Shadi Bartsch - The Wisdom of Fools: Christianity and the Break in the Classical Tradition

[@SGMC1000]

I find it strange that a scholar still refers to the Medieval period as the Dark Ages, intellectually speaking. Medievalists see it as rich and fertile ground for the new world about to emerge, complete with new technologies that fed and nourished Europe as it began to grow in population after the decline following the fall of Rome.

[@Opistographus]

An extraordinary lecture by one of the foremost classical scholars of our time.

[@timgrace1311]

Some good points but the focus on Western Fathers completely ignores the brilliant use of classical learning in the Eastern Fathers of the Church (ie. the Cappadocian Fathers) to put into words the relationship of the Persons of the Trinity. Also, avoiding the pitfalls of the literal vs allegorical interpretation of Scripture, Church Fathers speak of the Typological approach of types and fulfilment. Again, acknowledging this would have nuanced the talk further.

[@SGMC1000]

This is a very old and tired critique of Christianity. Science as we know it, political advance, the university, literacy and education for the masses, the dignity of the individual and natural rights of humankind, law rooted in transcendent principles as a check on the state, etc., are all rooted in Christianity filtered, at least partially, in the Middle Ages. No one who is acquainted with the Medieval period could make these claims. They are folklore.

[@LoneMonk1]

A very smart and educated professor, but sadly lackly any sincerity. If you simply want to mock Christianity, why do you study it at all? I would give a C minus, for nice try, but no real understanding of Christianity.

[@salentino286]

actually she hasn't studied it at all

[@SGMC1000]

Some Christians called Socrates Jesus before Jesus.