The Wise Guy and the Fool: A Philosophical Odyssey from Modern Error to Truth, authored by Matthew D’Antuono

The Wise Guy and the Fool: A Philosophical Odyssey from Modern Error to Truth, authored by Matthew D’Antuono

Special congratulations to Br. Francois for his being awarded third place in the 2020 Catholic Book Awards contest for best cover art. 

The Wise Guy and the Fool

by Matthew D’Antuono

This is not a textbook on philosophy. It is not an essay on philosophy. It is not a treatise on philosophy. This book is more like philosophical entertainment and illustration: a collection of philosophical dialogues, allegories, stories, and explanations arranged according to chapters that begin with a critique of some of the dominant but wholly irrational ideas in the world today and end with a recognition of the source of highest truth, which man is unable to attain on his own.

Paperback: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99

VIDEO

Marcus Grodi interviews Matt D’Antuono, a former Evangelical Protestant, on The Journey Home.

https://youtu.be/dPIh3dpfqmo

TESTIMONIALS

“A great way to get young people interested in philosophy!” – Dr. Peter Kreeft, pre-eminent Catholic philosopher

“A philosophy book for those who don’t want to read philosophy. A lively collection of dialogues and stories that convey very important truths in an entertaining and fast-moving format.” – Dr. Timothy Smith, Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Holy Apostles, Cromwell, CT

“In a way that is both fun and funny, both engaging and entertaining, Matthew D’Antuono lucidly demonstrates that, contrary to the relativistic thinking of our times, there is, in fact, unchanging truth.  With a method that is delightfully reminiscent of Walker Percy, D’Antuono reminds us that reality continues to be reality independent of my declaration that it is otherwise.” – Fr. Joe Chapel, Pastor, Our Lady of Mercy, and Adjunct Professor of Theology, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University

“An insightful, impactful, witty, and fun testimony to the reality of absolute Truth and its author, God.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt D’Antuono is a high school physics teacher who lives in New Jersey with his beautiful wife and nine children.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and philosophy and a master’s degree in special education. He is working on a master’s degree in philosophy at Holy Apostles in Cromwell, CT.

Matthew D’Antuono is a member of the Catholic Speakers Organization, CatholicSpeakers.com.

You can find him on YouTube at DonecRequiescat.

Matt’s column on the National Catholic Register may be found here. A couple of discrete samples are below.

Articles by Matt:

  1. “On the Meaning of ‘Be Yourself.'” The Imaginative Conservative (January 4, 2019)
  2. “Emmet: The Awesome Hebrew Word for Truth.” National Catholic Register (December 18, 2018)
  3. “The Missing Key Piece from Youth Catechesis? It’s Philosophy.” National Catholic Register (November 23, 2018)
  4. Fact or Opinion?”: A False Dichotomy,The Imaginative Conservative (July 24, 2018)
  5. Discovering the Beauty of the Truth,” The Coming Home Network International (April 16, 2018)

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Political Science from a Catholic Perspective

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Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

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Trinity Footprints

Trinity Footprints

Trinity Footprints

by Roger Skrenes

This book asserts there are evidences of the tri-une nature of God in both people and in the world. However, such instances of God’s presence are not generally known by Christians or by others around the world. This book is an attempt to inform readers of these triune (or three-in-one) footprints of God in everyday life. By reading this book, the reader should better perceive the presence of the triune God in our world and see how God impacts our lives in mysterious ways.
 
 
Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“A stunning demonstration of how God has left evidence of Himself scattered throughout our psychology, anthropology, and interpersonal relationships. A must-read for anyone who doubts the reality of the Most Holy Trinity and an affirmation for those who already believe.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Holy Apostles College & Seminary

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roger Skrenes studied science as an undergraduate and history as a graduate. He holds a master’s degree in religion and has taught high school in Los Angeles, California, for over thirty years, including six summers in the California Youth Authority (a prison for teenage boys in Whittier, CA). He is the father of three adult children, Mary, Mark and Therese. His other books include History of the Eucharist (En Route Books and Media, 2017) and The Jesus Code (En Route Books and Media, 2016).

OTHER ACADEMIC BOOKS

Political Science from a Catholic Perspective

Political Science from a Catholic Perspective

Political Science from a Catholic Perspective by Fr. Peter Samuel Kucer, MSA Today, many specializations within the field of political science identify it particularly as a social science, and these are namely political theory, government and politics, comparative...

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Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

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A Fool’s Errand: A Brief, Informal Introduction to Philosophy for Young Catholics

A Fool’s Errand: A Brief, Informal Introduction to Philosophy for Young Catholics

A Fool’s Errand: A Brief, Informal Introduction to Philosophy for Young Catholics

by Matthew D’Antuono

What is the meaning of life? What is the nature of existence? Why am I here? What is real happiness? The big questions. Are there answers to these questions? In a world where we are bombarded by fuzzy and faulty non-thoughts by the media and society, this book provides an inspirational and accessible introduction for newcomers to the world of philosophical thought.

Paperback: $12.99 Available now!
Kindle: $9.99 Available now!

Free Audio Book

Each week beginning October 27, a new audio chapter will be posted from A Fool’s Errand. If you like what you’re hearing, please buy the book as a steady reference for a high school student or early college student you know.

VIDEO

Marcus Grodi interviews Matt D’Antuono, a former Evangelical Protestant, on The Journey Home.

TESTIMONIALS

“If you’re looking for an accessible and thought-provoking primer in Philosophy, look no further. Matt D’Antuono’s A Fool’s Errand wonderfully summarizes and synthesizes for the modern mind all the gems that Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Saint Thomas Aquinas discovered so many years ago.” – Father Stephen Joseph Fichter, Ph.D., Pastor, Saint Elizabeth Church, research associate with the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), and adjunct faculty member at Immaculate Conception Seminary.

“We come to know the truth by both Faith and Reason. Matt D’Antuono is mindful of both as he makes a strong case for clearer thinking. I really hope his love and enthusiasm for this pursuit is contagious among his young readers.” – Chris Godfrey, founder of Life Athletes

“It’s such a simple and amazing book. I think it’s a foundational book for anyone who is learning and developing in our crazy, modern world!” – Dr. Veronica Lenzi, a licensed psychologist in New Jersey

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt D’Antuono is a high school physics teacher who lives in New Jersey with his beautiful wife and nine children.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and philosophy and a master’s degree in special education. He is working on a master’s degree in philosophy at Holy Apostles in Cromwell, CT.

Matthew D’Antuono is a member of the Catholic Speakers Organization, CatholicSpeakers.com.

You can find him on YouTube at DonecRequiescat.

Matt’s column on the National Catholic Register may be found here. A couple of discrete samples are below.

Articles by Matt:

  1. “On the Meaning of ‘Be Yourself.'” The Imaginative Conservative (January 4, 2019)
  2. “Emmet: The Awesome Hebrew Word for Truth.” National Catholic Register (December 18, 2018)
  3. “The Missing Key Piece from Youth Catechesis? It’s Philosophy.” National Catholic Register (November 23, 2018)
  4. Fact or Opinion?”: A False Dichotomy,The Imaginative Conservative (July 24, 2018)
  5. Discovering the Beauty of the Truth,” The Coming Home Network International (April 16, 2018)

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Political Science from a Catholic Perspective

Political Science from a Catholic Perspective

Political Science from a Catholic Perspective by Fr. Peter Samuel Kucer, MSA Today, many specializations within the field of political science identify it particularly as a social science, and these are namely political theory, government and politics, comparative...

read more
Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times by Fr. Peter Samuel Kucer, MSA Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times presents how the Catholic Church developed from her earliest days up to modern times. The reader will encounter the mystical...

read more
Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists by Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, and Dr. Ronda Chervin

Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists by Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, and Dr. Ronda Chervin

Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists

by Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, and Dr. Ronda Chervin

Atheism is in revival. Many in the 21st Century lack a belief in a supernatural Creator. This requires an emboldened response from those who also live by faith, doing what God has called them to do, and not through their five senses alone (2 Corinthians 5:7). As Pope Benedict XVI said in his January 9, 2013, audience, “The event of the Incarnation, of God who became man, like us, shows us the daring realism of divine love.” Those of us who ‘see’ that daring realism are called to share it with others, and that is the idea behind this book called Catholic Realism. As Catholics, we can share a response based on revelation and interpreted by the Magisterium, but that will not satisfy the atheist. Indeed, it does not satisfy many who believe the Gospel message is true but do not live faith-filled lives. For that reason, a philosophical response is a necessary pre-evangelization tool. This book is designed to assist the everyday evangelist in developing such a tool.

Paperback $14.99 paperback | Kindle $9.99

A Note for Readers of this Book:

When you, yourself, have been fortified as an evangelizer you may wonder: “How can I get atheists to read the same arguments for theism that are in this book?”

The authors of Catholic Realism have an answer, having put together a short companion book entitled Why be an  Atheist if???  with the  best arguments in Catholic Realism addressed to the doubter rather than to the evangelizer.  After all, what atheist wants to read about strategies others are using to convert him or her?

Check it out!

TESTIMONIALS

I’ve read dozens of books both promoting and refuting atheism, and Drs. Mahfood and Chervin have produced one of my absolute favorites. Not only does this book reveal the weakness of classical and modern atheistic arguments, it shows the truth, goodness, and beauty of Catholic realism, from a masterful summary of Aquinas’s proofs of God’s existence and descriptions of His attributes, to sprinklings of the wisdom and artistry of Dante. Catholic Realism features penetrating biographical sketches of prominent modern atheists turned theists (some of whom were completely new to me), probing philosophical analyses of metaphysical and ethical issues, and an excellent chapter on the enduring friendship between the Catholic Faith and science. Catholic Realism is superb and deserves a very wide audience. – Dr. Kevin Vost, author of Memorize the Mass!Memorize the Faith! and Memorize the Reasons!


“A familiar term like ‘atheism’ may lead some readers (or listeners), like me, to expect to hear familiar arguments. To the contrary, Catholic Realism was novel in most respects, a cogently presented and informative read. It was authoritative and a truly engaging read; I very much enjoyed it!” – Gregory LaPoint, Founder and President of The Center for Natural Law

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Ronda Chervin has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Fordham University and an M.A. in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. She is a convert to the Catholic faith from a Jewish but atheistic background. She has been a professor at Loyola Marymount University, St. John’s Seminary of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Our Lady of Corpus Christi, and presently teaches at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Connecticut. More than fifty books of hers have been published by Catholic presses in the area of philosophy and spirituality. Dr. Ronda presents on EWTN and Catholic radio. She is a dedicated widow and grandmother. Her many books include Quotable Saints,Seeking Christ in the Crosses & Joys of AgingCatholic Realism and Voyage to Insight.

Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, is a Lay Dominican of the Queen of the Holy Rosary chapter in the Province of St. Albert the Great. Dr. Mahfood holds a master’s in comparative literature from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s in philosophy and a master’s in theology from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, a master’s in educational technology from Webster University and a doctorate in postcolonial literature and theory from Saint Louis University. Among his other publications include his book Radical Eschatologies: Embracing the Eschaton in the Works of Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Nuruddin Farah, and Ayi Kwei Armah. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, Dr. Stephanie Mahfood, and children, Alexander and Eva Ruth.

OTHER WHY BE CATHOLIC BOOKS?

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Spirituality for All Times: Readings from the Catholic Classics

Spirituality for All Times: Readings from the Catholic Classics

Spirituality for All Times: Readings from the Catholic Classics

Spirituality for All Times is offered in the hope that it will inspire those who seek a deeper union with God. The authors have chosen to offer short selections to enable the reader to wade in from the shallow end of the pool, so to speak, until they are comfortable enough to take their feet off the bottom and swim toward the deeper end – someday reading whole books by the same writers. A brief review of the table of contents will convey to the reader a specific concept underlying Catholic spirituality: one size doesn’t fit all!

$19.99 paperback | $9.99 Kindle

TESTIMONIALS

“Ronda Chervin and Kathleen Brouillette have brought together in this little volume an important collection of spiritual wisdom from across the ages. To paraphrase St. Catherine of Siena, from my own Dominican tradition, the reason for such diversity in spirituality among believers is so that we realize the value of our coming together in community for the purpose of supporting one another through God’s grace in the pursuit of our salvation.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Dr. Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Ronda Chervin has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Fordham University and an M.A. in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. She is a convert to the Catholic faith from a Jewish but atheistic background. She has been a professor at Loyola Marymount University, St. John’s Seminary of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Our Lady of Corpus Christi, and presently teaches at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Connecticut. More than fifty books of hers have been published by Catholic presses in the area of philosophy and spirituality. Dr. Ronda presents on EWTN and Catholic radio. She is a dedicated widow and grandmother. Her many books include Quotable Saints, Seeking Christ in the Crosses & Joys of AgingCatholic Realism and Voyage to Insight

Kathleen Brouillette is the Director of Religious Education at a parish in Connecticut. She is a graduate of the Master of Theology Program at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, providing a valedictory address at the 2020 and 2021 virtual graduation ceremony. With encouragement from her professors to write about the faith, she was invited by Dr. Ronda Chervin to co-author this, Kathleen’s first book. When not teaching or learning about the Faith, Kathleen is happy to be sailing with her husband or spending time with their children and grandchildren.

OTHER WHY BE CATHOLIC BOOKS

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The Path of Spiritual Happiness

The Path of Spiritual Happiness

The Path of Spiritual Happiness

by Dr. Heather M. Erb

This book is a story of the unfolding triumph of Christian happiness as a philosophy of life. We begin with ancient Greek roots and principles provided us by Aristotle, ‘the master of those who know.’ We continue through medieval flourishing in the sparkling syntheses of the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas. We move to the application of this Dominican saint’s penetrating vision to leisure and worship by a prominent twentieth century Thomist pilgrim, Josef Pieper. Pope John Paul II’s encyclicals complete the threads in this little tapestry of reason redeemed, which is offered for today’s Christian in the heart of the world.

Fr. Kevin E. O’Reilly, O.P. (Angelicum, Rome), in his Foreword to this volume, writes:

The synthesis of faith and reason and fidelity to the Church’s magisterium are hallmarks of this volume, which deals with the most fundamental of human desires, namely the desire for happiness….My own desire is that it become a standard text in Catholic educational circles and, indeed, beyond!….What better way to prepare the soil of contemporary culture for the reception of the Gospel of Joy than to outline the nature of true happiness!

Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“I enjoyed reading The Path of Spiritual Happiness. It is a well-founded presentation of a topic which is so important to the moral behaviour of mankind in our present age, when theological arguments are not very popular. The philosophical foundation therefore is becoming more important.” – +Bishop Attila Miklósházy S.J., ep.emeritus Hungarorum in exteris, prof. et decanus emeritus Facultatis Theol. in Seminario S. Augustini, in Toronto School of Theology; author of a 5 volume series, The Origin And Development of the Christian Liturgy According to Cultural Epochs: Political, Cultural and Ecclesial Backgrounds (Mellen Press).


“Dr. Heather Erb’s The Path of Spiritual Happiness is paved with good intentions, sage counsel, and delightful results.  This carefully crafted compendium of the best of Christian philosophy throughout the ages illuminates the mind and brings joy to the heart — a must-read for all seekers of the wisdom and happiness that only Truth can bring.” – Kevin Vost, Psy.D., author of Memorize the Mass! and The One-Minute Aquinas


The Path of Spiritual Happiness is a wonderful book not only for students, but also for all Catholic intellectuals. Dr. Erb’s book is scholastically authoritative and engaging, providing contemporary examples for today’s world.” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Professor Emerita of Philosophy, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, and author of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather M. Erb is a moderator in the Great Books Program of Angelicum Academy. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas from University of Toronto, as well as degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from St. Michael’s College (University of Toronto) and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium). Dr. Erb has taught at a variety of universities, including Lock Haven, Catholic Distance University, Penn State, Fordham, St. Francis, and University of Toronto. She publishes widely in Catholic academic and popular journals and books, and lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband and three children.

 

Representative Publications

  • “Modernism and the Growing Catholic Identity Problem: Thomistic Reflections and Solutions” (available online: Studia Gilsoniana 4:3 July –September 2015, 251-83): http://www.gilsonsociety.pl/studia-gilsoniana/4-2015/251-283/
  • Pati Divina: Mystical Union in Aquinas” in Faith, Scholarship, and Culture in the 21st Century, Alice Ramos and Marie George, eds., Catholic University of America Press (2002) 73-96 [Introduction by Robert Royal]: https://www3.nd.edu/~maritain/ama/Faith/faith104.pdf
  • Heather M. Erb, “Metaphysical Aspects of Aquinas’ Doctrine of the Spiritual Life” (Proceedings of the International Congress on “Christian Humanism in the Third Millennium: The Perspective of Thomas Aquinas” (Pontifical Academy of Saint Thomas and the Thomas Aquinas International Society) 2003 http://www.e-aquinas.net/pdf/mcadam.pdf
  • From Rivulets to the Fountain’s Source: Image and Love in Aquinas’ Christian Anthropology” in Pagan-Aguiar and Auer, eds. The Human Person and a Culture of Freedom (Catholic University of America Press, March 2009) 61-91: https://www3.nd.edu/~maritain/ama/Human/Human104.pdf
  • “Chosen for Glory: Aquinas on Vocation to the Supernatural”, in John Hittinger, ed., The Vocation of the Catholic Philosopher from Maritain to John Paul II (Catholic University of America Press, 2010) 230-252: https://www3.nd.edu/~maritain/ama/Vocation/Vocation403.pdf
  • Articles in New Oxford Review, including: “The Pilgrim Church and Ummat al-Islam: Two Visions of Peace and Community”, (November 2013); “The Charismatic Appetite” (November 2008); “Truth – A Destroyer of Community?” (March 2010)
  • “The Varieties of Wisdom and The Consolation of Philosophy” (Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture3 (Summer 2012) 161-189.

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read more
Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times by Fr. Peter Samuel Kucer, MSA Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times presents how the Catholic Church developed from her earliest days up to modern times. The reader will encounter the mystical...

read more