I’m afraid that I’ve been neglecting this blog recently. While Lent might have something to do with this, it’s probably due to a variety of reasons. However, I’ve been intending to highlight some worthwhile audio resources for a few weeks now, in case they are of interest to others who have not yet come across them.
- Patristics podcasts. There are two series of short patristics podcasts available online, both by highly competent scholars. These are Deacon Matthew Steenberg of Monachos, and these are by Father John McGuckin. As an aside, Father McGuckin’s SCM Press A-Z of Patristic Theology (entiled WESTMINSTER HANDBOOK TO PATRISTIC THEOLOGY in the U.S.) is an absolutely indispensable aid to patristics novices / amateurs / ignoramusses trying to bluff their way.
- Addresses from the Saint Vladimir’s Seminary liturgy symposium on Father Alexander Schmemann are available here. (h/t to Joe Koczera, SJ ) Father Robert Taft S.J. delivered the keynote address which Joe provides an excerpt from here. There are also some other quotable quotes that would be worth transcribing. The only other paper that I’ve listened to so far is that of Sr Vassa Larin on Schmemann and monasticism which raised some important issues – and she has a rather fun sense of humour.
- There are three short talks by Metropolitan Jonah on preparing for Great Lent here. These are definitely belated, but then he’s always worth listening to.
- For those who haven’t seen it yet, Faith Comes by Hearing provides an amazing resource by providing Scripture in audio form. (h/t Fr Gregory Jensen).
- And, while on audio matters, for those who aren’t aware of her site, Maria Lectrix has some wonderful patristic audio resources.
A vow of conversation 
March 12, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Thank you very much for this list. As one of the newly assimilated (I’ve only just acquired an iPod, Luddite that I am), I appreciate having such a list of edifying stuff with which to fill it up!
March 13, 2009 at 3:26 pm
[…] Recommended podcasts. […]
March 13, 2009 at 3:28 pm
[…] Recommended podcasts. […]
March 13, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Kevin, I’m afraid that I’m a bit of a Luddite myself and tend to feel rather ambivalent about such technology, and being in a monastic context adds to some of that. A couple of years ago I would never have imagined that I would have a blog or listen to podcasts! However, there are very valuable resources available and it does seem that we need to learn how to use them wisely.
March 15, 2009 at 6:07 am
Yes, I agree. These things can be beneficial when used properly. In my case, the iPod is loaded with a growing number of Byzantine chant files so that I can learn the tunes of the chants. It’s a very useful thing in that sense. But just for walking around listening to music as a personal soundtrack or something like that, I’ve never done that and find it completely frivolous. I’ll have to work the podcasts into my regular habit, though. I prefer reading to listening, truly. Information read sticks with me better than heard things.