Only just begun, but this libretto so far shows great promise. One thing I appreciate from the beginning pages is that the author stresses the importance of distinctions: not all people with same-sex attraction are part of the "gay-rights" political movement. Homosexual does not imply "pride parades". He also asks some hard questions right from the get go: do I determine myself or do I receive my nature as a gift? Am I the source of truth or is there a source outside of me? Looking forward to the rest.
Fatherless by Brian J. Gail.
An excellent Catholic novel. And it is very Catholic. Gail certainly has done his homework, going into great detail on some of the most pertinent and timely issues in the current social dialogue (abortion, contraception, pornography, priest crisis, etc). The beef of the story so far is how the characters let their faith guide (or not guide) their actions in these true-to-life scenarios. Will the priest step up to bat for truth? Will the man sacrifice his morally bankrupt company, thus loosing his family, or appease his wife and sacrifice his conscience? Will the mother of a depressed and distressed teen abandon her wayward and abusive child or will she find a way to bring normalcy back to her household? I have a feeling that life and love will prevail.
These are the books that I suggest for the serious Catholic.
1. The Life of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen
The (now) Venerable Fulton J. Sheen opens wide the door to the life of the greatest man who will ever live. His style is timeless, much like his subject. You will never read scripture the same way again. I took this as a companion on a Holy Land pilgrimage and felt it gave me better insight to the Heart of my Savior than any other scripture commentary. Read it with the liturgical seasons. Constantly and unceasingly edifying. Favorite. Book. Ever.
2. Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II
A seriously powerful exposition of Catholic theological anthropology. Created in the image and likeness of God, mankind bears within itself the very reflection of the divine in that we are made for love, by love. John Paul II starts with the question concerning divorce in Matthew chapter 9, which propels him to launch into an intense meditation on the creation narratives of Genesis. The depths he plumbs have some epically radical consequences for man and woman. This book changed the way I understood myself, how I relate to women, and how I view the Church.
3. The Confessions of St. Augustine by St. Augustine
This was required reading for a class at the JPII Institute on Augustinian theology of love and friendship. It is truly a masterpiece, utterly astounding. Augustine wrote it as a prayer, a meditation on the experiences of his life. From full-blown pagan to total sell-out for Jesus Christ. He captures the sense of loss and grief. He nails the experience of shame and confusion and the overwhelming nature of the encounter with God in the Lord Jesus.
3. The Confessions of St. Augustine by St. Augustine
This was required reading for a class at the JPII Institute on Augustinian theology of love and friendship. It is truly a masterpiece, utterly astounding. Augustine wrote it as a prayer, a meditation on the experiences of his life. From full-blown pagan to total sell-out for Jesus Christ. He captures the sense of loss and grief. He nails the experience of shame and confusion and the overwhelming nature of the encounter with God in the Lord Jesus. 
4. Light of the World, The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times, an interview of Pope Benedict XVI with Peter Sewald
Ever wonder what the Pope thinks about hot-button issues? The pope opens his mind and heart in this engaging interview. Sewald seems, at times, to be pestering and fishing for scandal, only to be met with compassion, reason, and sound judgment. Contrary to what many would have you believe, this book is NOT all about condoms for Africans and sex abuse by clergy. It's a beautiful insight into perhaps the greatest mind alive today. We have such an amazing gift in Pope Benedict--a truly holy scholar and passionate pastor.
No comments:
Post a Comment