Blake Center for Faith and Freedom Hosts Somers Seminar
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College’s Blake Center for Faith and Freedom in Somers, Connecticut, hosted a Somers Seminar titled “Classical Politics & Political Literature” on Dec. 9 and 10. More than 40 people attended the seminar.
“The events we host here at the Blake Center provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about faith, freedom, and the things that make them possible,” said Labin Duke, executive director of the Blake Center for Faith and Freedom.
The gathering featured three lectures spread over two days and included a reception, dinner, and lunch. Matthew Mehan, assistant professor of government and director of academic programs for Hillsdale College in DC, presented all three lectures, which were on “The Roman Influences on the Founding Fathers,” Sophocles’s “Antigone,” and Cicero’s “On Duties.”
Mehan discussed the importance of Cicero’s teachings on natural law to the American Founders. “Our Founders knew the names, lives, and lessons of the ancient Romans because they were taught them, from an early age,” Mehan said. “They sought a republican form of government, similar in many ways to Rome’s own republic, one that emphasized civic friendship, rule of law, shared and thus divided power, and virtue strong enough to be a good, self-governing citizen and true friend.”
The Blake Center opened in 2020 after a generous donation by S. Presley and Helen Blake. It offers programs and events focused on Christianity, its relationship to Western and American thought, and the questions of faith and reason that have been at the heart of Christianity from the beginning. “Dr. Mehan’s lectures were profound and energizing. I think everyone here came away with a strong sense of the riches of Western thought and their influence on history,” said Duke. “We look forward to hosting more events like these in the coming year.”
For photos from the seminar, click here. For more information on upcoming events at the Blake Center, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.