Catholic Thought discussion

Look for ideas for books to add to our group's bookshelves. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Have you read Josemarie Escriva??? Founder on Opus Dei? I'm finding him to be vastly misunderstood,mostly by mainstream movies like The Da Vinci Code. I have Christ is Passing By on my summer list.

Leslie wrote: "Have you read Josemarie Escriva??? Founder on Opus Dei? I'm finding him to be vastly misunderstood,mostly by mainstream movies like The Da Vinci Code. I have Christ is Passing By on my summer list."

I don't think I have Leslie but I will certainly look into that. Thanks and God Bless.

I've been reading The Navarre Bible for "reading the Bible in a year". I love it because it has such wonderful commentary at the bottom of each page. If you read that Bible you essentially hear the commentary of the major church fathers, popes, catechism, saints, etc. I was previously unfamiliar with Escriva but his commentary, mostly taken from his homilies is absolutely beautiful. It led me to learn more about him. Best wishes.

Leslie wrote: "I've been reading The Navarre Bible for "reading the Bible in a year". I love it because it has such wonderful commentary at the bottom of each page. If you read that Bible you essentially hear t..."

I've read the Ignatius Study Bible but not the Navarre Bible. I'll have to check that one out.

Unlike most which are one book, this is a set of books because there is so much commentary. The Bible part is very easy to read too. Should you ever buy one, it's cheaper through their site. I talked several friends into reading the Bible in a year with me and they have been ribbing me about how incredibly long my one book suggestion has turned out to be. LOL

http://www.navarrebibles.com/

Reading the Bible is always a good thing Leslie.

I started a program a couple weeks ago to read the Bible in a year. I got my Catholic Study Bible in the mail yesterday. It uses the New American Revised Edition text, and it also provides a lot of interesting history about the books, comparing different versions of a story from its multiple sources. I may have to try the Navarre books for my second go round of the Bible :-)

Good luck Dani! I've read most of the Bible throughout my life, but never cover to cover. It's wonderful when you find the right fit. As I'm doing this, I'm reading Anatomy of the New Testament (I believe 7th edition), An Introduction to the New Testament for Catholics by Joseph Kelly, and Reading the Old Testament by Lawrence Boadt.

I posted this under Currently Reading, but The First Thousand Years of Christianity by Robert Louis Wilken is excellent. Very readable despite the title. See my post under Current Reading for more on this.

Leslie wrote: "I've been reading The Navarre Bible for "reading the Bible in a year". I love it because it has such wonderful commentary at the bottom of each page. If you read that Bible you essentially hear t..."

Oh, I own the Navarre Bible (New Testament, that is)! It's wonderfully written, and is very descriptive.

I was wondering, would you guys want to tackle a book on abortion given it's presence in the news? I just got "Liberty and Sexuality: The Right to Privacy and the Making of Roe v. Wade" by David J. Garrow, winner of a Pulitzer prize.

I also have, but have not yet read, "The Hand of God: A Journey from Death to Life by the Abortion Doctor Who Changed His Mind" by Bernard Nathanson.

Leslie wrote: "I was wondering, would you guys want to tackle a book on abortion given it's presence in the news? I just got "Liberty and Sexuality: The Right to Privacy and the Making of Roe v. Wade" by David J..."

I think that the decision to read or not should be based upon the quality of the book itself and the feelings of the group.

As we complete readings, Doreen accepts recommendations from our group and sets up a poll. We then proceed to vote and read the winner(s). Our current readings, Arch-Bishop Sheen and Dr. Carroll ended in a tie so we are reading both. The only filter we try to apply is that the books we select comply with the teachings of the Catholic Church and offer spiritual benefit.

I think the Liberty book takes a Pro Choice stance and The Hand of God goes Pro Life. I know I'm reading both either way, but I thought I'd suggest the topic given the enormous media coverage. That said, it's an emotionally charged issue so if the group doesn't want to go there, it's fine with me. I always try to read both sides of issues because it helps to deepen my own understanding of issues and makes my own opinion that much more credible.
In the same way, I read books on Rabbis, etc.

Another thought I had was someone by Jose Marie Escriva, founder of Opus Dei. Opus Dei has been so thoroughly misunderstood by the mainstream media. Again, I know for sure I'm reading these things, but thought maybe you guys might want to as well. I have both The Way and Christ is Passing By.

Here's the links to all of this.



And

Another thought would be to read the latest encyclical, Laudato Si.

by Pope Francis

Leslie wrote: "Another thought would be to read the latest encyclical, Laudato Si."

That would offer a good break in between books. Thanks for the thought it will be good to see what others think.

I think a Papal encyclical is a good idea but as to which one it would have to be voted on.

As I was showering I had another idea. It's a book I picked up as a lighter book for myself, yet it's very Catholic, definitely informative and off my normal path.

If Nuns Ruled the World: Ten Sisters on a Mission by Jo Piazza

It profiles ten movers and shakers, today and is both funny and informative.

Hope I am not being presumptuous making a suggestion being so new to the group, but here goes.

The Future Church by John Allen has been on my TBR for a year and is finally nearing the top. I would love to discuss the trends Allen names with others.

Leslie wrote: "As I was showering I had another idea. It's a book I picked up as a lighter book for myself, yet it's very Catholic, definitely informative and off my normal path.

[bookcover:If Nuns Ruled the Wo..."

You know this might be really interesting. I had nuns for 12 yrs.

I already started the Nuns book and really enjoyed it so far. It's contemporary which is even more fun so you can read the bio sketches of the women in the news today.

I bought two more books yesterday. Not sure how they will be but I'll post their titles in case the group is interested. The Pope's Daughter by Dario Fo and Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence by Karen Armstrong.

The Armstrong book looks interesting.

I have read Karen Armstrong before and really liked some books and disliked others. The topic is certainly interesting and timely. The other book's author won a Nobel Prize for literature.

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prize...

Here's a New York Times article on it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/boo...

I just looked that one up and had forgotten that I had read an article in NY Times Book Review about that one. It also looks good. If this group had a "buddy read" option, I would offer to read either or both of these with you.

I can ask. Maybe they'd let me moderate that book. :-)

I have one I'm reading now that I think would make a terrific discussion book. It's The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage by Paul Elie and is about the lives of Thomas Merton, Walker Percy, Flannery O'Connor, and Dorothy Day. It's really good, thought provoking, and ties together Catholicism at a given point in American history in a very interesting way.

I know this isn't an idea to "add a book" to the group's shelves, but this is just a general idea for the group. Have you considered adding a topic specifically directed towards "Prayer Requests"? That'd be an awesome topic, I think! :)

❄Elsa Frost❄ wrote: "I know this isn't an idea to "add a book" to the group's shelves, but this is just a general idea for the group. Have you considered adding a topic specifically directed towards "Prayer Requests"? ..."

I like this idea.
Doreen and Leslie: what do you think?

Susan Margaret wrote: "❄Elsa Frost❄ wrote: "I know this isn't an idea to "add a book" to the group's shelves, but this is just a general idea for the group. Have you considered adding a topic specifically directed toward..."

Sorry I didn't get back to you until now. I really like this idea. Prayer always helps. Before I go to bed tonight I'll set it up. Great idea Elsa!

I'm fine it. :-)

Two more occurred to me.

Politicizing the Bible: The Roots of Historical Criticism and the Secularization of Scripture 1300-1700 by Scott Hahn

American Catholics, American Culture: Tradition and Resistance

I saw this today and thought it was interesting that both of our current readings are on this list. Of note, they recommend volumes 1-4 of Dr. Carroll.

http://www.catholic.com/tracts/apolog...

Leslie wrote: "I saw this today and thought it was interesting that both of our current readings are on this list. Of note, they recommend volumes 1-4 of Dr. Carroll.

http://www.catholic.com/tracts/apolog......"

I like this list. The folks over at Catholic Answers do a good job, we have to remember that their selections will be directed at books useful in the practice of apologetics.

I agree, that's why I get their magazine, etc. I've looked at this list in the past, but it was before we picked these. It's just reassuring to know you're reading something that experts agree are solid books for understanding and expressing the faith. I'm perfectly happy following this list till I've read them all.

Would you mind if I recommended my own? I think they are actually very useful for apologetics...

Searching for Jesus: New Discoveries in the Quest for Jesus of Nazareth---and How They Confirm the Gospel Accounts

and...

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible

They are not specifically Catholic but would be helpful for any Christian confused by everything they hear in the media about the Gospels, whether Jesus existed or not, etc., etc..

For specifically Catholic apologetics, I would of course recommend Scott Hahn... whom I know personally and who inspired me to go to graduate school in the mid-1990s.

Thank you for the suggestions. Scott Hahn is terrific. I've heard him speak several times in person, have read his books, and listened to his CDs. Oh yeah, and have participated in his Bible studies. :-)

I haven't heard of these two books, but added them to my list.

Robert wrote: "Would you mind if I recommended my own? I think they are actually very useful for apologetics...

[book:Searching for Jesus: New Discoveries in the Quest for Jesus of Nazareth---and How They Confir..."
OMG Robert you personally know Scott Hahn? How lucky and blessed you are. I think we should definitely add more of Scott Hahn's books to our bookshelves!

I must be the only person who does not enjoy Scott Hahn's books. But, then, I don't enjoy reading apologetics.

Irene wrote: "I must be the only person who does not enjoy Scott Honn's books. But, then, I don't enjoy reading apologetics."

You are not alone. I've never been able to finish one of his books.

I think he's not the strongest writer, but I do think he does a nice job of bringing together concepts in an easy to understand way and the topics are ones worth considering. As a writer, I feel like his books don't have enough substance and tend to feel like listening to someone's musings. I usually feel like the writing could have been condensed and several books combined. That part is frustrating.

I just finished reading Angels and Saints: A Biblical Guide to Friendship with God's Holy Ones and after reading the section on St. Teresa of Lisieux was left wondering more than ever why she made the cut. LOL. In the beginning he talks about the church criteria for sainthood, then in the discussion I never saw justification for most of them although they were certainly people who suffered or cared for others. I think if he had included that too, it would have been a stronger book. In the end it felt like a good primer on saints, but that was all.

Signs of Life was interesting in theory, but couldn't hold my attention. Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession was also an interesting book, but wanders around a bit. Still, the topic is important.

The other thing is sometimes I feel like he draws conclusions that I don't always agree with or feel the Bible necessarily supports. But, overall I find him well intentioned, genuine, and the topics so worthy of contemplation that I'm able to be more forgiving of the quality of the writing. Plus, about the time I'm ready to toss it aside, he makes a really nice point and I think....ok, I'll stick with you. :-)

As a speaker though, I think he's terrific. He's animated, fun to listen to, especially in his explanations of St. Paul. If you've ever attempted his Bible studies, Revelations was tough. Clearly there were things happening in his head, but most of our church group never saw it. The other studies were really good though.

Leslie, I would agree with much of your observations about his writing, especially struggling with his conclusions at times. I also feel as if he is trying to convince me to... (fill in the blank, appreciate the Sacrament of Penance, accept the value of the Cathlic Church, etc) of which I was already convinced. That is probably my biggest problem reading apologetics. I feel as if the writer is arguing a point I have long conceeded.

I know what you are saying. Just remember they are writing for the general population.

I think an important point to keep in mind in regards to Scott Hahn is that he is a convert to Catholicism and therefore had a slightly different approach than others who are cradle Catholics. In the end though it is up to each person's conscience what they feel comfortable with.

Two books that I have read and reread are Discernment Matters by Mary Margaret Funk and The Sacred Heart of the World by Richo. Mary Margaret Funk has a whole "matters" series. I plan to read the others.

Virginia wrote: "Two books that I have read and reread are Discernment Matters by Mary Margaret Funk and The Sacred Heart of the World by Richo. Mary Margaret Funk has a whole "matters" series. I plan to read the o..."

I'm terrible about adding tons of books to my To Read list, but I added both of your suggestions. I think I'll start with the second as I'm reading Merton now. Thank you for sharing!

Virginia wrote: "Two books that I have read and reread are Discernment Matters by Mary Margaret Funk and The Sacred Heart of the World by Richo. Mary Margaret Funk has a whole "matters" series. I plan to read the o..."

I have read some of her books and have enjoyed each of them. "Lectio Matters" and "Humility Matters" are two that I specifically recall enjoying.

Leslie wrote: "I think the Liberty book takes a Pro Choice stance and The Hand of God goes Pro Life. I know I'm reading both either way, but I thought I'd suggest the topic given the enormous media coverage. That..."

The abortion book is an inappropriate book for discussion within this group. Not saying people shouldn't read but we will not be reading or discussing books of this nature in this group.

I thought it might be nice to read a book about mercy as we enter this jubilee year, so I am suggesting "Mercy, The Essence of the Gospel" by Cardinal Walter Kasper

Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life

Great idea Irene! I'll add it to our bookshelves.