Five Books for Catholics
Five Books for Catholics is a podcast where experts recommend five outstanding books on a particular aspect of Catholic life, doctrine, or culture. Each episode features a guest discussing their selections and explaining why these works are valuable for Catholic readers. The show aims to help listeners deepen their understanding of the faith through carefully chosen reading. More information is available at fivebooksforcatholics.com.
Episodes
Episode 126: Catholic Teaching on Judaism - Interview with Gavin D'Costa
The books discussed in this episode are:Vatican II: Catholic Doctrines on Jews and Muslims by Gavin d’CostaCatholic Doctrines on Jews after the Second Vatican Council by Gavin d’CostaFrom Sinai to Rome: Jewish Identity in the Catholic Church by Angela Costley and Gavin d’CostaCatholic - Jewish Engagements on Israel: Holy Land, Political Territory, or Theological Promise? by Gavin d’Costa, Étienne
Episode 124: Prudence
The books discussed in this episode are:The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature by Fr. Roland E. Murphy OCarmDe officiis (On the Duties of the Clergy) by St. Ambrose Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle Summa theologiae II-II, qq. 47-56 by St. Thomas AquinasThe Virtues by Peter GeachFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases m
Episode 123: Predestination - Interview with Taylor Patrick O'Neill
The books discussed in this episode are:The Predestination of the Saints and On the Gift of Final Perseverance by St. AugustineSumma theologiae I, q. 23 by St. Thomas AquinasOn Divine Foreknowledge: Part IV of Concordia by Luis de Molina SJPredestination by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange OPGrace, Predestination, and the Permission of Sin: A Thomistic Analysis by Taylor Patrick O’Neill ...and some furt
Episode 122: Catholic Teaching on the Right to Migrate - Interview with Antônio Lemos
The books discussed in this episode are:On the American Indians by Francisco de Vitoria OPDeliberation on the Cause of the Poor by Domingo de Soto OPExsul Familia by Pius XIIErga migrantes caritas Christi by Pontifical Council For The Pastoral Care Of Migrants And Itinerant PeopleMigrants and Refugees: Witnesses to Hope by Pope Francis, edited by United States Conference of Catholic BishopsFive Bo
Episode 121: St. Anselm of Canterbury - Interview with Montague Brown
The books discussed in this episode are:Monologion by St. AnselmProslogion by St. AnselmCur Deus homo (Why Did God Become Man?) by St. AnselmDe veritate (On Truth) by St. AnselmDe concordia (The Compatibility of God's Foreknowledge, Predestination, and Grace with Human Freedom) by St. AnselmFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links
Episode 120: The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The books and resources discussed in this episode are:Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration by Benedict XVILight on the Mountain: Greek Patristic and Byzantine Homilies on the Transfiguration of the Lord by Brian E. Daley SJThe Uncreated Light: An Iconographiocal Study of the Transfiguration In the Eastern Church by Solrunn NesLight and Glory: The Transfigu
Episode 119: Early Christianity and Urban Evangelisation - Interview with Mike Aquilina
The books discussed in this episode are:Armenia: Art, Religion, and Trade in the Middle Ages edited by Helen C. EvansCities of God: The Real Story of How Christianity Became an Urban Movement and Conquered Rome by Rodney StarkThe First Urban Christians by Wayne Meeks The Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert L. WilkenWho Were the First Christians: Dismantling the Urban Thesis by Thomas A. Ro
Episode 118: St. Bonaventure - Interview with Randall Smith
The books discussed in this episode are:The Journey of the Soul into God (Itinerarium mentis in Deum) by St. BonaventureMystical Opuscula by St. Bonaventure, translated by Jose de VinckSimply Bonaventure: An Introduction to His Life, Thought, and Writings by Ilia Delio OSFCrucified Love: Bonaventure's Mysticism of the Crucified Christ by Ilia Delio OSFThe Philosophy of Saint Bonaventure by Étienne
Episode 117: The Short Stories of Enid Dinnis - Interview with Julia Meszaros
The book discussed in this episode is The Complete Short Stories: Volume 1 by Enid Dinnis.Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/enid-dinnis/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates on the latest intervi
Episode 116: The Council of Trent - Interview with Nelson H. Minnich
The books discussed in this episode are:History of the Council of Trent (vol. 1) (vol. 2) (German Edition) by Hubert JedinTrent: What Happened at the Council by John W. O’Malley SJThe Cambridge Companion to the Council of Trent edited by Nelson H. MinnichDecrees of the Ecumenical Councils: Volume II edited by Norman Tanner SJ…and for readers of Italian or French...Le Concile de Trente by Alain Tal
Episode 115: Christian Maturity - Interview with Fr. John Gavin SJ
The books discussed in this episode are:On the Apostolic Preaching by St. Irenaeus of LyonThe Mystery Hidden for Ages in God by Fr. Paul Quay SJInstructing Beginners in Faith by St. AugustineOn Perfection by St. Gregory of NyssaThe Ascetic Life by St. Maximus the ConfessorFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.
Episode 114: Sacrifice of the Mass - Interview with Fr. Reginald Lynch OP
The books discussed in this episode are:The Mass: The Presence of the Sacrifice of the Cross by Charles Journet Cajetan Responds: A Reader in Reformation Controversy by Jared Wicks SJAquinas on Transubstantiation: The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist by Reinhard HütterFrancisco de Vitoria: Political Writings translated and edited by Anthony PadgenAquinas's Summa Theologiae and Eucharistic
Episode 113: Trinity Sunday 2025
The works discussed in this episode are: On the Holy Spirit by St. Basil the GreatVindicating the Filioque: The Church Fathers at the Council of Florence by Fr. Thomas Crean OPAscetic Pneumatology from John Cassian to Gregory the Great by Thomas L. Humphries Jr.On The Trinity (De Trinitate), Book 11 by St. AugustineThe Masses by Anton Bruckner, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, directed by Eugen
Episode 112 - The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, Part Two - Interview with Alan Schreck
The books discussed in this episode areEnthusiasm: A Chapter in the History of Religion by Mons. Ronald KnoxAn Invitation to the Spirit Filled Life: The Promise, the Power, Gifts, the Fruit by Charles WhiteheadA Key to Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church by Vincent WalshRiding the Wind: Learning the Ways of the Spirit and Still Riding the Wind: Learning the Ways of the Spirit by Fr. George
Episode 111: St. Basil the Great - Interview with Stephen Hildebrand
The books discussed in this episode are:On the Holy Spirit by St. BasilHomilies on the Six Days of Creation [Hexameron] by St. BasilOn Christian Ethics by St. BasilThe Long Rules by St. BasilLetters (vol. 1) (vol. 2) by St. BasilFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatho
Episode 110: Muriel Spark - Interview with Chrisopher J. Scalia
The books discussed in this episode are:The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel SparkThe Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark'Loitering with Intent by Muriel SparkAll the Stories of Muriel Spark by Muriel SparkMuriel Spark: The Biography by Martin StannardFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interv
Episode 109: Metaphysics - Interview with Michael Gorman
The books discussed in this episode are:A Contemporary Introduction to Thomistic Metaphysics by Michael GormanThe One and the Many: A Contemporary Thomistic Metaphysics by Norris W. ClarkeScholastic Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction by Edward FeserAquinas on Being and Essence: A Translation and Interpretation (De ente et essentia) by Joseph Bobik Metaphysics by Aristotle, translated with in
Episode 108: A Tale of Two Leos: Leo XIV and Leo XIII
The books discussed in this episode are:The Great Encyclicals: Volume One, The Social Letters by Leo XIII, compiled and with an introduction by Leo L. ClarkeThe Great Encyclicals: Volume Two, The Spiritual Letters by Leo XIII, compiled and with an introduction by Leo L. ClarkeThe Church Speaks to the Modern World: The Social Teachings of Leo XIII edited by Étienne GilsonCatholic Social Teaching:
Episode 107: Alexander Schmemann - Interview with Andrew TJ Kaetheler
The books discussed in this episode are:For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy by Fr. Alexander SchmemannO Death, Where Is Thy Sting? by Fr. Alexander SchmemannGreat Lent: Journey to Pascha by Fr. Alexander SchmemannThe Journals of Father Alexander Schmemann, 1973-1983 by Fr. Alexander SchmemannThe Eschatological Person: Alexander Schmemann and Joseph Ratzinger in Dialogue by Andrew T
Episode 106: Pope Francis
The books discussed in this episode are:Dilexit Nos: On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ by Pope FrancisEvangelii Gaudium by Pope FrancisMisericordiae vultus and Misericordia et misera by Pope FrancisLaudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home by Pope FrancisThe Mind of Pope Francis: Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s Intellectual Journey by Massimo BorghesiFive Books for Catholics may rec
Episode 105: Fifth Week of Lent 2025 - Duccio di Buoninsegna's Paintings of the Passion
The book recommended in this episode is:Duccio di Buoninsegna by Cecilia JannellaFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the article at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/duccio-of-buoninsegnas-paintings-of-the-passion/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive upda
Episode 104: Fourth Week of Lent - Lenten Music by Palestrina
This week's recommendation is Palestrina 6 performed by the The Sixteen.Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/lenten-music-by-palestrina/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates on the latest inte
Episode 103: Third Week of Lent 2025 - Alexander Schmemann's Great Lent
The book discussed in this episode is Great Lent: Journey to Pascha by Alexander Schmemann.Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/alexander-schmemanns-great-lent/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates
Episode 102: Second Week of Lent 2025 - T.S. Eliot's Ash-Wednesday
The book discussed in this episode is: Ash-Wednesday by T.S. Eliot.Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/t-s-eliots-ash-wednesday/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates on the latest interview.
Episode 101: First Week of Lent 2025 - St. Bernard's Sermons for Lent
The book discussed in this episode is: Sermons for Lent and the Easter Season by St. Bernard of ClairvauxFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/lent-st-bernard/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates on
Episode 100: St. John Cassian - Interview with Thomas Humphries
The books recommended in this episode are:The Institutes by St. John CassianThe Conferences by St. John CassianOn the Incarnation of Christ: Against the Heretic Nestorius by St. John CassianCassian the Monk by Columba StewartJohn Cassian by Owen ChadwickFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview
Episode 99: Learning Latin - Interview with Charles G. Kim
The books discussed in this episode are:Biblia Sacra VulgataDe imitatione Christi (The Imitation of Christ) by Thomas À KempisCollationes in orationem dominicam (Sermon-Conferences on the Our Father) by St. Thomas AquinasSermones de tempore (Sermons for the Liturgical Year) by St. AugustineEpitome Historiae Sacrae by Fr. Charles François Lhommond...and for a Latin textook....Ecclesiastical Latin:
Episode 98: Creation and Evolution - Interview with Matthew Ramage
The books discussed in this episode are:Faith, Science, and Reason: Theology on the Cutting Edge by Christopher T. BaglowThomistic Evolution: A Catholic Approach to Understanding Evolution in the Light of Faith by Nicanor Pier Giorgio OP et al.Creation through Evolution: New Perspectives from Thomistic Philosophy and Theology edited by Nicanor Pier Giorgio OPTheistic Evolution: A Contemporary Aris
Episode 97: The Order of Love
The books discussed in this episode are:The Song of Songs, Commentary and Homilies by Origen of AlexandriaOn Christian Teaching (De doctrina christiana) by St. AugustineQuestions on Love and Charity: Summa Theologiae, Secunda Secundae, Questions 23–46 by St. Thomas Aquinas, edited by Robert MinerThe Church Speaks to the Modern World: The Social Teachings of Leo XIII by Leo XIII and The Church and
Episode 96: Learning Ancient Greek - Interview with Michael Boler
The books recommended in this episode are:Introduction to Classical and New Testament Greek: A Unified Approach by Michael BolerA Reader's Greek New Testament: Third Edition by Richard J. Goodrich and Albert L. LukaszewskiA Patristic Greek Reader by Rodney A. WhitacreA Student Handbook of Greek and English Grammar by Robert Mondi and Peter L. CorriganA Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament an
Episode 95: Theology of Religions - Interview with Fr. Sameer Advani LC
The books discussed in this episode are:Lumen gentium and Nostra aetate by Second Vatican CouncilDominus Iesus, Declaration on the Unicity and Salvific Universality of Jesus Christ and the Church by Congregation for the Doctrine of the FaithSalvation Outside the Church: Tracing the History of the Catholic Response by Francis Sullivan SJChristianity and World Religions: Disputed Questions in the Th
Episode 94: Pelagianism - Interview with Andrew Chronister
The books discussed in this episode are:Answer to the Pelagians I by St. AugustineThe Pelagian Controversy: An Introduction to the Enemies of Grace and the Conspiracy of Lost Souls by Stuart SquiresReligion and Society in the Age of Saint Augustine by Peter BrownThe Heart of Perfection: How the Saints Taught Me to Trade My Dream of Perfect for God's by Colleen Carroll CampbellAugustine in the Pela
Episode 93: Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange OP - Interview with Matthew Minerd
The books discussed in this episode are:Knowing the Love of God by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange OPThree Conversions in the Spiritual Life by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange OPProvidence: God's Loving Care for Men and the Need for Confidence in Almighty God by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange OPOn Divine Revelation: The Teaching of the Catholic Faith (vol. 1) (vol. 2) by Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange OPPhilosophiz
Episode 92: Chinese Catholicism - Interview with Joshua R. Brown
The books discussed in this episode are:The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven by Matteo Ricci SJYang Tingyun, Confucian and Christian in Late Ming China: His Life and Thought by Nicholas StandaertWays of Confucius and of Christ: From Prime Minister of China to Benedictine Monk by Dom Pierre-Célestin LuBeyond East and West by John C.H. WuMaterial Objects in Confucian and Aristotelian Metaphysics:
Episode 91: Sacramental Theology - Interview with Fr. Uwe Michael Lang
The books discussed in this episode are:The Sacramental Mystery by Fr. Paul HaffnerTouched by Christ: The Sacramental Economy by Lawrence FeingoldGeneral Principles of Sacramental Theology by Roger NuttIntroduction to Sacramental Theology: Signs of Christ in the Flesh by Fr. José GranadosRite and Man: Natural Sacredness and Christian Liturgy by Fr. Louis BouyerFive Books for Catholics may receive
Episode 90: Fourth Week of Advent, 2024 - T.S. Eliot's Ariel Poems
The recommended book in this episode is Ariel Poems by T.S. Eliot.Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/fourth-week-of-advent-2024-t-s-eliots-ariel-poems/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates on the
Episode 89: Third Week of Advent (2024) - Saint-Saens's Christmas Oratorio
This week recommendation is a CD: the Christmas Oratorio of Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921).Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the article at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/third-week-of-advent-2024/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates on the l
Episode 88: The Second Week of Advent, 2024
The book discussed in this episode is: The Nativity: Themes in Art by Jeremy Wood.Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.com/second-week-of-advent-2024/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to receive updates on the latest
Episode 87: First Week of Advent 2024 - St Bernard of Clairvaux's Sermons for Advent and the Christmas Season
The book discussed in this episode is:Sermons for Advent and the Christmas Season by St. Bernard of Clairvaux Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at www.fivebooksforcatholics.comfirst-week-of-advent-2024/For more interviews like this, visit www.fivebooksforcatholics.comSign up to
Episode 86: Aurel Kolnai - Interview with Graham McAleer
The books discussed in this episode are:On Disgust by Aurel KolnaiThe War Against the West by Aurel KolnaiPrivilege and Liberty and Other Essays in Political Philosophy by Aurel KolnaiEthics, Value, and Reality by Aurel KolnaiThe Utopian Mind and Other Papers: A Critical Study in Moral and Political Philosophy by Aurel KolnaiFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchas
Episode 85: The Symphonies of Anton Bruckner
The recordings recommended in this episode are:Complete Symphonies Rundfunk-Symponieorchester Saarbrücken, conducted by Stanisław SkrowaczewskiSymphony No. 4 Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gunther WandSymphony No. 7 Vienne Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Karl BöhmSymphony No. 8 Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conducted by Marek JanowskiSymphony No. 9 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Episode 84: The Confessions of St. Augustine - Interview with Jared Ortiz
The books discussed in this episode are:Confessions translated with introduction and notes by Thomas WilliamsThe Conversion of Augustine by Romano GuardiniAugustine: Conversion to Confessions by Robin Lane FoxA Reader's Companion to Augustine's Confessions edited by Kim Paffenroth and Robert Peter KennedyAugustine the Bishop by Frederick van der Meer ...and a bonus recommendation...The Confessions
Episode 83: Dignitatis humanae and Religious Liberty - Interview with Michael Dunnigan
The books discussed in this episode are:Mirari vos, Quanta Cura (print edition), Immortale Dei, Libertas (print edition) by Gregory XVI, Pius IX, Leo XIIIReligious Liberty and Contraception by Fr. Brian HarrisonWe Hold These Truths and More: Further Catholic Reflections on the American Proposition : The Thought of Fr. John Courtney Murray, S.J. and Its Relevance Today by Donald J. D’Elia and Steph
Episode 82: Purgatory and Prayer for the Deceased - Interview with Fr. Luke Wilgenbusch
The books discussed in this episode are:Purgation and Purgatory by St. Catherine of GenoaLife Everlasting and the Immensity of the Soul by Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange OPOn Purgatory: The Members of the Church Suffering by St. Robert BellarmineThe Divine Comedy by Dante AlighieriSaved in Hope (Spe salvi) by Benedict XVI...see also...Manual of Indulgences by Apostolic PenitentiaryFive Books for Catho
Episode 81: The Sacred Music of Anton Bruckner
The works discussed in this episode are Bruckner's:Requiem, Psalms 114 and 112 Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, RIAS Kammerchor, directed by Łuckasz BorowiczThe Masses Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, directed by Eugen JochumMotets Tenebrae, directed by Nigel ShortTe Deum Chor des Bayrischen Rundunks, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Bernard HaitinkPsalm 150 Bach-Collegium Stuttgart, Gä
Episode 80: Apologetics and Protestant Objections - Interview with Trent Horn
The books discussed in this episode are:Catechism of the Catholic Church by John Paul IIThe Case for Catholicism: Answers to Classic and Contemporary Protestant Objections by Trent HornThe Apostolic FathersTeaching with Authority: How to Cut Through Doctrinal Confusion & Understand What the Church Really Says by Jimmy AkinPope Peter: Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time o
Episode 79: Gregorian Chant - Interview with Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka
The books discussed in this episode are:Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef PieperThe Musical Shape of the Liturgy by William Peter MahrtGraduale Romanum Medieval Music and the Art of Memory by Anna Maria Busse BergerThat All May Sing (vol. 1) (vol. 2) by Justine WardIn addition, the recordings of Gregorian chant by Dom Joseph Gajard, Mary Berry, and the Benedictine monks of Norcia were recomm
Episode 78: The Council of Florence - Interview with Fr. Thomas Crean OP
The books discussed in this episode are:The Council of Florence by Joseph GillPersonalities of the Council of Florence by Joseph GillThe Filioque: History of a Doctrinal Controversy by. A. Edward SiecienskiThe Orthodox Eastern Church by Adrian FortescueRome and the Eastern Churches: A Study in Schism by Aidan Nichols OPChristian Unity. The Council of Ferrara-Florence 1438/39 – 1989 edited by Giuse
Episode 77: Angels
The books discussed in this episode are:Celestial Hierarchy by Pseudo-DionysiusThe Angels and their Mission: According to the Fathers of the Church by Jean Daniélou SJAngels and Demons: A Catholic Introduction by Serge-Thomas Bonino OPWorld Invisible: The Catholic Doctrine of the Angels by Fr. John SawardAngels and Demons in Art by Rosa GiorgiFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from
Episode 76: St. John of Cross - Interview with Edward Howells
The books discussed in this episode are: The poem "One dark night" (En una noche oscura) by St. John of the CrossThe Ascent of Mount Carmel (Prologue, Diagram, and Picture) by St. John of the CrossThe Spiritual Canticle by St. John of the CrossThe Living Flame of Love by St. John of the CrossThe Ascent of Mount Carmel and The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the CrossThe Impact of God: Sound
Episode 75: Fatherhood - Interview with David Delaney
The books discussed in this episode are: Love and Responsibility by Karol WojtyłaTaking Sex Differences Seriously by Steven E. RhoadsThe Great Mystery: Formation for Flourishing Marriages by David H. DelaneyJesus the Bridegroom: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Brant PitreSupernatural Fatherhood Through Priestly Celibacy: Fulfillment in Masculinity, A Thomistic Study by Carter GriffinFive Bo
Episode 74: John Duns Scotus - Interview with Thomas M. Ward
The books discussed in this episode are:Ordinatio (online translation) by John Duns Scotus, translated by Peter SimpsonTreatise on the First Principle by John Duns Scotus, edited and translated by Thomas M. WardJohn Duns Scotus: Selected Writings on Ethics translated and edited by Thomas WilliamsDuns Scotus by Richard CrossUnderstanding John Duns Scotus by Mary Beth Ingham CSJOrdered by Love: An I
Episode 73: Lying - Interview with Christopher Tollefsen
The books discussed in this episode are:On Lying & To Consentius, Against Lying by St. AugustineSumma theologiae II-II, qq. 57-120 (esp. 108-110) by St. Thomas AquinasCatholic Teaching About The Morality Of Falsehood by Rev. Julius A. DorszynskiMoral Absolutes: Tradition, Revision, and Truth by John FinnisTruthfulness, Lies, and Moral Philosophers: What Can We Learn From Mill and Kant? (onlin
Episode 72: Vatican I - Interview with Shaun Blanchard
The books discussed in this episode are:Vatican I: The Council and the Making of the Ultramontane Church by John W. O'Malley SJThe Conciliarist Tradition: Constitutionalism in the Catholic Church 1300-1870 by Francis OakleyTriumph in Defeat: Infallibility, Vatican I, and the French Minority Bishops by Margaret O'GaraThe Pope and the Professor: Pius IX, Ignaz von Döllinger, and the Quandary of the
Episode 71: Servais Pinckaers - Interview with Craig Steven Titus
The books discussed in this episode are:The Sources of Christian Ethics by Servais Pinckaers OPThe Pinckaers Reader: Renewing Thomistic Moral Theology edited by John Berkman and Craig Steven TitusMorality: The Catholic View by Servais Pinckaers OPPassions and Virtue by Servais Pinckaers OPThe Pursuit of Happiness - God's Way: Living the Beatitudes by Servais Pinckaers OP ...and a bonus recommendat
Episode 70: Geoffrey Chaucer - Interview with Megan E. Murton
The books recommended and discussed in this episode are:Troilus and Criseyde by St. Gregory NazianzusThe Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey ChaucerOxford Guides to Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales by Helen CooperFeminizing Chaucer by Jill MannConsolation of Philosophy by BoethiusFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Re
Episode 69: Liturgical History and Theology - Interview with Fr. Uwe Michael Lang
The books recommended in this episode are:Theology of the Liturgy: The Sacramental Foundation of Christian Existence (Collected Works, vol. 11) by Joseph RatzingerAltar and Church: Principles of Liturgy from Early Christianity by Mons. Stefan HeidMy Body Given for You: History and Theology of the Eucharist by Helmut HopingThe Roman Mass: From Early Christian Origins to Tridentine Reform by Fr. Uwe
Episode 68: St. Ambrose - Interview with Fr. Brian Dunkle SJ
The books recommended and discussed in this episode are:Theological and Dogmatic Works by St. AmbroseEnchantment and Creed in the Hymns of Ambrose of Milan by Brian Dunkle SJAmbrose of Milan: Deeds and Thought of A Bishop by Caesare PasiniAmbrose by Boniface Ramsay OP The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: Seeking the Face of God by Robert Louis WilkenFive Books for Catholics may receive a c
Episode 67: Attention, Gateway to the Soul - Interview with Gregory Reichberg
The books discussed in this episode are:The Principles of Psychology by William JamesOn The Trinity (De Trinitate), Book 11 by St. AugustineSumma theologiae, Secunda Pars (I-II, qq. 1-70) (I-II, qq. 71-114 ) (II-II, qq. 1-56) (II-II, qq. 57-140) (II-II, qq. 141-189) by St. Thomas AquinasTreatise on the Love of God by St. Francis de SalesThe Attention Merchants: The Epic Scramble to Get Inside Our
Episode 66: G.E.M. Anscombe - Interview with Roger Teichmann
The books recommended in this episode are:Intention by G.E.M. AnscombeEthics, Religion and Politics: Collected Philosophical Papers, Volume III by G.E.M. AnscombeFaith in a Hard Ground: Essays on Religion, Philosophy and Ethics by G.E.M. Anscombe edited by Mary Geach and Luke GormallyThe Philosophy of Elizabeth Anscombe by Roger TeichmannThe Women Are up to Something by Benjamin J.B. LipscombFive
Episode 65: Bach's Sacred Music - Interview with Daniel R. Melamed
The books and resources recommended in this episode are:Listening to Bach: The Mass in B Minor and the Christmas Oratorio by Daniel R. MelamedBach by David SchulenbergTexts and Historically-Informed Translations for the Music of Johann Sebastian Bach by Michael Marissen and Daniel R. MelamedBloomington Bach Cantata Project directed by Daniel R. MelamedFive Books for Catholics may receive a commiss
Episode 64: St. Maximus the Confessor - Interview with Bronwen Neil
The books recommended in this episode are:Maximus the Confessor by Andrew LouthThe Cappadocians by Anthony MeredithSeventh-Century Popes and Martyrs: The Political Hagiography of Anastasius Bibliothecarius by Bronwen NeilMaximus the Confessor: Jesus Christ and the Transfiguration of the World by Paul BlowersCrisis of Empire: Doctrine and Dissent at the End of Late Antiquity by Phil BoothFive
Episode 63 :Jonathan Swift - Interview with Dutton Kearney
The books recommended in this episode are:A Modest Proposal by Jonathan SwiftGulliver's Travels by Jonathan SwiftThe Battle of the Books by Jonathan SwiftA Tale of a Tub by Jonathan SwiftThe Drapier's Letters by Jonathan Swift ...and for some additional recommendations...Jonathan Swift: Irish Blow-In and Jonathan Swift: Our Dean by Eugene HammondJonathan Swift: His Life and World by Leo DamroschF
Episode 62: St. Gregory of Nazianzus - Interview with Fr. Andrew Hofer OP
The books recommended in this episode are:Gregory of Nazianzus by Brian E. Daley SJOn God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations and Two Letters to Cledonius by St. Gregory NazianzusFestal Orations by St. Gregory NazianzusOn God and Man: The Theological Poetry of St Gregory of Nazianzus by St. Gregory NazianzusChrist in the Life and Teaching of Gregory of Nazianzus by Andrew Hofer OPFive Books
Episode 61: Devotion to the Sacred Heart - Interview with Timothy O'Donnell
The books discussed in this episode are:Annum sacrum (print edition) by Leo XIIIQuas Primas (print edition) by Pius XIMiserentissimus Redemptor by Pius XIHaurietis aquas (print edition) by Pius XIIDives in misericordia (print edition) by John Paul IIFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Read the interview at
Episode 60: Jansenism - Interview with Shaun Blanchard
In this episode, Dr. Shaun Blanchard discusses the Jansenist controversy, its impact, and some of the best books on the subject:The Provincial Letters by Blaise PascalAdoration and Annihilation: The Convent Philosophy of Port-Royal by John J. Conley S.J.The Wanton Jesuit and the Wayward Saint: A Tale of Sex, Religion, and Politics in Eighteenth-Century France by Mita ChoudhuryeThe Religious Origin
Episode 59: Trinity Sunday
The books recommended in this episode are:On God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations and Two Letters to Cledonius by St. Gregory NazianzusThe Wellspring of Worship by Fr. Jean CorbonThree Treatises on the Divine Images by St. John of DamascusCalled to Communion: Understanding the Church Today by Joseph RatzingerThe Trinity: An Introduction to Catholic Doctrine on the Triune God by Gilles Eme
Episode 58: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Interview with Prof. John Meinert
The books recommended in this episode are:I Believe in the Holy Spirit by Yves Congar OPThe Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis MartínezSumma theologiae (IaIIae, qq. 68-70) by St. Thomas AquinasCatecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Pope FrancisIn the School of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Jacques PhilippeFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affilia
Episode 57: Biblical Typology - Interview with Dr. Andrew Swafford
The books recommended in this episode are:A Father Who Keeps His Promises: God's Covenant Love in Scripture by Scott HahnThe Idea of Israel in Second Temple Judaism: A New Theory of People, Exile, and Israelite Identity by Jason A. StaplesJesus and the Last Supper by Brant PitreActs and the Isaianic New Exodus by David W. PaoGod with Us: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew by Edward Sri ..
Episode 56: Devotion to Mary - Interview with Colin B. Donovan
The books recommended in this episode are: Our Lady of Fatima by William T. WalshThe Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis-Marie Grignion de MontfortTrue Devotion to Mary by St. Louis-Marie Grignion de MontfortThe Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus LigouriCalls from the Message of Fatima by Sister Lucia of Fatima Five Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the
Episode 55: Distributism - Interview with Alexander W. Salter
The recommended books for this episode are:The Servile State by Hilaire BellocAn Essay on the Restoration of Property by Hilaire BellocAn Outline of Sanity by G.K. ChestertonA Humane Economy by Wilhelm RöpkeThe Economics of the Free Society by Wilhelm RöpkeFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.Distributism is
Episode 54: Eucharistic Ecclesiology - Interview with Richard G. DeClue, Jr.
The books recommended in this episode are:Corpus Mysticum: The Eucharist and the Church in the Middle Ages by Henri de Lubac SJCalled to Communion: Understanding the Church Today by Joseph RatzingerFlesh of the Church, Flesh of Christ: At the Source of the Ecclesiology of Communion by Jean-Marie Roger TillardEucharist, Bishop, Church: The Unity of the Church in the Divine Eucharist and the Bishop
Episode 53: Marion Montgomery - Interview with Michael M. Jordan
The books recommended in this episode are: On Matters Southern: Essays About Literature and Culture, 1964-2000 by Marion MontgomeryPossum, and Other Receipts for the Recovery of "Southern" Being by Marion MongomeryLiberal Arts and Community: The Feeding of the Larger Body by Marion MongomeryRomantic Confusions of the Good: Beauty as Truth, Truth as Beauty by Marion MongomeryWith Walker Percy at th
Episode 52: Flannery O'Connor - Interview with Fr. Damian Ference
The books recommended in this episode are:The Complete Stories (also available for Kindle) by Flannery O'ConnorMystery and Manners: Occasional Prose (also available for Kindle) by Flannery O'Connor, seleceted and edited by Sally and Robert FitzgeraldThe Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O'Connor (also available for Kindle) by Flannery O'Connor, selected and edited by Sally FitzgeraldA Prayer Jo
Episode 51: Easter 2024
Lent is just a preparation and spiritual warm-up for Easter. Now that it is Easter, it is time to get down to exercising the Christian life in full. It makes sense, therefore, to keep setting aside some time for reading about the mysteries we celebrate and how we can live them out. Here then are some books and music that might be helpful. For further suggestions, check out last year’s recommendati
Episode 50: Holy Week 2024
Holy Week should be, insofar as possible, a time of recollection and prayer. To this end, reading one or other of the following books may be useful. It may help us enter more deeply into the mysteries we are celebrating and contemplating. Commentary on Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist: Homilies 48-88 by St. John ChrysostomWhat is Redemption? by Philippe de la TrinitéJesus and the Jewish Roots
Episode 49: Bach's Passions - Interview with Daniel R. Melamed
The books reviewed in this episode are:Hearing Bach's Passions by Daniel R. MelamedLutheranism, Anti-Judaism, and Bach's St. John Passion: With an Annotated Literal Translation of the Libretto by Michael MarissenBach in Berlin. Nation and Culture in Mendelssohn's Revival of the St. Matthew Passion by Celia ApplegateJohann Sebastian Bach's St John Passion. Genesis, Transmission, and Meaning by Alfr
Episode 48: Genesis - Interview with Steve Ray
Genesis or Bereishis (“In the beginning”) is the first book of the Bible. It tells the story of creation and God’s covenants with the first men (1-11) and the patriarchs (12-50). It ends with the death of Joseph, who had brought to Egypt both his brothers and his father, Jacob. Many of the stories related in Genesis are amongst the most memorable ones in the Bible. They also constitute many of the
Episode 47: Reading St. Thomas Aquinas for the First Time
The books recommended in this episode are:Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Person and His Work by Jean-Pierre Torrell OPSaint Thomas Aquinas: Spiritual Master by Jean-Pierre Torrell OPThomas Aquinas: Selected Writings edited and translated by Ralph McInernyCommentary on the Gospel of John (vol. 1) (vol. 2) (vol. 3) by St. Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas's Summa theologiae: A Guide and Commentary by Brian Da
Episode 46: Twentieth-Century Classical Music for Lent
The recordings recommended in this episode are of:Quatre Motets pour un temps de pénitence by François PoulencMiserere by Henryk GóreckiTriodion by Arvo PärtMiserere and Videns Dominus by James MacMillanSymphony of Psalms by Igor StravinskyFive Books for Catholics may receive a commission from qualifying purchases made using the affiliate links to the books listed.At Christmas, Five Books for Cath
