Inside the Pages Archives

IP#267 Fr. C. John McCloskey – The Mississippi Flows into the Tiber on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

What a delight to discuss our ongoing call to conversion with Fr. C. John McCloskey III especially as demonstrated by the hundreds of lives shared in”The Mississippi Flows Into the Tiber: A Guide to Notable American Converts to the Catholic Church” . The book, which contains a foreword and afterword by Fr. McCloskey, examines the careers and writings of almost five hundred notable converts, containing touching stories of all shapes and sizes. English author John Beaumont, after the success of his initial book “Roads to Rome”, has brought to us an exhaustive, fascinating work that inspires with every page.

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“[A]n inspiring work that covers nearly five hundred eminent American converts who lived from the 17th to the 21st century. In each of these entries, which are in alphabetical order, we find a succinct biography and, when known, one or more causes of conversion, often in the person’s own words. The entries range from part of a page to several pages, with citations from the subjects’ writings. A list of sources is also provided. This book will surely prove to be an invaluable reference work, but more importantly, it is a collection of priceless testimonies, well worth pondering at leisure.”

–Anne Barbeau Gardiner, Culture Wars.

IP#87 James Hannam – The Genesis of Science on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

I love “The Genesis of Science: How the Christian Middle Ages Launched the Scientific Revolution”! James Hannam has written a fascinating study of the Christian Middle Ages and its foundational importance to the science of our day. He’s brought back the important contributions of half-forgotten thinkers. James demonstrates how they were brought to such a state because of the political agendas of the last 500 years. Why is this important? Because it has everything to do with fundamental Truth, and what is ordered in the Universe. And at the heart, it is faith in God which drives science and it’s healthy functioning in society and culture. It was, and should be today, rooted in the Christian understanding of faith, reason, philosophy, theology and all the other things that round out the wholeness of the human person and the created world. Fascinating stuff indeed!

Be sure to visit James’ website.

Click here to pick up a copy of the book

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IP#45 – John Salza – The Biblical Basis for Purgatory on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

I love talking with John Salza…tough doctrine and dogma that for most of us is difficult to explain, is just so easy for John. And he shares his knowledge with all of us…what a gift!

John’s website is www.scripturecatholic.com

Check out John’s book here

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From the book description:

In The Biblical Basis for Purgatory, John offers the definitive scriptural explanation of this distinctively Catholic doctrine. Building on the teachings of Christ and St. Paul, he shows how the existence of a place of temporal punishment after death is not only a logical extension of what we know about the reality of sin and God’s justice, but is also a supreme expression of God’s love and mercy. Although Purgatory is a place of mercy, its pains are real, and they are severe. This book does more than defend and explain Purgatory it provides a solid plan, drawn from the Church s perennial wisdom for conquering our sins by God s grace, while still on earth.

IP#265 Patricia Ann Kasten – Making Sense of Saints on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Making Sense of Saints: Fascinating Facts about Relics, Patrons, Saint-Making and More” by author Patricia Ann Kasten is a delightful book! Not only is the canonization process fully illuminated, but Patricia has filled the book with fascinating stories and little known facts. Everything you ever wanted to know, from the use of relics and holy cards to how miracles are determined can be found in this excellent book brought to us by publisher, Our Sunday Visitor. A thoroughly engaging read.

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You’ll be fascinated and delighted by topics such as: Just Four Easy (Sort of) Steps: The Canonization Process “Doesn’t He Just Glow? Saints’ Symbols “There’s a Man Buried under the Altar!” Relics of Saints “Holy Haloes, God-Made Man!” Saints and Martyrs as Superheroes “Yo-ho-ho!” The Treasure Chest of the Church And much more!

IP#263 Trent Horn – Answering Atheism on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Answering Atheism: How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity” is a compassionately engaging and intellectually-savvy response to the attacks on the existence of God. Trent Horn is a welcomed fresh voice in the forum of Catholic apologetics. Well-researched and thoughtfully presented, this book is a must have for all who wish to defend the faith, but it’s also for those who wish to know and grow in it as well. In our conversation, we touch on many of the enter points for dialogue which we encounter everyday in discussions with family, friends, co-workers, and how to approach those times of engagement in a Christ-like manner. A highly recommended book by Trent and, his publisher, the good folks at “Catholic Answers”.

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Answering Atheism gets high grades on the three R’s: It is readable, reasonable, and researched. Its defense of the cosmological argument has depth and detail, yet it is not so technical that you need to take a philosophy course to comprehend it. —Peter Kreeft, professor of philosophy, Boston College

I’ve read many works of popular apologetics; this is the best! –Stephen Bullivant, editor, The Oxford Handbook of Atheism

IP#262 Kathleen Beckman – Praying For Priests on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Praying for Priests: A Mission for the New Evangelizaton” by author and Catholic radio host Kathleen Beckman is a fantastic response to an important need in the Church today! This book and the website found at www.foundationforpriests.org, not only offers what is needed to encourage prayer for priests and bishops in the Church, but is rich in resources and encouragement to facilitate growth for all in the spiritual life. The faithful who participate in the mission of this apostolate are encouraged to grow in their own holiness as individuals, families, as well as parishes and faith communities. This a spiritual work of the first order and should become a vital part of our every day spiritual life. What Kathleen and members of her Foundation for Prayer for Priests offer to us is a model of how a targeted, focused mission can and should be facilitated in the Church today. When it is done well, beautiful fruit is borne. Not one beat of this important work has been missed, which is a sure sign that this is indeed a work under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We in the Church are richer for this call to prayer and interior renewal. Bravo and thank you to all involved! A holier priesthood leads to a holier Church…now that something beautiful to pray for!

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“The Holy Spirit is really moving in the Church today, inspiring many to pray for priests. Kathleen Beckmann’s new book gives a powerful boost to this movement.”
Fr. Michael Gaitley, M.I.C.
Author of 33 Days to Morning Glory

“Praying for priests is not an option; it is a holy duty and divine mandate. Kathleen Beckman strikes at the hearts of women to let loose a stream of spiritual maternity that flows into the hearts, souls, and ministries of our priests!”
Johnnette Benkovic
Host of EWTN’s Women of Grace

“Praying for Priests is filled with insight, encouragement, and inspiration to lead both priests and laity to a more profound love of God’s priceless gift of the priesthood.”
Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P.
Editor of Magnificat

IP#261 Christopher White – “Renewal” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Renewal: How a New Generation of Faithful Priests and Bishops Is Revitalizing the Catholic Church” is an important work brought to us by Anne Hendershott and Christopher White. It offers a thorough analysis of the state of the priesthood in the United States, and shines a light of joyful hope on a vital heartbeat of the Catholic Church. Our conversation with Christopher White, addresses many of the issues that have plagued priestly formation and it’s character in recent decades, but also celebrates the many areas of reform and renewal. The current revitalizing of our gift of Holy Orders is truly a reason to celebrate and lift up in our prayer!

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“This is the most fully detailed and documented account of the culture wars within the Catholic Church that anyone is likely to encounter. Some may think the authors are too pessimistic, stressing all the contentiousness within the living body. Count me as one who holds that public contestation is the reliable sign of vital cultures and inspiring institutions. Both the bad news, honestly reported, and the ‘less expected’ good news here will make many readers rejoice.”
–Michael Novak, author of Writing from Left to Right

“Hendershott and White are clear-eyed observers of the Catholic scene who offer the reader careful sociological analysis that leads to truly hopeful conclusions. Citing empirical and anecdotal evidence, they show the positive change the Church has been undergoing for some time–especially with the emergence of strong new leadership in the clergy–and they preview the Church we can expect our children and grandchildren to know. This book is real hope, without a hint of wishful thinking. I highly recommend Renewal.
–Scott Hahn, Professor of Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville

IP#239 John Allen – The Global War on Christians on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Chilling and very sobering is the story communicated in “The Global War on Christians: Dispatches from the Front Lines of Anti-Christian Persecution” written by veteran Vatican reporter John L. Allen, Jr. It is a wake up call for Christians in the West, who for the most part enjoy a relatively safe existence compared to our brothers and sisters in the faith who live in an incredibly dangerous world. John Allen chronicles with exhaustive statistics, from numerous countries, the scope of “martyrdom” and persecution that exists for the 21st century Christian. Imprisoned, harassed, attacked, and killed because of their faithful expression of Christianity, Christians around the world are targets. He exposes many of the myths surrounding the issue such as “It’s all about Islam”, “No one saw it coming”, “It’s only persecution if the motives are religious” and more. Why are we not hearing about this in the secular media, but more importantly, why are we not hearing about this in our own churches? The end to the deafening silence must come now. An important work not to be missed.

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From the book description:

From Iraq and Egypt to Sudan and Nigeria, from Indonesia to the Indian subcontinent, Christians in the early 21st century are the world’s most persecuted religious group. According to the secular International Society for Human Rights, 80 percent of violations of religious freedom in the world today are directed against Christians. In effect, our era is witnessing the rise of a new generation of martyrs. Underlying the global war on Christians is the demographic reality that more than two-thirds of the world’s 2.3 billion Christians now live outside the West, often as a beleaguered minority up against a hostile majority– whether it’s Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia, Hindu radicalism in India, or state-imposed atheism in China and North Korea. In Europe and North America, Christians face political and legal challenges to religious freedom. Allen exposes the deadly threats and offers investigative insight into what is and can be done to stop these atrocities.

IP#179 Vinny Flynn – 21 Ways to Worship on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

It was a delight to once again have a conversation with Vinny Flynn, who has authored “21 Ways to Worship: A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration”. Short and to the point, the meditations brought forward by Vinny are packed with aids to help us deepen our appreciation of this gift of the very presence of God. Possibly undervalued as an important spiritual practice, Eucharistic adoration is an essential spiritual encounter for those who wish to truly enter into this Year of Faith. Vinny’s work helps those who wish to begin this vital devotion, and deepens the experience for those who have been fed by this practice over the years. A don’t miss…buy one for yourself and one to leave in your church’s Eucharist Chapel for others to enjoy.

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“Vinny Flynn played an important role in my life of worship when I came back to the Catholic church. His new work, 21 Ways To Worship, has something for everyone when it comes to developing a life of intimacy with God. This is what we are going to be doing for eternity, so now is the time to begin.”
~Jeff Cavins

“Vinny Flynn has done it again! With his fun, accessible, and faith-filled style, he gives us yet another key to unlocking the mystery of Christ’s Eucharistic love. This time, he shares the secrets to “keeping it real” before the Lord’s Real Presence. This book is more than just another devotional; it actually teaches us how to pray, and it does so in a way that’s holy, humorous, and human. Enjoy the book. Enjoy the Lord.”
~Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
Author, Consoling the Heart of Jesus and 33 Days to Morning Glory

IP#147 Dr. Raymond Dennehy – Jacques Maritain’s Christianity and Democracy and the Rights of Man and the Natural Law on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Dr. Raymond Dennehy was a delight to talk to about the work and influence of 20th century French philosopher Jacques Maritain. Ignatius Press has published in a special one volume set, Maritain’s “Christianity and Democracy and the Rights of Man and the Natural Law”, which provides key insights for Christians in shaping the political and social orders.

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Jacques Maritain was one of the principal exponents of Thomism, the philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas, in the modern world. He lived for many years in the United States, and taught at Princeton University and Columbia University. After WWII, he served as the French ambassador to the Vatican. He also helped draft the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).

You can find the book here

“Maritain was one of the pioneers of the Catholic human rights revolution, which changed the course of 20th century politics. While helping the Church through a genuine development of social doctrine, Maritain helped forge some of the tools that eventually broke through the Berlin Wall.” – George Weigel, Ethics and Public Policy Center

“In these passionate words one encounters the mind of Maritain in all its vigor and variety. His reflections on the challenges facing the world’s democratic experiments – starkly realistic yet infused with Christian hope – are as timely today as they were seventy years ago.” – Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard University

“This has been one of my all-time favorite ‘David books’ – those little books that take down Goliaths. Almost single-handedly, Maritain launched a hypothesis on the Christian (and Jewish) origins of the foundational axioms of democracy, of which many atheists are now coming to admit the truth. The sheer power of his hypothesis is more evident with every passing year. The republication of this classic is therefore bound to kindle longing for a deeper, more just reevaluation.” – Michael Novak, American Enterprise Institute