BIG C CATHOLICS

Peter Kreeft (Dr. Peter Kreeft teaches philosophy at Boston College. He is a renowned Catholic apologists. The following is an excerpt from an article in his series Pillars of Unbelief. The second article considers Immanuel Kant, his philosophy and his subjectification of truth. It can be read in its entirety here .) Kant - Subjectivizer of Truth Few philosophers in history have been so unreadable and dry as Immanuel Kant. Yet few have had a more devastating impact on human thought. Kant's devoted servant, Lumppe, is said to have faithfully read each thing his master published, but when Kant published his most important work, "The Critique of Pure Reason," Lumppe began but did not finish it because, he said, if he were to finish it, it would have to be in a mental hospital. Many students since then have echoed his sentiments. Yet this abstract professor, writing in abstract style about abstract questions, is, I believe, the primary source of the idea that today imperils

Peter Kreeft (Dr. Peter Kreeft teaches philosophy at Boston College and has authored over forty-five books. He is a renowned Catholic apologists and an unapologetic big C Catholic. The following is an excerpt from an article in his series Pillars of Unbelief. The first article considers Niccolo Machiavelli and the impact of Machiavellian philosophy. It can be read in its entirety here .) Machiavelli - Inventor of "the New Morality" Niccolo Machiavelli (1496-1527) was the founder of modern political and social philosophy, and seldom in the history of thought has there been a more total revolution. Machiavelli knew how radical he was. He compared his work to Columbus' as the discoverer of a new world, and to Moses' as the leader of a new chosen people who would exit the slavery of moral ideas into a new promised land of power and practicality. Machiavelli's revolution can be summarized in six points... For all previous social thinkers, the goal of political life wa

David Mills, a convert to Catholicism, takes readers on a systematic, faith filled journey to discover Mary, the mother of God, as found in Sacred Scripture, tradition, and Church teaching. Delving into the Gospels, Mills examines Mary in the life of Jesus, as a mother, a wife, a devout Jew, and a follower of Christ. Mills continues, looking at the development of Marianology and Marian doctrine as seen in the life of the Church. This book is perfect for those who are skeptical of Catholic devotion to Mary. The author admits to sharing this skepticism before discovering and understanding the reasons behind this devotion. Readers are taken on a step by step approach, looking at Mary from different vantage points, to see the “new Eve” in all her theological significance. Discovering Mary is written in a scholarly but straight-forward way. I highly recommend it. To purchase this book go here or visit the Catholic Company for similar items.

I want to draw your attention to a new feature on this blog. On the left side beneath the picture of Mother Teresa is the "bookshelf." Every time I review a new book of interest to Catholics I'll add it to the bookshelf. Just click on a book to read a review. I typically review 1-2 books a month so look for new reviews every 2 to 3 weeks. Also, to see all reviews I've written go to the search box beneath the archives section, type the word "review" and hit return. All reviews will be displayed. To purchase any book visit the Catholic Company .

LET US PRAY This prayer is originally from a longer prayer of the 15th century and was popularized in the 17th century by Fr. Claude Bernard, who is said to have learned it from his father. Memorare Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help or sought Thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother; to Thee do I come, before thee I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in Thy clemency, hear and answer me Amen.

Many people have commented lately on a growing lack of civility in our public discourse. Is it true and what are we to make of it? Lack of charity is nothing new. It has been with us from the beginning. This doesn’t excuse sin, in all its various incarnations – including intemperance, selfishness, and incivility - are impermissible. It does suggest, however, that the dearth in social graces and the coarsening of our culture is being accelerated by a number of forces. These include communication technology, the twenty-four hour news cycle, cults of celebrity that exonerate bad behavior, and a creeping permissiveness that desensitizes us to acts of inhumanity and rudeness – including our own. The internet, blackberries, instant messaging, camera phones and more were unimaginable a generation ago. We now have the ability to receive and respond to information immediately. In our professional relationships, to take one example, if we waited days before responding to an email it might be con