Books received.

Books received from Catholic publishers

From Ignatius Press, 2515 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA, 94118 U.S.A. 1-415-387-2324 or 1-800-651-1531.

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (H. Taylor, translator), God and the World: A conversation with Peter Seewald, 2002, $18.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 460 pages. With simplicity, truth, and conviction Cardinal Ratzinger addresses many complex questions on faith and ethics. Acclaimed journalist Seewald engaged the Cardinal in a discussion of modern-day issues such as marriage and child-rearing, population growth and contraceptive usage, genetic research, dogmas about Mary, and more. The head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith provided frank and sometimes surprising responses, from which the reader can gain insight and grace, and may even undergo a positive change of mind and heart. To be reviewed.

From Priests for Life (distributor for WOOMB Canada), P.O. Box 31, Pembroke, ON, K8A 6X1. Tel. [phone].

Fr. Joseph Hattie, OMI, Totally Yours, 1999 (revised), $6.00 Cdn, softcover, 90 pages. This concise yet convincing publication promotes responsible parenthood through commentary and reflection on Humanae vitae and analysis of the harmful effects of contraception on a marriage relationship.

Fr. Joseph Hattie, OMI, An Informed Conscience: Walking with God, 2001 (revised), $3.00 Cdn, softcover, 40 pages. With wisdom, grace, and clarity the author draws on the teachings of John Paul II and St Thomas Aquinas, providing a guide to the proper formation of conscience and the discernment of truth.

Audio tape received

Janet E. Smith, PhD, Contraception, Why Not? 1999, $2.00 Cdn. ($3 with shipping). This thought-provoking talk shows how contraception affects matters of health, relationships, and marriage. Contraception and natural family planning are compared, while the truths and myths about each are exposed. An excellent resource.

Books received from various publishers

From George Colton Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 375, Orangeville ON, L9W 2Z7. Phone: [phone].

Keith Clemons, If I Should Die, 2002, $21.99 Cdn or $13.99 U.S., quality softcover, 340 pages. A fascinating, attention-grabbing novel that deals with tough real-life situations. The grim reality of euthanasia is painted in a story that examines the aftereffects on countless lives after the medical community had been licensed to eliminate "non-productive" life.

From Random House of Canada Ltd./Doubleday, 2775 Matheson Blvd E., Mississauga, ON, L4W 4P7.

David Ovason, The Two Children. A Study of the Two Jesus Children in Literature and Art, 2001, $54.95 Cdn, hardcover, 458 pages. This product of extensive research, concludes that the story of Christ, not the story of Jesus, is central to the Christian religion. Whether there was one Jesus or two does not make much difference, the author says, to the core miracle upon which Christianity is based--his great effort, therefore, ends with an untenable conclusion. Contrary to the Catholic tradition.

Scott Cooper, God at the Kitchen Table: Teaching your religious and moral beliefs to your children, 2002, $20 Cdn or $13 U.S., quality softcover, 230 pages. Ideas, representing various religious views and traditions, are presented by a writer who believes in God but isn't totally keen about organized religion. Not a Catholic perspective.

Brian Moynahan, The Faith. A History of Christianity, $60 Cdn or $40 U.S., hardcover, 806 pages. This scholarly work presents the history through which both Christianity and secular reality have evolved. Events and people are presented, including saints, heretics, inquisitors, popes and politicians. From a "liberal" point of view.

Margaret Silf, Wayfaring, 2002, $32.95 Cdn or $21.95 U.S., hardcover, 244 pages. The author, trained by Jesuits, offers guidance in prayer, meditation and the use of the imagination to all spiritual seekers, whether Christian or atheist. Some profound thoughts are presented to the reader, but atheists have different expectations from Christians.

From Thomas Allen & Son Ltd., 390 Steelcase Rd E, Markham, ON, L3R 1G2.

James Carroll, Toward a New Catholic Church: The Promise of Reform, 2002, $14.95, softcover, 130 pages. The author, a former priest, calls for Vatican III for the purpose of introducing major reform in the Catholic Church, in response to sex abuse scandals. He states not only that discredited bishops and priests should go, but also the whole system of clerical power (i.e. the hierarchy) that produced them. Carroll proposes democracy and ecumenism, which would establish equal rights for lay men and women in every sphere and would tolerate internal dissent. He also promotes a new theology, since in his view, the old has underwritten intolerance, sexism, and the like. His ultimate goal is equality for all, not superiority for some. In our view, Carroll's church is not for this world.

From Harper Collins, 1995 Markham Rd., Scarborough, ON, MiB 5M8. Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone].

Bruce Feiler, Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths, 2002, $36.50, hardcover, 224 pages. The author explores Abraham as a possible source for reconciliation of the monotheistic faiths that go back to Abraham himself: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Feiler travelled to the shrines, caves, and war-torn areas, seeking information through an interfaith approach. The views are not based on any particular faith.