Welcome to The Full Table
To Our Readers
As with any new endeavor, readers naturally have questions. We hope this inaugural post offers clarity 鈥 and an invitation.
鈥淭hat house was, as Bilbo had long ago reported, 鈥榓 perfect house, whether you like food or sleep, or storytelling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all.鈥 Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness.鈥
-The Fellowship of the Ring
What Makes Literature so Powerful for Enduring Faith (Element 4: Questions to Ask When Selecting Books)
A core element of classical Christian education is the use of literature to help form character – but how do I select books that will assist with this? Consider the 8 questions outlined to help you select literature for your children.
The Terrapin, a Reflection
Berry expresses such love for God鈥檚 creation and such appreciation for common, simple things. The terrapin鈥檚 humble home and gentle, unrushed manner speak to me about my need to slow down, trust God, and appreciate the small and wonderful things in my life.
To Think of the Life of Wendell Berry
Berry鈥檚 life reminds us that a meaningful life does not have to be a hurried or spectacular one. He found richness in the ordinary: in tending the soil, walking through the woods, working with his hands, raising a family, writing, and remaining faithful to the place he called home.
Why another site? What makes this different?
As classical Christian educators, contributors to The Full Table regularly think deeply about meaningful questions and engage in rich conversations with colleagues. Out of these dialogues came the idea for a platform that could extend these conversations 鈥 and invite others to begin similar ones within their own communities.
This site seeks to be distinctive by:
- Featuring articles written exclusively by educators devoted to shaping the next generation through the Christian faith and the classical tradition.
- Exploring topics that inspire contemplation, from philosophical reflections, to lively debates, (wait until you see our Narnia series!) to practical applications of classical Christian education in daily life.
- Maintaining a consistent voice of thoughtfulness while allowing each author鈥檚 personality to shine through.
Why The Full Table?
A variety of names were considered, as with any name it needs to convey the intent. When considering the aims of this site, we envisioned a table 鈥 overflowing not just with food but with companionship, conversation, and joy. This idea of a full table has long echoed throughout classical works:
- The quintessential 鈥渇ull table鈥 scene in Leonardo da Vinci鈥檚 The Last Supper.
- The jolly merriment that is found in The Happy Family by Jan Steen or the more raucous conversation of Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio.
- The Coffee Cantata by Bach portrays a livelier table scene than the depiction of a banquet in Alexander鈥檚 Feast by Handel.
- The banquets throughout the work of Shakespeare, throughout the Fellowship of the Ring, and the fellowship throughout The Canterbury Tales.
What will we write about?
The Full Table will grow and adapt over time, but we begin with three main themes:
- Classical Education
- Enduring Faith
- Great Works Reflections
Each submission will ultimately include various 鈥渢ags鈥 for themes throughout these main categories, mirroring the classical ideal that knowledge is best interwoven, not kept in silos. The goal with tags is to create some semblance of order amidst the spaghetti strands that connect various reflections.
What is the connection to 91制片厂?
This blog is representative of The Full Table of conversations, fellowship, and musings that happen daily amongst the community of staff at 91制片厂, but is not representative of the views or opinions of the Academy, the Trustees, or any employees of the Academy (view full disclaimer here).
So, as the hobbits discovered at the Last Homely House east of the Sea, we hope your visits to The Full Table offer 鈥渁 cure for weariness, fear, and sadness鈥 and become a place of rest, reflection, and joy among friends. We are grateful you have joined us and hope you are a frequent guest at our table.
- All
- Classical Education
- Developing Enduring Faith
- Great Works
- Table of Contents (of Series)
- The Full Table
- Wendell Berry
What Makes Literature so Powerful for Enduring Faith (Element 4: Questions to Ask When Selecting Books)
A core element of classical Christian education is the use of literature to help form character – but how do I select books that will assist with this? Consider the 8 questions outlined to help you select literature for your children.
The Terrapin, a Reflection
Berry expresses such love for God鈥檚 creation and such appreciation for common, simple things. The terrapin鈥檚 humble home and gentle, unrushed manner speak to me about my need to slow down, trust God, and appreciate the small and wonderful things in my life.
To Think of the Life of Wendell Berry
Berry鈥檚 life reminds us that a meaningful life does not have to be a hurried or spectacular one. He found richness in the ordinary: in tending the soil, walking through the woods, working with his hands, raising a family, writing, and remaining faithful to the place he called home.
The Meeting, a Reflection
My Dad was born on 鈥淒ecember fifth, nineteen and thirty-three鈥 鈥 the way he always said it 鈥 in Fort Kent, Maine. Mr. Berry, 243 days later and more than 1200 miles away. They were certainly different men, but of the same vintage.
Early in the Year by My Friend鈥檚 Gift, a Reflection
Something about Christ鈥檚 eyes affected me in the same way Berry described, and to this day, years later, I can鈥檛 stop thinking about the painting. I remember reading this poem one morning in my bedroom, and Berry鈥檚 poem made me sit up and contemplate what it meant to be seen by Christ, the power of Christ, and how we have been forever changed by the beautiful truth of the resurrection.
The Scycamore, a Reflection
As I grew to know Jesus, the trajectory of my life changed. I knew I wanted to spend my life sharing the mercy, peace and love that I found in Him. It was the steadiness I had always needed in my life that couldn鈥檛 be taken away. Every child deserves to know this unconditional love.
What Makes Literature so Powerful for Enduring Faith (Element 3: Conduct & Order)
A core element of classical Christian education is the use of literature to help form character – but what is it that makes literature so powerful? The ways that stories reaffirm the natural sense of order that resides within each of us is a compelling draw upon our hearts.
Tradition and Classical Christian Education
In what, exactly, are we partaking as we labor together in classical Christian education, and in particular as we at 91制片厂 strive to 鈥渆quip students to live with wisdom, excellence, and purpose in the modern world by offering them an education grounded in the Christian faith and the Classical tradition鈥?
What Makes Literature so Powerful for Enduring Faith (Introduction)
A core element of classical Christian education is the use of literature to help form character – but what is it that makes literature so powerful? Start here to consider three main elements, and then continue reading for more details!
Why I begin Algebra 2 with a Spy Novel
Algebra 2 is a gateway to wisdom and beauty for all students. Which is why I clarify on the first day of class that I expect my students to behold the wonder Algebra 2 has to offer for the sake of their souls and not their careers.
What Makes Literature so Powerful for Enduring Faith (Element 1: Capturing the Heart)
How does the power of literature impact enduring faith of children? By capturing their heart.
The Full Table is provided as a gathering place for conversation and ideas and is not a repository of 91制片厂 policies, stances, or opinions. All articles/posts are the opinions solely of the author and do not reflect any official endorsement of these views by the Academy, its trustees, or employees. Publication does not imply any sort of approval beyond the recognition of the Academy that conversation around ideas is a worthwhile endeavor, even when there is not unanimity around the ideas. All articles/posts should be read as personal views of the author and not as representations of official positions, teachings, or policies of the Academy.
