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Catholicism

Catholic Customs by Regis J. Flaherty

This book's subtitle is apt: "A Fresh Look at Traditional Practices." "Fresh" does not mean newfangled here: it means renewed. In 189 pages, Flaherty faithfully presents life in the Roman Catholic Church, especially manifested in her customs. Among other topics, he explains the liturgical calendar, sacramentals, and devotions. Flaherty's treatment follows the authentic development initiated by the Second Vatican Council. It is an excellent gift for converts and poorly catechized Catholics who wish to better understand Catholic practice.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church by the Catholic Church

The Compendium is basically a catechism of social doctrine. Part One begins by placing Catholic social teaching in the context of the two principal Christian doctrines, the Trinity and the Incarnation. Next, it explains the necessity of social doctrine for the Church's mission. Finally, Part One presents the foundational principles of Catholic social doctrine. Part Two treats specific issues, including family, work, economics, politics, the environment, and peace. Part Three, entitled "Social Doctrine and Ecclesial Action," concludes the Compendium by turning from theory to practice.

Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Ludwig Ott

The cover says it well: "A one-volume encyclopedia of the doctrines of the Catholic Church, showing their sources in Scripture and Tradition and their definitions by popes and councils." This reference work organizes Catholic doctrine by subject matter. For each doctrine, it presents the official definition, the grade of theological certainty, a brief explanation, proofs, and sometimes answers to common errors. Unfortunately, the book was finished in 1952 and therefore does not include the teaching of the Second Vatican Council.

How Not to Share Your Faith by Mark Brumley

A vital read for amateur Catholic apologists. Cardinal Avery Dulles wrote the preface and Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver wrote the foreword.

The Salvation Controversy by James Akin

Together with authority, salvation is at the center of the divide between Catholic and Protestant belief. Because Protestants typically reduce Christianity to the doctrine of salvation, it is important that Catholics learn Protestant ideas of salvation as well as the Church's teaching (the latter is misunderstood even by Catholics). Akin's book is a helpful tool for this task. Of course, readers hoping for quick answers or solutions will be disappointed.

The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology by Adolphe Tanquerey

A comprehensive, 750-page manual of Catholic spirituality written by a seminary professor in 1930.

Understanding the Mass by Maynard Kolodziej

Fr. Kolodziej explains the Mass in the context of salvation history by comparing worship under the old and new covenants. But this is not a technical theological treatise. Not only the short length but also the clear, concise text recommends this booklet to Catholics of all levels. The opening words set the tone: "From all eternity God willed to create us and to share with us his own love and divine life." You really will understand the Mass after reading this booklet.

Where We Got the Bible by Henry G. Graham

Graham (1874-1959) tells the truth about the Catholic Church's relationship with the Bible. The author was a Scottish Presbyterian minister turned Roman Catholic bishop. This volume includes his conversion story, "From the Kirk to the Catholic Church."

Economics

Basic Economics: A Citizen's Guide to the Economy by Thomas Sowell

Each chapter treats a traditional economic topic like the role of prices, the role of profits, and productivity. Sowell teaches economics to the layman by using examples rather than formulas. The book is filled with historical cases, many of which demonstrate the superiority of market economies over command economies.

Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World Economy by Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw

The authors present the economic history of the twentieth century as a drama. They begin with the conversion of most of the world to socialism after the devastation of World War II. John Maynard Keynes proposes a middle way between laissez-faire capitalism and socialism. But it is the ideas of F. A. Hayek and Milton Friedman that eventually triumph with the election of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. They finally consider the challenges that free markets and free trade will likely face in the future.

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt

The first chapter in this book explains a basic economic principle: "The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy; it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups." Subsequent chapters apply this principle to a wide variety of issues, including taxes, tariffs, rent control, and minimum wage. Hazlitt strongly argues in favor of a free market by demonstrating the disasters usually produced by government intervention. The 50th Anniversary Edition, available from Amazon.com above, is introduced by Steve Forbes.

The Worldly Philosophers: The Lives, Times and Ideas of the Great Economic Thinkers by Robert L. Heilbroner

An enjoyable survey of the great economists, including Adam Smith, Parson Malthus, David Ricardo, Karl Marx, Thorstein Veblen, John Maynard Keynes, and Joseph Schumpeter.

History

How the Reformation Happened by Hilaire Belloc

A short but informative read about the Protestant Reformation, its causes, and its effects.

Never Give In by Winston S. Churchill

This volume collects the best speeches of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The commentary provides insight into the ups and downs of Churchill's life. The editor is Churchill's grandson.

The Compact History of the Catholic Church by Alan Schreck

Schreck's little book (189 pages) is perfect for the reader interested in a brief survey of the history of the Catholic Church.

The History of the Church by Eusebius

Eusebius Pamphili was the bishop of Caesarea in Palestine. He is considered the Father of Church History. This book, finished in the early fourth century, narrates the history of the Church from Christ to Constantine.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses by Regine Pernoud

I consider St. Joan of Arc one of my patron saints. Pernoud tells the story of this remarkable young Frenchwoman through statements by Joan and others recorded at her trials. Pernoud is the founder of the Centre Jeanne d'Arc in Orleans, France.

Joan of Arc: Her Story by Regine Pernoud and Marie-Veronique Clin

Virtually an encyclopedia of everything that is known about Joan of Arc by reliable authors.