Musings of a Christian Humanist

Note to reader: In addition to working very closely with Dr. Desiderius for years, I did and still do count him as the dearest of friends. We are open and direct with each other, as this interview will show. He left the academy a few years ago because, in his words, there was no longer a point to teaching. I also interview him about fifteen years ago, and sadly he has become "more jaded" (his words, not mine). This interview is equal parts, cautionary tale, reflection on the wonders and purpose of the liberal arts, and the deep sadness of a spurned lover. I can attest that there was a time when Professor Desiderius was passionate about humane learning. Robert Woods: It is always a joy to converse with you and I appreciate your time, as I know you are busy. Michael Desiderius: I use to be busy, when I was teaching, now I finally know leisure. RW: Well, I thought we would have a few moments before you took a dig at the university. MD: I'm sorry. Let me begin again....

The incarnation calls us to the things of this world. So when we consider the following quotes about the liberal arts we must begin and end there: What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?   - Tertullian “What has Ingeld to do with Christ”? -Alcuin (when catching some monks reading Beowulf) What has Horace to do with the Psalter? Or Virgil with the Gospel? Or Cicero the Apostle? - Jerome        Just as the Logos, God Himself, became flesh, and just as God’s words and wisdom were penned by human hands in particular times and places, Christians, as embodied beings, are called to be in the world. We are called to a healthy, robust terrestriality, without compromising our calling. Engagement with the world–in all of its God–imbued glory intertwined with human wretchedness–requires wisdom from God, a wisdom that assists us to be faithful.  Just as the incarnation was ultimately about redemption, it is the task of the...