I picked up a very old copy of "Introduction To A Devout Life," by St. Francis De Sales. It used to belong to a convent library.

The first time I read it (Image books, about 50 years ago!) it helped me a lot.

A great spiritual classic that one can go back to time and time again.

A great spiritual classic indeed.

I have taken a concerted effort towards studying my Faith. I am approaching this process in three specific areas of study. The first area of study for me is Sacred Scripture. Right now I am working through the Old Testament of the Navarre Bible Series. The second area of study for me is Dominican Spirituality, and right now I am reading Early Dominicans-Selected Writings. Finally, I have just started studying the Fathers of the Church. The first book I am reading in that effort is Four Witnesses.

I have several other books in my pile to read, but those are the ones I am working on right now.


Peace of Christ,

I'm revisiting Walker Percy. Love in the Ruins right now, with (naturally) Thanatos Syndrome to follow.

I just finished Vol 1 of Lisle Rose's 3 volume POWER AT SEA, on the influence of sea power on modern history and nationalism. Still have 1000 pages to go.

GKC

Hey, GKC, have you ever read Winston Churchill's A History of the English Speaking Peoples? I have and highly recommend it. It's 4 volumes, but a surprisingly engaging and enlightening read. I devoured it some years back, and if I ever get my hands on another copy, I will not make the mistake of letting it go again!

That I have, many years ago. My dad had a set, and also Churchill's 6 volume history of WWII. The latter has to be read cautiously.

My wife is a Churchill collector, of sorts. Currently reading Paul Johnson's short book on him, and just finished John Costello's TEN DAYS TO DESTINY, focusing on the immediate prewar and early war situation in Britain.

GKC

Why did I ever doubt you, GKC?

Because you've seen me fall on my face, before?

GKC

does anyone have any suggestions for apologetic's that Catholics can use

Only about a million, can you narrow it down a bit as to what exactly you are looking for?

well i live in the south so i have to worry more about defending myself against protestants so anything like that. sorry for not making it clearer

"Answering a Fundamentalist" by Albert J. Nevins

Reading this would be a nice start for ya.

I'm reading Trollope's Rachel Ray. It's a very funny satire of Puritanical behavior. I'm afraid reading Trollope always makes me feel a bit worldly, though.

I also picked up Chesterton's Life of Saint Francis. I never got quite as into the Poverello as others seem to be. Saints Benedict, Bernard, and Gertrude are more my type. I liked the Fioretti, though; but I have a feeling this will be quite different.

ill look into the the books suggested, any more suggestions would be much appreciated

"Catholicism and Fundamentalism" by Karl Keating

This book helps very much to explain where the fundamentalist thinking is coming from, and gives the Catholic response.

That's not exactly what I meant...I mean, is there any particular subject matter or topic you are interested in?

sorry, probably something on once saved always saved, asking Sts to intercede for us. something like that

Well, I quite liked Chesterton's Life of St. Francis. It wasn't really a Life so much as a little essay, though. But still good!

Right now I'm reading Vita Sackville-West's The Edwardians. I like it. I have rather a soft spot for decadent aristocracies. I really should get a good devotional work for Holy Week, though... Any suggestions?