BaseCamp Live Davies Owens

If you spend time in classical Christian schools you’ll probably hear the phrase “the true, the good, and the beautiful.” These ideals represent the highest values and aspirations of humanity originating in Greek philosophy and found throughout the works of Plato- but what do they actually mean, and why do they matter today… beyond being an inspiring slogan or an ideal phrase to put on a wall hanging from Hobby Lobby? How do these concepts serve as a framework for raising the next generation and achieving full human flourishing? Listen to this episode with guest Junius Johnson to dive in.

Host Davies Owens is behind the mic for a candid discussion with his daughter about his unorthodox start in classical education, what challenges he sees facing the movement, and how his new mission is inspiring him like never before. They also share the history and future of this podcast as well as a huge announcement that will certainly excite parents, administrators, and school leaders alike.

Proverbs tells us that joy and laughter are good medicine for the soul, but the Bible also cautions us against foolish talk and crude joking. So what role should humor play in our classrooms, hallways, and homes?  It is especially challenging when so much of what is presented to us today in the world is humor that is often inappropriate and at someone else’s expense.  Join us for this episode of BCL with Comedian Sean Hancock who helps us find joy and laughter in what is true, good and beautiful.

In recent decades, classical education has experienced significant growth both in the U.S. and globally. This educational approach takes various forms, including traditional five-day programs, hybrid/collaborative models, and homeschooling. Alongside these formats, a flurry of terms like “classical Christian,” “Christian classical,” “classical liberal arts,” and “humanities education” have emerged. Understanding and distinguishing among these options can be complex for schools and parents alike. Today,  Dr. Chris Schlect, Director of the Classical and Christian Studies at New Saint Andrews College, joins us to help clarify these terms and explore their significance in shaping the next generation through our homes and schools. 

St. Augustine famously remarked that “to sing is to pray twice.” Music and arts play vital roles in our daily lives and are essential components of any classical Christian school or home. However, engaging meaningfully with traditional forms of music, as well as with worship through prayer and Scripture, can be challenging—especially if we don’t have good examples around us as adults and the idea of leading something we aren’t very good at can be intimidating. My guest today has done us a favor as schools and parents with a fresh vision and proven and practical ways to engage well in music and the arts in our homes and schools.

This episode focuses on an often overlooked topic: the image of God and how to apply it to daily life. Davies interviews Lauren McAfee, who shares her personal journey and discusses how her family's involvement in the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case influenced her interest in the image of God. Next, Davies and Lauren dive into the fundamental insights of her book, featuring contributions from Christian scholars. The book explores applying the concept of the image of God to contemporary issues like women's reproductive health, race, and technology. The book aims to deepen the theological and ethical understanding of the Imago Dei. Additionally, Lauren discusses the impact of understanding one's identity as an image bearer on individual well-being and societal interactions, highlighting the increasing complexities of navigating this understanding amidst contemporary culture wars. Finally, Lauren and Davies explore practical strategies for integrating the concept of being image bearers into everyday life, illustrating how it can positively impact parenting approaches, educational practices, and interactions within diverse cultural settings.