Modern Chains: The Invisible Shackles of Economic Slavery

by Neal Flesher

Modern Chains examines a truth we have been conditioned to ignore: our financial system functions as a silent mechanism of enslavement. Drawing on centuries of history, philosophy, and moral reasoning, author Neal Flesher reveals how our fiat monetary order corrodes human dignity and fractures communities.

This book delivers a powerful appeal to moral clarity. By exposing the architecture of fractional reserve banking, revealing the invalid logic of debt-based money, demolishing the justifications for “acceptable” inflation, and unveiling the soul-siphoning nature of usury, Flesher maps out the moral imperative to resist with logical rigor and resounding rhetorical force.

Yet Modern Chains does not dwell in gloom. It presents practical tools for liberation in the form of a revolutionary monetary alternative: one requiring no trust in political promises or corporate benevolence. If you have ever sensed something deeply wrong beneath everyday economic life, this book’s philosophical depth and practical guidance may be your key to shaking off those invisible chains.

Paperback: $22.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Neal Flesher’s Modern Chains fearlessly exposes the moral bankruptcy of our monetary system. A necessary, penetrating critique that challenges readers to reclaim human dignity and resist the quiet tyranny of economic enslavement.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Phillip Mahfood of Homework: How to Hire, Manage, and Monitor Employees who Work at Home

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC BUSINESS AND EDUCATION BOOKS

Seminary Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1, Spring 2025

SJ General Editor: Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP. This issue was coordinated by Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR

The Seminary Journal is a journal of opinion, research, and praxis in the field of seminary education and formation for priesthood within the Roman Catholic tradition.

This special issue of Seminary Journal explores the evolving landscape of Catholic seminary formation. Featuring contributions from St. Mary’s Seminary faculty, it addresses theology, pastoral leadership, political philosophy, and Marian doctrine, offering fresh insight for shaping future priests in light of the sixth edition of the Program of Priestly Formation.

• Theology as Cultural Witness by Barnabas Aspray
• Human Formation in the Twenty-first Century by Rev. Phillip Brown, P.S.S.
• The Diocesan Priest and Seminary Formation by Most Rev. Fredrik Hansen
• The Intersection of Pastoral Care and Contemporary Leadership in Seminary Formation by Leelamma Sebastian
• Preparing Foreign-Born Seminarians for the U.S. Church by Rev. Hy Nguyen, P.S.S.
• Political Philosophy and Catholic Social Teaching in Seminary Formation by John Macias
• Teaching Catholic History in Seminary Formation by Dennis Castillo
• Teaching Marian Doctrine and Spirituality in a Catholic Seminary by Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R.

PDF: FREE | Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Seminary Journal (Spring 2025) is an exciting compilation of articles regarding the formation of seminarians into priests for the pastoral and intellectual care of the faithful. While these studies in spirituality, scripture, canon law, philosophy, language & culture, moral, and systematic theology are geared toward the integration of the intellectual, spiritual, human, and pastoral life of the priest, they surely also regard the life of each and every Catholic in the universal call to holiness. This issue of Seminary Journal can readily serve as a study guide for all those seeking a deeper understanding of their faith.” – Kiki Latimer, author of Home for the Homily: The Sacred Art of Homiletics and host of WCAT Radio’s “The Catholic Bookworm“

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Barnabas Aspray, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (baspray@stmarys.edu) Doctor Aspray is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R., D.Min., Th.D., S.T.D. (dbilly@stmarys.edu) Father Billy holds The Robert F. Leavitt Distinguished Service Chair in Theology and is Professor of Moral Theology and Spirituality at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

Phillip Brown, P.S.S., J.D., J.C.D. (pbrown@stmarys.edu) Father Brown is President Rector and Professor of Canon Law at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

Dr. Dennis Castillo, M.A., Ph.D. (dcastillo@stmarys.edu). Doctor Castillo is Professor of Systematic Theology and Associate Dean of Assessment and Accreditation at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

Most Reverend Fredrik Hansen, J.C.L., J.C.D., D.D. (fredrik.hansen@katolsk.no) Bishop Hansen of Oslo, Norway, taught for two years at St. Mary’s as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Studies and also served as Dean of Seminarians during that time.

John Macias, M.A. S.T.L., Ph.D. Doctor Macias is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

Hy Nguyen, P.S.S., S.T.L., S.T.D. Father Nguyen is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

Leelamma Sebastian, M.A. Ms. Sebastian is Director of Pastoral Formation at St. Mary’s Seminary & University.

OTHER CATHOLIC BUSINESS AND EDUCATION BOOKS

Power of Developmental Psychology for Secondary School Teachers and Students

by Sr. Elizabeth Ngozi Okpalaenwe, Ph.D.

Power of Developmental Psychology for Secondary School Teachers and Students is an inspirational and powerful book that explains the stages of child development and different emotional, spiritual, sexual, psychological, psychosocial and physical growth topics that may not be found in other books. The nine chapters are creatively explained partly in story-telling form using practical daily life applications to make them simple to understand and integrate, offering readers options in their search for answers and understanding. As the saying goes, seek wisdom and it will become yours.

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“This book is a worthwhile resource for individuals who want to understand and appreciate their own journey of life, including young people who are often bombarded by many demands and expectations from the wider community. Another key beneficiary of this book are parents who, even with the best intentions, do not get on with their children. This book provides insights that will assist them, and indeed their children, to know that not all is lost. The Academy will also benefit from this book, which is a condensed package of what psychology entails. Faith institutions that must provide services to the adherents as they grapple with the questions of life will be another key consumer of this work.” – Mary N. Getui, Professor, Department of Religious Studies, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya

“The activities are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, promoting an active and engaging learning process. Power of Developmental Psychology for Secondary School Teachers and Students is a must-have for educators and parents alike. It is a vital tool for nurturing the next generation of well-rounded, empathetic, and intellectually curious individuals. Dr. Ngozi’s visionary approach promises to transform secondary education in Africa and beyond, laying a strong foundation for a brighter future.” – NDE Irene Awemo. Educationist/Pedagogic Inspector/Founder of Schools of Professional Excellence – SCOPE, Cameroon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Ngozi Okpalaenwe, Ph.D., has over seventeen years of experience teaching at secondary and post-secondary levels. This has provided her with extensive knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods on surveying, interviewing, case study research, educational psychology, psychotherapy research, psychospiritual training and ethnography and interpretive studies. A professional skills trainer, she teaches practical spirituality skills, mentoring students at all levels, including diploma, first degree, master’s and PhD at Catholic University, Tangaza University, and the Psycho-Spiritual Institute in Kenya. In addition, she has served in various capacities as a solicitor, advocating for vulnerable people and for the empowerment of children, youth and women. She has written a dozen academic books and two novels.

OTHER CATHOLIC BUSINESS AND EDUCATION BOOKS

Practical Developmental Psychology for Primary School Pupils

by Sr. Elizabeth Ngozi Okpalaenwe, Ph.D.

Practical Developmental Psychology for Primary School Pupils is carefully prepared to attend to the needs of primary school learners in the areas of character formation, culture, emotional, spiritual, psychological, physical and human transformation. Developmental Psychology deals with issues of child development right from the time of conception. It connects with biological and social sciences, arts, human development, and all-around training of body and soul. The curriculum covers developmental psychology at the lower level of learning. It aims to bring out the greatest result in our pupils, presenting reliable and engaging programs for Biafran primary schools.

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“As we stand on the cusp of a new era, it becomes increasingly clear that the skills and knowledge imparted to our children today will shape the leaders, innovators, and caretakers of tomorrow. Practical Developmental Psychology for Primary School Pupils serves as a beacon for educators, parents, and all those dedicated to fostering the holistic development of young minds, who are our only hope for the future.” – Rev. Henry Chukwuemeka Aguwa, PhD. Biafran Cabinet Member, Education Department, USA

“Practical Developmental Psychology for Primary School Pupils is a must-have for educators and parents alike. It is a vital tool for nurturing the next generation of well-rounded, empathetic, and intellectually curious individuals. Dr. Ngozi’s visionary approach promises to transform primary education in Africa and beyond, laying a strong foundation for a brighter future.” – NDE Irene Awemo. Educationist/Pedagogic Inspector/Founder of Schools of Professional Excellence – SCOPE, Cameroon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Ngozi Okpalaenwe, Ph.D., has over seventeen years of experience teaching at secondary and post-secondary levels. This has provided her with extensive knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods on surveying, interviewing, case study research, educational psychology, psychotherapy research, psychospiritual training and ethnography and interpretive studies. A professional skills trainer, she teaches practical spirituality skills, mentoring students at all levels, including diploma, first degree, master’s and PhD at Catholic University, Tangaza University, and the Psycho-Spiritual Institute in Kenya. In addition, she has served in various capacities as a solicitor, advocating for vulnerable people and for the empowerment of children, youth and women. She has written a dozen academic books and two novels.

OTHER CATHOLIC BUSINESS AND EDUCATION BOOKS

Assertions and Refutations III: An Assessment of Money, Markets and Morals by Various Authors (editor Thomas Storck)

by Dr. Donald G. Boland

OTHER TITLES BY DONALD G. BOLAND

1. Logic, Science, and St. Thomas Aquinas | En Route Books and Media
2. Natural Philosophy, Modern Science and Saint Thomas Aquinas | En Route Books and Media
3. Science, Psychology and Saint Thomas Aquinas by Donald G. Boland | En Route Books and Media
4. Ethics Today and Saint Thomas Aquinas | En Route Books and Media
5. Natural Law – Australian Style | En Route Books and Media
6. Political Science and Saint Thomas Aquinas | En Route Books and Media
7. Economic Science and St. Thomas Aquinas: On Justice in the Distribution and Exchange of Wealth | En Route Books and Media
8. The Social Encyclicals and Saint Thomas Aquinas | En Route Books and Media
9. Metaphysics, Truth and St. Thomas Aquinas | En Route Books and Media
10. Metaphysics/Ontology and St. Thomas Aquinas (Twenty Readings in Wisdom Forsaken) | En Route Books and Media
11. Thomas of the Creator | En Route Books and Media
12. The Thomist Tradition: Avoiding Scylla and Charybdis | En Route Books and Media
13. Rev. Fr. Austin M. Woodbury, SM, PhD, STD and the Aquinas Academy (1945 – 1975) | En Route Books and Media

REVIEW BY FRANK CALNEGGIA

​ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donald G Boland Ll. B. (Sydney), Ph. D. (Angelicum) is a founding member of the Centre for Catholic Studies Inc. in Sydney Australia and is one of its former Presidents. He practiced for a number of years as a lawyer having a degree in law from the University of Sydney. Over much the same time, having obtained a doctorate in philosophy from the University of St. Thomas in Rome, he has taught philosophy and law in both Catholic and secular educational institutions, such as the University of Technology, Sydney, the University of Newcastle, the Aquinas Academy, the Centre for Thomistic Studies Inc., now operating under the name of the Centre for Catholic Studies Inc., and various Catholic seminaries, such as those of the Marists and the Vincentians. His doctoral thesis was on the concepts of utility and value in economics as found in the works of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas.

OTHER BUSINESS AND EDUCATION BOOKS

A Concise History of a Hundred Years of Papal Teaching on Catholic Education

by Fr. Nicholas Gregoris, STD, EdD

Fr. Gregoris, who served as the major translator of a book entitled The Mission of Catholic Schools: A Century of Reflection and Direction, has provided in this short volume a full introduction to the thousand-page collection of magisterial teachings on primary and secondary Catholic education over the past hundred years.

Paperback: $12.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“This comprehensive compendium delves into the history of the Church’s teaching on Catholic Schools, offering insightful works of the popes that leads to thought-provoking discussions. From the turn of the 20th-century to contemporary writings, this history navigates through decades of human spirituality, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of catholic education in the midst of church tradition. As Rector-President of the only diocesan high school seminary in the country, I found Fr Nicholas’ work to be engaging and illuminating.  A Concise History of a Hundred Years of Papal Teaching on Catholic Education and its full version, The Mission of Catholic Schools, are an indispensable resource for anyone involved in Catholic Education.” – Rev. James Kuroly, EdD, Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary, Diocese of Brooklyn

“Fr. Nicholas L. Gregoris’ scholarly 89-page history of a century of papal teaching on Catholic education is a classic. It beautifully captures the uncommon commonsense wisdom the Catholic Church has transmitted for millennia to the West and the world. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Buy a copy and tell others about it.” – Dr. Peter A. Redpath, Founder and CEO, Aquinas School of Leadership, LLC 

“A solid contribution to our Catholic history of education and a handy resource for every Catholic educator.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-editor with Timothy Westbrook and Vicki Dunnam of Teaching and Learning in the Age of COVID19: Faith-Based–Online and Emergency Remote

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC BUSINESS AND EDUCATION BOOKS