Christendom Conversations

Dr. Jon Kirwan joins Dr. George A. Harne to discuss the Front Royal Education Summit and its vision for renewing Catholic education. Together, they examine the widespread influence of progressive educational philosophy, why it has shaped modern schooling, and how the Catholic intellectual tradition offers a compelling alternative for forming students, teachers, and schools for generations to come....

Timothy O’Donnell sits down with George Harne to explore the profound theological richness of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Together, they trace its roots in Sacred Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers, examining how this devotion reveals the depths of Christ’s love for humanity. Dr. O’Donnell explains the significance of Christ’s threefold love, the role of St. Margaret Mary...

Douglas Flippen sits down with George Harne to discuss the profound influence of St. Thomas Aquinas. Together, they explore Aquinas’s enduring significance for the Catholic Church, his insightful approach to complex philosophical and theological questions, and his distinctive method of inquiry. Flippen also offers guidance on how Aquinas would analyze the nature of various academic disciplines, an...

Dr. Harne sits down with Dr. Douglas Dailey to explore the profound connection between mathematics and human flourishing. Dr. Dailey shares his personal journey from farm life to academia, and delves into the philosophical underpinnings of mathematics, from Plato and Augustine to its role in liberal education. They also highlight the beauty, order, and inherent wonder found in numbers, emphasizing...

Dr. Steve Baldner explores his academic journey as a philosophy professor, highlighting influences on his understanding of creation and contrasting Aquinas's hylomorphism with Descartes' mechanical philosophy. Baldner emphasizes the enduring relevance of fundamental philosophical questions for contemporary youth and the vital role of educators in guiding students toward truth.

Dr. Clint Brand joins Dr. Harne and delves into the Catholic intellectual tradition, particularly focusing on Anglicanism's historical context and its ties to Catholicism. Dr. Clint Brand shares his academic journey and the influence of Anglicanism on his conversion. They also explore the Protestant Revolution, Henry VII, and Modern Issues in Anglicanism. Finally, they discuss the significance of...

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, emphas...

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 Alex...

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 th...

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 do...

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...

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 apprecia...

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.