Christendom Conversations

Dr. Owen Vyner joins Dr. George Harne and shares his journey and highlights the influence of John Paul II, the importance of family and community, and the need for a theology taught as a living, unified discipline. The discussion covers the spiritual life in marriage, the significance of communion in education, and practical advice for families to deepen their faith.

Christendom College literature professor Dr. Daniel Spiotta joins Dr. George Harne for a conversation about storytelling—especially through Tolkien’s works—and how it can significantly influence personal and intellectual growth. Rereading literature deepens understanding and connects stories to reality and philosophy. Dr. Harne and Dr. Spiotta highlight the importance of beauty in creation, emphasizing how poets and artists express divine inspiration. They suggest practical ways to incorporate literature into daily life, such as reading to children and linking poetry to the seasons, encouraging a continuous pursuit of beauty through art.

Patrick Riley discusses his journey in Catholic education and the founding of the Cardinal Newman Society. He highlights challenges in Catholic universities today and examines St. John Henry Newman’s vision for an integrated formation in higher education. 

Dr. Bracy Bersnak, a professor of political science and economics at Christendom College, joins Dr. Harne for a discussion on Catholic social teaching and the historical context of intellectual conservatism after World War II. The conversation explores the tension between nationalism and globalization, while also contrasting US and European migration issues, and highlighting the importance of Alexis de Tocqueville's writings.

James Matthew Wilson discusses the craft of poetry and shares his intellectual journey, highlighting the role of art and literature in shaping the human experience. The conversation revolves around beauty, truth, and the complexities of human suffering through literature. Wilson also offers listeners readings of his poetry.

Dale Ahlquist shares his journey to Catholicism, influenced by G.K. Chesterton. The importance of beauty in education and Chesterton's insights into human nature.

In this episode, Frank La Rocca joins Christendom College President George A. Harne, Ph.D., to share his powerful musical and spiritual journey — from his early years studying music to his transition into composing, and the moments of crisis that ultimately led to his conversion to Catholicism. He also discusses the influence of his jazz trumpeter father, the challenges of modernist music, and the creation of his celebrated Mass of the Americas.

Professor Andrew Whitmore discusses his book 'Saintly Habits' and his new online course, 'Becoming a Saint', which both focus on cultivating a life of virtue. The conversation covers the definition of virtue, the importance of practice, and the role of grace in personal growth. Imitating virtuous individuals and maintaining patience are emphasized as key to developing true virtue.

Christendom College Philosophy Professor John Cuddeback shares insights on how ancient and medieval wisdom can guide family life. He discusses the roles of ethics, friendship, and family in achieving a good life. The conversation highlights the father's role in establishing order, the significance of leisure for learning, and the value of natural family conversations. Mentorship, gratitude, and docility are presented as key virtues for personal growth and a well-ordered life.

Explore the Catholic intellectual tradition with John Kirwan, who shares his educational journey and insights into the current crisis in education. He discusses the historical roots of this crisis, influenced by progressive movements and the denial of objective truths. The conversation highlights failures in New York City's educational projects, the rise of liberal arts education, and the need to integrate traditional philosophy with modern leadership for effective school administration.

Prof. Mary Stanford joins Dr. Harne for a conversation that covers the theology of the body, the effects of technology on communication, and the importance of physical presence in education. It also highlights the role of shame in relationships, the necessity of boredom for creativity, and the impact of parents' technology habits on children.

George A. Harne, Ph.D., welcomes philosophy professor Daniel McInerny, Ph.D. They discuss art as a means of understanding truth and moral vision, emphasizing its role as a contemplative experience. The conversation highlights the mimetic nature of art, rooted in Aristotle's philosophy, and its reflection of human life. It also addresses the importance of leisure and family engagement in appreciating beauty and the need for artistic excellence.

From a deeper conversion inspired by St. John Paul the Great to why we should evangelize like a hobbit explore fascinating topics with theologian and author Dr. Conor Sweeney.

Dr. Chris Lane joins Christendom College Alumnus Mark Rohlena in discussing topics surrounding Catholic history. What is the role of the historian? How has the Church handled discernment of vocation through the ages? 

Dr. Kurt Poterack joins Christendom College Alumnus Mark Rohlena in discussing topics surrounding sacred music. Can sacred music be defined? Where did it come from? 

Dr. Andrew Whitmore joins Christendom College Alumnus Mark Rohlena in discussing topics surrounding his new book Saintly Habits: Aquinas' 7 Simple Strategies You Can Use to Grow in Virtue. 

Dr. Daniel McInerny joins Christendom College Alumnus Mark Rohlena in discussing the relevance of philosophy in modern culture.

Dr. Ben Reinhard, the academic dean of Christendom College, shares how love of medieval history played a decisive role in his winding faith journey.

Christendom College Executive Vice President Mark Rohlena invites Christendom President Dr. Timothy O'Donnell to share his academic search for truth and his early experience with the founding of Christendom.