Literature in a Digital Apocalypse

Most of us recognize that modern culture overvalues utilitarian content that can be grasped quickly, but what can atone for this deficit of beauty? In this episode of Credo podcast, Matthew Barrett interviews Jason Baxter of Benedictine College on his new book, Why Literature Still Matters: Beauty After the Apocalypse. They discuss the role of art as an expression of the transcendentals, qualitative vs. quantitative experiences of beauty, and the necessity of ascesis to retrain the modern brain to grasp literature.

Baxter points to the role of art in slowing time and “downloading” a deeper, soul-level experience instead of merely “streaming” information. By training our brains to slow down, be affected by, and ultimately “eat” beauty, he reveals literature as a crucial tool to build a greater appreciation of beauty for ourselves and coming generations.

This episode is sponsored by rhb.org. Use the code CREDOVM for 20% off Petrus van Mastricht’s Theoretical-Practical Theology and Joel Beeke’s How to Lead Your Family. And for new customers: after completing your first order and creating an account, you’ll receive a follow-up email with an additional 10% off coupon, good for any item in your cart. Offer valid through October 1.

Jason Baxter is the Director of the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College. He holds a Doctorate in Literature from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to joining Benedictine, he spent time as a visiting associate professor at Notre Dame preceded by twelve years at Wyoming Catholic College. His written works include The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis and A Beginner’s Guide to Dante’s Divine Comedy, among others, and he is currently working on an original translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy. Baxter has written many academic and popular articles, and he frequently makes media appearances ranging from podcasts to EWTN.

Matthew Barrett is the editor-in-chief of Credo Magazine, director of the Center for Classical Theology, and Research Professor of Theology at Trinity Anglican Seminary, and the author of several books, including Simply Trinity, which won the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award in Theology/Ethics. His new book is called The Reformation as Renewal: Retrieving the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. He is currently writing a Systematic Theology with Baker Academic.

Image Credit: ₡ґǘșϯγ Ɗᶏ Ⱪᶅṏⱳդ