In this podcast episode, Dr. Gerard McLarney and Dr. Brett Fawcett discuss a classical approach to interpreting the world, including scripture, art, and nature. They emphasize exegesis, drawing meaning out of a text, rather than isogesis, reading meaning into it. They explore the concept of the Logos, the divine word and underlying reason of the universe, arguing that it is reflected in creation. The hosts contrast realism, where words correspond to real essences, with nominalism, where words are seen as arbitrary labels. They then connect these concepts to classical education which emphasizes the importance of grammar as a way to understand the structure of the universe.
The hosts explain that the world can be understood through analogies, and they introduce a four-fold method of interpreting scripture and art, encompassing literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical meanings. They highlight the importance of both scripture and grace in guiding our understanding and suggest that art should be considered in the "light of the eternal light". Ultimately, they argue that proper interpretation should lead to a deeper love for God and neighbor. The hosts conclude by saying that in the next episode they will apply these ideas to a specific song.
Dr. Gerard McLarney and Dr. Brett Fawcett are teachers at St. Isidore ONLINE Chesterton Academy in Sherwood Park, AB Canada. SILC Chesterton Academy is a classical curriculum that combines a broad, liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty. Through our Three Pillars Model, we form our students in: Intellect, Character and Spirituality.
As part of a larger online outreach school with Elk Island Catholic Schools, St. Isidore aims to deliver a joyful Classical Catholic Education. #ChestertonAcademy #ChestertonSchoolNetwork #classicaleducation #catholiceducation #joyfulcatholic
https://chesterton.eics.ab.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/ChestertonSILC
https://twitter.com/ChestertonSilc
https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsilc/
https://www.youtube.com/@SILCChestertonAcademy/about