This book’s goal is to help students understand classic Greek literature from a biblical viewpoint, and it achieves that goal. Starting with a discussion on how elements of God’s master story can be found in every story written—even ancient classics that contain opposing worldviews and unappealing content—the author proceeds to analyze eight classics of ancient literature from a biblical perspective: Theogony, The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Aeneid, and four additional Greek dramas. These texts are not included, but there are plenty of excerpts, and the author explains the stories and main points throughout the analysis. In each chapter, stories and corresponding analysis are broken into sections with review questions at the end of each section. Some of these review questions refer specifically to where the answer is found in the original text, indicated by numbers for students who are reading along. All throughout, the author makes biblical comparisons, sometimes to show a similarity and sometimes to highlight an important difference. When needed, basic visuals such as lists or outlines are provided to help understanding. While incredibly thorough and full of valuable insights, thoughts, and perspectives, this text is difficult at times, and high school students may need occasional guidance for best comprehension and application. This would be an excellent companion for your ancient literature course but could also be enjoyed on its own. 396 pgs, pb.
Heroes of the City of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature
Product Overview
- An analysis of classic Greek literature from a Christian perspective
- Chapters are broken into sections with review questions and further thinking questions for comprehension
- Thorough analysis parallels literature with the Bible, highlighting both similarities and differences
- Higher-level reading level that is ideal for high school and older
Description
To be fully educated, it is necessary to read the great pagan classics of Homer and Virgil and the ancient Greek playwrights. However, many Christians are often disgusted by the barbarity and violence, put off by the emphasis on honor and man-centered glory, and simply baffled by the long and tedious descriptions of battle scenes and elaborate ceremonies.
In this book written for high school students, Leithart gives a patient, yet critical examination of some of the greatest classics of ancient literature, including Hesiod's Theogony, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Aechylus' Eumenides, Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus, Euripdes' The Bacchae, Aristophanes' The Birds, and Virgil's Aeneid. While Leithart expounds the deep and interesting symbolism, tropes, and deeper meanings of these classics, he never forgets the theological themes. The pagans were very concerned with salvation, but it was a salvation that depended above all on man, and thus there was a gaping hole that only the gospel could really fill.
This book is perfect for high school students and includes numerous review and discussion questions for curricular use.
| Product Format: | Paperback |
|---|---|
| Grades: | 9-AD |
| Brand: | Canon Press |
| ISBN: | 9781885767554 |
| Length in Inches: | 8.5 |
| Width in Inches: | 5.5 |
| Height in Inches: | 1 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 0.9 |