Danny Elfman's life story is one of serendipity and passion for music. From his early days as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the new wave band Oingo Boingo to his rise as a renowned film composer, Elfman's journey is marked by chance encounters, creative experimentation, and a desire to push boundaries. With iconic scores for films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice, Elfman has become synonymous with the art of music composition. But his story doesn't stop there - he's also a rock guitarist, a string quartet player, and a classical composer, defying categorization and inspiring a new generation of musicians. [... more]

George Washington's connection to the ancient Roman dictator Cincinnatus is a fascinating example of how classical virtue and biblical virtue influenced American history. Cincinnatus, who served as a dictator in Rome, was known for surrendering his power back to the Senate and people, a model that Washington followed during his presidency. This ideal of republicanism, which emphasized the importance of serving peace and the rule of law, was a key factor in the establishment of the United States government. [... more]

Handel's Messiah is a majestic work of classical music deeply tied to the Christmas holiday. Its origins date back to Charles Jennens, a wealthy landowner who suffered from chronic depression, and his collaboration with George Friedrich Handel. The oratorio's three parts tell the story of the Christmas story, crucifixion, and resurrection, making it a timeless and enduring piece of music. [... more]

The origins of various phrases and sayings are explored, including 'blowing hot and cold', 'blue blood', 'bottle it', and 'bring home the bacon'. The stories behind these expressions are rooted in history, mythology, and cultural practices. [... more]

Winston Churchill believed that education is essential for human beings to become fully human, and that it should focus on teaching people to be, rather than just training them for a job. He saw education as a way to combat tyranny and promote a generous and comprehending outlook on the human story. [... more]

The founders of America drew inspiration from the classical world to shape a new country, emphasizing education, virtue, and the rule of law. They studied the Greco-Roman world, the Bible, and classical literature to create a government that balanced power and promoted individual rights. The American Revolution was a virtuous and law-abiding revolution, unlike others that followed, and was influenced by the ideas of Cato the Younger and the Roman Republic. [... more]

The existence of God is a question that has enormous implications, with the possibility of eternal consequences. R.C. Sproul explores the concept of self-existence, arguing that reason demands the assertion of a self-existent eternal being to account for the existence of anything in this world. He discusses the difference between proof and persuasion, and how people may refuse to accept evidence due to emotional reasons or bias. [... more]

Duke Ellington was a renowned jazz musician, composer, and bandleader who rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Washington D.C. in 1899, Ellington's early life was marked by racial segregation and class divisions. He found solace in music, particularly jazz, which became a defining feature of his career. Ellington's band, which included musicians such as Johnny Hodges and Cootie Williams, was known for its unique blend of jazz and classical music. Despite facing racism and prejudice throughout his life, Ellington persevered and went on to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and died in 1974, leaving behind a legacy of over 1,000 compositions and a body of work that continues to inspire musicians and music lovers to this day. [... more]

This refreshing duo has an eclectic writing style with Marketo's gospel roots and classical background and Marcus' love of country and soul https www marcusandmarketo com [... more]

Sir Winston Churchill's views on education and its importance in shaping human beings are highlighted in a story told by Dr. Larry Arnn, a Churchill scholar and president of Hillsdale College. Churchill believed that education should focus on teaching people how to be human, rather than just training them for a job, and that this approach is essential for preventing the rise of tyrants like Hitler. [... more]

The importance of civics education and the need for reform in American schools is discussed by Richard Dreyfuss and Pete Hegseth, authors of the book 'The Battle for the American Mind'. They argue that the current education system is failing to teach children about American history and the principles of democracy, and that school choice is a key solution to this problem. [... more]

Lee Bortons discusses her 40-year journey of homeschooling and her efforts to promote classical education through her ministry at Classical Conversations. She shares her vision for a Declaration of Education Independence, which aims to reclaim the freedom and autonomy of education from government control. Bortons emphasizes the importance of virtuous education and the role of families in shaping the next generation. [... more]

The origins of everyday sayings and curious phrases are explored, from 'blowing hot and cold' to 'bottle it' and 'bring home the bacon'. These expressions have fascinating histories, dating back to ancient times and classical mythology, and offer insights into the evolution of language. [... more]

Larry Henson, executive director of Youngsville Academy, discusses the benefits of charter schools and classical education in North Carolina. He shares his personal experience with education and how it motivated him to establish Youngsville Academy, a classical college preparatory public charter school in Franklin County. Henson emphasizes the importance of local governance and subsidiarity in education, allowing schools to tailor their programs to meet the unique needs of their students and communities. [... more]

Erasmus, a Dutch humanist, played a crucial role in the Renaissance by studying classical authors and advocating for textual criticism, which led to the publication of the Greek New Testament. His work had a significant impact on the Reformation, particularly through his interactions with Martin Luther, and his legacy continues to inspire scholars to seek out original sources and credible information. [... more]

Sir Winston Churchill's views on education and its importance in treating individuals as ends, not means, are explored by Dr. Larry Arnn, a Churchill scholar and president of Hillsdale College. Churchill's quotes on the value of education and its role in combating tyranny are discussed, highlighting the need for a generous and comprehending outlook on the human story. [... more]

Dana Lash discusses various topics including Hillsdale College's classical liberal arts education, border security, Chinese spy balloons, taxation, mortgage fees, and the welfare state. She also talks about the United Nations' promotion of pedophilia, abortion, and the welfare system in Hungary. Additionally, she discusses the Republican Party's identity politics and the importance of conservatism, libertarianism, and classical liberalism. [... more]

A discussion on the importance of classical liberal arts education, the debt ceiling, and national security, as well as the growing threat of China's influence in the US through TikTok and Zoom. The conversation also touches on the issue of wokery and its impact on society, as well as the need to address gun violence and school shootings. [... more]

A Christian university in Arizona is facing a lawsuit from a school district that has decided to no longer hire student teachers due to their biblical values. This decision has sparked a heated debate about the role of religion in public education and the importance of preserving family values. Meanwhile, a classical education movement is gaining momentum, offering an alternative to traditional public education that emphasizes the importance of classical learning and character development. [... more]

The life of Duke Ellington, a renowned American composer and jazz musician, is explored in depth, revealing his complex personality, struggles with racial segregation, and his rise to fame in the music world. His experiences, from his childhood in Washington D.C. to his later years, are woven together to create a rich tapestry of American history and culture. [... more]

The origins of everyday sayings and phrases are explored, from 'blowing hot and cold' to 'bring home the bacon', and how they have evolved over time through various cultures and historical events. [... more]

Dr. R.C. Sproul addresses questions on the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the importance of Christian character in defending one's faith. He discusses the relationship between apologetics and lifestyle, and how to respond to objections to Christianity. [... more]

The existence of God is a complex issue, with both theists and atheists having valid arguments. Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the psychological factors that influence our beliefs, including the desire for autonomy and the fear of accountability. He argues that our problem with the existence of God is not intellectual, but moral, and that we suppress the truth about God due to our sinful nature. [... more]

Classical apologetics explores the concept of a self-existent eternal being, which is a crucial aspect of the doctrine of God revealed in the Bible. This idea is often contrasted with the abstract concept of God found in Greek philosophy. The teleological argument, or argument from design, suggests that the presence of purpose and intelligence in the natural world implies the existence of a designer, a self-existent eternal being who is also personal. [... more]

Rene Descartes, a 17th-century philosopher, questioned everything to build a new philosophical system. He sought to reestablish a foundation for certainty, using clear and distinct ideas, and doubting everything he could conceivably doubt. Descartes' famous motto, 'Cogito Ergo Sum,' or 'I think, therefore I am,' proved the existence of himself, and he argued that the existence of God is necessary for the existence of anything. [... more]

Dr. R.C. Sproul presents the classical method of apologetics, arguing that reason demands the existence of a self-existent eternal being to account for the existence of anything else. He explores the differences between proof and persuasion, and how people may resist the existence of God due to emotional reasons or bias. [... more]

The existence of God is a fundamental premise in building a person's life and worldview, and establishing it is crucial in apologetics. Classical apologetics argues that proof for the existence of God is conclusive, while presuppositionalism starts with the presupposition of the existence of God. The debate between these two approaches highlights the importance of rationality and self-consciousness in understanding God's existence. [... more]

Matt Slick discusses various topics including Christian apologetics, autism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, addressing questions from listeners and providing insights on biblical theology and morality. [... more]

Philosopher Immanuel Kant questioned whether we can know God's existence through reason, challenging the classical synthesis of Thomas Aquinas. This debate has implications for natural theology, faith, and reason, with some arguing that God's existence can be known through the created order, while others assert that faith is necessary. [... more]

Christians often face tension between trusting the Bible and embracing a skeptical view of its integrity. Dr. R.C. Sproul explores how to defend the reliability of Scripture, starting with its historical trustworthiness, and how this foundation leads to a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings on the Bible's authority. [... more]

The Bible's authority and integrity are crucial for Christians, and understanding its divine origin is essential for defending the faith. Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the importance of Scripture's inspiration and its role in resolving conflicts over ethics and truth. [... more]

The concept of natural theology is explored, revealing that God's existence and character are clearly seen in creation, leaving humanity without excuse for not knowing Him. This understanding is rooted in the Bible, particularly Romans chapter 1, and has been developed by theologians such as St Thomas Aquinas and St Augustine. [... more]

Buffalo Academy, a new Christian school in North Carolina, aims to provide a classical education that teaches Western civilization, the classics, and a Judeo-Christian moral code, offering an alternative to public schools and promoting a restoration of truth in America. [... more]

The concept of God's transcendence and immanence poses a challenge for meaningful communication. Classical apologetics, as discussed by Dr. R.C. Sproul, explores the idea that God's language is not limited by human understanding, but rather, it is infused with meaning through creation and Scripture. The analogia entis, or analogy of being, is a concept that allows for a deeper understanding of God's goodness and power, despite the differences between human and divine experiences. [... more]

The reliability of our senses and the concept of causality are crucial in understanding the external world. David Hume's analysis of causality highlights the limitations of sense perception, but it does not demolish the principle of causality. Christian theism assumes that God is the power supply of all motion, and the basic reliability of sense perception is essential in defending the Christian faith. [... more]

The concept of causality has been a cornerstone of Western theoretical thought, used to argue for the existence of God by reasoning from the appearance of the world back to an adequate or sufficient cause. However, skeptics have attacked the law of cause and effect, leading to a critical analysis of causality by philosophers such as David Hume. In this discussion, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the principle of causality and its relationship to the existence of God, examining the arguments for and against causal thinking. [... more]

The importance of understanding one's faith and being prepared to defend it is discussed, with a focus on the role of apologetics in pre-evangelism and post-evangelism, and the need for a living faith that issues forth in works. [... more]

Theologians have long grappled with the concept of God's transcendence and how it affects human language and understanding. R.C. Sproul explores the idea that God's holiness and otherness make it difficult for humans to communicate with Him, but that He has given us language and infused it with meaning to facilitate communication. He discusses the concept of analogia entis and how it allows us to understand God's goodness and other attributes in a way that is meaningful, despite our limitations. [... more]

The principle of verification, a central thesis in logical positivism, states that only statements that can be verified empirically are true. However, this principle was later criticized for being self-contradictory, as it cannot be verified empirically itself. This led to a crisis in the philosophy of language, particularly with regards to the concept of God, as critics argued that statements about God are merely emotive and do not refer to objective reality. The crisis in language was further exacerbated by the 19th century's attempt to redefine historic Christianity in naturalistic terms, which ultimately led to a loss of meaning in the concept of God. [... more]

A state task force explores health care coverage, while economists debate the merits of free trade and its impact on the economy. Meanwhile, a discussion on originalism and its role in shaping the Supreme Court's decisions highlights the importance of understanding the Constitution's original intent. In North Carolina, the state legislature grapples with the balance of power between the governor and the General Assembly, setting the stage for a potentially contentious 2021. [... more]