Fiat
"Let it be done unto me according to Your word."
Short Courses
Four Great Christian Writers of the 20th Century:
Tolkien, Lewis, Eliot, and Waugh, co-taught by Father Longenecker and Joseph Pearce
Explore the rich tapestry of thought, faith, and imagination woven by these iconic authors—T.S. Eliot, Evelyn Waugh, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien as you embark on a journey through their timeless works that continue to inspire and shape contemporary Christian thought.
Why Fiat?
For the Catholic Church
Fiat refers to the Latin word meaning "let it be done". It gained significance through Gospel of Luke (1:38), where Mary, the mother of Jesus, in humility, responds to the angel Gabriel's announcement of her divine pregnancy by saying, "Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum" ("Let it be done to me according to your word").
For Rosary College
Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rosary College strives to imitate her "Fiat", and seek the fulfillment of God's will. Our short course provide an opportunity to receive a glimpse of liberal arts education from some Catholic scholars who are teaching Rosary College classes.
Fiat Short Course Preview
J.R.R. Tolkien Short Course
Approx. 2 hours and 48 mins. of content
In his discussion of Tolkien’s mythology, Joseph Pearce explains how myths reflect divine reality and transmit important truths. He analyzes The Hobbit, emphasizing its themes of adventure, bravery, and the moral growth of the characters. Pearce also examines The Lord of the Rings, emphasizing the work’s intricate mythology, the conflict between good and evil, and the profound influence of Tolkien’s Catholic faith. Here’s the list of the discussion per week:
1. Tolkien’s Philosophy of Myth
2. The Hobbit
3. The Lord of the Rings
Please consider making a gift to Rosary College to support our mission of uniting faith and reason, forming future leaders in the Catholic tradition, and advancing truth in higher education.
1. John Ronald Reuel (J.R.R.)Tolkien
Study John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, an English writer and philologist renowned for his imaginative skill. Join our course to delve deeper into Tolkien’s enchanting works, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and uncover the profound influence of his narratives on literature and culture.
Despite the work’s themes of religion, Tolkien rejects allegory, as the Joseph Pearce examines his theory of myth, concentrating on “The Lord of the Rings.” The discussion makes reference to Tolkien’s article “On Fairy Stories,” which explains the mystical, magical, and reflective qualities of fairy tales, and highlights his contempt for oversimplified interpretations, such as similarities to World War II. Biblical and mythical allegories are used to highlight the appeal of forbidden deeds, like as the Ring’s temptation, and the perils of misusing one’s freedom. The talk also emphasizes how important obstacles are to gaining knowledge and dignity, and how fantasy helps preserve a sense of childish wonder.
Pearce explores the theological and moral themes in Tolkien’s writings. He begins by discussing how the Great Music, which represents cosmic harmony and God’s plan, created Middle Earth. He draws a connection between Tolkien’s mythology and Boethius’s theory of three kinds of music, emphasizing Melkor’s disturbance and God’s production of beauty out of chaos. In “The Hobbit,” Pearce delves into the concept of “dragon sickness,” illustrating how avarice ensnares both Thorin and Bilbo and how providence leads Bilbo toward morality and knowledge. Lastly, he draws attention to Tolkien’s portrayal of spiritual enlightenment and hope, drawing parallels between Bilbo’s journey and Christian themes of selflessness, rebirth, and death.
Pearce emphasizes J.R.R. Tolkien’s claim that “The Lord of the Rings” is inherently Catholic while highlighting the work’s essentially religious and Catholic components. Even though the story predates Christianity, it incorporates Catholic ideas through character arcs and symbolism, especially in Frodo and Bilbo Baggins’ transformational journeys, which are modeled after Christian qualities. Christ figures include Aragorn and Gandalf, while Samwise Gamgee, with his humility and dedication, epitomizes the ideal disciple. Furthermore, Frodo and Sam’s interactions with Gollum highlight the themes of sympathy, forgiveness, and divine intervention, emphasizing the value of grace and criticizing the misuse of technology, symbolized by the Palantir stones.
2. Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis
Get to know about Clive Staples Lewis FBA, renowned as a British author, literary expert, and Anglican lay theologian. Delve deeper into his intriguing life and impactful writings through our specialized course.
Fr. Longenecker explains Lewis’ biography by stating that he was born in Northern Ireland in 1898, and his Protestant background and personal traumas led him to initially reject religion. Following his service in World War I and his academic achievements at Oxford, he became close to Mrs. Moore and her daughter. Inspired by his love of mythology, he became a Christian in 1931 after a crucial discussion with Hugo Dyson and J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis wrote books and gave radio talks in an effort to explain the tremendous influence of the Christian message, which he saw as a “real myth.” He rose to prominence in Christian apologetics, defending traditional Christianity against modernist interpretations and tackling topics like the problem of pain and the defense of the supernatural.
This talk delves into C.S. Lewis’s fantastical works, contrasting his traditionalist methodology with those of T.S. Poetry by Eliot, a modernist. The two authors eventually became friends and collaborated despite their early disagreements. Lewis’s early poetic setbacks drove him to experiment with new forms, and a great deal of his writing was influenced by Platonism. In addition, the talk explores Lewis’s critique of progressivism in “Out of the Silent Planet” and how its sequel, “Voyage to Venus,” draws thematically from biblical stories.
Fr. Longenecker discusses about C.S. Lewis in the years following World War II, Lewis lived with Mrs. Moore and her daughter until Mrs. Moore passed away, fulfilling a promise he had made to a friend who had died. After that, he met Joy Davidman, and after some initial difficulties, they were married. Joy battled cancer until her death in 1960, which had a profound impact on Lewis. Concurrently, conversations arose over the complex storyline and Christian allegory of “The Chronicles of Narnia,” delving into topics of salvation and the method by which Lewis created his images. The talk also explored the connection between the Narnia series and the hierarchical organization of angels, providing an analysis of Lewis’s thematic objectives and arguing for a more thorough examination of his writings.
3. Thomas Stearn (T.S.) Eliot
Discover the life, works, and impact of T.S. Eliot, an icon of modern literature, celebrated as a poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic, and editor. Dive into his enduring legacy and influence by studying our dedicated course on his remarkable contributions to English-language Modernist poetry.
The discussion aims to deepen understanding of Catholic and Christian culture through the study of Christian writers, including those influenced by Catholicism despite being Anglican. Eliot’s early years will be examined in the context of Dante’s Inferno, focusing on how his personal experiences are crucial to understanding his poetry. Despite his prestigious background, Eliot found academia uninspiring and embraced London’s literary circles, eventually marrying the emotionally unstable Vivian Haywood. His early work, like “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” reveals his inner conflict and dissatisfaction. Eliot’s poetry evolved to address deeper themes, including Christian spirituality.
T.S. Eliot’s early life was marked by a serious demeanor and a puritanical upbringing in a Unitarian family, which left him seeking deeper meaning and satisfaction. His turbulent marriage to Vivian, compounded by her instability and affair with Bertrand Russell, led to personal and financial struggles, influencing his work, including “The Waste Land.” This 1922 poem captures his existential despair and disillusionment, reflecting post-war Europe’s fragmented state. Eliot’s later work, “Ash Wednesday,” signifies a move toward spiritual renewal following his conversion to Anglo-Catholicism, and his evolving faith continues to resonate with modern themes of fragmentation and the search for meaning.
In this discussion, Eliot’s later life and biography were explained to understand his complex poetry. Born in 1888 in St. Louis to a strict Unitarian family, Eliot’s journey took him from Harvard to Paris and then to England, where his troubled marriage to Vivian Haywood influenced his work, including The Waste Land. After converting to Anglicanism in 1927 and experiencing rising fame while his marriage deteriorated, Eliot’s reflections on repentance led him to embrace Catholicism. Following Vivian’s death in 1947, Eliot lived a life of penance until marrying Valerie in 1957; his final work, Four Quartets, embodies his spiritual evolution from personal turmoil to poetic enlightenment.
4. Arthur Evelyn St. John Waugh
Evelyn Waugh is an English writer celebrated for his novels, biographies, and travel books, as well as his prolific work as a journalist and book reviewer. Join our course dedicated to exploring the depth of Waugh’s literary influence and captivating narratives.
Professor Joseph Pearce provides an enlightening exploration of the relationship between TS Eliot, Evelyn Waugh, and their literary works. It starts with Waugh’s conversion to Catholicism and his deep insights on Christianity and Western culture captured through his novels. Waugh’s understanding of divine grace is a central theme in his work, showcasing the transformative power of faith amidst societal decadence. The discussion also reflects on the impact of both authors’ personal experiences on their writings, revealing a nuanced perspective on literature and faith. By delving into Waugh’s journey and influences, readers gain a richer understanding of his literary contributions and conversion story.
Theological significance in literature can be revealed through liturgical symbolism, as seen in works like Dante’s Divine Comedy and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. For instance, Dante’s journey parallels the Holy Week, while Gawain’s quest mirrors liturgical events from All Saints’ Day to Christmas. The discussed novel also uses such symbolism, ending on Easter Sunday, emphasizing the operation of divine grace among its characters. Viewing the novel supernaturally are encouraged to the readers by recognizing God as the central protagonist guiding the narrative.
Professor Joseph Pearce discusses on the analysis the character of Lady Marshman, questioning her role as a problem within the text, and discussing the impact of different educational and religious backgrounds on the characters. Key scenes include Sebastian’s strained relationship with his mother, Lady Marshman, and the broader implications of their family dynamics on their understanding of faith and happiness. The speaker also touches on the complex emotions and interpersonal conflicts within the family, suggesting that self-hatred may play a role in their animosity towards Lady Marshman.
Testimonials
Rosary College hosted a 12-week Short Course on The Four Great Christian Writers of the 20th Century co-taught by Father Longenecker and Professor Joseph Pearce and attended by 50 people in Greenville, SC. Their survey responses are in!
Student Satisfaction
4.7/5
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