http://www.goodreads.com/user/updates_rss/669065 en-US Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:53:30 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 29922600 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:53:30 -0700 Review26160745 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/26160745 to: The Essential Pope Benedict XVI: His Central Writings and Speeches (Hardcover) by John F. Thornton
The strength of this book is in the writings of Cardinal Ratzinger/ Pope Benedict XVI. He is a brilliant writer who expresses himself clearly and is easy to understand. This book presents a great selection from various homilies, speeches, and excerpts from several larger books. The weakness lies in how some of these texts are ordered. Having said that, the excerpts do provide an incentive to dive into the full works which they were drawn from. It is also excellent that Deus Caritas Est was included at the end in its entirety. This is certainly a nice introduction into Pope Benedict XVI's writings, and the vast expanse of his writings before being elected Pope, but the excerpts are nowhere near as satisfying as diving into the texts themselves. ]]> 29921854 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:47:43 -0700 Review26160163 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/26160163 to: The Priestly Office: A Theological Reflection (Paperback) by Avery Robert Cardinal Dulles
In this collection of five lectures Cardinal Dulles draws from Church teaching and a diverse group of theologians to flesh out the understanding of the priesthood. His main focus is to present a concept of ministerial priesthood which is, "coherent with he biblical data, with the catholic tradition, and with the teaching of Vatican II." Through developing these themes what emerges is an appreciation for the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood, as well as the difference between the two. Dulles presents a strong case against those that want to clericalize the laity and laicize the clergy. ]]> 25687144 Fri, 23 May 2008 20:31:47 -0700 Review22841599 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/22841599 to: The Concept of Sin (Paperback) by Josef Pieper
In this short work, Pieper clarifies some of the notions of sin. He uses a philosophical standpoint, clearly illustrating how the concept of sin, and even the difference between venial and mortal sin is something that is present in the writings of many times and cultures, though certainly Christianity brings it into a new dimension. His development in this work provides many insights and approaches to pondering these questions that ultimately approach eternity. ]]> 21945820 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:24:00 -0700 Review19979453 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/19979453 to: Spiritual Friendship (Cistercian Fathers 5) by Aelred of Rievaulx
This book was a nourishing and insightful read. Writing in the style of aa Platonic dialog Aelred builds off of the insights of Cicero, the writings of the Church Fathers, his own experience of life in common as well as his experience of the depths of friendship in order to present this series of dialogs on the joys of friendship. He offers much wisdom for choosing and keeping friends. Much of what he has to say would fly in the face of today's outlook, but it certainly resonates with the desire of a soul to seek companionship and spiritual communion in the journey of life. This treasure trove of wisdom is certainly useful in coming to a deeper appreciation of the riches we have or should desire to have in our friends. ]]> 21211685 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:51:12 -0700 Review19412218 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/19412218 to: Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel (Paperback) by Rolf Potts
]]> 21096094 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:30:26 -0700 Review19324472 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/19324472 to: On Christian Teaching (Oxford World's Classics) by Augustine of Hippo
]]> 20465280 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:32:12 -0700 Review18818193 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/18818193 to: Four Cardinal Virtues: Theology (Paperback) by Josef Pieper
This book contains four separate sections, one on each of the cardinal virtues. In each of these, Pieper takes a look at the virtue as defined, or often mis-defined by the contemporary world and he contrasts this with how the Church in general and St. Thomas in particular understand that given virtue. What emerges is a picture of true humanity. Often what the world offers us is appealing but insufficient, God calls us to go deeper and strive to reach higher, and in return He promises us true joy. This is a challenging but rewarding read. The insights it provides leave much to ponder as to how we can truly begin to live more richly in God's plan for us. ]]> 19909940 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:40:15 -0700 Review18373809 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/18373809 to: Priestblock 25487: A Memoir of Dachau (Paperback) by Jean Bernard
This book is a fast paced and sobering account of the depth to which man's inhumanity can sink, and also of the strength which man can gain from faith and uniting his suffering to that of Christ. ]]> 19874979 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:01:23 -0700 Review18344298 http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/18344298 to: Images of Hope: Meditations on Major Feasts (Hardcover) by Pope Benedict-XVI
This book is a collection of short reflections for major feasts throughout the Church's calendar. In each of them the Pope (then Cardinal Ratzinger), highlights a theme or two in order to draw the deeper significance of the feast into greater focus. He provides theological, and historical background, and rich mediations on how these holy days impact the lives of each believer. These reflections are easy to read but they are profound in what they draw forth. This book certainly provides an impetus for a fresh look at many days like Christmas or Easter which are rich in their spiritual treasures, but which may have become commonplace in our eyes because the world has run amok with them.
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