Disputed Catholic Landmarks: From Disinformation to Information

by Gerard Verschuuren

Everyone’s life has landmarks: when you were born, when you graduated from school, when you got your first job, when you got married, and so many more. There must be many landmarks in the history of the Catholic Church, too. Just think of issues such as the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, the Holocaust, and several more. What all of them also have in common is that they are disputed, challenged, and contested—ripe for discussion and open to various interpretations. Is it possible to dispel misinformation from people’s minds that are filled with prejudiced opinions? Verschuuren endeavors in this book to do just that, separating truths from untruths, facts from fictions, and information from disinformation.

Paperback: $18.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“In an age of Facebook factcheckers and politically correct cancelations, of ideological divisions even within the heart of our Church, Gerard Verschuuren has provided just the resource we need to bring clarity to confusion, order to chaos.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author of Catholic Realism

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gerard M. Verschuuren is a human geneticist who also earned a doctorate in the philosophy of science. He studied and worked at universities in Europe and the United States. Currently semi-retired, he spends most of his time as a writer, speaker, and consultant on the interface of science and religion, faith and reason.

Currently, while semi-retired, he writes about issues at the interface of

• science and religion,
• science and creation,
• faith and reason.

All his books can be found at: www.where-do-we-come-from.com

OTHER WHY CATHOLIC BOOKS

Human Nature: Moral Norm

by Francis Etheredge

PART IV

Part IV: A Spirituality of Being Open to Life (Comprising Chapters 5-6

Opening Chapter Five: The Founding Act of the Human Person: Being is a Unity-in-Diversity (I); Conception and the Actus Essendi of the Human Person (II); Confirmation of this View of Conception (III)

Closing Chapter Five: The Attitude-in-Action of Procreation: The Inclination to Procreation (I); the Person-as-Gift is Interior to Spousal Love and Procreation (II); The Bodily-Personal Action of Procreation (III)

Chapter Six: Be Open to Life: The Spiritual Significance of Being Open to Life: The Covenant of the Flesh (I); The Activity of the Holy Spirit (II); A Spirituality of Being Open to Life (III); The Christo-Trinitarian Significance of this ‘Openness’ (IV); and, Finally, the Social and Inseparably Eschatological Dimension of Being Open to Life (V)

Dr. Moira McQueen: A Biography and Complementary Contribution to Part IV: “The McQueen Family: 2XX 5XY”

PART V

Part V: The Word of Truth-in-Love and Conscience (Comprising Chapter 7)

Dr. Mary Shivanandan: A Complimentary Contribution to Part V: A Biography and Personal Journey: “My Experience with Natural Family Planning”

A Postscript and References by Francis Etheredge

A Further, Triptych of Experience: Part I of III: Being Open to Life: Being Open to Being-in-Relationship: Wrongdoing and psychology; Sin, Salvation, Suffering and the Marriage Covenant; The Mystery of the Marriage Covenant; and Natural Family Planning

A Touch of Experience: Part II of III: Where Are You? Contraception and Abortion as the Denial of “Relationship”; Rediscovering the Value of Evidence; Evidence and Sex-Trafficking; Evidence and the Environment; In the Case of an Abortion; Does “not being pregnant” Define a Man?; Hope and Forgiveness: Forgiveness and Hope

Dr. Christine M. W. Ward: Biography and “The Lived Experience of Contraception”: Part III of III: The Lived Experience of Contraception; A Different Act; Love’s watermark: the total self-gift

Chapter Seven: Conscience-as-Relationship Entailing Recovery from Error: The first part of the chapter follows with a specific consideration of principles and experience (I). It will then go on and develop an account of the conscience as integral to the person and as a witness to the truth of our relationships (II). Drawing on saints and scholars it is possible that conscience and the word of God entails a dynamic relationship that could prompt, possibly, the “un-doing” development of an erroneous conscience (III)

“A Pain-Breaking Word” of Encouragement (Prose and Poem)

CONCLUSION

Dr. Richard Spinello: Biography and an “End Word”

“Humanae Vitae, the Magisterium, and Justice to the Creator

REVIEWS

“A Dialogue between Dr Pravin Thevathasan and Francis Etheredge,” Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 74(2) May 2024. Click here. For a PDF download, click here.

“Being Open to Life: Being Open to Being-in-Relationship,” Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 72(1) February 2022. Click here.

TESTIMONIALS

“What a wonderful book! What a tour de force!!! I have fallen in love with Etheredge’s Human Nature: Moral Norm: it is a fresh and often poetic new look at deep fundamentals. This is an analysis that transcends such categories as phenomenological/traditional metaphysics with a new and compelling synthesis. I want to pass it on to some professor who is still teaching ethics regularly. Glory!” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Emerita Professor of Philosophy, Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and author of numerous books about Catholic ethics and spirituality

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Francis Etheredge is married with eight children, plus three in heaven.

Francis is currently a freelance writer and speaker and his “Posts” on LinkedIn can be viewed here. Poetry; short articles; autobiographical blog; excerpts from books; and “Philosophize: A Ten Minute Write.”

For a list of all of Francis’ books published by En Route Books and Media, click here.

See Francis’ other books, too, entitled Scripture: A Unique Word, From Truth and truth: Volume I-Faithful Reason, From Truth and truth: Volume II: Faith and Reason in Dialogue, From Truth and truth: Volume III: Faith is Married Reason.

He has earned a BA Div (Hons), MA in Catholic Theology, PGC in Biblical Studies, PGC in Higher Education, and an MA in Marriage and Family (Distinction).

Enjoy these additional articles by Francis Etheredge:

• Witness “begets” Witnesses
• Love is a Liturgical Act
• The Holy Family, Celibacy, and Marriage: A Reflection on the “Passage” from the Jewish Rite of Marriage to the Sacrament of Marriage
• “Do-it-Yourself” or Vocation: Coincidence or Providence

OTHER ACADEMIC BOOKS

The Divine Mosaic: Piecing Together Catholic and Orthodox Unity

by James Likoudis

This book collects essays, speeches, and presentations given over the course of James Likoudis’ seven decades as a Catholic. As a convert from Eastern Orthodoxy, he has devoted the greater portion of his life to the work of ecumenism, “that they all may be one” (Jn. 17:21). Within these pages, he refutes common objections to Catholicism as well as provides a sound basis for a truly Catholic ecclesiology. It is hoped that this book will be a welcome contribution to ecumenism and will bring the Church of Christ, which subsists fully within the Catholic Church, that much closer to healing its wounds and offering a vision of a united Christianity to the world–a prerequisite of fulfilling the mission entrusted to it by Christ.

Paperback: $29.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“What are the principal obstacles to the prospects of Catholic–Orthodox unity? Dr. James Likoudis, himself a convert from Greek Orthodoxy, offers a unique and challenging answer in this marvelous new collection of essays, articles, and speeches: the chief impediments are not primarily the dogmatic divides between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, but rather the internal divisions—both administrative and magisterial—within and between the Byzantine Orthodox churches themselves. Without descending into triumphalism, Likoudis makes a fraternal, detailed and compelling case that the underlying historical issues inherent in Orthodoxy’s presumptive imperial ecclesiology without an emperor and synodality without the Divine Primacy leads to a divisive power vacuum which can only and ultimately be filled by the diaconal service of the Apostolic See of Rome.” – Fr. Daniel Dozier, MA, Adjunct Professor of Sacred Scripture, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius; Author of 20 Answers on Eastern Catholicism 

“In these essays Dr. Likoudis addresses the stumbling blocks that stand in the way of reconciliation.  He tackles the historical roots of these controversies while dispelling strawman arguments against Catholic ecclesiology.  In doing so, he demonstrates that Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism are not as far apart as some Orthodox apologists would have us believe.” – Rev. Deacon Anthony Dragani, PhD, Professor of Religious Studies, Mount Aloysius College; Author of Adrian Fortescue and the Eastern Christian Churches

“I’m thrilled to learn of the publication of The Divine Mosaic: Piecing together Catholic and Orthodox Unity.  For many years its author, James Likoudis, has been a tireless laborer for fraternal dialogue between Catholic and Orthodox Christians.  Few know these two ecclesial worlds so thoroughly and few can so successfully untie the knots of misunderstanding that have gotten in the way of reconciliation.  My hope is that this important collection of essays will receive a careful reading from those in East and West that care about the unity and catholicity of Christ’s Church.” – Marcellino D’Ambrosio, PhD, Senior Fellow, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology; Author of When the Church Was Young: Voices of the Early Fathers

“In our modern era of mass communication, the Ecumenical work of reunion will not be carried out in full without lay involvement. And there is, perhaps, no member of the laity of either of the “two lungs” of apostolic faith that has done more to further the dialogue than James Likoudis. In his masterpiece: The Divine Mosaic: Piecing Together Catholic and Orthodox Unity, we have laid out for us the intellectual framework that all of us can benefit from. Whether you are a seasoned apologist, theologian, or philosopher, and whether you are clergy or laity, you are going to benefit and learn from this great work. It is my prayer that every Catholic who is serious about his or her faith will place this book at the top of the list of necessary reads. If you are reading this, you may well have already bought the book. My advice is to buy some more copies for friends.” – Tim Staples, Senior Apologist, Catholic Answers; Author of Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines (From the foreword)

“Dr. Likoudis balances between the extreme of pretending that there are no significant differences between Catholics and Orthodox, and the other extreme of consigning one another to the darkest pits of Hades. Dr. Likoudis is a living example of how to dialogue with the Orthodox about important differences without falling into a rigid fundamentalism that refuses to see grace present in the Orthodox church.” – Michael Lofton, Founder, Reason and Theology; Author of Answering Orthodoxy: A Catholic Response to Attacks from the East (From the afterword)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC FAITH AND MORALS BOOKS

Heresy Disguised as Tradition

by Pedro Gabriel

A widespread assertion in Catholic circles today is that one can disregard the teachings of Pope Francis or the Second Vatican Council if they teach something that seems to go against tradition. Is this the case? In this book, Pedro Gabriel proves that tradition is often confused with novelty. He also shows how several heresies of the past have historically claimed to be more traditional than the living magisterium.

Paperback: $24.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Pedro Gabriel displays the same admirable qualities found in his other writings, viz., careful research, clear argumentation, and charitable but cogent refutations of the false claims made by papal critics. Although Dr. Gabriel is very well-versed in theology, he is a medical doctor … by training and profession. In Heresy Disguised as Tradition, his medical training is apparent. He is able to diagnose the cancer of false theology disguised as tradition and expose its pathological qualities.” — Dr. Robert Fastiggi, Professor of Systematic Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan

“Pedro Gabriel has the gift of giving transparent and honest answers to intricate questions. Now in this book he explains what Catholic Tradition is. One of the plagues of the current discussion on the Pontificate of Pope Francis are the traditionalists who do not know the tradition of the Church. To propose the same truth in a different context, in front of a different culture and of different challenges it is not enough to repeat the same words. The words are always interpreted in a context. It seems that there is only the choice between severing ourselves from the culture we live in in order to become men of the culture in which the Tradition ( that encompasses the Scripture) was originally formulated ( but then we lose the capacity of enlightening with the words of the Scripture the dilemmas of the world of today) or to read the Scripture in the light of the Spirit of Our Time ( but then we lose the capacity of affirming those truths that our time is unwilling to accept and instead of transforming ourselves according to the Spirit of Jesus we transform Jesus according to our Mind). The Catholic answer is that God has instituted through the sacrament of order and the Primate of Peter the appropriate context for the interpretation of his Message.This context is at the same time in time and out of time. Without the assistance of the Holy Spirit there can be no Tradition, or at least no Catholic Tradition. This is the reason why it is not possible to oppose the catholic Tradition to the Primate of Peter. Simul stabunt, simul cadent ( together they stay or together they fall). The reader will find clear answers in a language that is easy to understand and in which a fervent love to Tradition and to the body of Christ incarnate shines through.” — Rocco Buttiglione, Member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas.

 

“Pedro Gabriel has succeeded in articulating an impassioned Catholic defense of the true Tradition against its pseudo-traditionalist deformations. Nothing could be more timely to understand – once and for all – that the Holy Spirit has not gone on vacation and constantly assists all successors of Peter in leading and governing the Church.” — Rodrigo Guerra Lopez, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

 

“Pedro Gabriel offers a well-written and deeply researched defense of Catholic teaching in response to the errors of contemporary Catholic traditionalism. Dr. Gabriel engages directly with the arguments of radical traditionalists and offers a thorough response, leaving no stone unturned. The book emphasizes the Church’s doctrines regarding the papacy, especially the crucial role of the pope in maintaining the Church’s unity and as the guarantor of orthodoxy. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Catholic ecclesiology who wants to understand the ongoing debates about authority and tradition in the Church.” — Mike Lewis, Co-Founder and Editor of the website Where Peter Is.

 

“This book is a breath of fresh air. Dr. Gabriel wrote a book that spoke right to me. When he makes his arguments, I think, get out of my head. Finally someone has put together a cohesive book that refutes the ideology behind radical traditionalism. He lays out perfectly how this ideology matches that of heretics in the past. Great work, Dr. Gabriel! Your work is greatly appreciated!” – Josh Anderson, Amazon Reviewer, 5 Stars!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS

Scholars of the Sacred: Dominican Theologians in Late Medieval Byzantium

by James Likoudis

This in-depth study of the Catholic–Orthodox reunion efforts during the tumultuous 11th–15th centuries reveals the vital role played by the Dominican Order in shaping the theological and political discourse of that era, with a focus on the contributions of prominent Dominican figures such as John Stojkovich of  Ragusa, Andrew Chrysoberges, Manuel Calecas, Demetrios Cydones, Thomas Aquinas and many others who played a critical role in the events leading to the Council of Florence.

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“James Likoudis makes here a welcome contribution to the great ecumenical effort, reminding us of both the complicated and nuanced history of the Great Schism and of the many dedicated ‘moderate and noble spirits who desired an end to all schismatic activity and sought the purification of memories to prepare for a ‘dialogue of charity” which would restore the unity of Greek East and Latin West in common communion, particularly those of the Order of Preachers and their primary Orthodox interlocutors, whose contributions to the unity efforts of the early second Christian millennium ought not be underestimated. Likoudis reminds us that fidelity to Christ and his Church is also always fidelity to dialogue and reconciliation with our brothers and sisters in Christ.” —A.J. Boyd, STL, Instructor of Theology and Ecumenism, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago

“The cause of durable ecclesial union requires a fair and informed hearing of those Catholic authors who have historically concerned themselves with the theological and jurisdictional issues surrounding such reunion. Although Thomism is not the Catholic Church’s sole philosophical or theological spokesperson, it surely represents her most important theological school. Therefore, it is to be hoped that Likoudis’s text might serve as an introduction to the important task of listening to classic Thomist readings of Orthodox thought.” —Matthew K. Minerd, PhD, Professor of Philosophy and Moral Theology, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

“Scholars of the Sacred collects Likoudis’ writings on Dominican contributions to the cause of unity between the eastern and western churches before the Council of Florence. The essays are useful as reminders of a neglected history and as studies in sacred doctrine, but more than once they also remind the reader that the unity of the Church is a supernatural reality of mind and heart—and one that suffers gravely when we begin to disdain or defy the successor of St Peter, the Church’s earthly guardian of unity.” —Fr. Bernard Mulcahy, O.P., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology, Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.

“This is a privileged peek into work that goes on unceasingly behind the scenes—a work of diligent charity and uncompromising scholarship, all in the service of the unity Christ desires. It is a work that yields no earthly glory. Readers will find very few familiar names here. While the protagonists of this story patiently make history, histories rarely take note of them. Thanks to James Likoudis for, at last, giving the credit and the glory where they’re due.” —Mike Aquilina, general editor, Reclaiming Catholic History Series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS

Beloved Lover: The Priesthood in the Song of Songs

by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV

In the context of the mystical love poetry of the Song of Songs, Beloved Lover explores how the priest is the living image of Jesus Christ, the Spouse of the Church. The priest is called to spiritually live the spousal love of Christ toward the Church, his bride. The priest is empowered to love others with an ardor that is fresh, magnanimous, and vibrant because his life emanates this spousal nature as an example of Christ’s spousal love. The intriguing imagery of the Song of Songs demonstrates how the priest glows with the beauty of Christ, the Bridegroom, and perfects the beauty of Christ’s bride, the Church. Lay men and women will gain insight into the life and spirituality of the priest and be inspired to live their own priesthood of the faithful more fervently.

Paperback: $24.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“This book will refresh your heart. Beloved Lover inspires the reader to renew and deepen their relationship with Christ as the Bridegroom. Fr. Greg Cleveland invites his audience to engage Christ’s spousal love as he reflects on the Song of Songs, while weaving Scripture passages, quotes from the saints, and stories that illustrate God’s relentless love. Clergy will find insights for their personal prayer as Christ’s beloved, which will empower them to represent Jesus Christ more effectively in ministry. In fact, Beloved Lover offers every disciple an instructive theology with a beautiful narrative that invites us to embrace Christ’s love and to live more intentionally as a ‘beloved lover’ in the world.” – Most Rev. Steven Biegler, Bishop of Cheyenne

“Fr. Cleveland does a masterful job of presenting a rich source of insights on the Catholic priesthood. He draws heavily on Scripture and Catholic resources to present the priesthood as a ministry of love, done in the love of Christ. Hence, the framing of the work using the words of the Old Testament Song of Songs, where God the lover originally pursues his people, Israel. Now the priest in Jesus Christ continues God’s pursuit of the whole of humanity.” – Fr. Bevil Bramwell, OMI, PhD, author of Handbook for Catholic Religious

“Priests will have their own commitment to contemplative prayer deepened in the reading of this book. Christ the Bridegroom will gift them with a renewed sense of spousal sacrifice, the very spousal gift every priest desired to offer on their ordination day. Christ the Bridegroom is both loving the soul of the priest and in turn enables the priest’s own love and sacrifice to be offered to his parishioners.” – Dcn James Keating, Professor of Spiritual Theology, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St Louis, MO

“In Beloved Lover, Fr. Greg Cleveland uses the Song of Songs to firmly orient the priesthood as the expression of Christ the Bridegroom’s sacrificial love in the world. Although priests will appreciate the honest discussion about the many demands they routinely face in parish life, the book goes further, offering them a template for transforming the quotidian through a renewed sense of spousal sacrifice. At the center of this transformation is contemplative prayer. Readers of the book, both priests and laypeople, are invited to engage more deeply with their prayer life, resulting in a greater desire to experience Christ’s sacrificial love in and through the priesthood. A beautiful exploration of how profoundly and passionately each of us is loved.” – Elizabeth Valeri, MA, Freelance Editor

“This beautifully written book is a gift to Catholic priests for its inspiration and support and will help lay readers to grow in love and appreciation for priests’ ministry. It is profound and extensive in the theology that it presents, yet easily readable. With the romance of God’s love from the Song of Songs as his template, Father Greg blends a fresh and loving perspective from his own vocation as priest and spiritual director with sound practical teaching, stories, and citations. Every seminarian and new priest should have this book, and an experienced priest who reads it will recognize much that will confirm and reinvigorate God’s call.  For the rest of us, it is truly valuable spiritual reading.” – John Linden, Musician and IT Network Engineer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS