Theology Romans

Augustine and the Cure of Souls situates Augustine within the ancient philosophical tradition of using words to order emotions. Paul Kolbet uncovers a profound continuity in Augustine's thought, from his earliest prebaptismal writings to his final acts as bishop, revealing a man deeply indebted to the Roman past and yet distinctly Christian. Rather than supplanting his classical learning, Augustine's Christianity reinvigorated precisely those elements of Roman wisdom that he believed were slipping into decadence.

In the heart of faith, amidst trials and tribulations, lies the inspiration of the Eucharistic martyrs—men, women, and children whose love for the Blessed Sacrament led them to the ultimate sacrifice. Martyrs of the Eucharist: Stories to Inspire Eucharistic Amazement is a profound collection of twenty-nine stirring stories, curated into four distinct sections: those who died attending Mass, those who died celebrating Mass, those who risked their lives defending or protecting the Eucharist, and those whose deaths are connected to the Eucharist.

In Resurrecting Justice, theologian Douglas Harink invites listeners to rediscover Romans as a treatise on justice. He traces Paul's thinking on this theme through a sequential reading of the book, finding in each passage facets of the gospel's primary claim - that God accomplishes justice in the death and resurrection of Jesus Messiah. By rendering forms of the Greek word dikaiosyne as "just" or "justice", Harink emphasizes the inseparability of personal, social, and political uprightness that was clear to Paul but is obscured in modern translations.

Romans 9-11 may be the most perplexing portion of the Pauline Epistles. These three chapters are teeming with citations from the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul’s purpose for the quotations is often obscure, the logic of his reasoning is confusing, and attempts to understand what he is telling us can be frustrating. Dr. Anne Davis has recovered ancient Hebraic methods of searching the Scriptures, which penetrate Paul's mysteries and explain how "all Israel will be saved."

Through his own writings and inspiration of Aristotle and countless others, Plato continues to influence every area of philosophic thought, to say nothing of his enormous influence on Christian theology. His dramatic dialogues, including Republic, the monumental treatise on the ideal state, render him one of the greatest of Greek literary geniuses. In this concise analysis, eminent Plato scholar A. E. Taylor examines the philosopher's theory of knowledge and doctrine of ideas; the ideal of the philosopher-king; the social system advocated in Republic; judgments on democracy; and belief in the immortality of the soul. Also considered: Plato's relationship with his master, Socrates; contribution to the idea of university education; attack on art; abstention from public life; anticipation of Copernicus. Taylor also mentions historical misunderstandings of the one he deems the most original and influential of all philosophers.

The spiritual wisdom of Saint Benedict has endured for centuries and quite literally shaped Western culture from its inception. Tenets of the order, like its motto and Saint Benedict’s Rule, are just as influential for lay people as they are for the Benedictine monks and nuns. The cross and medal of St. Benedict is also among the gifts bestowed by the Benedictine Order. For centuries, it has been a conduit for God’s power against malicious spirits.

Romans nine has been a theological battleground for centuries. Scholars from all perspectives have debated whether Paul is teaching corporate or individual election, whether or not God truly hates Esau, and how to understand the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. Both sides have accused the other of misrepresenting God.

The Church Evangelizing! describes how Jesus made friends with the disciples: by speaking their language, joining in their activities, sharing meals, taking long walks with them, being in their homes, listening to their worries, praying with them, and by being a friend.