A Reason to Live! A Reason to Die!: A New Look at Faith in God

by John Joseph Powell, Patricia E. Ricci (Illustrator)

A Reason to Live! A Reason to Die!: A New Look at Faith in God [Jun 01, 1972] Powell, John

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality

197 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1972

About the author

John Joseph Powell (aka John Powell) was a Jesuit priest and author, and brother of Rita Donlan and William Powell.

He received elementary-school education at the John B. Murphy public school in Chicago. In June 1943, Powell graduated from the Loyola Academy in Chicago. In August 1943, he entered the Society of Jesus at Milford, Ohio. In the fall of 1947, he began a three-year course in philosophy at West Baden College, and enrolled in Loyola University, where he took a Bachelor of Arts degree the following June. He began graduate work at Loyola in 1948 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1956.

Powell worked at West Baden University (1961-1965), the Bellarmine School of Theology of Loyola University (1965-1968) and Loyola University (1968-2001), where he became an associate professor of theology and psychology. Powell was a proponent of humanistic Catholicism and wrote many books mostly dealing with psychology and Catholic theology, and conducted spiritual retreats along with his counseling work. He later retired in Michigan and allegedly died with Alzheimer's disease.



(Arabic: الأب جان باول اليسوعي)

Reviews

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has definitely been a factor in my turn back to faith. Although it was published in 1972, when Powell writes about the Secular City, he might well have been speaking about our modern ways. Although I didn't agree with some of the generalisations he made of the irreligious, I guess one has to bear in mind that this book was meant for a different time.

Powell writes in a very lucid way, and this is definitely a book touched by God's grace. He anticipates my own questions before I ask them and has corrected my hitherto "Sunday School" view of faith. This is a definitely a must-read for those trying to find their way into faith, or need to clarify their own doubts about faith. Some background knowledge of the Catholic church might be required though.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is now a "dated" read, but I enjoy the thinking processes of S.J. Powell, nonetheless.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is GREAT. Secular vs. religious, it is our choice to decide whether we believe in something enough to have a reason to live or a reason to die for it. If we do not have a belief strong enough to live or die for it, what is the point in living at all? Is there one? This book really dives deep into those same questions I highly recommend. I think it’s also funny how he and Ted K. come to the same conclusion, but different solutions, perhaps that’s why I like this book so much.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book on relationship with God and others