In this next episode in the BaseCamp Live series exploring classical Christian education, Davies Owens welcomes Dr. Michael Adkins for a thoughtful conversation about what classical Christian education really is and why that question matters so much for families, schools, and the future of society.
Dr. Adkins brings both historical depth and practical insight as he explains that classical Christian education is not primarily about training students to do more, but about forming them to become a certain kind of person. In contrast to modern models that often focus on utility, credentials, and workforce preparation, this conversation highlights an older and richer vision of education, one centered on truth, goodness, beauty, wisdom, and virtue.
As part of this ongoing series, the episode helps listeners see that classical Christian education is not a trendy alternative or niche experiment. It is part of a much larger tradition that has shaped the West for centuries. Davies and Dr. Adkins trace the historical shift from a largely biblical and classical model of education to the progressive philosophy that reshaped modern schooling, showing how those changes affected not only academics, but also the way students understand freedom, authority, responsibility, and the purpose of life itself.
This episode is both a defense of classical Christian education and an invitation to better understand its roots, its goals, and its lasting relevance in a modern world that often feels confused and disordered.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
- Why classical Christian education is about formation, not just information
- How this episode fits into the larger BaseCamp Live series on classical Christian education
- Why modern education shifted from cultivating virtue to emphasizing utility
- How understanding the history of education helps families make wiser choices today
- What thinkers like W.E.B. Du Bois, Joseph Pieper, and others contribute to this conversation
How classical Christian education helps students gain the clarity and cultural literacy needed to navigate today’s world
If you have ever wondered whether classical Christian education is simply a trend, a niche alternative, or something much bigger, this episode offers a compelling answer. It is a reminder that education is never neutral, and that recovering a richer vision of learning may be one of the most important tasks before us.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Dr. Michael J. Adkins is Director of Academics and faculty member at Saint Agnes School (PreK-12) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He has taught English, History, Theology, and Latin in elementary, middle, and high school for over two decades, and he currently works on curriculum, professional development, and institutional advancement. An educational consultant, public speaker, and retreat leader, Adkins has expertise in curriculum, school improvement, pedagogy, and classical liberal arts education. Adkins serves on the Board of Academic Advisors for the Classic Learning Test and he also works part-time for Catholic International University in the Masters of Catholic Liberal Education program. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Honors Classics from Gustavus Adolphus College, a Master’s Degree in Catholic Studies from the University of St. Thomas, and he earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Mary. Most importantly, he is married to Cynthia, with whom he leads the online Book Club Community for the Word on Fire Institute, and together they have nine children.
Connect with Michael: