“If you have already accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines will deliberately remain in your mind for some time each day. This is why daily prayers, religious readings, and church attendance are necessary parts of the Christian life. We must continually remind ourselves of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. You have to feed him. » CS Lewis, a brilliant Christian author, understood the importance of spiritual reading in strengthening a person’s faith. To use his analogy, without it, we will starve.
In this year’s annual fall book review, we offer seven selections to support you on your faith journey:
Scrupulousness: Heal your mind, loose your soul, and let God work
By Kevin Vost, Psy.D.
OSV, $18.95
In Scrupulousness: Heal your mind, loose your soul, and let God work, author and psychologist Dr. Kevin Vost — who died in April 2023 — provides a comprehensive overview of the ancient and current psychological and theological understanding of scrupulosity and how those who suffer from it can find peace and healing. If you’ve ever wondered what causes compulsiveness, or fear you may have one, Dr. Vost not only addresses these concerns, but reassures readers that “faith will be at the forefront as we We will strive to fly like eagles, moving away.” of scruple on the angel’s wing of faith. Drawing on the strength of Christ and the understanding that comes from knowledge, each chapter ends with a “Holy Lesson for Scrupulous Souls,” advice from those we know have reached heaven after their own struggles against the “traps of scruple”.
The Leaven of the Saints: Bringing Christ to a Fallen World
By Dawn Marie Beutner
Ignatius Press, $19.95
You will learn about and appreciate the heroic yet very human lives of a wide variety of saints in this new book by Catholic convert and author Dawn Marie Beutner. “Leaven” is defined as “an all-pervading influence that changes something or transforms it for the better,” and “Leaven of the Saints” contains dozens of examples of saints, religious orders, and saint-related topics that did exactly that. Conveniently organized around Christian witness, with chapters on doctors of the Church, “holy shepherds,” religious life, popes, the Virgin Mary, married saints and more, the book also includes a bibliography to expand your reading and an index of names.
Church Councils: 100 questions and answers
By Paul Senz
Ignatius Press, $16.95
More than a history of the 21 ecumenical councils, author Paul Senz uses a question and answer format to provide a practical and theological explanation of these important meetings of the Church. Over the course of 100 questions — divided into four sections (general, historical, theological and controversial) — Senz gives the historical context that led to each council, the reasons it was convened, the major events that occurred during the council and the impact of his teachings, both historical and current. Readers will also discover the foundations of the teaching power of bishops as successors of the apostles as a body in union with the pope under the protection of the Holy Spirit.
Love in Recovery: The story of a woman who freed herself from shame and recovered from her pornography addiction
By Rachael Killackey
Ave Maria Press, $17.95
When people talk about the raging monster of pornography in our culture, they are most often referring to men. But women too struggle with pornography addiction; in fact, some studies suggest that one in three porn addicts are women. Rachel Killackey was one of these women. However, since finding hope and healing in Christ, she has made it her mission to help other women emerge from darkness through her ministry, Magdala Ministries. His new book, To like Recovery, is a continuation of his ministry in which Killackey shares his story and offers compassionate, down-to-earth advice for identifying the doors to pornography addiction, its complexities, and the path to recovery. In a review of the book, licensed clinical psychologist Julia Sadusky said the book “is an important contribution to a much-needed conversation in our Church about female sex addiction.”
Oriens
By Father Joël Sember
OSV, $20.95
Oriens invites us all to embark on a life-changing journey, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, through the Feast of the Presentation, February 2. Oriens is a Latin word meaning “rising” and “dawn”. Each day, this pilgrimage brings you closer to “the dawn on high,” as you learn to pray and think more deeply with the Scriptures. Father Joel Sember provides daily scripture passages, guidance on how to pray with each passage, and questions for reflection and journaling. Oriens is a wonderful guide to intensify your preparation for Advent and celebration of Christmas, allowing God to speak directly to your heart.
Science, reason and faith: discovering the Bible
By Father Robert J. Spitzer, SJ
OSV, $34.95
Father Spitzer is an internationally renowned Jesuit philosopher who, in this new book, tackles the heart’s longing for answers to life’s deepest questions: Who are we? What is our purpose in this vast universe? How can we reconcile the existence of evil with the search for meaning in life? In the pages of Science, Reason and Faith, readers are invited to confront the tensions and conflicts that often arise when these areas intersect. Father Spitzer’s thoughtful and illuminating analysis leads us to see that it is precisely in this intersection that Truth is found. “Science, Reason and Faith” is a must-read for those seeking to reconcile their thirst for scientific knowledge with their desire for religious faith.
Confession of a Catholic Worker: Our Moment of Christian Witness
By Larry Chapp
Ignatius Press, $17.95
In a world seemingly overrun by capitalism’s unchecked excesses, cultural decline, and ideological polarization, Chapp’s perspective is refreshingly unconventional. He argues that crisis is an inherent facet of the Christian experience, and it is from this perspective that he recommends a profound reevaluation of our values and actions. In a society stifled by materialism and greed, Chapp challenges us to embrace the gospel’s call to radical love and an unwavering commitment to living by the principles of the Sermon on the Mount. The choice to embrace Jesus Christ and his gospel beyond all worldly concerns is at the heart of Chapp’s message, and he delivers it with compelling urgency.