The Four (by the Association of Classical Christian Schools)

ACCS
  • 4.0 (12)
  • Education

Welcome to The Four, a practical show where we discuss four meaningful questions of distinct classical consequence.

  1. 3d ago

    Why the Reformers Didn't Go to Seminary

    In this episode, we discuss how the rise of isolated seminaries and the influence of pietism inadvertently siloed theology away from the broader culture. By looking back at the Reformers and Puritans—who were men of the university rather than standalone seminaries—we explore why theology was historically seen as the unifying core of all human knowledge and learning. Key Topics Covered: How pietism divorced theology from daily culture and public life The historical impact of siloing theology into standalone seminaries Why the Reformers and Puritans viewed theology as integral to the university Restoring "unity" to the concept of the universitySubscribe for more deep dives on faith, culture, and theology! #theology #Christianity #ChurchHistory #Education #FaithAndCulture #Puritans #Reformation

    Why the Reformers Didn't Go to Seminary

  2. Aug 13

    The Problem with Teaching Church History in School.

    In this discussion, the panel explores the strengths and limitations of statements of faith. While they serve as valuable tools for evaluating prospective teachers and clarifying a school’s convictions, they also raise an important question: can centuries of theological debate really be summarized in a brief document? The conversation considers why the historic Christian confessions have endured for generations and what schools can learn from them. Rather than attempting to reinvent comprehensive doctrinal standards, the panel discusses the wisdom of drawing from the church’s historic confessional tradition. Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, pastor, or parent, this conversation offers practical insights into building theological clarity while remaining rooted in the historic Christian faith. Topics Discussed: The purpose of a statement of faith Hiring teachers with theological integrity The limits of one-page doctrinal statements Historic Christian confessions and their value * Why theological clarity matters for Christian education

    The Problem with Teaching Church History in School.

  3. Aug 12

    How Should Christians Read and Teach Graphic Classical Literature?

    How should we teach Dante’s Inferno? Many readers get lost in the names, historical references, and medieval politics. But Dante’s primary concern is not simply identifying who is being punished—it’s revealing what sin does to the human soul. In this discussion, we explore the principle of contrapasso, Dante’s poetic justice in which each punishment reflects the nature of the sin itself. The lustful are blown about by the winds of their passions. The schismatics, who brought division and discord into the world, are themselves divided. More importantly, we discuss how teachers can help students read Inferno well: by focusing first on the actions, images, and spiritual realities Dante presents rather than getting lost in every historical detail. Dante’s vision invites us to see not merely the consequences of sin, but the shape it gives to the soul itself. #Dante #Inferno #DivineComedy #ClassicalEducation #ClassicalChristianEducation #GreatBooks #Literature #ChristianEducation #ACCS #Humanities

    How Should Christians Read and Teach Graphic Classical Literature?

  4. Aug 11

    Can Bad Men Be Good Rhetoricians?

    Do words merely express our thoughts, or do they shape them? In this clip, the discussion explores the relationship between language, thought, and culture. The speakers consider how changes in language affect our ability to reason together, arrive at shared understanding, and even perceive reality itself. Drawing connections between rhetoric, poetry, and modern public discourse, they argue that words are not simply containers for ideas—they help form the ideas themselves. If that is true, what happens when a culture loses its sensitivity to language? Topics discussed: • Language and thought • The power of rhetoric • Shared meaning and public discourse • Poetry as a form of intellectual formation • Why words matter more than we often realize

    Can Bad Men Be Good Rhetoricians?

  5. Jun 15

    What Is Socratic Discussion?

    In this episode, David, Heather, Andrew, and Devin answer questions about Socratic discussion, dual-enrollment, prep schools, and the tutorial Model. Join us for another episode of The Four! Subscribe to the Classical Dispatch and get new episodes delivered: https://www.classicaldispatch.org Store: https://store.classicalchristian.org

    What Is Socratic Discussion?

  6. Jun 10

    What Are the Fine Arts?

    David, Heather, Devin, and Kajsa explore the role of fine arts within classical Christian education. What does it mean to pursue the arts faithfully and excellently? Join the discussion as they consider what makes a strong fine arts program and why beauty matters in the life of a school. The Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) is a membership and accreditation organization for schools committed to classical Christian education in the Protestant tradition. The Four is a podcast of the ACCS to equip school leaders to face the tough questions of classical education in the modern world.

    What Are the Fine Arts?

  7. May 5

    The Great Minds as Athletes | The Four Ep. 17

    The Four returns to tackle the topic of athletics in the Classical Christian School. There is actually quite a bit to discuss such as if we should even have athletics and to what benefit they may have in the proper scholar's upbringing. The questions covered in this episode: Question 1: Are Athletic programs worth it? Question 2: Does the "athlete scholar" really exist? Question 3: Would you hire a teacher that has an obvious and severe shortcoming in standards of excellence? Question 4: How important is it that a head of school is classically educated? Please comment with questions or feedback! To get more from us - check out The Classical Dispatch Subscribe to the Classical Dispatch and get new episodes delivered: https://www.classicaldispatch.org

    The Great Minds as Athletes | The Four Ep. 17

  8. Apr 21

    The Books to Build Your Education Around

    Daniel Foucachon joins us once more to get into the nitty gritty about what books we should be reading and basing our education around. Definitely check out the episode to catch some spicy takes on both sides of the table! Daniel founded Roman Roads Press in order to help equip those desiring a Classical Christian Education in a modern world. To see what they have been working on check out https://romanroadspress.com/ The questions covered in this episode: Question 1: Is there a stable Western canon? Why or why not? Question 2: Tips for choosing your school's reading list? Question 3: How do you choose the right edition of a work to read in your school? Question 4: Does curriculum matter more than the Please comment with questions or feedback! To get more from us - check out The Classical Dispatch Subscribe to the Classical Dispatch and get new episodes delivered: https://www.classicaldispatch.org

    The Books to Build Your Education Around
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Welcome to The Four, a practical show where we discuss four meaningful questions of distinct classical consequence.

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