Have you ever struggled to explain the basics of a Christian worldview, particularly as it concerns God's existence and his relation to the natural order, morality, even sexual ethics? Utilizing the thought of the late Pope John Paul II and the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, Dr. Andrew Swafford has done just this. This book explains the philosophical underpinnings of a Christian worldview--in a way that is accessible to the general reader--discussing God's existence, faith and reason, a tour through virtue-ethics leading to authentic happiness (and discussing the seven deadly sins along the way), as well as John Paul II's teaching on the "language" of the body and the meaning of the human vocation to make a gift of one's self. The reader will come away with a deep understanding of the philosophical foundations for the Christian life.
Have you ever struggled to explain the basics of a Christian worldview, particularly as it concerns God's existence and his relation to the natural order, the basics of morality, even sexual ethics? Utilizing the thought of the late Pope John Paul II and the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, Dr. Andrew Swafford has done just this. This book explains the philosophical underpinnings of a Christian worldview--in a way that is accessible to the general reader--discussing God's existence, faith and reason, a tour through a virtue-ethics which leads to authentic happiness (and discussing the seven deadly sins along the way), as well as John Paul II's teaching on the "language" of the body and the meaning of the human vocation to make a gift of one's self. The reader will come away with a deep understanding of the philosophical foundations for the Christian life.
Foreword by Christoph Cardinal Schönborn Darwin’s theory of evolution remains controversial, even though most scientists, philosophers, and even theologians accept it, in some form, as an explanation for the variety of organisms. The controversy erupts when the theory is used to try to explain everything, including every aspect of human life, and to deny the role of a Creator or a purpose to life. The overreaching of many scientists into matters beyond the self-imposed limits of scientific method is perhaps explained in part by the loss of two important ideas in modern thinking—final causality or purpose, and formal causality. Scientists understandably bracket the idea out of their scientific thinking because they seek explanations on the level of material and efficient causes only. Yet many of them wrongly conclude from their selective study of the world that final and formal causes do not exist at all and that they have no place in the rational study of life. Likewise, many erroneously assume that philosophy cannot draw upon scientific findings, in light of final and formal causality, to better understand the world and man. The great philosopher and historian of philosophy, Étienne Gilson, sets out to show that final causality or purposiveness and formal causality are principles for those who think hard and carefully about the world, including the world of biology. Gilson insists that a completely rational understanding of organisms and biological systems requires the philosophical notion of teleology, the idea that certain kinds of things exist and have ends or purposes the fulfillment of which are linked to their natures—in other words, formal and final causes. His approach relies on philosophical reflection on the facts of science, not upon theology or an appeal to religious authorities such as the Church or the Bible. “The object of the present essay is not to make of final causality a scientific notion, which it is not, but to show that it is a philosophical inevitability and, consequently, a constant of biophilosophy, or philosophy of life. It is not, then, a question of theology. If there is teleology in nature, the theologian has the right to rely on this fact in order to draw from it the consequences which, in his eyes, proceed from it concerning the existence of God. But the existence of teleology in the universe is the object of a properly philosophical reflection, which has no other goal than to confirm or invalidate the reality of it. The present work will be concerned with nothing else: reason interpreting sensible experience—does it or does it not conclude to the existence of teleology in nature?” —Étienne Gilson
In this work, Dr. Swafford opens up the wisdom of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters. From challenges at home, evangelization, overcoming anxiety, doubt, prayer, and becoming other-centered--these and many other struggles a Christian is bound to face show up in these pages. What unites this book is Swafford's ability to untwist the demonic plan to keep us down and bring us to despair. Truly, this work provides a roadmap for spiritual survival in the modern age, one that will empower us to live a life of joy and peace right now.
Develop meaningful, joy-filled relationships through a life of virtue. Attentive to the challenges faced by young people today—online dating, social media, and more—Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships presents the insights that Andrew and Sarah Swafford (the author of Emotional Virtue: A Guide to Drama-Free Relationships) have learned about fostering authentic relationships, answering life’s deepest questions, and remaining committed to a relationship with God from more than fifteen years of ministry to college students. Beginning with stories of how God has personally transformed their own hearts and using the interactions they have had with the young adults to whom they minister, the Swaffords approach those who desire a truly meaningful life with a message of faith, hope, transformation, and joy. This valuable book presents real-life advice on: Fostering good and faithful friendships, with both men and women Pursuing fulfilling and holy romantic relationships Navigating past wounds and how to move forward to find healing Achieving the greatness that every person desires Bridging the gap between today’s world and the spiritual life Living life to the fullest as God intended To those facing universal human struggles with isolation, insecurity, and sadness, Gift and Grit inspires a deeper look at the healing, forgiveness, and transformation we desperately desire in our lives and in our relationships. With discussion questions, Gift and Grit is perfect for small groups and book clubs to grow together in faith. “Gift and Grit is an excellent and practical guide to receiving the happiness, meaning, and truth that most profoundly echo in every human heart. Andrew and Sarah gift the reader with refreshing, honest, vulnerable, and timeless wisdom that can be applied in your life today. You will read this book and ponder your own heart as you experience the fire of desire to live your life running toward the Lord, bringing as many people with you as you can.” – Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT “It’s like I’m in the room with them. We are around the table, living life and talking about what matters. Anyone who has spent any time with the marvelous Andrew and Sarah will immediately recognize that this work is a continuation of the real-life conversations they have all the time with college students, young adults, or friends of all kinds. Their real-life voices come through the book brilliantly, clearly, with all the joy and life-is-messy down-to-earth faithfulness they are known for. Priceless!” – Fr. Craig Vasek, Secretariat of Catechesis and Evangelization
Illuminate your understanding of the Old Testament with introductions and context for each of its 46 books. The Old Testament makes up over half of the Bible and spans the vast majority of Scripture’s historical timeline, yet the ancient culture in which it was written and the unspoken context of its books mean that much of its wisdom can be difficult for readers to understand. Now Catholics can be invigorated in the study of Scripture, connect with the story of God’s Chosen People, and uncover new meaning in the Old Testament’s narrative with A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament. This comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the Old Testament seeks to unveil the mysteries of divine revelation contained in the Old Testament and unlock the hidden details of this God-given text. It helps Catholics become better acquainted with each book’s human author, main characters, and important points in order to transform their understanding of the “big picture” of Scripture and its meaning for their lives. Written by 4 highly regarded biblical scholars, this guide to the Old Testament contains: 46 introductions to each of the Old Testament’s books, including the book’s relationship to the New Testament and Catholic Tradition, its significance to the greater story of salvation, who wrote it and when, major characters, key events, and themes, and more! Over a dozen full-color charts outlining major feasts, kings and prophets, covenants, genealogies, and more. 15 full-color maps depicting the journeys of Abraham, desert wanderings of the Israelites, major kingdoms and empires, and more. Over 20 articles on the topics of geography, laws, sacrifice, literature, the canon of Scripture, archaeology and the accuracy of the biblical narrative, and more. The Bible Timeline® color coding—the same system used in the chart-topping podcast The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)™ featuring Jeff Cavins. With this Catholic guide, readers will no longer wonder how each of the Old Testament’s books contributes to the narrative of Scripture or struggle to understand its main characters, historical context, and literary forms. The only introduction to the Old Testament based on The Bible Timeline Learning System, A Catholic Guide to the Old Testament is the perfect companion to The Great Adventure Catholic Bible and the various studies of The Great Adventure® Bible Study program. “I know no other book like this. It gives a clear, complete, precise account of salvation history. It is based on solid scholarship. And yet it never bogs down, never loses the drama of the narrative. The authors succeed because they never lose sight of Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Old Testament and the key to its interpretation. A Catholic Guide will make you want to study, want to learn, and then want to teach others: family members, friends, and fellow parishioners. You’ll find no better guide for this purpose. I plan to use it in my Old Testament courses. Highly recommended.” —Dr. Scott Hahn, The Father Michael Scanlan TOR Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology "This introduction to the Old Testament achieves the rare feat of being deeply informative yet eminently readable. Catholics previously intimidated or confused by the Bible will find that it makes God’s Word readily accessible for the first time, and it makes the ideal companion to The Great Adventure Catholic Bible." —Dr. Matthew Ramage, Catholic author, biblical scholar, and professor of theology at Benedictine College
Paul famously challenges his readers in 1 Corinthians, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied.” What does it mean to hope in Christ for the life to come? How can we intellectually defend such hope in the midst of secularist and materialist trends so prevalent in contemporary society? Even if we believe as Christians in eternal life, how do we find meaning in such hope when the injustices of the world and our own suffering often loom so large? Drawing primarily upon the witness of biblical revelation and its reception and formulation in the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, the essays in Hope & Death: Christian Responses answer contemporary questions related to how Christians might face suffering and death with hopeful minds and hearts. The essays recover Christian hope in three main parts: what hope reveals about God’s nature and his providence, how hope responds to and clarifies the meaning of human suffering, and the way in which all hope draws human beings to an end beyond this world. CONTRIBUTORS GUY MANSINI, OSB ANDREW D. SWAFFORD MATTHEW J. RAMAGE WILLIAM M. WRIGHT IV ROGER W. NUTT MICHAEL A. DAUPHINAIS JEFFREY M. WALKEY JOHN RZIHA ROMANUS CESSARIO, OP STEVEN A. LONG ADAM VAN WART TAYLOR PATRICK O’NEILL BRYAN KROMHOLTZ, OP
Conventional wisdom has it that thinking on nature and grace among Catholic intellectuals was severely clouded by the work of Cajetan and his fellow Thomistic commentators from about the sixteenth century to the eve of Vatican II. Henri de Lubac has rightly been given credit for pointing this out; and to all appearances, de Lubac's influence won the day, as can be seen by the imprint of his thought upon not just the Second Vatican Council, but also the pontificates of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. However, in recent years, a new crop of Thomistic scholars has arisen who question whether de Lubac's word on nature and grace should be the last; hence, the debate over the nature-grace relation, so heated at mid-twentieth century, has been stirred once again. Dr. Swafford here offers a "third way" by way of the nineteenth-century German theologian Matthias J. Scheeben--who, for some reason, has never really been considered especially relevant to this debate. Swafford shows that Scheeben can capture the very best of both sides, while at the same time avoiding the characteristic pitfalls so often alleged against each.
Divinization: Becoming Icons of Christ through the Liturgy explains the startling claim, so often overlooked, that God transforms the Christian people through the Church’s liturgy to share in his divine nature. This resource serves as an excellent introduction to the Catholic theology of divinization through the Liturgy. This remarkable work forms a coherent introduction to how God makes the faithful in the pews partakers in his divine nature through the action of the liturgy.
Drama-Free Relationships. Do they even exist? Today’s dating scene is more complicated than ever, especially with social media, texting, and the endless pressure of the world’s expectations. How can men and women overcome the interior and exterior battles and discover the love they desire? From “Hey” to “I do”—as well as the inevitable “gray areas” along the way—Emotional Virtue offers a compelling blueprint for how to thrive in every stage of a relationship—not just survive.
