Books Archives

Bishop calls on the media to take a hard look in the mirror

Analysis
September 4, 2017

Mass communication has become the arbiter of people’s social status, and has modified the family structure, reducing the traditional role of authority. That’s according to Italian Bishop Mario Toso. In a new book, he warns that modern media can manipulate and indoctrinate the public, thereby compromising a person’s freedom of judgment and autonomy to make decisions.

Hope is not selfish, it seeks the good of the whole community

Interviews
September 4, 2017

To see what this hope looks like, examine the beatitudes of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. They depict the exemplary form of the hopeful life: One in which we pursue the future kingdom in a life of justice and mercy. Though the hopeful should avoid secular “worldliness,” they should be invested in society.

Is the “Marian Option” the key to saving civilization?

Interviews
July 18, 2017

If we want to talk about conversions, protection from enemies, battling heresy, building culture and so on, Mary’s influence is unparalleled. In “The Marian Option,” Dr. Carrie Gress says even if it does appear that the power of evil is winning in today’s world, we know that Mary is still more powerful.

Summer reading: Hot, hot, hot edition

Book Review, Religion News Service
July 16, 2017

Summer reading doesn’t have to be all about mysteries and romances. It can include a healthy dose of religiously themed books that are interesting enough to take to the beach or on that camping trip. Here are a few to peruse and consider.

‘Benedict Option’ aims to balance withdrawal, faithful presence

Interviews
March 20, 2017

Just as Czech dissidents did under communism, so too Christians today in America face the challenge of building an alternative culture within a society fundamentally hostile to them, author Rod Dreher believes. He explores what that task might look like in his book ‘The Benedict Option.’

Book captures the transformation of the American Catholic parish

Church in the US
February 20, 2017

A new book called “Catholic Parishes of the 21st Century” presents a treasure trove of research and data on parish life in America, among other things capturing the ethnic transformation of American Catholicism and also the impact of growing mobility.