Fr. John's reading list

Sometimes attacks on our Faith are only misunderstandings and teaching opportunities in disguise. Dr. Christopher Haczor, Ph.D agrees with some legitimate concerns, but also calls out the extremists who misrepresent the faith, creating a caricature of faith, that is easily dismissed. This is a solid book about cultural apologetics. Fr. John

A great social and economic history of late classical antiquity. How did Medieval Christianity become driven by wealth, patronage and corruption? It really wasn't Constantine. The story is more complex The answer is rooted in the well-meaning bishops and wealthy of the failing Roman Empire, a culture that had lost its way. Fr. John

Dr. Holly Ordway's book on apologetics and the imagination is a good starting place on the fundamentals of evangelization. How do we explain God to the indifferent? First, make sure you are talking about the same thing. An enjoyable read. Fr. John

“Men despise religion”, writes Pascal. “They hate it, and fear it is true.” Dr. Nelson and I certainly believe it is true. First consider the problem as Dr. Nelson describes it. Then, consider the remedy. This book is a very accessible work of apologetics. Please consider reading it. Fr. John

The early Church fathers, that is, the formative figures following the death of the apostles, have had a huge impact on the Church. Stretching roughly from the Second to the Seventh Century, they are our window into how the faith developed, grew and influenced the entire world. Very interesting theological history. Fr. John

"The Mindful Catholic" harnesses psychology's insights into human anxiety and its causes with suggestions about how we can avoid being oppressed by worry and distraction. This is not a book of prayer but is an approach to calming the mind in order to pray or escape unwanted thoughts. Fr. John

Dr. Stephen Barr, Ph.D is a physicist who writes with great insight into the relationship between faith and science. Read my review.Fr. John

N.T. Wright, the great Episcopalian biblical scholar, specializes in the study of St. Paul, his letters and early Christianity. This is a great story about Paul, what he wrote and what he did. This will greatly increase your understanding of the early years of the Church and the New Testament. Fr. John

Two wonderful novels about the Catholic priesthood Nobody writes funny catholic priests like J.F. Powers. Morte de Urban was one of two novels he wrote about Catholic priests. Winner of The 1963 National Book Award for Fiction. Wheat that Springeth Green was not so noticed, but is a funny and moving novel in its own right. Fr. John

A very thoughtful meditation on Benedictine Spirituality. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., is a trustworthy guide through the twelve steps of humility. Are you looking for an understandable spiritual path through work and prayer. Try reading Humility Rules. Fr. John

A classic Catholic novel penned by Sigrid Undset in the 1920s. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Kristin is one, stubborn married woman in 1300s Norway. She is also a devout Catholic. Marriage, children, Norwegian history and pagan beliefs. A terrific Catholic and literary classic.. Fr. John

Alister Edgar McGrath FRSA is a Northern Irish theologian, priest, intellectual historian, scientist, Christian apologist, and public intellectual. I have read several of his books. He is an ordained priest of the Church of England and is a thoughtful commentator on science, faith and atheism. Well worth the read if you want to understand modern atheism through the lense of a former atheist, now believer and British to boot. Fr. John

Blaise Pascal, the famous 17th century mathematician, writer, physicist, Catholic philosopher and theologian is explained in easy to understand prose by the great Dr. Peter Kreeft. A great reading plan is to read the best from the past as well as the most thoughtful books of the present. Dr. Kreeft has combined both in one thoughtful book. Highly recommended. Fr. John