Here are Four Great Things from the week of 03/15/2024.

"The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity"

This is a new book for us, but already I see it as a great resource for schooling. It contains a general history of Christianity, full-color paintings and portraits, and several maps (and graces our cover this week).

There are 3 sections—the first displays Christianity from the earliest communities to 1800. The second covers 1800 to present day and is arranged geographically. The third section looks more at apologetics for the modern day while projecting the future. It is truly captivating!

"The Wisdom Letter #020"

Another shoutout for Substack—Philosophy Quotes publishes numerous philosophers' quotes throughout the month. There is no commentary on each one; there is just a black and white photo with several hearty quotes. Here is one from Bertrand Russell:

"The pleasure of work is open to anyone who can develop some specialized skill, provided that he can get satisfaction from the exercise of his skill without demanding universal applause.”

Some of the purists would balk at the lack of context here, but I simply like it standing alone as a bite-sized thought.

"Shakespeare Schedule"

Henry Oliver makes Shakespeare more accessible to the modern reader. First of all, this guide will help stretch you to read Shakespeare plays you would otherwise overlook—I mean, we all need prodding to read the Henry plays. Then he sets up a virtual discussion, so your reading has timed perimeters on it.

Furthermore, he teaches how to read Shakespeare with numerous helpful links and articles along the way. I'll admit how challenging the language truly is—but how victorious the feeling once you crest the mountain of that first play!

The Pour Over

Their tagline: "Can’t stand following the news but can’t afford to ignore it? Welcome."

The Pour Over is a Christian news publication I stumbled upon in the best way. Their method:

"If you’re looking for the definitive Christian answer on the contentious issues of the day, you’ve come to the wrong place. We won’t be identifying heroes and villains, calling out sins, or taking political sides. The Pour Over seeks to be a resource that guides you to eternal hope as you sort through current events, whether major or minor."

In a tumultuous age where it's too simple to receive tragic news in realtime with real graphics and very little accountability for those who publish, it is nice to have a news outlet with a conscience and a filter.

What I'm working on:

• Still thinking through a true definition of beauty. Good music and words are often labeled "beautiful," but is that possible? Here are more thoughts from Plato's Republic:
• "Isn't this why the rearing in music is most sovereign? Because rhythm and harmony most of all insinuate themselves into the inmost part of the soul and most vigorously lay hold of it in bringing grace with them; and they make a man graceful if he is correctly reared, if not, the opposite."

Quotable:

• "In the world of contemporary art, imitation is a failure of self-expression. Imitation is treason, for every act of imitation looks to the past. Imitation also implies hierarchy, for a man must choose whom to imitate. If he aims to imitate no one, however, he may claim success in all that he undertakes, for he has no standard outside himself by which his work can be judged."

        —"Love What Lasts" by Joshua Gibbs 

Worth the Memory

She Walks in Beauty

By Lord Byron

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

What are your great things from the week?