Monday, June 27, 2005
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Amazon's Top Ten Catholic Bestsellers (June 26, 2005)
I am always amazed at this list and what it tells me about Catholics at any given moment.
Right now: Knowing who Benedict XVI is a priority. Learning more about the Mass continues to be an issue. Reclaiming pride in our Catholic heritage is welcomed and defending our faith against the attacks of other Christians is an issue. And Nouwen is still a perenial favorite!
The List... and my comments on each in italics.
1. How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization
by Thomas E. Woods Jr
Good book, gives you all the Catholic origins of science, universities and other things that you would think in modern times have nothing to do with being Catholic.
2. The Rise of Benedict XVI: The Inside Story of How the Pope Was Elected and Where He Will Take the Catholic Church
by John L. Allen Jr.
If you enjoy Allen's Word From Rome column as I do, you'll love this book, same conversational, almost gosippy tone.
3. God Is Near Us: The Eucharist, the Heart of Life
by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, et al
Of the Pope Benedict liturgy titles I actually like this one the least in stark contrast to #5 which I think is one of the best books that I have ever read on the Eucharist.
4.Return of the Prodigal Son
by Henri Nouwen
Jesus revealed God as the one who is always awaiting us,loves us more than we can ever know. I believe this book is the oldest on the list.
5. The Spirit of the Liturgy
by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, et al
The title comes from a Guardini classic that the Pope enjoyed as a young man. This is absolutely the vade mecum that any liturgist out there should read and take to heart. Should be required reading for all priests. Knowing that the author is now the pope gives us great hope for the future!
6. The Catholic Verses: 95 Bible Passages That Confound Protestants
by Dave Armstrong
Dave Armstrong is a great apologist for Catholics. He has a web site if you'd like to check him out first. Several of Dave's books are in the Catholic top 100. I have worked with him on The New Catholic Answer Bible
and a pamphlet Top Ten Questions Catholics Are Asked
.
7. The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth
by Scott Hahn
Scott shows how the Book of Revelation is really all about the Mass!
8. Salt of the Earth: The Church at the End of the Millennium: An Interview With Peter Seewald
by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Adrian Walker (Translator)
An interview with Cardinal Ratizinger that led the interviewee(then an aetheist)to convert--chances are it'll have the same effect on you even if you think you already are a believer!
9. The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
by Michael Dubruiel
I wrote this one,it has been a Catholic bestseller on Amazon for a long time now. I have a follow-up book that was just released a month ago that is a quick read entitled, How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist
10. Dark Night of the Soul : A Masterpiece in the Literature of Mysticism by St. John of the Cross
by E. Allison Peers (Translator), St. John of the Cross
Obviously this is the oldest book on the list and somewhat of a surprise I might add. Might this be indicative that a lot of people are going through a "dark night" right now?
Right now: Knowing who Benedict XVI is a priority. Learning more about the Mass continues to be an issue. Reclaiming pride in our Catholic heritage is welcomed and defending our faith against the attacks of other Christians is an issue. And Nouwen is still a perenial favorite!
The List... and my comments on each in italics.
1. How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization
by Thomas E. Woods Jr
Good book, gives you all the Catholic origins of science, universities and other things that you would think in modern times have nothing to do with being Catholic.
2. The Rise of Benedict XVI: The Inside Story of How the Pope Was Elected and Where He Will Take the Catholic Church
by John L. Allen Jr.
If you enjoy Allen's Word From Rome column as I do, you'll love this book, same conversational, almost gosippy tone.
3. God Is Near Us: The Eucharist, the Heart of Life
by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, et al
Of the Pope Benedict liturgy titles I actually like this one the least in stark contrast to #5 which I think is one of the best books that I have ever read on the Eucharist.
4.Return of the Prodigal Son
by Henri Nouwen
Jesus revealed God as the one who is always awaiting us,loves us more than we can ever know. I believe this book is the oldest on the list.
5. The Spirit of the Liturgy
by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, et al
The title comes from a Guardini classic that the Pope enjoyed as a young man. This is absolutely the vade mecum that any liturgist out there should read and take to heart. Should be required reading for all priests. Knowing that the author is now the pope gives us great hope for the future!
6. The Catholic Verses: 95 Bible Passages That Confound Protestants
by Dave Armstrong
Dave Armstrong is a great apologist for Catholics. He has a web site if you'd like to check him out first. Several of Dave's books are in the Catholic top 100. I have worked with him on The New Catholic Answer Bible
and a pamphlet Top Ten Questions Catholics Are Asked.7. The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth
by Scott Hahn
Scott shows how the Book of Revelation is really all about the Mass!
8. Salt of the Earth: The Church at the End of the Millennium: An Interview With Peter Seewald
by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Adrian Walker (Translator)
An interview with Cardinal Ratizinger that led the interviewee(then an aetheist)to convert--chances are it'll have the same effect on you even if you think you already are a believer!
9. The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
by Michael Dubruiel
I wrote this one,it has been a Catholic bestseller on Amazon for a long time now. I have a follow-up book that was just released a month ago that is a quick read entitled, How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist
10. Dark Night of the Soul : A Masterpiece in the Literature of Mysticism by St. John of the Cross
by E. Allison Peers (Translator), St. John of the Cross
Obviously this is the oldest book on the list and somewhat of a surprise I might add. Might this be indicative that a lot of people are going through a "dark night" right now?
Pope Benedict: "Watch how you drive this summer!"
From his Angelus message today...>>> AsiaNews.it <<< An invitation from the Pope to the celebration of Peter and Paul: a “feast” of the Catholic Church.:
"At the end of June, which marks the start of the summer season for countries of the planet’s northern hemisphere, many people start their holidays. While auguring to all some serene days of deserved rest and relaxation, I want to appeal for prudence among those who are on the road headed for their holiday homes. Every day, unfortunately, especially at the weekend, road accidents are reported, with the tragic loss of many human lives, and more than half of victims are young. In recent years, much has been done to prevent such traffic events, but more can and must be done with the input and commitment of all. There is a need to fight distraction and superficiality, which in an instant could ruin one’s own future and that of others. Life is precious and unique: it must always be respected and protected, even through correct and careful behaviour on the streets.”
"
"At the end of June, which marks the start of the summer season for countries of the planet’s northern hemisphere, many people start their holidays. While auguring to all some serene days of deserved rest and relaxation, I want to appeal for prudence among those who are on the road headed for their holiday homes. Every day, unfortunately, especially at the weekend, road accidents are reported, with the tragic loss of many human lives, and more than half of victims are young. In recent years, much has been done to prevent such traffic events, but more can and must be done with the input and commitment of all. There is a need to fight distraction and superficiality, which in an instant could ruin one’s own future and that of others. Life is precious and unique: it must always be respected and protected, even through correct and careful behaviour on the streets.”
"
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Matthew Fox Nails His 95 Theses for a New Reformation
He converted to the Episcopal church but evidently not entirely because he is still worried about what we are doing...MercuryNews.com | 06/25/2005 | Ex-priest calls for `New Reformation'
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