Wednesday, 26 December 2018

Catholic Christianity - Peter Kreeft - A Complete Catechism of Catholic Beliefs Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catholic Christianity: A Complete Catechism of Catholic Beliefs Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Peter Kreeft
Ignatius Press
ISBN 9780898707984
ASIN  B004QOB78A


I read this book as part of my working through the Catechism in a year. Over the last few years I have read the catechism and other similar books a little bit each day throughout the year. This year I added this book and it took me 4 months of study to work through this volume. This was an excellent read. It was a wonderful study tool. It helped me go so much deeper in my study of the Catholic Faith. The sections in this volume are:

 Preface
PART I: Theology (What Catholics Believe)
Chapter 1: Faith 
Chapter 2: God 
Chapter 3: Creation 
Chapter 4: Man 
Chapter 5: Jesus Christ 
Chapter 6: The Holy Spirit 
Chapter 7: The Holy Catholic Church 
Chapter 8: The Forgiveness of Sins 
Chapter 9: The Resurrection of the Body 
Chapter 10: Life Everlasting

 PART II: Morality (How Catholics Live)
Chapter 1: The Essence of Catholic Morality 
Chapter 2: Human Nature as the Basis for Morality 
Chapter 3: Some Fundamental Principles of Catholic Morality 
Chapter 4: Virtues and Vices
Chapter 5: The First Three Commandments: Duties to God 
Chapter 6: The Fourth Commandment: Family and Social Morality 
Chapter 7: The Fifth Commandment: Moral Issues of Life and Death 
Chapter 8: The Sixth and Ninth Commandments: Sexual Morality 
Chapter 9: The Seventh and Tenth Commandments: Social and Economic Morality
Chapter 10: The Eighth Commandment: Truth

 PART III: Sacraments and Prayer (How Catholics Worship)
Chapter 1: Introduction to Catholic Liturgy
Chapter 2: Introduction to the Sacraments
Chapter 3: Baptism and Confirmation
Chapter 4: The Eucharist
Chapter 5: The Sacrament of Penance
Chapter 6: Matrimony 
Chapter 7: Holy Orders 
Chapter 8: Anointing of the Sick 
Chapter 9: Prayer 
Chapter 10: The Lord’s Prayer 
Chapter 11: Mary
Conclusion
Abbreviations
Notes

 This is not a volume I could pick up and read through from beginning to end. At least not do so and really take it in. But by reading 5-15 points a day it was very digestible. In the introduction Dr. Kreeft goes over some of the possible titles this book had, and his reason for them, and reasons for changing. They were:

 Mere Christianity
What Is a Catholic

 He also states:

 “Half a century ago such a book would have been superfluous, for Catholics knew then twenty times more than they know now about everything in their faith: its essence, its theology, its morality, its liturgy, and its prayer; and there were twenty times more books like this one being written. The need was less, and the supply was more. Today the need is much more, and the supply is much less. Since “nature abhors a vacuum”, spiritually as well as physically I offer this unoriginal “basic data” book to those Catholics who have been robbed of the basic data of their heritage.”

 The book might be unoriginal, and basic data about Catholicism, but maybe that is what makes it such a treasure. This book is likely one I will read each year for years to come. This book is an amazing resource, for the faithful, for those studying Catholicism, and for those just curios about what Catholicism is all about.

 Kreeft has written some amazing books and this is among the best! 

 Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!


Book by Peter Kreeft:
C. S. Lewis: A Critical Essay (1969)
Love Is Stronger Than Death. 1979.
Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing (1980)
Yes or No? — Straight Answers to Tough Questions about Christianity (1984)
Making Sense Out of Suffering (1986)
Fundamentals of the Faith, Essays in Christian Apologetics (1988)
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Heaven... But Never Dreamed of Asking (1990)
Making Choices: Practical Wisdom for Everyday Moral Decisions (1990)
You can understand the Old Testament : a book-by-book guide for Catholics (1990)
Summa of the Summa (1990) 
Three Philosophies of Life (1990) 
Prayer: The Great Conversation (1991)
Back to Virtue (1992) 
Shorter Summa (1993) 
Christianity for Modern Pagans: Pascal's Pensees (1993)
Your Questions, God's Answers (1994) 
Handbook of Christian Apologetics (with Ronald K. Tacelli) (1994)
C. S. Lewis for the Third Millennium (1994) 
Shadow-Lands of C.S. Lewis: The Man Behind the Movie (1994)
The Angel and the Ants: Bringing Heaven Closer to Your Daily Life (1994)
Talking to Your Children About Being Catholic (1995) — A treasure trove of ideas
Angels (and Demons): What Do We Really Know About Them? (1995)
Ecumenical Jihad: Ecumenism and the Culture Wars (1996)
The Snakebite Letters Devious Secrets for Subverting Society (1998)
Refutation of Moral Relativism (1999)
Prayer for Beginners (2000)
Socrates Meets Jesus (1987/2002) 
How to Win the Culture War: A Christian Battle Plan for a Society in Crisis (2002)
Celebrating Middle Earth: Lord of the Rings (2002) 
Three Approaches to Abortion: a thoughtful and compassionate guide to today's most controversial issue (2002)
Philosophy 101 by Socrates (2002) 
Socrates Meets Machiavelli (2003) 
Socrates Meets Marx (2003) 
The God Who Loves You (2004)
Socratic Logic (2005) 
You Can Understand the Bible (2005) 
Socrates Meets Sartre: Father Of Philosophy Meets The Founder of Existentialism (2005) 
The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind "The Lord of the Rings" (2005)
Socrates Meets Descartes (2007) 
The Philosophy of Jesus (2007) 
Before I Go (2007) 
I Surf Therefore I Am (2008)
Because God Is Real: Sixteen Questions, One Answer (2008)
Jesus-Shock (2008)
Socrates Meets Kant (2009) 
If Einstein Had Been a Surfer (2009) 
Between Allah & Jesus: what Christians Can Learn from Muslims (2010)
Socrates Meets Hume (2010) 
An Ocean Full of Angels (2011)
Summa Philosophica (2012) 
Jacob's Ladder (2013) 
Charisms: Visions, Tongues, Healing, etc. (feat. Dave Nevins) (2013) 
Socrates Meets Kierkegaard (2014) 
52 Big Ideas (2020) 
Practical Theology (2014) 
Letters to an Atheist (2014) 
Philosophy 101 by Socrates: An Introduction to Philosophy Via Plato's Apology : (Forty Things Philosophy is According to History's First and Wisest Philosopher (2014)
I Burned for Your Peace: Augustine's Confessions Unpacked (2016)  
How to Be Holy (2016) 
Catholics and Protestants (2017) 
Between One Faith and Another (2017) 
Forty Reasons I am a Catholic (2018)
The Platonic Tradition (2018) 
Socrates' Children, 4 vols. (2019) 
How To Destroy Western Civilization And Other Ideas From The Cultural Abyss (2021)
The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived (2021)
Food for the Soul: Reflections on the Mass Readings 3 vols. (2023)
What Would Socrates Say? (2024) 
 
Articles That Mention Kreeft:
Opus Dei
Opus Dei Part II
Catholic Catechism Dialogue blog
4 Resources

Related Posts:

Books from the Council of Baltimore:
Baltimore Catechism Two
Baltimore Catechism Three
Baltimore Catechism Four
…

Labels: , , , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, 25 December 2018

Merry Christmas 2018

Merry Christmas 2018

Christmas greetings. Blessings on you, your family, and your friends this Christmas season! 
  






(Notes: the chalk drawing was done by my son 3 years ago, it is on the wall above my desk. The Crocheted Nativity is from Oremus Crocheted Saints.)

Labels: ,

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, 24 December 2018

Prisoners of War - Sarah Gracia - Prisoners of War Trilogy Book 1

Prisoners of War
Prisoners of War Trilogy Book 1
Sarah Gracia
Rivershore Books
ISBN 9781635220049
ASIN B07L8L65NM
eISBN 9780463016138
 

I am sitting her and finding it very hard to know how to start this review. While reading this book there were some incredible moments, and at others I found myself wondering what was going on, and how is this all going to fit together. And yet by the time I finished the novel, I could not help but wonder what is going to happen next in the Prisoners of War Trilogy. I think this book might do for panic attacks and OCD what The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time did for Asperger Syndrome and Autism. The author states:

“It tells the story of my freshman year in high school (minus Matt and the kidnapping plot). There are some aspects that are unrealistic, but that's intentional. The whole book is my daydream in ninth grade when I had the six-month panic attack. The novel reflects the reality in a very tangible way.”

And there are some very surreal moments in the novel. In some ways reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or even The Matrix. As you are reading you will wonder how far down the rabbit hole goes and is there a way out. But in order to find out you will need to read the book.

You cannot help but feel for Tara, the main character, and for Sarah the author and the struggle with OCD as described in the book. Early in the book this section really captured my attention:

“Prisoners of war, people who have been captured by the enemy.
I wonder if Adrian’s a prisoner of war since he was captured by those people. It’s not a war between countries, but trying to escape seems like his own personal war.
Am I a prisoner of war, too? I’m going to die with OCD with no hope of freedom. Could that be a war? A lot of people describe OCD as a hostage situation. I’m the prisoner; OCD the captor.
Maybe. Maybe we’re all prisoners of war of some kind . . .”

It is a penetrating insight especially considering the age at which the author wrote it. This book does not feel perfectly polished. But It is not suppose to. It is written to capture the nightmare of struggling with mental illness, and how someone who does suffer sees and feels about themselves. Also, how they feel others see and treat them. It was also written from dream, and as such does have that disjointed, often jumpy feel. But it is well done.  As such the book is not always an easy read, but it is worth the effort to finish, and I really do look forward to seeing what will happen in the next volume.

A great first effort by a young author trying to bring awareness through her own personal struggles. Well done.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Labels: ,

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, 23 December 2018

The Fourth Sunday of Advent 2018

The Fourth Sunday of Advent 2018

The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent:

 First Reading Micah 5:2-5a 
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 80:1-2, 14-14, 17-18 Response 3
Second Reading Hebrews 10:5-10 
Gospel Luke 1:39-45

 I have read through these readings a few times now. Nothing has really jumped out at me. It has been a long week. I have been under the weather; my wife has been under the weather for a few weeks. And our youngest was up sick many, many, many times last night. And so I will just post a few pictures and wish you a great fourth Sunday of Advent, and eve before Christmas eve. In the sermon today Fr. quoting an older parishioner stated: “We have a wonderful faith as long as we practice it.” it really stuck a cord with me.

 Blessings on you and your families.










(Note: The above picture was drawn by my son in school last year, he was almost 10.)

Labels: , , ,

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, 22 December 2018

A Cord of Three Strands - Kristen Hogrefe - The Rogues Book 0.5

A Cord of Three Strands
The Rogues Book 0.5
Kristen Hogrefe
Write Integrity Press
ASIN B07C89VGKP


 I read this short story about five months before the first novel, The Revisionary, but had forgotten about it. Then after reading the novel went back again and reread this story. It is an excellent little read, either as a short story itself, or as a prequel to the series to give us some more of the back story to the Rogues books. I wrote previously that: “I am sure some readers will compare it to The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau, and as much as I did enjoy that book, there is something different about this one, that draws me in more. This was a book that I really did not want to put down.” Even more so for this short story. As soon as I had read this story, I picked up The Revisionary, but it fell by the wayside in my reading list. I lament that. 

 These stories are set in the future. The United States has been devastated by a Electromagnetic Pulse that has wiped out most of the infrastructure. Now the country is broken into several cubes. But as with most things in life, all is not as it appears. Portia Abernathy has been working hard because she wants to go to the Crystal Globe and achieve the role of Revisionary. She wants to have access to the Codex, so she can change the laws and allow her brother to cone back from exile in the satellite's. But from her first moments in this new place she realizes that are many layers of observation, and that they do not want people there to learn, they want good obedient puppets.

 This story gives us the back story. The story of how Portia’s brother was exiled. Her family’s fall in the community standing. And the incident that sparked her resolve to make it to the Crystal Globe. This is the back story, the trigger event that has set the path for the future that is explored in the trilogy. 

 Writing good short stories is a different skill and craft than writing novels. And today it is often expected for authors to go back and write short stories to support series and promote them in between book releases. And this is a great short story! The strengths of this story is the characters. 

 Write Integrity Press they believe in the inspired word of God, and their books are in alignment with their beliefs. There is not gratuitous sex, violence just for the sake of violence, no alternative lifestyles just to diversify the book. I look forward to reading more from Hogrefe and from Write Integrity! And I cannot wait until my girls are a little older to introduce them to Portia.

Books by Kristen Hogrefe:
The Rogues Series:
0.5 A Cord of Three Strands
1.0 The Revisionary
2.0 The Revolutionary
3.0 The Reactionary
...

Wings of the Dawn Series:
1.0 Captive Beneath the Bahamian Sky
2.0 Secrets Beyond Lake Winona's Shore
3.0 Awakening Sun
...





Posted by at No comments:

Friday, 21 December 2018

The River - Gary Paulsen - Brian's Saga Book 2

The River
Brian's Saga #2
Gary Paulsen
Laurel Leaf
Random House Canada
ISBN 9780440227502
eISBN 9780440229674
ASIN B000FC1K8O


My son was gifted the first book in this series by his teacher. We each read it separately and now I have read book two ahead of reading it together with my son. We are thoroughly enjoying the series. This book was an interesting read, especially after the events in the first book. Of the 5 books in the Brian’s Saga series this appears to be the least liked. The opinions about this book are usually very strong negative, or tepid, with a few loyal fans. Not having read all five books yet, I cannot comment as to how it fits in a ranking of the five, but it is a great follow up to Hatchet.

In this book Brian Robeson has agreed to go back into the woods. But this time he will be accompanied by Derek Holtzer, a government psychologist. Derek plans on recording Brian’s thought process and actions so that the information can be used to help teach better survival methods. But shortly after their trip begins during a storm Derek is hit by lightning. He is left in a coma, and the emergency radio they had was destroyed. It is up to Brian not only to survive but see if he can save Derek. His only hope to get Derek to medical attention is the river, he must make a raft and navigate his way back to civilization, so he can get the help they need.

I think one of the most realistic parts of the book, was when Brian decides thy cannot take all the gear. He knew that if they had resources, they would end up using them. And when disaster strikes, he is left relying on his fortitude and determination yet again.

As a book written for middle grade readers, I think it is a good addition to the genera and a good follow up to Hatchet. As someone with years of experience in Scouting, and a deep personal love for winter camping and the outdoors I really enjoyed the book. And I look forward to reading the rest of the series with my son, and my youngest daughter has shown interest as well, so will likely start the series over again with her as well.

A good read in what so far is a great series.

Books by Gary Paulsen:
Brian’s Saga:
Hatchet
The River
Brian’s Winter
Brian’s Return
Brian’s Hunt








Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, 20 December 2018

Spiritual Game Plan - From the Handbook of Prayers ed. by Rev James Socias

Spiritual Game Plan

(Note: The below is taken from The Handbook of Prayers edited by Rev. James Socias.)

Do you want to be a good Christian? The first of your battles will be to enter into and remain in the state of grace, to avoid any mortal sin. And, then, because you want to love God above all things, you will also try not to commit venial sins. The practice of some acts of piety throughout the day will help you to have a divine contemplative life in the midst of the daily routine. The habitual performance of these acts will also be the foundation for growing in Christian virtues. Most important is to be consistent in your daily schedule, in your spiritual game plan, so that you will live as a child of God.

Daily
Get up at a fixed time, as early as possible. Eight hours of sleep should be enough. More than this or less than six hours of sleep is usually not healthy.
Offer your day to God through the intercession of our Lady.
Work with order and intensity during the day as a way of serving God. Set goals and establish priorities in order to develop a practical schedule. Sanctifying ordinary work is the goal of our life.
Try to attend Mass, receiving Holy Communion, as often as possible. This is the best sacrifice we can offer to God. Prepare yourself for Mass by spending some time in prayer.
Spend some time in mental prayer before the Blessed Sacrament (15 minutes, if possible).
Pray the Angelus. Traditionally, the Angelus is prayed at sunrise (6:00 A.M.), noon, and sunset (6:00 P.M.). (During Easter Time, say the Regina Cæli instead.)
Pray the Rosary, if possible, with your family, offering each decade for a specific intention.
Do some other spiritual reading. Start with the New Testament or some well-known spiritual book. Ten to fifteen minutes is sufficient.
Make a short examination of conscience at the end of the day before going to bed. Two or three minutes is enough. Follow these steps: Humble yourself in the presence of God. Tell him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.“ Ask for light to acknowledge your defects and virtues and to see the dangers and opportunities of the day. Ask for repentance, amendment, and encouragement.

Weekly
Center all activities around the Holy Mass on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. It is also a family day — for rest and spiritual growth.
If you do not receive Holy Communion every day, receive at least on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
Saturday is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Honor her and say some special prayer, such as the Hail Holy Queen.

Monthly 
Go to Confession at least once a month. It is the sacrament of joy. Pope John Paul II says: “God is always the one who is principally offended by sin — ‘I have sinned against You’ — and God alone can forgive. He does so through the ministry of the priest in the Sacrament of Penance, which is the ordinary way of obtaining forgiveness and remission of mortal sins. Every mortal sin must always be stated with its determining circumstances in an individual confession.”
Seek and follow the spiritual guidance of a wise, prudent, and knowledgeable priest.
Spend a few hours in recollection, best done before the Blessed Sacrament. Consider how you are directing your life toward God.

Yearly
Spend two or three days each year in silence, speaking with God only. A few days of retreat are necessary for the soul in the same way that the body needs a vacation. It is a yearly opportunity for conversion.

Always
Stay in the presence of God: be aware that he is always close to you. Try to please him in everything as a child tries to please his/her parents.
Thank God for the graces that he constantly gives you.
Do everything for the love of God: this is purity of intention. Always purify your intention. Make acts of contrition and atonement for your sins and sins of others.
Try to live as you would like to die. We shall die as we have lived.

Note: Reminder the above is taken from The Handbook of Prayers edited by Rev. James Socias. I was introduced to this prayer book in 2006. Since that time, I have always kept one near by. Until the release of the eBook edition, I kept one in my computer bag, bedside table, desk at home and desk at work. If you are only going to have one prayer book this would be the one I would recommend to you. It was first published in 1992 and is currently in the 7th edition revised last in 2011.  And so I recommend the above disciplines and the book to you.

Handbook of Prayers
Rev. James Socias General Editor
Scepter Press
ISBN 9781936045631
ASIN B008B105D2

Labels: , ,

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)