Greco-Roman influence

[MonaLisa]

I'm not actually an adult, but since my question doesn't have to do with any of the texts, I figured this was the best place to ask.

As this is my last year in high school, I've been reflecting on all I've learned, particularly my latin, logic, and Greek and Roman studies. Now while it may seem a little late to be asking this, I've been wondering how it all should be influencing my world view- to abstain from all of it would be nonsensical, but would embracing it whole heartedly creep into humanism? How can I combine it with my Christian faith, without giving it too elevated a place?

I realize this is a complex issue, and if somebody could even refer me to a book, I would be very grateful.

[MonaLisa]

Thank you so much Sahamamama! I really appreciate your time, and I'll be sure to check out all your suggestions. Of course, your advice to look towards Jesus is always the best and never without need. God Bless!

[Mungo]

You might enjoy From Achilles to Christ: Why Christians Should Read the Pagan Classics by Louis Markos. It's not a general worldview book, but it deals specifically with reading ancient literature from a Christian perspective. For history, Christopher Dawson's Dynamics of World History is excellent.

I also highly recommend The Great Tradition: Classic Readings on What it Means to Be an Educated Human Being by Richard Gamble. As the title suggests, it's an anthology on education, but it includes many readings that deal explicitly with classical learning in a Christian context. A group of classical homeschoolers is beginning an online discussion group on the book early next month:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGreatTradition/

It looks like the book is currently being reprinted, but most of the readings are in the public domain, so we'll dig up online versions of the first few readings for members of the discussion group who don't yet have a copy of the book. You and any other interested members of this board would be very welcome to join us.

Finally, if you are Catholic, reading the Catechism carefully and prayerfully is a reliable way to learn to "think with the Church" and develop an informed Christian conscience, not just in matters of doctrine but in practical application as well.

HTH!

[Martin Cothran]

Mona Lisa,

It is hard to find a single book that addresses these. To get a good grasp of worldview issues is a lifetime effort. I think the best thing you can do is regularly read great Christian writers who seem themselves to have a whole view of reality. Here are the three books we use at Highlands Latin School in my Christian Studies IV class. This would provide you with a great introduction to how to think like a Christian.

Fundamentals of the Faith, by Peter Kreeft
Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis
Orthodoxy, by G. K. Chesterton

We read them in this order, since they all cover somewhat the same issues on three different levels: Kreeft has the simplest approach, Lewis a more advanced approach, and Chesterton the most advanced. In fact, anything by these three authors is good.

I would also commend any material put out by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (www.isi.org). ISI Books is possibly the best publisher of books that bear on how Christianity works itself out intellectually in every area of thought.

Martin

[MonaLisa]

Thank you so much Mungo and Martin Cothran. All your suggestions sound perfect! God Bless!