Inside the Pages Archives

IP#42 Fr Joseph Fessio S.J. – Adrienne von Speyr’s Book of All Saints on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Adrienne von Speyr (1902 – 1967) was a Swiss medical doctor, convert to Catholicism, a mystic, wife and author of over 60 books on spirituality and theology. She collaborated closely with Hans Urs Von Balthasar, her confessor for 27 years, and together co-founded the Community of Saint John. Her numerous writings, published by Ignatius Press, are being recognized by leading theologians as a major contribution to the mystical and spiritual writings of the Church.

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The Book of All Saints page

FOREWORD

A convert from Protestantism, Adrienne von Speyr entered the Catholic Church on the Feast of All Saints, 1940. During the next twenty-seven years, Hans Urs von Balthasar, as Adrienne’s confessor and spiritual director, carefully observed her interior life and was convinced that she was gifted with a special mission in the life of the Church—to revitalize personal, as well as communal, faith and prayer.

Working in close collaboration with von Balthasar, Adrienne received these intimate portraits of men and women, both inside and outside the Church, in conversation with God. Through a unique charism, she was able to put herself in the place of various individuals to see and describe their prayer, their whole attitude before God. Not all of her subjects are saints in the strict sense of the word, but all struggled, with varying degrees of success to place their lives at the disposal of their Creator.

“The Book of All Saints is a wonderful gift to the Church because it shows how the saints pray and because it invites us—by contagion, as it were—to pray ourselves.” – Vivian Dudro

IP#299 Dr. Rodney Stark – Bearing False Witness on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Once again, Dr. Rodney Stark, the author of the best-selling “The Rise of Christianity” brings clarity to history with his book “Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History“! A professor of social science and co-director of the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University, Dr. Stark is a master of research and source analysis. With his eagle’s eye, he assess the landscape of history and systematically debunks anti-Catholic “myths” one after another. Whether he is untying the knot of the “Spanish Inquisition” or placing in proper perspective the motivation and actions of the Church in the various Crusades, he never fails to place before his readers an engaging presentation of the “truth”. He remains one of our all-time favorite guests and authors…take a listen!

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You can find the book here

Rodney Stark gives the last acceptable prejudice a sound thrashing and clears up a lot of confused history along the way. Give this fine book to anyone you know who’s been subjected to ‘social studies.’” —George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center

“Growing up Catholic in the United States is to hear a constant stream of stuff that, one’s experience shows, is just not true. Still I have always trusted that some unbiased non-Catholic scholar would one day look at the evidence (even its simple logic) again. Little did I imagine that this expected dispassionate historian would be so deeply informed, lucid, thorough, and blunt. Rodney Stark has done justice to neglected historical truth, and I am deeply grateful for his steady toughmindedness. His aim was to honor the truth, so now it remains for historians to look again, face his challenges, and come refreshed to their own verdicts.” —Michael Novak, winner of the Templeton Prize (1994), author of The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism

“A majestically argued, gorgeously written, and essential book by one of the truly indispensable minds of our time. Bearing False Witness is one more gift to history from Rodney Stark. It should in turn be given to and read by students and professors everywhere, whatever their beliefs.” —Mary Eberstadt, author of How the West Really Lost God and It’s Dangerous to Believe

IP#297 Fr. George Rutler – He Spoke To Us part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

The master storyteller, Fr. George Rutler, brings to us an incredible teachings with his book “He Spoke to Us: Discerning God in People and Events”. In the essays contained within this engaging work, Fr. Rutler provides for us a facet of discernment which involves recognizing the movements God in the lives of others, which in turn helps to see similar activity that might occur in our own life experience. Always a joy to talk with Fr. Rutler.

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You can find the book here

“Father Rutler’s book is not just charming and informative, but a delight. He knows and remembers so many things that each chapter is a new experience of something in history, theology, literature, or just common sense.”

–Fr. James Schall, S.J., Professor Emeritus, Georgetown University

“Father Rutler is a man of parts: graduate of Dartmouth, Oxford, and Rome’s Angelicum; linguist, painter, violinist, and boxer; preacher extraordinaire. One of Catholicism’s most successful pastors, he has been a magnet attracting converts and vocations for decades. Fr. Rutler is also that contemporary clerical rarity–an accomplished man of letters who writes as gracefully as he speaks.” –George Weigel, Author, Evangelical Catholicism

IP#20 Anthony Burke Smith – The Look of Catholics on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

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“The Look of Catholics: Portrayals in Popular Culture from the Great Depression to the Cold War” is a fascinating work by Anthony Burke Smith. In film, radio, print Catholics contributed significantly to the American Imagination during some of the truly toughest years our nation has faced. It is really interesting how the country turned to the virtuous communal nature of the Catholic identity to lift itself during this time. From Leo McCarey’s Oscar-winning “Go My Way” to Archbishop Fulton Sheen to Henry Luce (publisher of Life magazine), Anthony covers a vast array of areas in this study. I loved it, and I bet so will you!

You can find Anthony’s book at Amazon.com

“Smith’s ambitious and exemplary work demonstrates decisively for all time that Catholics were not only integral players in the formation of modern American popular culture but that the role of Catholicism itself in the national popular culture was a major issue in the production of that same culture. . . . A wonderfully exciting book that will be widely hailed as a landmark achievement confirm the author’s stature as the leading scholar of Catholic popular culture, and be consulted by scholars and their students for decades to come.” –James T. Fisher

IP#164 Fr. Robert Spitzer – Cosmic Origins on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

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It is always a delight to talk with Fr. Robert Spitzer! His sure brilliance, combined with his infectious joy and good humor, is so engaging that any topic he leads us on becomes an adventure. With “Cosmic Origins”, a soon to be released DVD, Fr. Spitzer and a group of physicists and academic heavyweights exploring modern scientific theories about how the universe came to exist. I would call this a “mathematical apologetic”, which is so beautifully points to the greater “purpose” of our creator, that I couldn’t help but smile through the entire presentation. Stunning, wonderful…and so much fun!

To learn more about this film and how you can arrange screenings for your parish or group go here
Cosmic Origins explains what we know about the beginning and nature of the universe, as well as its transcendent implications in clear, easy-to-understand terms. The 49-minute film weaves together a compelling narrative from academics and credentialed scientists pointing toward a very Catholic understanding of how the universe came to exist.

Cosmic Origins is distributed by Ignatius Press.

IP#284 Fr. Mike Driscoll – “Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In “Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment : Separating Fact from Fiction about the Spirit World” Fr. Mike Driscoll offers a fascinating glimpse into a subject much discussed these days. Published by the great folks at Catholic Answers, this work is informative and well researched. Fr. Driscoll is a counselor/chaplain and did his doctoral dissertation on the area of possession and exorcism. He covers many areas in this work, including possession and exorcism in Sacred Scripture and in various cultures. How a diagnosis is made in regards to a particular activity and the discernment process which actually ascertains whether or not the occurrence is rooted in a psychological issue or something potentially demonic is rather interesting.

One chapter in particular was a standout for me: it was entitled the “Deliverance Drama”. This portion of the book will bring peace of mind to many and for others shake up particular paradigms. Fr. Driscoll makes the strong point that this area of “ministry” for laity is not found in any official authorized rite or teaching issued by the Roman Catholic magisterium. When practiced by laity, they are actually working “outside” of the genuine authority of Roman Catholic Church. Founded by what Fr. Driscoll terms “deliverance professionals” (for again there is nothing in the Roman Catholic Church which authorizes this activity to be truly termed “deliverance ministry”), he offers a strong cautionary note to Catholic laity who participate in these “rituals” founded in Protestant practices. He offers plenty of warnings regarding this and suggests what true lay involvement could be in this area (if any). A very interesting chapter indeed.

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You can find here

From the book publisher, Catholic Answers Press:

Drawing on his experience as a priest and counselor, and on his research with exorcists, Fr. Driscoll clears up many popular misconceptions about demons and the spirit world and offers sound information and pastoral advice rooted in Catholic tradition, including: – What we know about demons from history, Scripture, and Church teaching -How to tell whether personal problems come from mental illnesses or demonic attacks – What exorcists actually do and don t do when they help people suffering possession – Why homemade deliverance ministries are not a truly Catholic way to counter the influence of demons – Authentic prayers and practices that will make evil spirits flee and invite God s grace into your heart The devil has designs on our soul and hosts of wickedness who want to win it for him. Know your enemy! Read Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment and prepare yourself for the fight.

IP#248 Kerry Weber – Mercy in the City on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and Keep Your Day Job” is an outstanding book! Kerry Weber has crafted a work that is an engaging page turner that is a joy to read. She shares her story of trying to “perform” all the Christian acts of mercy during Lent one year. What she encounters is the living Christ in each of her experiences. Kerry is a wonderful story-teller. After reading “Mercy in the City”, I dare you not to be inspired to take on the challenge to “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”.

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You can find the book here

“Kerry Weber is one of the liveliest, brightest, most provocative and most articulate voices on the Catholic scene today. With stories that are both profound and lighthearted (and often at the same time) her marvelous new book will help you locate mercy in your daily life. This is that rare book that will indeed make you laugh and cry, but also pray and serve. Highly recommended.”
– James Martin, SJ author of My Life with the Saints and Jesus: A Pilgrimage

“This engaging book will take you to the heart of what it means to try to practice mercy in a cruel world. It helps us to remember that so much of what we take for granted — food, water to drink, clothing, and shelter — are a luxury to many, even in a land of plenty. From a soup line and homeless shelter to death row on San Quentin, the author makes us see the humanity of those we’d prefer to ignore. And if you’re looking for a book that cites both Basil the Great and ‘The Muppets Take Manhattan,’ this is for you!”
– Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk and Acedia and Me

IP#293 Michael Novak – Social Justice Isn’t What You Think It Is on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor pt 2

What a delight to talk once again to Michael Novak especially about “Social Justice Isn’t What You Think.” Co-authored with Paul Adams, this book is fantastic! Clearly written, it offers all who read its pages a depth to the subject matter few other works have been able to provide. They rescue the term “social justice” from those who would misuse the term to foster various agendas. As Fr. James Schall critiques so well, “No concept in ethical and political philosophy is more in need of clarification and critical analysis than that of “social justice.” This term is a relatively late arrival in Catholic vocabulary. Adams and Novak provide a careful, thorough analysis of the term and the ideas and approach that make it useful. This is a very welcome book, not to be missed by anyone at all concerned with public order and understanding.” Not to be missed!

Here is part 2 of our conversation.

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You can find the book here
Adams and Novak write with compelling clarity and force. They make a rich contribution to our understanding of social justice and the policy implications that flow from it. – Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia

Elegantly, winsomely, and with telling examples, Adams and Novak show how Catholic Social Thought challenges conventional “liberal” and “conservative” approaches to social issues. This is a terrific book for anyone who is prepared to look anew at the dilemmas facing a society that aspires to be both free and compassionate. – Mary Ann Glendon, Professor of Law, Harvard University

IP#292 Michael Novak – Social Justice Isn’t What You Think It Is on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor pt 1

Here is part 1 of our conversation.

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IP#290 Fr. Robert Spitzer S.J. – The Souls Upward Yearning on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor pt 2

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“The Souls Upward Yearning: : Clues to Our Transcendent Nature from Experience and Reason (Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence)” has become one of my favorite books of all-time! Fr. Robert Spitzer S.J. once again offers an incredible work that “feeds” not only the mind but also the heart. As a matter of fact, the beauty of this book, on the transcendental nature of our souls, is that it begins with the experience of the heart and then moves us to the head (which is an important flip from how we typically travel the beginnings of the spiritual journey).

In part two of our conversation, we discuss, among other things, understanding the role of suffering and the spiritual battle involved in our transcendent understanding.

Now why is this topic so vitally important today? Because the loss of transcendence is negatively affecting our entire society. It has robbed us of our happiness, dignity, ideals, virtues, and a sense of our eternal destiny. We were created for greater things and we must believe in that fundamental truth and we must help others to come to that understanding as well! This is a classic work, in its truest sense, of Christian apologetics! Absolutely not to be missed!

You can find the book here

“Father Spitzer displays a broad range of arguments in favor of the reality and the compelling importance of the transcendent dimension of our existence on the basis of religious literature, our interior awareness of transcendent reality, the cosmic struggle between good and evil, metaphysics, our natural desire to experience perfect goodness, love and beauty, the evidence of near-death experiences, and contemporary science, especially astrophysics.”
—

Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York