependence, about Henry Adams's The Education of Henry Adams—specifically the chapter "The Dynamo and the Virgin." They explore Adams's experience of the sublime at the 1900 Paris World Fair, his unresolved spiritual longings, what his Unitarian background reveals about American Christianity, and how Leah's work on embodiment and dependence offers a striking counterpoint to Adams's life of the mind. Plus: Leah's classic pick, Flatland. — Mere Fidelity is a podcast from Mere Orthodoxy and is listener-supported. If you would like to support this work, become a Mere Orthodoxy Member today at http://mereorthodoxy.com/membership. Get 30% of the Baker Book of the Month, 30 Key Moments In Church History: Inspiring True Stories from the Early Church Around the World by Mark W. Graham, by going to: http://bakerbookhouse.com/pages/mere-fidelity Apply for a full-tuition scholarship for Beeson Divinity School's M.Div program that begins Fall 2026 here: https://bit.ly/beesonscholarships Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Background on Henry Adams 03:44 – Memoir as a Genre 06:27 – Why Read Adams for America's 250th 09:21 – The Dynamo and the Virgin Explained 13:18 – Adams's Faith and Spiritual Longings 20:34 – Technology, Awe, and False Worship 26:45 – Tips for First-Time Readers 28:24 – The Dignity of Dependence 37:31 – Classic You Wish You'd Written

    39 min

  2. FEB 5

    Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass with Shilo Brooks | America 250

    Dr. Shilo Brooks joins Nadia Williams to explore Frederick Douglass's Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845), examining how this 60-page masterwork remains profoundly relevant for understanding liberty, education, and authentic Christianity. Brooks illuminates how Douglass's self-taught literacy became an act of spiritual and intellectual liberation—proving that "education and slavery are incompatible." The conversation traces Douglass's journey from Maryland plantation to becoming America's greatest orator, while addressing his critique of slaveholding Christianity versus genuine faith and the enduring lessons on what liberal education requires for sustaining free citizenship. Chapters: 00:05 Opening: Douglass's Unknown Birthday 04:14 Why This Book Is a Classic 09:49 Target Audiences: Then and Now 13:47 Adjusting to Freedom 16:32 Teaching Himself to Read (Illegally) 19:51 Education and Slavery Are Incompatible 23:04 Convincing Students That Reading Changes Lives 27:36 The Cast of Characters: Slaveholders and Fellow Slaves 33:11 The Wrestling Match with Covey 37:15 Teaching Bible School to Fellow Slaves 40:18 How Did He Become Such a Beautiful Writer? 42:21 Douglass's Theology and Providence 45:48 Noble Ambition: Brooks's Forthcoming Book 50:25 Classic Books I Wish I'd Written

    52 min

  3. JAN 29

    America 250: Books American Christians Should Read | Season 2 Preview

    In this preview episode for Season 2 of Christians Reading Classics, host Nadya Williams sets the stage for an ambitious exploration of books that American Christians should read in honor of America's 250th birthday in 2026. Opening with Thomas Jefferson's 1771 letter to Robert Skipwith about building his Monticello library, Williams frames the season around a central question: What role do books play in forming the American Christian imagination? Jefferson argued that fiction and classical works are "useful" because they "fix us in the principles and practice of virtue"—exercising our moral dispositions like muscles until they become habits. This season examines how classic books—both American and those that shaped American thought—enrich our imagination while alleviating modern anxiety. As Williams puts it, "reading classic books really is the intellectual equivalent of touching grass." Upcoming episodes include: Frederick Douglass's Narrative with Dr. Shiloh Brooks Henry Adams's The Education of Henry Adams with Leah Libresco Sargent Aldous Huxley's Brave New World with Caitlin Walls Shelton Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin with Obie Tyler Todd Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics with ultra-marathoner and virtue philosopher Sabrina B. Little (including discussion on teaching virtues to children) Key Themes How classic books form a "library of the mind" that shapes souls and affections The timeless, good, true, and beautiful qualities that define a classic How books grow with us, revealing new insights with each reading The relationship between reading and virtue formation About the Host Nadya Williams is Books Editor at Mere Orthodoxy and author of Christians Reading Classics (Zondervan Academic).

    8 min

  4. 2025-11-06

    Reading Ancient Pagans As Modern Christians

    Nadya Williams explores the myth of Tantalus and its implications on the nature of success and temptation. She delves into how Tantalus' horrific actions reflect the seductive nature of victory and the potential consequences of testing divine powers. Nadya highlights the duality of success as both a reward and a burden, emphasizing the need for caution in the pursuit of greatness.

    19 min

  5. 2025-10-30

    The Scandal of the Christian Imagination

    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.

    10 min

  6. 2025-10-23

    T.S. Eliot - The Hollow Men with Eric Hutchinson

    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

    1h 7m

  7. 2025-10-16

    C.S. Lewis - The Great Divorce with Dr. Leslie Baynes

    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

    58 min

  8. 2025-10-09

    Dorothy L. Sayers - Gaudy Night with Carolyn Weber

    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

    48 min
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About

Christians Reading Classics is a podcast about classic books being read through a distinctly Christian lens. Hosted by author and classicist, Nadya Williams, Christians Reading Classics introduces—or should we say—re-introduces listeners to classic works that have inspired generations. Interviewing experts who know these books well, the hope is to inspire listeners and awaken their imagination to God's world through literary, theological, and even children's works that have stood the test of time. Christians Reading Classics is a Mere Orthodoxy podcast. Find out more at mereorthodoxy.com

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