The Catholic Guide to Depression: How the Saints, the Sacraments, and Psychiatry Can Help You Break Its Grip and Find Happiness Again (2012)
Aaron Kheriaty, M D & Fr John Cihak, STD
Written by psychiatrist Aaron Kheriaty with Monsignor John Cihak, this book examines the universal problem of depression through the lens of Catholic tradition and teachings. It offers a faith-based, compassionate approach that integrates modern medical knowledge with spirituality. Illustrated with personal stories, it addresses misunderstood aspects of depression, providing practical advice and theological reflections for healing. Kheriaty notes that depression, whether mild, moderate, or severe, is a pervasive sorrow that even strong spiritual practices may not relieve. He emphasizes that confessionals cannot cure neuroses, just as a psychiatrist’s couch cannot forgive sins. The book also covers recent advances in pharmacological and medical treatments, as well as the benefits and limitations of psychotherapy. The Catholic perspective distinguishes depression from similar states like guilt, sloth, and the darkness of sin, and from the “dark night of the soul,” a spiritual trial experienced by some saints. Healing involves recognizing the physical, psychological, behavioral, cultural, and moral factors contributing to depression, with a focus on Christian hope. The authors highlight that when pain and suffering cannot be fully alleviated, they can become redemptive when united with the sufferings of Jesus on the cross.
The book is structured into four chapters across three major sections: 1. Understanding Depression: This section covers the following topics: Types of Depression, Depression and Spiritual Life, Depression and Related Disorders, Depression and the Tragedy of Suicide 2. Overcoming Depression: This section offers solutions, including: Medication and Other Biological Treatments, Psychotherapy: Its Benefits and Limitations, Spiritual Help for Depression, Divine Filiation and the Virtue of Hope. Three appendices are included: Resources for Further Reading, Prayers in Times of Distress, and An Address by John Paul II on Depression.
Made this Way: How to prepare kids to Face Today’s Tough Moral Issues (2018)
Leila Miller with Trent Horn.
“Made This Way: How to Prepare Kids to Face Today’s Tough Moral Issues” by Leila Miller and Trent Horn is a timely and accessible guide for Catholic parents, teachers, and counselors. The book addresses the pressing moral issues confronting today’s Christians, issues that were largely absent a generation ago. The authors highlight the challenges posed by the distortions of natural and divine laws that have upended traditional moral stability. They emphasize that many Catholic parents are either unaware of these changes or unsure how to guide their children through this moral confusion. The book is designed to equip those involved in Catholic youth formation with the tools to address sensitive questions without harming a child’s innocence. The authors ground their arguments in natural law, reflecting God’s plan and design, and suggest teaching truth through learned experience. They follow the stages of a child’s development, providing guidance on using natural law to understand moral issues. Chapter 1 outlines the methodology for moral formation, advocating a balance between authoritarianism and permissiveness. The authors recommend an authoritative approach that fosters trust and respect, cautioning against the cultural tendency to mislabel such teaching as indoctrination. The book’s chapters cover key moral topics: 1. Sex Outside of Marriage 2. Same-Sex Marriage 3. Divorce 4. Contraception 5. Abortion 6. Reproductive Technologies 7. Modesty 8. Pornography 9. Transgender Identity 10. Homosexuality Each chapter is structured into three sections: the Catholic teaching on the topic, how to discuss it with prepubescent children, and how to address it with teenagers. The authors combine practical parenting experience with research and sound reasoning, summarizing key ideas at the end of each chapter. The book ultimately serves as a clear explanation of the counter-cultural stance of the Catholic Church.
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