What does it mean to teach history truthfully? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , we tackle how to teach Christopher Columbus facts with honesty, from elementary school to teaching history in middle school and high school. We discuss the hard truths of American slavery, the Holocaust, and more, while still cultivating gratitude for the US. Drawing on models like the Frederick Douglass 4th of July speech, we share practical ways to guide students through the dark parts of history so they see both the good and the bad—growing in wisdom, empathy, and conviction.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

_Education of a Wandering Man_—Louis L'Amour (Paul)

_The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion_—Beth Brower (Tanya)

_On the Consolation of Philosophy_—Boethius (Dustin)

On this week's Classical Et Cetera, Memoria Press takes on one of our most common questions in classical Christian education: Why should Christians study paganism at all?

We explore how to approach pagan philosophy, literature, and Greek mythology in the classroom, and why these texts still matter for students learning within the tradition of Christianity. From Plato and Aristotle to Paul at the Areopagus, we consider how pagan authors asked the right questions—and how the Bible is where we ultimately get the answers.

Whether you’re a homeschool parent, a teacher, or simply curious about classical education, this conversation will help you see how pagan works can be taught with discernment, why they remain part of a Memoria Press curriculum, and how to read them in light of the truth of Christianity.

Read "Why Should Christians Read the Pagan Classics" from our founder, Cheryl Lowe: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/why-should-christians-read-pagan-classics/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=185

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

_The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion_—Beth Brower (Tanya)

_The Human Factor_—Graham Greene (Paul)

_Around the World in Eighty Days_—Jules Verne (Paul)

_The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin)

Who were the Founding Fathers — and what is the education that shaped them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , we explore the rigorous classical education that influenced America’s founders and the birth of a nation. From learning Latin and Greek to studying history and literature, the Founders gained the wisdom and discipline to lead with courage and conviction. We discuss what their colonial education looked like, why it mattered, and how modern schools and families can recover the same focus and depth. Join the conversation and discover what classical learning can offer today’s America!

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

_The Hobbit_—J.R.R. Tolkien (Paul)

_The Human Factor_—Graham Greene (Paul)

_The Father's Tale_—Michael D. O'Brien (Tanya)

_The Iliad_—Homer (Martin)

_The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin)

Vulgate Set - https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/selections-from-the-vulgate-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=184

Martin's article - https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/classical-education-founding-fathers/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=184