Books received.

Books received from Catholic publishers

From St. Joseph's Workshop (distributor for Sophia Institute Press), 259 Traders Blvd. E, Unit #12, Mississauga, ON, L4Z 2E5. Tel: [phone].

Austin G. Schmidt, S.J., & Joseph A. Perkins, Faith and Reason: Why Christianity Makes Sense, 2002, $24.65 Cdn, quality softcover, 236 pages. An excellent 1946 reprint. The basic truths of Christianity are explained with conviction for rational yet honest inquirers as well as believers who want to know their faith better. Topics explored include scientific proofs for God's existence, the inadequacy of natural religion, the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the Pope as the successor of Peter, evolution, agnosticism, and the infallibility of the Catholic Church. One may conclude with the authors--it is irrational not to be Christian.

From Emmaus Road Publishing (Catholics United for the Faith), Inc., 827 N. Fourth St., Steubenville, OH, 43952, U.S.A. 1-740-283-2484.

Scott Hahn, Understanding "Our Father": Biblical Reflections on the Lord's Prayer, 2002, $15.95 U.S., softcover, 146 pages. With remarkable clarity, solid catechesis and personal insight, Dr. Hahn deals with the nature and importance of prayer. After his contemporary reflections, the second half of the book offers timeless commentaries from the writings of saints Cyprian, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, and Augustine. The reflections are refreshing and transforming.

From Ignatius Press, 2515 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA, 94118, U.S.A. Tel: [phone] or 1-800-651-1531.

Penny Hickey, O.C.D.S., Drink of the Stream: Prayers of Carmelites, 2002, $14.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 360 pages. This invitation to pray with the saints features brief biographies of twenty-five Carmelite saints, illustrations, and beautiful prayers. A special prominence is given to the prayers and meditations of three great Carmelite mystics--Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux.

Paul Claudel, I Believe in God: A Meditation on the Apostles' Creed, 2002, $14.95, sewn softcover, 318 pages. These meditations present theological insights with poetic delightfulness. Alongside soaring meditations on the wonders of faith are statements of doctrine based on St. Thomas' Summa and the Catechism. The author, a twentieth century French Catholic writer and poet, was publicly honoured by Pope Pius XII.

Ronald Knox, The Hidden Stream: Mysteries of the Christian Faith, 2003, $13.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 215 pages. Another classic reprint. With grace and wit, spiritual depth and humour, the author presents the fundamentals of the Catholic faith in this collection of informal discussions. The author was an English convert to Catholicism who became a priest and wrote numerous books on spiritual and literary themes.

Fr. Thomas Dubay, Happy Are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom (second edition), 2003, $12.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 177 pages. The Gospel's call to poverty can often be confused with destitution. The well-known New Zealand author answers the modern-day thinker by explaining the beauty of frugality and love and its application in each state of life, both lay and religious.

Stephen K. Ray, St. John's Gospel: A Bible Study Guide and Commentary, 2002, $17.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 461 pages. This publication offers thoroughly Catholic insights with unsurpassing depth and ease. It is at once an excellent scriptural commentary, study of Church teaching, handbook of apologetics, introduction to the Church Fathers, and exploration of culture and history at the time of Jesus. The study guide is appropriate for families, schools, study groups, seminarians.

John R. Willis, S.J., Ed., The Teachings of the Church Fathers, 2002, $19.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 496 pages. The wisdom and unwavering faith of the Church Fathers comes alive through innumerable quotations, which are arranged thematically. The antiquity of Church teachings as well as inspiring thoughts on prayer, the love of God and a deep spirituality make for thoughtful reading. With an index and cross-references.

Msgr. Peter Elliott, Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year According to the Modern Roman Rite: A Manual for Clergy and All Involved in Liturgical Ministries, 2002, $17.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 238 pages. This long-awaited, now updated, guide on liturgical celebrations provides keys to celebrating the most important moments of the Church year with dignity and devotion. The words, actions, music and signs are described in detail with scholarship and piety. A must read for those who prepare, assist or preside at such ceremonies.

John Saward, Cradle of Redeeming Love, 2002, $24.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 404 pages. The acclaimed writer of Redeemer in the Womb presents a new work--one that combines the rich traditions of the Church with fresh insights. This profoundly moving meditation on the Christmas mystery is an aid to contemplation--it is both scholarly and pious, and a preview of heavenly joy.

Jonathan Riley-Smith, What Were the Crusades? Third Edition, 2002, $11.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 114 pages. A Crusades scholar provides this guide as a classic starting point for the study of the crusading movement. The book deals with causes for crusading, recruitment, the legitimate authority of the papacy, the crusader's vow, and the crusader's consequences. Competing interpretations of this controversial phenomena are presented.

Jacques Jomier, OP, The Bible and the Qur'an, 2002, $10.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 130 pages. This insightful work on the differences between Christian Scripture and Islamic sacred texts is presented by a former Catholic missionary in the Middle East, who is both sympathetic and critical when contrasting essential Muslim teachings with those of Jews and Christians. Some topics covered include Islamic law, their teaching on Jesus and Mary, and the Muslim's universal mission.

Peter Kreeft, Philosophy 101 by Socrates, 2002, $10.95 U.S., sewn softcover, 150 pages. This introduction to philosophy invites the reader to pursue "the love of wisdom" through the dialogues of Socrates, known via Plato's Apology. The acclaimed author taught philosophy for forty years and is a master of this art.

Stephen Ray, "Mary the Mother of God," (VIDEO) 2002, $24.95 U.S., 78 minutes. This second video in the ten-part Footprints of God series offers a blend of biography, Bible study, documentary, apologetics and history. The life of Mary in the Holy Land and Church doctrines about her role in salvation history are depicted with conviction in this fast-paced presentation. Filmed in Israel, Egypt, Italy, Greece, Iraq and Turkey. Study guide included.

Books received from various publishers

From WebCartoons LLC Publishing, 5727 Canoga Ave.

#163, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367. Tel:[phone].

Jerry Yu Ching and Mike Ongai, The Greatest King, 2002, $13.99 U.S., hardcover, 46 pages. In this adventurous fiction aimed at children 6 to 9 years old, a young prince wanders through numerous kingdoms until he finds the greatest king. Unlike others, the real hero, Jesus Christ, excels in humility and love. An easy read illustrated with modem and somewhat ugly pictures.

From Anansi Press Inc., 110 Spadina Ave., Ste. 801, Toronto, ON, M5V 2K4 Tel: [phone]

Jean Vanier, Finding Peace, 2003, $14.95 Cdn, quality softcover, p.87. Renowned L'Arche founder Jean Vanier encourages the reader to become a worker for peace through the examples of ordinary people, who have succeeded in transforming the world little by little and discovered peace for themsleves.

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

Jack Cansfield, Mark V. Hansen et al., Chicken Soup For the Christian Woman's Soul, 2002, $21.95 softcover or $38.95 hardcover, 388 pages. This collection of brief stories covers various themes such as faith, family life, God's healing power, friendship, life's challenges and more. The real-life accounts of women from various denominations is a sharing of experiences.

From Goose Lane Editions, 469 King St., Fredericton, NB, E3B 1E5. Tel.: [phone].

Ruth Holmes Whitehead, Tracking Doctor Lonecloud: Showman to Legend Keeper, 2002, $19.95 Cdn, quality softcover, 183 pages. This is an exposition of the Mi'kmaw Native people's history and culture by an ethnologist. The stories, social customs and scenes from the daily life of a hunter, healer, and showman, date from 1923 to 1929.