Christians Reading Classics

Christians Reading Classics
By. Nadya Williams

1. Would you Recommend this Book?

Yes I would, mainly as the first book that leads one more fully into the classics.


2. What is the Main Point?

The main point is simply to outline (arguably) the most influential writings in classical human history, the writings that we humans have considered the classics and that best help us get a grasp on various stages of this world the Lord has given us. Williams also spends time with each work connecting or contrasting to Christian themes and giving examples of what the Christian can learn from reading each.


3. Which Parts should I read if I’m short on Time?

She moves chronologically, so if mainly interested in one particular time period, focus on that section; otherwise, it is all enjoyable and helpful.


4. Why does this book Matter?

I picked this up because I am trying to read more of the classics myself, and this book was very helpful as a guide to doing this. Modern education is largely failing us in this regard and it certainly did me, as so many of these writings are new to me, while they would have been foundational for any educated person beforehand. My children just began homeschooling through “Classical Conversations,” and their reading list was convicting to me as they are reading so many ancient writings that I had not read; I am endeavoring to solve that and this book was particularly helpful.

It is fascinating through these writings that start before and finish after Christ to see how his life and death changed everything.

5. Is this Book an “Easy-Read?” (Include Length)

Yes, Williams is not writing technically and the overviews and connections are easy to understand. 320 Pages.


6. Who is this Author and what did you think of their writing?

Nadya Williams is a classicist and historian passionate about connecting modern Christians to ancient writings and thought; despite its breadth her writing was clear and easy to understand, though at times I would have liked some more philosophical depth.


7. What is One Key Take-Away or Application for my life?

I am not part of some new race of humans, but a long line of people foundationally the same as I am from whom I can learn greatly. We take for granted that all humans have also thought like we think, but reading the classics helps illuminate the falsehood of such an assumption, while also showing the ways we are similar despite millenia of difference.


8. What was One point of Disagreement?

There were plenty of times that there seemed to me much more meat on the bone for Christian application and thought than she bit off, but obviously the book could only be so long.

 
9. What are any other things that stood out to You?

Williams is, understandably, very interested in the implications for female history in particular, and is likely more left-leaning politically than most Alabamians; this shows up more in her other writings but it pops it’s head up here occasionally as well.


10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would recommend one to read first to help with this one?

This is a great book 1.