Peter Kreeft, Scott Hahn, and 40,000 Books
This past weekend, I had the joy and honor of speaking at the Defending the Faith Conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The whole thing was a blast. I think it was one of the best and well-organized conferences I've ever been to. The talks were deep and insightful, the worship holy and powerful, and the sheer excitement of 1,500 devoted Catholics rocked the fieldhouse all weekend.
However, the best part was spending several days with the other speakers, men and women I deelpy admire. I got to meet Dr. Peter Kreeft for the first time, who dazzled me with his wit and wisdom over several meals. I also chatted with Dr. Ted Sri, an erudite biblical scholar who teaches at the Augustine Institute, which I'll be attending (digitally) this Fall. I reconnected with good friends like Mark Shea, Dr. Ralph Martin, Teresa Tomeo, and Jeff Cavins while meeting others I've admired from a distance like Jason Stellman (you've got to hear his story), Marc Barnes (aka Bad Catholic), Patrick Madrid, Mark Hart, Bob Rice, and more.
And then of course there was Dr. Scott Hahn, the host. Scott's books played a significant role in my conversion to Catholicism, as they have for so many people, so meeting him was a real treat. But it became even sweeter was when he invited Mark Shea, Marc Barnes, and me over to the Hahn residence on the last day. We toured the beautiful gardens with his gracious wife Kimberly, we took in a great view of downtown Steubenville, and then—the moment we had been waiting for:mdash;Scott welcomed us into his legendary biblio sanctum.
Now I had heard rumors about Scott's home library. I knew it was vast, I knew it contained many rare and collectible books. But the rumors didn't do it justice. Upon entering my jaw dropped as books enveloped me from every side. Over 40,000 titles blanketed the walls and shelves (and not a little floor). I felt like a kid in a candy store. We spent a couple hours chatting favorite books and authors, and Scott even let us pick through some of his duplicate books. (I regretted not bringing an extra empty suitcase.)
Below you'll find several pictures from the Conference and library, along with a short video tour. Enjoy!
Also known as "Occasion of Sin for Bibliophiles".
The "Defending the Faith" Team, from left to right: me, Teresa Tomeo, Mark Hart, Mike Hernon, Dr. Peter Kreeft, Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Dr. Ted Sri, Dr. Ralph Martin, Jason Stellman, Patrick Madrid. (Not pictured: Jeff Cavins and Mark Shea)
With one of my great heroes, Dr. Peter Kreeft.
Joking around with Mark Shea and Dr. Peter Kreeft.
"I've always wanted to do that." - Mark Shea
Mark Shea's fan club, appropriately draped in revolutionary t-shirts.
Dr. Peter Kreeft donning horns for his Screwtape-inspired talk, "How to Lose the Culture War." OSV has a great summary here.
Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. Peter Kreeft share a moment after Kreeft's talk.
Scott preparing backstage before speaking to 1,500 people in the Franciscan fieldhouse.
Scott speaking on "Consuming the Word: Liturgical Worship as Spiritual Warfare."
Jason Stellman
Reconnecting with a couple good friends, Chris Smith (left) and Deacon Sean Smith (right).
Meeting the fun and talented folks behind Team Orthodoxy in Canada.
Hanging out with Marc Barnes (aka Bad Catholic) and Mark Shea.
Peter decided to wear his devil horns to dinner. The tempters to his left, in order, Mark Hart, Ted Sri, Ralph Martin, and Patrick Madrid.
Dr. Scott Hahn's Legendary Home Library
Mark Shea sitting in Scott's office.
Gazing down the long corridor in Scott's massive library.
G.K. Chesterton section.
More Chesterton books, many of them first editions.
Scott with his close paper friends.
Hans Urs von Balthasar section.
C.S. Lewis section. This might be the only one in which my library trumps his!
Fulton Sheen section, including many first editions.
Books, books, and more books.
Mark Shea. And books.
Scott chatting at his desk.
Right before we left, Scott said, "Oh, here's my 'duplicate' shelves. Feel free to take whatever you want." (AHHHHH!!!!!)
The treasures I left with. Thanks, Scott!
