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How Christ Saves Souls―with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption
There is an important truth too many Christians don’t know: we are called to actively participate in the redemption Christ won for us on the Cross. This is at once simple and complex—how can we be co-redeemers? With a clear and lively style, How Christ Saves Souls—with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption calls the everyday Catholic to embrace their role as a partaker in Christ’s redeeming grace. Fr. Michael Giesler uses sound theological and scriptural backing to illustrate, in practical terms, how each of us can truly be another Christ, Christ Himself (ipse Christus), in our words and actions.
Jesus shared His redeeming power with His followers from the beginning of the Church, and He continues doing so throughout the centuries. We see co-redemptive grace in the lives of the Church’s greatest saints, but it also radiates in the lives of countless unknown and unsung followers of Christ in many different places and times.
A little-known topic with a transforming message, How Christ Saves Souls—with Us shows us that by bringing Christ’s truth and joy to society, we help to establish His kingdom on earth. We aid in preparing for His glorious second coming, the Parousia, when He will establish His definitive Kingdom, the new Heavens and earth, where God will be all in all.
Jesus shared His redeeming power with His followers from the beginning of the Church, and He continues doing so throughout the centuries. We see co-redemptive grace in the lives of the Church’s greatest saints, but it also radiates in the lives of countless unknown and unsung followers of Christ in many different places and times.
A little-known topic with a transforming message, How Christ Saves Souls—with Us shows us that by bringing Christ’s truth and joy to society, we help to establish His kingdom on earth. We aid in preparing for His glorious second coming, the Parousia, when He will establish His definitive Kingdom, the new Heavens and earth, where God will be all in all.
- GenresCatholic
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 6, 2022
Well done, overall, but I was expecting something more theologically deep with a specific emphasis on the doctrine of co-redemption. This is more a guide to how to be a good Catholic, which is fine, but relatively basic. There is a short theological introduction, but the chapters consist of topics like faith, charity, sin, the Mass, prayer, redemptive suffering, and so on. It is generally a fine catechetical and inspirational tool for the engaged reader who wants guidance and renewal.
One odd addition to the theological introduction which comes up again in the last chapter on Mary as co-redemptrix, is the author quoting Pope Francis where he says Mary does not help us as co-redeemer and that there are "no co-redeemers with Christ." A footnote to an article is meant to clarify this, but why include it in the first place? The author seemed to feel compelled to include a Francis quote as he also brought in Benedict and John Paul. Fine, but not this one -- no need to muddy the waters. And if this was an attempt at a clean-up, it was unnecessary, in my view, as hardly any reader would have known about this quote had the author not brought it up.
One odd addition to the theological introduction which comes up again in the last chapter on Mary as co-redemptrix, is the author quoting Pope Francis where he says Mary does not help us as co-redeemer and that there are "no co-redeemers with Christ." A footnote to an article is meant to clarify this, but why include it in the first place? The author seemed to feel compelled to include a Francis quote as he also brought in Benedict and John Paul. Fine, but not this one -- no need to muddy the waters. And if this was an attempt at a clean-up, it was unnecessary, in my view, as hardly any reader would have known about this quote had the author not brought it up.
January 29, 2023
Prior to reading this I have read most of the books published by Father Michael E. Giesler. I have yet to read his thesis Chris the Rejected Stone, 1974, though I have tracked down a copy, and I have not read Guidebook for Confessors, but I the eBook edition. A few years back I had the privilege of interviewing Father Giesler, and I believe this is one of the projects he hinted at as being in the works at the time. I started with reading his fiction, which I absolutely love, and now after reading a few of his theological works I am even more impressed with his skill and talent as a writer. This is an exceptional volume!
The description of this volume is:
“There is an important truth too many Christians don’t know: we are called to actively participate in the redemption Christ won for us on the Cross. This is at once simple and complex—how can we be co-redeemers? With a clear and lively style, How Christ Saves Souls—with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption calls the everyday Catholic to embrace their role as a partaker in Christ’s redeeming grace. Fr. Michael Giesler uses sound theological and scriptural backing to illustrate, in practical terms, how each of us can truly be another Christ, Christ Himself (ipse Christus), in our words and actions.
Jesus shared His redeeming power with His followers from the beginning of the Church, and He continues doing so throughout the centuries. We see co-redemptive grace in the lives of the Church’s greatest saints, but it also radiates in the lives of countless unknown and unsung followers of Christ in many different places and times.
A little-known topic with a transforming message, How Christ Saves Souls—with Us shows us that by bringing Christ’s truth and joy to society, we help to establish His kingdom on earth. We aid in preparing for His glorious second coming, the Parousia, when He will establish His definitive Kingdom, the new Heavens and earth, where God will be all in all.”
And the chapters in the book are:
Foreword by Scott Hahn
Preface
Theological Introduction
Christ the Redeemer
The Church and the Communion of Saints
Faith
Prayer
Sanctifying Work
Matrimony as Co-Redemption
Giving Witness
Co-Redemptive Friendship
The Holy Mass: Center of Our Redemption on Earth
The Slavery of Sin
The Overwhelming Power of Charity
Making Atonement: Redemptive Sacrifice
Sanctifying Illness and Suffering
Easter Joy
Mary Co-Redemptrix
At the end of the forward Dr. Scott Hahn states:
“That, I know, is the hope of the author. Father Michael Giesler is a great scholar of Scripture. He earned a doctorate, and he wrote his dissertation on the use of the Old Testament by the authors of the New Testament. But he wears his learning lightly. He is also the author of helpful popular booklets on prayer—and a trilogy of novels about Christians in second-century Rome. He knows how to communicate obscure and difficult material in the language of non-scholars. He has been my friend and respected colleague for four decades.
So take up and read, “and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28), and by God’s grace you have work to do.”
His final statement the challenges to ‘take and read’ I heartily echo. I truly believe this is a volume any Catholic, any Christian. This book is clearly written. The material is engaging. And as Giesler builds the blocks of book you become more and more hooked and interested. As soon as I finished the volume I debated restarting it again right away. And if I did not have such a large ‘to be read’ pile I would have. As it is I put it back on my ‘to be read’ list in order to revisit it and give it a second read. An example of sections in a chapters is Mary Co-Redemptrix, and the chapters are:
As a Loving Mother with Her Child
How She Continues to Serve Us
The Mystery of Co-Redemption: She and You
The final paragraph in the book states:
““Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5). The last book of Scripture proclaims the triumphant words of the Lamb who is Christ, who will take possession of the entire universe when He comes again. Such is the goal of our life as well; in union with the redemptive sacrifice of Christ and with Mary His mother, we want to make all things new.”
And this volume is an excellent tool to help us live that out. This is another great volume from Giesley’s pen. It is a book I can easily recommend and strongly encourage you to pick it up and give it a read.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!
The description of this volume is:
“There is an important truth too many Christians don’t know: we are called to actively participate in the redemption Christ won for us on the Cross. This is at once simple and complex—how can we be co-redeemers? With a clear and lively style, How Christ Saves Souls—with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption calls the everyday Catholic to embrace their role as a partaker in Christ’s redeeming grace. Fr. Michael Giesler uses sound theological and scriptural backing to illustrate, in practical terms, how each of us can truly be another Christ, Christ Himself (ipse Christus), in our words and actions.
Jesus shared His redeeming power with His followers from the beginning of the Church, and He continues doing so throughout the centuries. We see co-redemptive grace in the lives of the Church’s greatest saints, but it also radiates in the lives of countless unknown and unsung followers of Christ in many different places and times.
A little-known topic with a transforming message, How Christ Saves Souls—with Us shows us that by bringing Christ’s truth and joy to society, we help to establish His kingdom on earth. We aid in preparing for His glorious second coming, the Parousia, when He will establish His definitive Kingdom, the new Heavens and earth, where God will be all in all.”
And the chapters in the book are:
Foreword by Scott Hahn
Preface
Theological Introduction
Christ the Redeemer
The Church and the Communion of Saints
Faith
Prayer
Sanctifying Work
Matrimony as Co-Redemption
Giving Witness
Co-Redemptive Friendship
The Holy Mass: Center of Our Redemption on Earth
The Slavery of Sin
The Overwhelming Power of Charity
Making Atonement: Redemptive Sacrifice
Sanctifying Illness and Suffering
Easter Joy
Mary Co-Redemptrix
At the end of the forward Dr. Scott Hahn states:
“That, I know, is the hope of the author. Father Michael Giesler is a great scholar of Scripture. He earned a doctorate, and he wrote his dissertation on the use of the Old Testament by the authors of the New Testament. But he wears his learning lightly. He is also the author of helpful popular booklets on prayer—and a trilogy of novels about Christians in second-century Rome. He knows how to communicate obscure and difficult material in the language of non-scholars. He has been my friend and respected colleague for four decades.
So take up and read, “and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28), and by God’s grace you have work to do.”
His final statement the challenges to ‘take and read’ I heartily echo. I truly believe this is a volume any Catholic, any Christian. This book is clearly written. The material is engaging. And as Giesler builds the blocks of book you become more and more hooked and interested. As soon as I finished the volume I debated restarting it again right away. And if I did not have such a large ‘to be read’ pile I would have. As it is I put it back on my ‘to be read’ list in order to revisit it and give it a second read. An example of sections in a chapters is Mary Co-Redemptrix, and the chapters are:
As a Loving Mother with Her Child
How She Continues to Serve Us
The Mystery of Co-Redemption: She and You
The final paragraph in the book states:
““Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5). The last book of Scripture proclaims the triumphant words of the Lamb who is Christ, who will take possession of the entire universe when He comes again. Such is the goal of our life as well; in union with the redemptive sacrifice of Christ and with Mary His mother, we want to make all things new.”
And this volume is an excellent tool to help us live that out. This is another great volume from Giesley’s pen. It is a book I can easily recommend and strongly encourage you to pick it up and give it a read.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!
November 6, 2023
This book was well done! I have not read a book on co-redemption before and it is not a topic I typically hear about. But, it is a topic that is easy to relate to!
The mystery of co-redemption is the free participation of Christ's followers in the redemption of their fellow men and women. Becoming closer to God, participating in the sacraments, certain decisions we make for living out our faith, in how we work, play, and love one another, all participate in co-redemption.
I really thought this was a beautiful message. Fr. Giesler gives practical advice and examples of being a co-redeemer. For example, he starts out with a story of a college student who went to a fraternal party. It was taking a turn for the worse, so he tried to convince some of this friends to leave with him. Some did, some didn't, but it was an act of co-redemption in leaving that party and showing concern for others.
Fr. Giesler also gives a very good theological introduction to co-redemption in the beginning of the book. The rest of the book speaks about co-redemption in topics such as prayer, faith, marriage, the sacraments, charity, sanctifying illness and suffering, and others, and gives many good practical advices pertaining to each.
My own thoughts about co-redemption is that it is a very encouraging way to think. Christ is the redeemer and brings redemption to the whole world. But, we are called to participate in his redemption by sanctifying our lives and working for the salvation of souls for others. We ourselves cannot redeem others by any of our own merit, but Christ does most of the work. When we work for the salvation of souls for other, we need not feel the full burden of that work because we are co-redeemers with Christ who does most of the work.
The mystery of co-redemption is the free participation of Christ's followers in the redemption of their fellow men and women. Becoming closer to God, participating in the sacraments, certain decisions we make for living out our faith, in how we work, play, and love one another, all participate in co-redemption.
I really thought this was a beautiful message. Fr. Giesler gives practical advice and examples of being a co-redeemer. For example, he starts out with a story of a college student who went to a fraternal party. It was taking a turn for the worse, so he tried to convince some of this friends to leave with him. Some did, some didn't, but it was an act of co-redemption in leaving that party and showing concern for others.
Fr. Giesler also gives a very good theological introduction to co-redemption in the beginning of the book. The rest of the book speaks about co-redemption in topics such as prayer, faith, marriage, the sacraments, charity, sanctifying illness and suffering, and others, and gives many good practical advices pertaining to each.
My own thoughts about co-redemption is that it is a very encouraging way to think. Christ is the redeemer and brings redemption to the whole world. But, we are called to participate in his redemption by sanctifying our lives and working for the salvation of souls for others. We ourselves cannot redeem others by any of our own merit, but Christ does most of the work. When we work for the salvation of souls for other, we need not feel the full burden of that work because we are co-redeemers with Christ who does most of the work.
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