Creative Catholics: Literature & Theology in the 20th Century
Chris is joined by Cassandra Nelson, an affiliate fellow in literature at the Lumen Center in Madison, Wisconsin, an associate fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, and the author of A Theology of Fiction (Wiseblood Books, 2025). They discuss the life and thought of Sr. Mariella Gable, a Benedictine nun who had an under-appreciated influence on Catholic literary fiction during the 20th century. They also talk about the relationship between theology and literature, the work of Betty Wahl and J.F. Powers, and more. Show notes:Cassandra’s new book, A Theology of Fiction, and the 2022 First Things essay on which it is basedSr. Mariella Gable’s anthologies of Catholic fictionJ.F. Powers’s collected short storiesThe Lumen Center’s websiteChris’s book, 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven’t Read) Time stamps:2:56 Sr. Mariella Gable’s conception of Catholic fiction23:20 Sr. Mariella’s controversies and influence29:31 A theology of comedy35:15 Betty Wahl and J.F. Powers45:20 Reading as a spiritual practice and the moral dimension of fiction56:55 Cassandra’s recommendations This episode is brought to you by Root & Branch, the only bed linens designed especially for guest rooms. Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist. Produced by Sean Doolan and Otis Wilbury.
--------
59:31
--------
59:31
Summertime Blues: 2020 in Hindsight
Chris is joined by his AEI colleague Thomas Chatterton Williams, whose latest book Summer of Our Discontent: The Age of Certainty and the Demise of Discourse was published earlier this month. The two discuss Thomas’s analysis of the events and ideas that led to the protests, riots, and all-around madness of the summer of 2020; cancel culture and the importance of free expression; the concept of race and its relation to cultural heritage; and more. Show notes:Thomas’s new book, Summer of Our DiscontentThe Harper’s LetterThomas’s previous book, Self-Portrait in Black and WhiteChris’s book, 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven’t Read) Time stamps:2:36 Reflecting on the summer of 20206:13 The promises and shortcomings of the Obama era14:32 The “Great Awokening” and the rise of Trump21:07 Cancel culture and the cult of anti-racism36:35 The Harper’s Letter and the fight for free expression42:47 Post-racialism and cultural heritage50:22 From January 6 to October 756:09 Charting a path forward This episode is brought to you by the Rockford Agency. Our trained investigators have specialized in CLOSED CASES since 1968. $200/day + expenses. Call (311) 555-2368 and leave a message. Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist. Produced by Sean Doolan.
--------
1:01:00
--------
1:01:00
Joining the Frey: The Battle for the Liberal Arts
Chris is joined by Jennifer Frey, professor of philosophy in the department of philosophy & religion at The University of Tulsa, and former Dean of the Honors College at TU. They discuss the university’s recent decision to eliminate her position as dean and restructure the Honors College, the power dynamics at play within university governance, and the value of liberal education more broadly. · Jennifer’s X thread announcing her departure as Dean· Jennifer’s New York Times essay recounting her experience· Lee Trepanier’s response to Jennifer’s essay· Stanley Fish’s essay in The Lamp, and Jennifer’s response to it Time stamps:1:12 Jennifer’s introduction and professional background4:52 Jennifer’s success with the University of Tulsa’s Honors College20:11 Why TU’s administration killed the Honors College25:24 Structural shortcomings of university governance35:29 Liberal education and the datafication of the university43:07 Higher education as the pursuit of wisdom Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist.
--------
52:49
--------
52:49
The Macho Mensches of Manhattan
Chris talks to Ronnie A. Grinberg, associate professor of history at the University of Oklahoma, about the anti-communist Jewish intellectuals who helped shape post-war American culture and politics. How did this remarkable group of writers—which included such prominent figures as Lionel Trilling, Diana Trilling, Irving Howe, Midge Decter, and Norman Podhoretz—take shape? What were their various opinions about topics like communism, feminism, and masculinity? How do their ideas continue to inform our political and cultural discourse? Find out more about Ronnie’s new book, Write Like a Man: Jewish Masculinity and the New York Intellectuals, here. This episode is brought to you by 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven’t Read)
--------
1:00:12
--------
1:00:12
Not Just a Juggalo
Ross Benes, author of 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times, joins Chris to explain how professional wrestling, video games, a face-painted hip-hop duo, and other low culture from 26 years ago can help us understand where we are today. Show Notes:· Ross’s website: https://www.rossbenes.com/· Ross on X: https://x.com/rossbenes?lang=en· Chris’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Novels-Conservatives-Will-Probably-Havent/dp/1510782397
In The Back of the Book, host Christopher J. Scalia interviews writers, scholars, and other expert guests about culture and the arts.Listen to The Back of the Book, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
Canada - english