Book Review

Saint Maximilian Kolbe: Saint of Auschwitz (1997)

Elaine Murray Stone

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a hero of the 20th-century Church, is remembered for his profound self-sacrifice, embodying Jesus’ words: “Greater love than this no man has, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” This 120-page biography highlights his life, emphasizing lesser-known aspects of his personality and journey.

Born Raymond Kolbe in Poland on January 8, 1894, to devout, working-class parents, he was a mischievous boy until a punishment from his mother led to a deep spiritual transformation. At the age of 13, he had a vision of Our Lady of Czestochowa, who offered him two crowns—one red, one white. Choosing both, Raymond became Maximilian, symbolizing his devotion to God and Mary.

In 1907, Maximilian and his brother joined a Franciscan seminary. After his ordination in 1918, he founded the Knights of the Immaculate Movement, dedicated to spreading devotion to the Virgin Mary and converting sinners. In 1927, he established the Niepokalanów monastery, a Catholic publishing hub, and in 1930, launched a mission in Japan with the creation of Mugenzai no Sono in Nagasaki.

Returning to Poland in 1936 due to health issues, Kolbe faced the rise of Nazism. In 1941, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz. When 10 men were chosen to starve to death for one escape attempt, Kolbe volunteered to take the place of Franciszek Gajowniczek, a man with a family. Despite enduring two weeks of starvation, Kolbe remained alive until he was executed with a lethal injection on August 14, 1941.

Beatified in 1971 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982, Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s life continues to inspire devotion and sacrifice.

Contemplative Prayer (1971)

Thomas Merton

This book, posthumously published a year after the accidental death of the author Thomas Merton, the renowned American Trappist monk in Bangkok, is a collection of profound reflections on the contemplative life and its methods, drawing from a wide range of traditions and Merton’s deep erudition and insight, including Eastern non-Christian ideas.

In the Foreword, A. M. Alchin notes the book’s two main sections: one traces the history of contemplative prayer from the Desert Fathers to St. John of the Cross, while the other delves into Merton’s personal struggle to express the anxiety, dread, and emptiness often encountered in contemplative prayer, particularly in modern times. Merton highlights that contemplative prayer is not only for monks but for every Christian.

Key points of the book include:

1. Essence of Contemplative Prayer: Merton stresses silence, stillness, and solitude, inviting a deeper awareness of God’s presence.
2. Historical Roots: The development of the practice is explored through the experiences of early Christian mystics and monastic traditions.
3. Practical Steps: Merton offers guidance on silencing the mind, using sacred texts, and embracing solitude.
4. Challenges and Misconceptions: He addresses distractions, doubts, and the misunderstanding that contemplative prayer is an escape from reality.
5. Fruits of Contemplative Prayer: Merton reflects on its transformative effects, such as inner peace and a deeper connection with God.

Merton’s wisdom and expertise provide readers with a deeper understanding of the transformative power of silent communion with the divine. In the conclusion of the book, he points out that without contemplation and interior prayer, the Church cannot fulfill her mission to transform and save humankind. It involves total love for God and an uncompromising thirst for His truth.

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The 1% Solution for Work and Life: How to Make Your Next 30 Days the Best Ever (2011)  

Tom Connellan

This seven-chapter book, written in an engaging fictional style, offers insights on achieving excellence in various areas of life, including career and personal growth. It features charts that aid comprehension and employs a commonsense approach that is both appealing and practical. The key idea is simple yet rarely implemented: making small changes can lead to a more satisfying life. For instance, while most adults know that the body requires at least eight hours of sleep daily, they often ignore this advice unless they see convincing evidence from people they trust who have successfully applied it.

The book’s message centers on Ken, who feels dissatisfied with his settled life until he meets his son’s soccer coach, Jim. Jim’s training transformed Ken’s son, Jake, into part of a winning team. Sharing his journey, Jim explains how observing Olympic athletes inspired him to move from mediocrity to excellence by focusing on the “1% solution.” This principle emphasizes that success comes from small, consistent improvements. For instance, the difference between a gold medalist and fourth place is often just 1%. While not everyone can be the best, anyone can strive to be 1% better each day. Adopting this mindset allows individuals to excel without overwhelming themselves, aligning with the Olympic motto: “Aim to be swifter, higher, stronger—not swiftest, highest, strongest.”

To be exceptional, motivation drives action, which in turn fuels more motivation and achievement. Start where you are and focus on performing your best in the present. Deliberate practice enhances performance, and success comes from focusing on possibilities rather than fears of failure. Equally vital is recharging through rest, sleep, and vacations to maintain energy and focus.

Pope Francis: The Pope from the End of the Earth (2013)

Thomas J. Craughwell 

This book offers a comprehensive profile of Pope Francis, illustrated with over 60 photographs. Published shortly after his election, the book traces Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s life from his early years in Argentina to his papacy. In the foreword, Cardinal Sean O’Malley describes it as a “beautiful encounter – in picture and in words – with Pope Francis.”

The narrative begins with the dramatic announcement of Cardinal Bergoglio as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, underlining his many historic firsts: the first Pope from outside Europe, the first Jesuit Pope, and the first to take the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. This choice reflected his core values: care for the poor, simplicity, environmental concern, and a commitment to reform. His humility and warmth continued after his election, exemplified by his first Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony in a juvenile prison.

The book provides insights into the early life of Pope Francis in Argentina, where he was born into an Italian immigrant family that fled Fascist Italy in 1929. It explores his unexpected choice of a religious vocation, his life as a Jesuit, and his courage in defending the faith during Argentina’s ‘Dirty War,’ a period when many remained silent or supported the oppressive regime. His papacy came at a critical time for the Church, marked by sex abuse and financial scandals, which he addressed with openness and determination, leaving a profound impact on the Church and the world.

Key moments of his papacy are detailed alongside his devotion to Our Lady Undoer of Knots and significant homilies. Additional chapters cover the history of the papacy, papal election processes, and his installation as Pope, offering valuable insights for both the faithful and general readers.

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Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking & Finding His Love Everywhere (2024)
Savannah Guthrie

In Mostly What God Does, NBC broadcaster and former attorney Savannah Guthrie offers heartfelt reflections on God’s love, sharing her personal experiences and spiritual insights. “Mostly what God does is love you,” she says, framing her book as an exploration of God’s presence in her life rather than a memoir. The chapters are organized around six central themes that have shaped her faith journey: Love, Presence, Praise, Grace, Hope, and Purpose—all rooted in Biblical teachings and deeply personal experiences.

Guthrie recalls growing up in a close-knit Australian Baptist family, where “God was the sixth member,” and how her “conversation with God” began in her youth. Her father’s sudden death when she was 16 and a later divorce in her thirties challenged her faith but ultimately deepened her relationship with God. Encouraged by her colleagues on the TODAY show, where she is an anchor, she wrote this book to share how God’s love has guided her through life’s highs and lows.

In each chapter, she encourages readers – whether devout, curious, or disillusioned by past religious experiences – to approach God as they are. “Come as you are,” she writes, emphasizing a personal connection with God where questions, doubts, and fears are welcomed. She acknowledges that her faith journey has been a blend of belief and doubt, joy and sorrow, and believes these experiences have enriched her understanding of God.

In challenging times, Guthrie finds strength by returning to the basics: surrendering control and trusting God’s love. She offers her story as a source of hope, reminding readers that God’s love is constant, personal, and transformative. This book invites anyone, regardless of their faith stance, to explore a loving, approachable relationship with God.

The Power and the Glory (1940)
Graham Greene

Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory, considered one of the greatest Catholic novels of the 20th century, is set during Mexico’s brutal Cristero Revolution (1926–29), a period marked by intense persecution of Catholics under dictator Plutarco Calles. Inspired by Greene’s own experiences in Mexico, where he witnessed the people’s resilient faith amid oppression, the novel centres on a renegade “Whiskey Priest” who continues to serve the faithful in the southeastern province of Tabasco, despite the government’s strict ban on religious activity. Priests who refused to renounce their faith were executed, while those who complied were forced to marry and receive a state pension.

The unnamed Whiskey Priest, a flawed and alcoholic man with a daughter named Brigitta, secretly returns to Mexico, determined to minister to his people. His journey is perilous, as he is relentlessly pursued by a zealous police lieutenant who sees the priest as a threat to the state. This lieutenant, shaped by his own painful past, methodically arrests and even kills villagers suspected of sheltering the priest.

Though twice narrowly escaping capture, the priest’s journey takes a tragic turn when a mestizo betrays him, urging him to attend the confession of a dying American gunman. The priest suspects treachery but cannot refuse the sacrament. Captured, he faces the lieutenant, who admits admiration but insists the priest must die to protect the state. A former priest, Padre José, is arranged to hear his confession but is prevented by his wife. After the Whiskey Priest’s execution, the lieutenant believes the province is free of priests—only for another priest to arrive in secret. In the end, Greene’s hero becomes a symbol of enduring faith, honoured by locals as a martyr among the saints.

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Too Small a World: The Life of Mother Frances Cabrini (1945, 2024)

Theodore Maynard

This newly republished biography of the first U.S. Catholic saint, Mother Frances Cabrini, captures her extraordinary journey as a pioneering missionary. Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, dedicated to serving poor immigrant communities in the U.S. and South America. The book, based on exhaustive records, private letters, and interviews, provides an engaging blend of historical facts and spiritual insights that allow readers to closely connect with Cabrini.

The title, Too Small a World, reflects Cabrini’s belief that the world was too small for her ambitions – she sought to embrace the entire globe. The story begins with her arrival in New York with six fellow nuns, carrying only letters from Rome, and against her original dream of serving in China. Directed by the Pope to work among Italian immigrants, Cabrini faced immense challenges, including hostility from powerful figures.

The biography traces her early life in Italy, where as a child, she dreamed of becoming a missionary, and recounts her eventual work of establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the slums of New York and beyond. Despite opposition, Cabrini’s 28 years of service reflected her unshakable faith and determination to bring Christ’s love to the marginalized. By 1909, she had gained American citizenship and was admired by Presidents and governors alike.

The epilogue includes eyewitness accounts of miracles attributed to her and highlights the reverence shown to her by Popes Leo XIII, Benedict XV, and Pius X. Cabrini’s deep prayer life is emphasized as the source of her extraordinary accomplishments.

To Light a Fire on the Earth: Proclaiming the Gospel in a Secular Age (2019)

Robert Barron and John L. Allen Jr.

To Light a Fire on the Earth: Proclaiming the Gospel in a Secular Age by Bishop Robert Barron and John L. Allen Jr. explores how to spread the Catholic faith in today’s secular world. Bishop Barron, a well-known Catholic apologist and evangelist, addresses pressing religious and cultural issues in three lengthy conversations with Allen. He critiques modern debates on religion and morality, which often devolve into polemics, noting the rising interest in religion on social media platforms.

John Allen introduces Barron as a fundamentally missionary figure, focused on the ‘beating heart’ of Catholicism rather than its secondary aspects. As Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, Barron is seen as a modern successor to Venerable Fulton Sheen, engaging thoughtfully with a secular world often hostile to religion. This book reflects Barron’s media work, showcasing the intellectual relevance, beauty, and cultural significance of the Catholic faith through personal anecdotes and logical arguments.

The first chapter recounts Barron’s life, from his 1959 birth in Chicago to his passion for baseball and the spiritual and intellectual influences that shaped him. His media work, particularly the Catholicism series and Word on Fire, has millions of followers worldwide. His mission centres on proclaiming a loving God to lapsed Catholics, the indifferent, and secular critics.

The book’s chapters – covering topics like ‘Beauty,’ ‘Goodness,’ ‘Truth,’ ‘Evangelization,’ ‘Prayer and the Supernatural,’ ‘The Bible,’ and ‘Obstacles to the Faith’ – offer a roadmap for rekindling faith. Barron’s core message is that faith is not “infrarational” (below reason) but supernatural, transcending reason while embracing it. He invites readers to set their lives ablaze with the “Word on Fire.”

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Benedict XVI: His Life and Thought (2018)

Elio Guerriero

Elio Guerriero’s 706-page book, Benedict XVI: His Life and Thought, is more than just an engaging biography. It offers a thorough exploration of Pope Benedict XVI’s life and intellectual legacy, providing a fresh perspective on one of the most significant Catholic thinkers of our time. As memories of Benedict remain vivid, the book illuminates his impact on the Catholic Church in today’s world.

Guerriero presents Benedict XVI as “an honest man, in love with Bavaria and books, who reluctantly left his professorial chair for an Episcopal see.” This characterization captures the essence of Joseph Ratzinger, a scholar at heart who accepted the papacy out of obedience. Upon his election as Pope, he viewed the office as having a “martyrological structure,” requiring a deep patience and ability to endure suffering, a reality he personally confronted throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis, in his foreword, expresses profound gratitude for Benedict’s theological depth and balance, highlighting the spiritual connection they shared, particularly during the early years of Francis’ pontificate. Francis also underscores how Ratzinger’s life and work were deeply aligned with the mission of the Church and the ministry of Peter—proclaiming God’s merciful love to the world.

Growing up in Bavaria during the dark years of Nazism, Ratzinger and his family endured the horrors of World War II. His passion for learning and music, as well as his calling to the priesthood, only grew stronger during this period. He went on to serve as a theologian, prolific author, Archbishop of Munich, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), Pope, and finally, Pope Emeritus. The book also clarifies many misinterpretations surrounding his resignation, which was sensationalized at the time.

Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots (2009)

Scott Hahn

Scott Hahn, a renowned Catholic apologist and theologian, presents Signs of Life, a book that explores 40 Catholic customs and their biblical foundations. As the founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology and professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Hahn uses his expertise to guide readers through these Catholic practices, divided into nine sections with 40 chapters.

Hahn begins with a personal anecdote about how God led him through a career crisis shortly before his conversion to Catholicism. Through this lens, he discovered the beauty of Catholic devotions often dismissed by intellectuals. His purpose in writing is to celebrate the richness of Catholic practices and explain their biblical roots, addressing both Catholics and non-Catholics who question these traditions. Grounded in the mystagogic tradition of the Church, Hahn invites believers to glimpse divine mysteries through these signs.

The book covers topics like holy water, the Mass, infant baptism, the intercession of saints, indulgences, and the Rosary. Hahn explains the biblical and historical roots of these practices, while addressing common objections from non-Catholics, particularly evangelicals. Each chapter ends with a reflection titled “Ponder in Your Heart,” inspired by Mary’s contemplation of divine events (Luke 2:19).

Hahn also highlights the significance of the number 40, reflecting its biblical importance in both the Old and New Testaments. His goal is to deepen readers’ faith by incorporating these devotions into daily prayer, emphasizing that they are part of the pilgrim’s journey toward God. The book stands as a testament to Hahn’s erudition and commitment to bringing Catholic tradition into everyday life.

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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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The Weight of Glory (2015)

C.S. Lewis

This collection of nine sermons by renowned Christian apologist and novelist C.S. Lewis offers thought-provoking ideas relevant to our time, addressing many erroneous popular notions of modern humans. Lewis explores the concept of glory, relating it to the Christian spiritual journey and the human longing for something greater that bears significance for our daily lives. He argues that our desire for glory is an intimation from God, and we are designed to bear its weight. Our pursuit of worldly pleasures is a distortion because we are meant to seek heavenly joy. Paradoxically, our desires are not too strong but too weak, easily distracted by earthly temptations. According to Lewis, ‘glory’ should not be misunderstood as fame or self-praise but as a divine attribute. Humans are destined to partake in God’s glory, a realization that should inform how we relate to others, as all are partakers of a divine future. In a sermon delivered during World War II, Lewis refutes the argument that the pursuit of learning is futile in wartime, describing this attitude as shortsighted. Life is never free from crisis, and we must continue to learn to inspire hope and progress. Christian life is a spiritual war, and learning is essential to our spiritual growth.

Among other pieces, we read about forgiveness and the perils of seeking social inclusion. Forgiveness is not excusing wrongs but pardoning the inexcusable in others, as Christ did. Seeking social inclusion implies the desire to belong to an exclusive group or society, potentially compromising our principles and distracting us from our duties and moral obligations. In “Transpositions,” Lewis uses the analogy of music to explain how spiritual phenomena are represented in the physical world. Higher forms of existence manifest in lower forms to make them intelligible, like complex music transposed into simple notes for learners. The book also explores pacifism, Church membership, theology, and salvation and grace, highlighting the human effort to follow Jesus, however imperfectly, regardless of the cost.

The righteous Mind: Why People are Divided by Politics and Religion (1900)

Jonathan Haidt.

Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s three-part book explores the psychology behind the divisiveness in religion and politics, attributing it to our natural “groupishness” and selfishness. The issue cannot be simplified as good versus evil; our minds are designed for groupish righteousness. As intuitive creatures, our gut feelings or intuitions control our strategic reasoning. Moral concepts are often conditioned by time, place, and culture. To understand the conflicting morals in politics and religion, it is crucial to consider people’s intuitions over reasoning.

Haidt employs the metaphor of a rider and an elephant to describe the human mindset, where intuition and reason vie for dominance. The elephant represents human intuition—powerful and larger than reason, here the rider. Intuitive reactions come first in mental processes, with reasoning coming second, making our moral judgments largely post-hoc. The rider is reason, which must steer the elephant of intuition. Haidt posits six “moral foundations” that underlie human responses: care, fairness, loyalty, authority, sanctity, and liberty. Liberals and conservatives differ in their priorities—liberals value the first two, while conservatives balance all six, giving them broader appeal. Haidt likens the righteous mind to a tongue with six taste receptors, corresponding to the six moral foundations. Successful politicians appeal to the elephant of the people’s righteous mind using as many receptors as possible—they “knew how to talk to elephants.”  Being groupish and selfish implies that our morality can both bind and blind us. According to Haidt, 90 percent of our choices and actions are selfish/intuitive, and 10 percent are groupish. Social hierarchies prevent chaos, but individual choices are also important. This duality in morality led sociologist Durkheim to describe humans as “homo duplex.”  Conflicts in society can be mitigated by understanding others’ perspectives. However, Haidt’s views have faced criticism from some thinkers.

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The Practicing Mind:  Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life (2012)

Thomas M. Sterner

In this book Thomas M. Sterner argues that self-discipline is the key to success and happiness. He emphasizes that success comes from awareness, patience, disciplined practice, and a willingness to experiment. The author explains that our dissatisfaction often arises from unrealistic expectations and a focus on outcomes rather than the process. Comparing ourselves to others can also lead to frustration. The solution is to cultivate awareness and patience in all areas of life, resulting in greater fulfillment.

Sterner points out that humans often strive for unattainable ideals, influenced by media and marketing that depict perfect, wealthy lives. This leads to high expectations and feelings of inadequacy. Advertisements convince us that our lives are lacking without certain products, fueling this unrealistic pursuit.

Some nuggets of practical wisdom given in the book are:

1. Simplify tasks and take your time to make your goals achievable; goals are guides, not destinations. 2. When your productivity wanes, use the “Do, Observe, Correct” technique. 3. Successful entrepreneurship involves overcoming limiting beliefs, not focusing on money. 4. Zen view: when we advance in our skill level it is harder to concentrate. 5. A habit is the natural way we do something. 6. We never reach a point of feeling “done” in our performance. 7. It’s important to find time to relax. 8. Remain calm, live in the present, and practice with full awareness. 9. Self-control is true power. 10. Developing patience and discipline requires both qualities. 11. Focusing on the process brings the best results. 12. Practice involves deliberate repetition with a goal; learning does not. 13. Avoid self-judgment to conserve energy. 14. Focusing on the process brings inner peace, mastery, and confidence. 15. What we remember is timeless, experienced repeatedly.

Any Friend of God is a Friend of Mine (1996)

Patrick Madrid

In “Any Friend of God is a Friend of Mine,” Patrick Madrid offers a clear, accessible addition to Catholic apologetics. The book addresses Protestant objections to Catholic beliefs about the communion of saints, intercessory prayers, and veneration of saints, which stem from sola scriptura arguments popular since the Reformation. Madrid clarifies the Catholic position, making the book useful for Catholics facing anti-Catholic rhetoric. Madrid addresses criticisms of the “communion of saints” as unbiblical or even necromancy. He argues that Christians, united through Christ, are commanded to love and pray for one another, which justifies asking saints in heaven for their intercession. He critiques the Protestant “Me and Jesus” approach, emphasizing the enduring bond among all Christians. Drawing from the Bible and Church traditions, Madrid explains the Catholic stance through four key ideas.

1. The Church is Christ’s Body: Paul uses the image of the body (Romans) to describe Christian unity, emphasized throughout the New Testament by Christ.
2. Christ has one Body: This includes both the living on earth and those in heaven.
3. Death does not separate Christians: Christ’s victory over death maintains the bond of Christian unity, uniting Christians on earth and in heaven.
4. Christians must love and serve each other: Bound by Christ’s law of charity, this love includes intercessory prayer. The Bible does not restrict this commandment to earth, and there is biblical evidence of saints interceding for us, as shown in Revelation and the Gospels. The “One Mediator” argument is refuted by noting that if asking Christians in heaven to pray for us conflicts with Christ’s mediatorship, so would asking Christians on earth.

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Arnos Pāthiri: Pioneer Indologist & the Forerunner of Kerala Renaissance (2015)

James Puliurumpil.

This biography provides a seven-part study of Johann Ernst Hanxleden (1681– 1732), known in India as Arnos Pāthiri, who significantly influenced Kerala’s cultural and social history. A German Jesuit missionary, Hanxleden is celebrated for his contributions to Malayalam and Sanskrit languages, making him a key figure in Indology. His work introduced Indian culture to the modern world and enriched various disciplines in India, including linguistics and archaeology.

Born near Osnabrück, Germany, Hanxleden joined the Jesuits while studying philosophy. Inspired by Jesuit Wilhelm Weber, he joined the Jesuit mission in Malabar, India. Hanxleden left home in 1699, traveling with Weber and another Jesuit, Wilhelm Meyr. They journeyed across Europe and the Middle East, arriving in Surat in December 1700. After completing his novitiate in Goa, Hanxleden reached the Jesuit Seminary at Sampaloor in Thrissur, Kerala. While preparing for priesthood, he dedicated himself to learning Malayalam and Syriac, the liturgical language of the Syrian Christians of Malabar.

Ordained in 1706, Hanxleden’s missionary life included studies of Sanskrit, Malayalam, Latin, Syriac, Portuguese, and Tamil. He studied with local Sanskrit scholars in Palayoor, becoming the first European Sanskrit scholar and Indologist. He built the Velur Church and served other local churches. Hanxleden died of a snakebite at 51. His remains were later moved to Velur, where he is commemorated with a museum and a heritage church. Hanxleden is honored as a landmark figure in Kerala’s cultural and literary history.

He produced pioneering grammar books in Sanskrit and Malayalam, compiled the first Malayalam lexicon and wrote poetry. His celebrated classic, Puthen Pāna, was the first introduction to the Bible in Malayalam and became a part of Kerala’s Christian lore, traditionally sung during Passion Week. His Grammatica Grandonica is the first Sanskrit grammar study by a European. Hanxleden’s extensive writings on Indian epics showcase his deep knowledge of the subject.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024)

Jonathan Haidt

In this four-part book, leading American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the impact of social media on young minds, attributing the recent surge in mental illness to the digital culture of the past two decades. Focusing mainly on American society, Haidt’s insights are relevant globally, highlighting the dangers of screen addiction among the young. He argues that the shift from play-based childhood to touch-screen entertainment has adversely affected mental health, increasing self-harm and suicide rates.

Haidt critiques the convenience of parents allowing children to use cell phones, which leads to physical and mental passivity, social withdrawal, and weakened character development. He stresses that technology, often seen as a blessing, can also be a curse.

The first chapter links the rise of anxiety and depression in Gen Z (born after 1995) to two main factors: the decline of play-based childhood due to parental over-protection and the advent of smartphones with limitless social media access. This “Great Rewiring of Childhood” has left children overprotected in the real world and under-protected online.

Haidt offers practical advice for reversing this damage, including: 1. Encouraging outdoor play without adult supervision. 2. Embedding children in stable, real-world communities. 3. Delaying the introduction of smartphones and social media accounts. 4. Implementing legislative measures to raise the age of “internet adulthood.” The book calls for collective action from parents, governments, schools, and tech companies to provide a healthier childhood for the growing generation.

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The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case against Scientism (2012)

John G West (Editor)

This collection of essays by 10 prominent contemporary intellectuals delves into C.S. Lewis’s critique of modern science-oriented civilization, where science is often elevated to a secular form of religion. Lewis challenges the prevailing notion of scientism, which sees science as the sole source of truth and wisdom, and warns against its dehumanizing effects on society. He argues that while science is valuable within its domain, when it encroaches into areas beyond its scope, it leads to detrimental consequences. Lewis compares science to magic, highlighting how both can be akin to religions, fostering strong beliefs and authority figures within their respective fields. He emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in the face of ideologies masquerading as science. Ultimately, Lewis advocates for a broader understanding of human knowledge that acknowledges the limitations of science and embraces the richness of other disciplines, including religion, in providing meaning and understanding to human existence.

Science fiction often exploits a magical worldview, celebrating great scientists like Darwin and Einstein. Evolutionism, stemming from Darwin’s Theory, suggests matter can guide itself, an irrational concept. If our minds are products of irrational processes, how can we trust them to be rational? Scientism, akin to ancient magicians seeking control through knowledge, fosters a dangerous quest for power without ethical constraints, risking disaster. To safeguard humanity’s future, we must curb the influence of scientism and subject science to ethical oversight. Understanding the natural world’s design and its relationship with the supernatural is crucial for preserving human freedom and dignity, making it a matter of life and death.

The Way of Perfection –

St. Teresa of Avila

One of the timeless classics of Catholic spirituality, authored by the Spanish Carmelite mystic and reformer, Teresa of Avila, offers profound insights into the essence of spiritual life. With a focus on monastic living, the book comprises 42 chapters, serving as a practical guide to a prayerful existence. Teresa, the first woman Doctor of the Church, shares her teachings and counsels her fellow sisters towards spiritual perfection. Emphasizing her own experiences and insights gained through prayer, she highlights key pillars such as fraternal love, detachment from worldly possessions, and genuine humility. Each chapter begins with a summary of the key ideas presented.

These are:

1. The importance of prayer as prime duty, with fasts, penances, and silence as essential
2. The indwelling presence of God attained through the solitude within
3. Vocal prayers should be said with mindful attention.
4. “Recollection” involves gathering one’s faculties to be with God.
5. Meditation serves as the initial step towards acquiring virtues.
6. Commence prayer by acknowledging God’s intimate presence.
7. Prayer of Quiet entails surrendering the will, leading to spiritual joy.
8. Contemplation, a divine gift, surpasses natural abilities.
9. Poverty encompasses various virtues, granting dominion over earthly goods.
10. Detachment involves prioritizing God over worldly possessions.
11. Mortification of the body aids in overcoming self-indulgence.
12. Humility is the true measure of spiritual progress, crucial for prayer.
13. Perseverance ensures victory in spiritual battles.
14. Holy friendship aims at promoting virtue in others.
15. Obedience to God’s will is the central virtue emphasized by Teresa.
16. Trials and temptations are divine means of guiding believers towards fulfillment.
17. Teresa highlights the trans-formative power of the Eucharist and the importance of faith.

The final chapter reflects on the Lord’s Prayer, particularly the plea to be delivered from evil.

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