Religious Books

Now in a new edition, this thought-provoking book by popular author Richard Rohr offers a critique of religion as a system that often creates an alternative, pious world without really challenging oppression, materialism, and sectarianism in our modern world. Religion, he says, without this contemplative stance, is often part of the problem. Drawing from Jesus' parable of the rich man, Rohr believes that religion can only rediscover itself as a transformational system if it passes through the eye of a needle, if it overcomes its own temptation to power, wealth, and fundamentalism. A true contemplative stance crosses boundaries, is not concerned with who's in and who's out. It is not a worthiness competition. In fact, the accessibility of the contemplative awareness to all is, Rohr believes, the key to the Gospel message: The kingdom of heaven is hidden in plain sight. +

A six year old little girl, Venerable Antonietta Meo, who has been described as a mystic, will inspire you and your children with a deep love for Jesus Eucharistic as you read her amazing letters. A great preparation for First Holy Communion and anytime-- to help us always remember the great privilege of receiving Holy Communion--receiving God Himself. Antonietta knew that well, as you will learn from her letters which manifest a knowledge of God that rivals even that of some theologians!

The Dictionary of Mary from Catholic Book Publishing is an invaluable sourcebook book that is equal to a short summa about the Blessed Virgin Mary. Written by foremost scholars, it sets forth in quick dictionary form the most important Catholic teachings about Mary. This dictionary about the Mother of God explains Mary\'s place in the Church and in the life of Christians, her titles, her authenticated appearances, her shrines, and her relationship to her Son Jesus and to the Trinity. This revised and expanded edition of the Dictionary of Mary includes complete references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Dictionary of Mary is an indispensable book for all who want to obtain a better understanding of Our Lady and true devotion to her.

Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life features the wisdom that spiritual leader and counselor Henri J. M. Nouwen brought to the essential question asked by every Christian and seeker: What should I do with my life?

Nouwen emphasizes listening to the Word of God--in our hearts, in the Bible, in the community of faith, and in the voice of the poor as a way to discern God's plan.

Although the late Henri J. M. Nouwen counseled many people during his lifetime, his principles of discernment were never collected into a single volume. Now, in association with the Nouwen Legacy Trust, Michael Christensen--one of Nouwen's longtime students--and Rebecca Laird have taken his coursework, journals, and unpublished writings to create this and other books in the series exploring God's will for your life.

God will speak deeply to you through this book. Get ready! The Holy Spirit will impact you; will touch your soul and you show that you can win upon all odds. Is there any difficult cause or something impossible in your life? - There's nothing to fear. God has something special prepared for you! The Lord will make the impossible become possible in your life and when that happens the best days ever are going to become true for you. "Do not lose hope - God is faithful" is a book that was born inside God's heart to touch your own heart, with a great message of faith and miracles, presented to you by Pastor Clésio Faria. This is a book based on real events of the author's life and some other examples that enrich this blessed work, bringing faith and hope for those who are waiting for a miracle. There is no storm in our lives that cannot be calmed down, there is no financial issue that cannot be solved, and there is no kind of circumstances that could not be struggled in the name of Jesus! God loves you so much that made this book come to your hands. You will realize the results you will get when you bring, inside of you, the transforming power called FAITH and when you use it based in the words of the Lord. May the glorious Lord bless your life and motivate you to read this book. Your life is surely going to have an impacting change. Believe. God is faithful! Pastor Clesio Faria

What is a monastery? A monastery is a place set apart--a place to learn the blessings of powerlessness, and that time is not ours but God's. Our home and our duties can, just like a monastery, teach us those things. The vocation of monastic men and women is to physically withdraw from the world. But the principle is equally valid for those of us who cannot go off to monasteries. Certain vocations offer the same kind of opportunity for contemplation, and provide a desert for reflection.

In ten brief and powerful chapters, Fr. Ron explores how monastery life can apply to those who don't live in a cloister:
- Monasticism and Family Life
- The Domestic Monastery
- Real Friendship
- Lessons from the Monastic Cell
- Ritual for Sustaining Prayer
- Tensions within Spirituality
- A Spirituality of Parenting
- Spirituality and the Seasons of Our Lives
- The Sacredness of Time
- Life's Key Question

A landmark book on the role of visual arts, beauty and aesthetics in ecumenical exchange.
In a visual age, this book shares the belief that beauty and art can bridge differences. Essays from catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant artists, scholars, clergy and theologians explore beauty as a means to unify the body of Christ. The occasion of the Reformation commemoration year offers a time to reflect on the rich artistic heritage shared by all Christians and an opportunity to learn from other traditions.

"The Ecumenism of Beauty is a call to the church to again embrace the arts in service to its liturgy and mission." --Sandra Bowden, Collector, Curator and Past President of Christians in the Visual Arts

Essays include Calvin and the Visual Arts: The Aesthetics of Soli Deo Gloria, The Artist as Contemplative, and Art and the Liturgy.

Contributors to this book include:
Timothy Verdon, Editor -- Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Director (Florence, Italy)
William Dyrness -- Fuller Theological Seminary, Professor of Theology
Jérôme Cottin -- University of Strasbourg, Professor of Practical Theology
Susan S. Kanaga --Mount Tabor Ecumenical Centre for Art & Spirituality, Artist
Philippo Rossi -- Florentine Study Centre of Stanford University, Visiting Professor
Martin Shannon -- The Community of Jesus, Liturgist and Director of Formation

The work of contributors Susan S. Kanaga and Filippo Rossi is currently on display at the Grande Museo del Duomo in Florence, Italy. For more information visit artsandecumenism.org.