Last week we kicked off the Center, held our first lecture, our first tutorials, our first discussion group meeting, and even had a special lecture on Sire's worldview questions. We are off and running. Dr. Callis gave us a great first look at Homer, using a bit of reverse psychology to get the students to take a closer look at the book, and begin questioning from the outset the applicability of the work to our day.
Much of what we discussed last week had to do with the comparing a Christian mind with the Greek pagan one. What does virtue look like -- that is, what do the gods approve of? And what sort of powers do the gods have over circumstances in the world they inhabit, compared with the sovereignty of the God of the Bible? We discussed how sovereignty is at best divided up among the various gods, and perhaps even beyond or behind them we find the Fates, spinning out fate without direct contact with men in the world.
Athena's love of Odysseus was another topic of discussion. How is it that she has such affection for him? Is it that she is taken with his abilities? He is so powerful, able, crafty, smart, et c? Or is it that the gods have made him that way first? What part does Athena's encouragement play in his successes that make him such a favorite? Which came first?
Books 7-12 tonight, and on we go! Planning for a trip to L'abri in Rochester starting Sept 15th. I can't wait for the students to get to know our friends the Snyders and the MacGregors.