Best Christian Mariology
Our Catholic spirituality is constantly inviting us to establish the deep roots of order in our lives, and one of the best ways I know to do that is by praying the Rosary. It reaches deep down into our souls and puts us at ease, creating a peace that is rare and beautiful. It makes me a better son, brother, husband, father, employer, neighbor, citizen, and member of the human family. Develop a habit of praying the Rosary, and discover the treasures of this powerful, ancient prayer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"with my children, many times over to just finishing this read and devouring it in 4 sittings over 2 days. It all Started with 'Rediscover Advent' back in 2015, and now in the fall of 2017 I am reading 'Rediscover the Rosary' and absolutely loved it. Well To start with everything I have read by Matthew Kelly has been excellent, he writes in such an engaging and succinct style. And I feel this statement by Matthew is bang on: "Prayer makes me a better person. It makes me a better friend, a better father, a better husband, a better son and brother, a better employer and leader, a better citizen of this country, and a better member of the human family. It makes me a better son, brother, husband, father, employer, neighbor, citizen, and a better member of the human family. It brings an incredible peace; it teaches us to slow down, calm down, let go, surrender, and listen. Generally I have discovered that when I make time for this simple but profound practice of prayer, I am a better person. When I have the discipline to pray the Rosary regularly, I seem to have a certain calmness and a heightened awareness, which makes me more readily disposed to living a life of virtue." Kelly does not present a formula, but he speaks from his own experience and the benefits from praying it more often. This is another great read by Matthew Kelly, and I know reading and applying the advice in it, will help transform your prayer life, your life, and help you become the best version of yourself!"
"Bought for the wife as a Christmas gift and she enjoys it."
"Easy to read and understand."
"As usual Matthew Kelly's books teach me a lot about the topic."
"I am a huge Matthew Kelly fan and this book is great."
"Matthew Kelly's work is renewing the Church."
"Easy to read and very wonderful ly written."
"Kelly is an outstanding author."
Mary of Agreda (1601-1664) by the Blessed Mother herself, The Mystical City of God is an amazing collection of four books of revelations about the life of Mary and the divine plan for creation and the salvation of souls that has been enthralling readers for centuries. Composed of the Conception, Incarnation, Transfixion and Coronation, this magnificent narrative takes the reader through the various stages of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, plus it reveals all sorts of facts about our entire salvation history. Mother Mary of Jesus died in 1665 at the age of sixty-three, and less than ten years later was declared venerable by Pope Clement X.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"No matter where you are on your journey this book will give you inspiration to assend higher."
"Prompt service."
"Very good condition and happily received."
"A mind broadening perspective."
"It is what I expected and I am still reading it and will be for awhile."
"This was purchased as a gift and was very well received."
"Beautiful books."
"This is a great set of books, I would highly recommend the purchase."
From the cross Jesus gave us his mother to be our mother, too: a singularly holy model, consoler, and intercessor for our spiritual journey. Tim Staples respectfully but clearly answers every conceivable Protestant objection to Mary, the Mother of God. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., EWTN host and author of Mary: Virgin, Mother, and Queen. Tim Staples presents a remarkable defense of the six major Marian doctrines, including a veritable compendium of source material from the Bible, Fathers, and Church documents.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have seen other reviews who suggested that this book may be intended for those who are ready for take a deep plunge into Mariology and learn more profoundly the Marian doctrines and dogmas. The book is divided up into five parts: Part I: Mother of God. Part II: Full of Grace. Part III: Ever-Virgin. Part IV: Assumed into Heaven. Part V: Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix. Each part has sub chapters and categories that deal at length Mary and her role in each doctrine that are chalk-full of biblical and historical/traditional reference. However, I'd almost expect this sort of heavy biblical reference as Protestants tend to gravitate to Sola-Scriptura."
"Excellent read."
"Behold your mother is an excellent book on Marian doctrines, the Church's teachings about Mary are together with the mysteries of Christ."
"That man was of course Tim Staples, and I can think of no one more appropriate to write a Catholic apologetics book on Mary. It could have been titled "Mary and Fundamentalism" as, like Keating's book, it is written to defend Catholic doctrine (on Mary) by appealing in large part to the bible while also interacting with some of the strongest non-Catholic Christian objections. For example, Staples critiques Eric Svensen's claim that "Mary is the mother of some of Jesus." Part 1 defends the Mary's title Theotokos or "Mother of God." Hence we know that when Staples is critiquing their arguments, he is critiquing some of the best arguments against the claims of the Catholic Church available (and of course in my mind, doing it quite successfully). Staples argues convincingly that "full of grace" is a name given to Mary that signifies a reality within her. I foresee a Protestant being able to neutralize many of the arguments given by Staples simply by shedding doubt upon how exactly this phrase is translated. It seems reasonable for a Protestant to say "Look, I agree that many things about Mary you are claiming follow IF Kecharitomene is translated as "full of grace." Clearly I would be extremely happy to be proven wrong about this, but in order to be fair and not hold a Protestant to a standard I would not hold myself to, I currently see this as being a slight weakness of this argument (as, unless I missed it, Staples never argued exactly why it is clear that Kecharitomene must be translated as "full of grace"). Now that being said, this second Part also gives the best defense of Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant I have ever read. Staples also gives an argument for the Immaculate Conception based on Mary being "blessed." Staples also gives some excellent insights into the "Mary as new Eve" argument. In addition to the many parallels, he points out that while Eve received her human nature from only one person (Adam), so Jesus received his human nature form only one person (Mary) and that these are the only pairs of people in the history of the world for this to happen to. Part II ends with Staples answering many common Protestant objections from scripture. Finally, Staples points out that just as Jesus fulfilled and was totally obedient to all the Jewish laws perfectly (e.g. circumcision) as well as being baptized because it was "fitting" (and NOT because he needed it), so too Mary was obedient to the law. As is one of the themes of the book, Staples goes on to say why belief in the perpetual virginity of Mary matters. Staples shows that these supposed brothers cannot be uterine brothers by noting through other biblical evidence that some have a different mother and others a different father than Mary and Joseph, respectively. Once again, Staples addresses an argument by Protestant Eric Svensen who claims that the Greek word for "until" necessarily implies the action the existence of the action it is modifying. This is the one doctrine where all of a sudden, many Protestants become quite interested in whether or not such a teaching can be found in ancient antiquity and sure enough, since this one has a reputation as being "the latest Catholic doctrine found in history," Protestants are quick to note that it wasn't until at least 499 or so that we see any mention of it. What is interesting about this part is that it isn't focused so much on Mary per se, but rather on the Catholic doctrine of justification."
"Excellent book!"
"Staples gives sound reasoning, Tradition, and biblical support in response to many Protestant objections to Marian dogmas."
"Tim Staples explains every Marian dogma in clear historical and scriptural terms."
"This is a good read for Catholics and would-be Catholics."
Best Catholic Theology
Bestselling author, Scott Hahn illuminates a fresh and enlightening perspective on Mary, Mother of God, and her central importance in the Christian faith . Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God is theologian Scott Hahn's follow-up to his bestselling The Lamb's Supper . Readers outside Catholicism who are mystified by the centrality of Mary in Catholic devotion, and Catholics who wish to become more knowledgeable and reflective about a central aspect of their faith, will be especially drawn to Hail, Holy Queen . Hahn also deals carefully with the Catholic Church's teaching on Mary's immaculate conception and assumption into heaven, and answers the objections of those who, as he once did, regard devotion to Mary as akin to goddess worship. Although he writes mainly to enlighten fellow Catholics about the basis for the Church's great reverence for Mary, Hahn's well-researched work will be instructive to anyone interested in the history of the Church's teaching on this subject.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A very well written book that has increased my relationship with my Blessed Mother it has been a beautiful way to increase my faith I do recommend."
"This time he took me through a topic I love: why we should love and honor our Blessed Mother, the Mother of God."
"I've read many of this author's books and he never disappoints."
"Much prefer Life of Union with Mary and True Devotion to Mary!"
"Interesting and informative."
Best Roman Catholicism
Beautifully written, in clear direct language, bestselling Catholic author Scott Hahn's new book will help readers see the Mass with new eyes, pray the liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the Mass more fully, enthusiastically, intelligently, and powerfully than ever before. The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth reawakens a surprising ancient view of the Eucharist, as the harbinger of the supernatural drama described by the New Testament book of Revelation.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If you have any questions about what the Catholic mass represents this is a book that really will inlighten your understanding of what is taking place at the altar of Christ."
"Totally made Mass much clearer, as to why we do what we do and pray what we pray as Catholics during our celebration of the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Word."
"Awesome book!"
"Helps one understand that Mass is not just a service to go to, it more a family meal."
"awesome book!!"
"Truly a marvelous connecting of the dots."
"Scott Hahn is my favorite spiritual author."
"Dr. Hahn uses his deep understanding of the Old and New Testaments to reveal the presence of the Mass in all its glory in the Book of Revelations."
Best Self Help for Catholics
A collection of homilies, speeches, and “messages of the day” that brings together Pope Francis’s wisdom on finding happiness in the here and now For Pope Francis, the appreciation of our everyday lives is a spiritual undertaking. Every homily and speech in this book delivers, in warm, engaging language accessible to believers and nonbelievers alike, a key lesson, instructing readers on finding love and happiness in a chaotic world. Along the way, Pope Francis discusses the sanctity of women’s rights, talks about how the love of sports can bring out our best qualities, and explains why fighting discrimination is the essence of loving thy neighbor. “Though the title of the book mentions happiness, this collection of thoughts addresses something much deeper—joy. Bringing together excerpts from Pope Francis’s sermons, speeches, prayers, and addresses, these pieces address a range of themes, from mercy and humility to simplicity and family. Bringing together excerpts from Pope Francis’s sermons, speeches, prayers, and addresses, these pieces address a range of themes, from mercy and humility to simplicity and family. A book as loving and encouraging as the man himself seems to be.”— Booklist “With this wide-ranging collection of writings, homilies, and addresses, the current pontiff dispels any notion that religious practice is dour and antiquated. It brings together the pope’s most affecting passages to inspire Catholics (and those of other faiths) to lift up those around them.”— Publishers Weekly “Reminiscent of the gentle encouragement of the Dalai Lama .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Being a Human Person through the meditation of our Holy Father, the Pope. Pope Francis’ book focuses on “A Passionate Meditation on Earthly Existence”. He divides his meditation into four major sections: “Your Search for a Meaningful Life, You and Others: Happiness in Your Relationships, A Hundredfold Reward, Plus Suffering (and lastly), Those Who Pray Live Serenely.” The Pope as a major influence in our society starts his meditation with the recitation of the Beatitudes. Some of the homilies include topics such as: never be afraid to take the risk of being happy and Jesus’s choice is our freedom In the next section, there are homilies about how we should be as a human person with Christ as the center the joy of God is the presence of Jesus among us. The Pope helps us to think/pray about the fact that in our society many chose to live alone as a meaningful way of experiencing God in their lives. I would recommend each of us to read this book as our Pope helps us to deepen and broaden our relationship with Christ and His Church in order to make our society more filled with compassion, mercy and kindness."
"This is exactly what I expected - perfect!"
"My friend was thrilled to receive the book."
"Per the translator, Oonagh Stransky, this book is a collection of “excerpts from homilies, speeches, meetings, addresses, and exhortations delivered by Pope Francis since 2013.” These words explain how to find happiness in THIS life and are broken down into five sections: * Introduction: The Path of Happiness. * Your Search for a Meaningful Life. * You and Others: Happiness in Your Relationships. * A Hundredfold Reward – Plus Suffering. * They Who Pray Live Serenely. Great collection, culminating in a selection of prayers (some written by the Pope himself), which many people are sure to find inspirational."
"This easy to read collection of parts of sermons, speeches, meetings, addresses, and exhortations by Pope Francis since 2013 do, of course, emphasize the importance of adoring and serving Jesus and his mother Mary and being a good Catholic. The book contains very conservative notions such as his warning to women who assume “roles that have been copied from the male domain and that ignore the precious feminine traits that characterize womanhood.” It includes religious ideas such as “They who pray live serenely.” And “The real Christian prayer says: Father.” But it also has many remarks that could be helpful to non-Catholics, even atheists, because the book speaks about living a happy life and how to do it. For example, the collector of his remarks includes the following: If there is one thing that characterizes the saints, it is that they are genuinely happy."