What is Classical Christian Education? with David Diener episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 10, 2026 · 44 MIN

What is Classical Christian Education? with David Diener

from BaseCamp Live · host Dr. David Diener, Davies Owens

“What is classical Christian education?” sounds like an easy question, until you try to answer it.In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Dr. David Diener, professor of education at Hillsdale College and executive director of the Alcuin Fellowship, to offer a clear, grounded explanation of what classical Christian education is and what it is not. They explore why this approach begins with the purpose of education, not just the methods, and how it aims to form students into a certain kind of human being, equipped to live well in this life and the next.You will also hear how classical Christian schools differ from many modern models that treat education primarily as a transaction for career readiness, and why “integration” matters more than adding spiritual elements onto an otherwise secular framework.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why the goals of education shape everything else, curriculum, culture, and classroom lifeHow classical Christian education connects belief and practice so formation is not an afterthoughtWhy “you have to see it” is often the best explanation, and what to look for when you visit a schoolHow this approach prepares students for a rapidly changing world, including AI, by prioritizing thinking, communication, and wisdomWhat distinguishes a truly classical and truly Christian school beyond slogans and aestheticsIf you have ever struggled to explain classical Christian education to a neighbor, a grandparent, or even yourself, this conversation gives language for what many families sense: this is not nostalgia, it is a living tradition that forms students for faithfulness, clarity, and courage.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What exactly is classical Christian education, and why is it so hard to define in a soundbite? Dr. David Diener joins Davies Owens to clarify the goal, the culture, and the practical distinctives that make this tradition both deeply rooted and surprisingly future-ready.

NOW PLAYING

What is Classical Christian Education? with David Diener

0:00 44:39

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. Sermons | Countryside Bible Church Countryside Bible Church At Countryside Bible Church, we equip believers to joyfully live holy lives, to serve one another, and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, all to the glory of God. We are committed to a high view of God, and a high view of Scripture. 2 Old Ladies Walking Rozee 2 Old Ladies Walking features the journeys, insights, and light conversation between Liz and Rosie, two women of a certain age who live in the Hudson Valley of New York. From pelvic floor challenges and life with young adult children to food, bird calls, fear of “mad lamb” disease, and myriad topics in between, we cover it all while walking on the scenic trails of the northeast, or wherever our travels take us. Join us and have a listen! Wounded Warriors of the Cross Gary Pastoral and clergy mental health is a mostly ignored area, especially by those who live their lives as pastors in the clergy. The stigma of mental health within those who serve in the shadow of the cross is something that invokes the stigma of fear. Many of those in the clergy will choose to suffer in their despair rather than reaching out for help. Sometimes those suffering choose to wait until it's too late to get the real help that they need. At Wounded Warriors of the Cross our mission is to lift the stigma and the veil of silence that encompasses clergy mental health and assist those who suffer in silence. Wounded Warriors of the Cross is here to shed the light of Christ's love into those dark places.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of BaseCamp Live?

This episode is 44 minutes long.

When was this BaseCamp Live episode published?

This episode was published on February 10, 2026.

What is this episode about?

“What is classical Christian education?” sounds like an easy question, until you try to answer it.In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Dr. David Diener, professor of education at Hillsdale College and executive director of the Alcuin...

Can I download this BaseCamp Live episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!