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 21^st 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.

OTHER ACADEMIC BOOKS

Faith and Reason: The Cradle of Truth

by Dr. Gerard M. Verschuuren

Of course, it’s a travesty, but a very widely held one. We all have heard how some people caricature religious believers. On weekdays, they are critical, want proofs, look for arguments, and believe something only if there is no further doubt. Then, on Sundays, they turn a switch, set their understanding to zero and their gaze on infinity. The contrast painted in this parody is clear: Religious believers live a schizophrenic life. It is the life of reason on weekdays and the life of faith on Sundays. This perceived contrast cannot be true, though. It is based on distorted and shallow concepts of faith, reason, and the differences between the two, as we will see in this book.

Paperback $18.99 | Kindle $9.99

VIDEO

TESTIMONIALS

“This book is not a moment too soon. One of the signs of our times has to be the displacement of both faith and reason by a tyranny of the emotive. Truth is no longer found at the intersection of faith and reason but is now located in vague, individual sentiment. The way out of this cultural morass is for clear minds and holy hearts to lead the way. Gerard Verschuuren has proven himself to be such a guide in this important book.” — Fr. Joseph M. Gile, S.T.D., Dean of Graduate Studies and Adult and Continuing Education, Newman University, Wichita, KS

“If you are searching for a Catholic book on the link between philosophy and theology that you can actually understand, look no further. Faith and Reason is a clearly written exposition and defense of man’s ability to know God and his creation. Gerard Verschuuren sets forth a truly Catholic appreciation of our place in the universe: man is a free, rational creature with an eternal destiny. His reasoning power allows him to understand who he is, who God is and to discover that the embrace of God by the act of faith is the fulfillment of our being and of every true and good desire in the human heart.” -— Fr. Gerald E. Murray, J.C.D., Pastor of Holy Family Church in New York City, NY, Commentator for religion on EWTN and Fox News

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 BE CATHOLIC BOOKS

Catholic Apologetics: Witnessing to and Defending the Faith

by Fr. Peter Samuel Kucer, MSA

Catholic Apologetics teaches a budding apologist how to effectively witness to and defend the faith. We begin with a presentation of virtues an apologist is to embody, which includes both moral and intellectual virtues. The reader is taught how to use basic logic, rational argumentation, and non-rational argumentation to further the Good News of Jesus Christ. Apologetic topics that are presented include God’s existence, the presence of evil, faith and science, Christ’s divinity and resurrection, sola scriptura, the Eucharist, the Papacy, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Communion of Saints, Mormonism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.

Paperback: $19.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

Fr. Peter Samuel Kucer, MSA, has produced quite a grand opus in his collection of works on Marian Devotion, Catholic Church History, East and South East Asian History, Catholic Apologetics, Protology and the Priesthood, Western Civilization and Political Science. Each of his books provides wisdom for the beginner and clarity for the educated. – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Holy Apostles College & Seminary

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER WHY BE CATHOLIC BOOKS

Does God Exist? A Socratic Dialogue on the Five Ways of Thomas Aquinas

by Matt Fradd and Robert Delfino

If you want an easy and fun way to understand St. Thomas Aquinas’s five arguments for the existence of God, this book is for you. Written as dialogue between Lucy and AJ in a coffee shop, these arguments are presented by Fradd and Delfino in every day language, with helpful examples and analogies, and by raising and answering objections along the way. Additional resources at the end of the book will deepen your understanding of the material, help you to grow in wisdom, and strengthen your faith.

Paperback: $15.24 | Hardback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99

INTERVIEWS

“Sunday School” Robert Delfino addresses Pat Flynn’s questions on whether St. Thomas really proved the existence of God. (July 28, 2019)

Listen to “Episode 57: Did Thomas Aquinas Really Prove the Existence of God? With Dr. Robert Delfino (July 28, 2019)” on Spreaker. “The Lost Voice Programme” Robert Delfino speaks with John Stute, Jacob Nelson, and Chris Apodaca about the Five Ways of St. Thomas Aquinas. Aired on May 22, 2018. Listen to “Episode 49: The Five Ways. An Interview with Robert Delfino (May 22, 2018)” on Spreaker.

“I Thought You’d Like to Know This” Part 2 on WCAT Radio. Matt Fradd and Robert Delfino are interviewed by Cynthia and Andrew Gniadek about their new book. Aired on March 19, 2018.

Listen to “​Matt Fradd and Robert Delfino – Conversation concerning their new book “​Does God Exist?” – Part 2″ on Spreaker. “I Thought You’d Like to Know This” Part 1 on WCAT Radio. Matt Fradd and Robert Delfino talk to one another about their new book. Aired on March 19, 2018. Listen to “​Matt Fradd and Robert Delfino – Conversation concerning their new book “​Does God Exist?” – Part 1″ on Spreaker.

TESTIMONIALS

“I love the dialogs. They are engaging, not boring, not difficult for beginners, and effectively wise. You accomplished what I tried in the chapter on the 5 ways in my Yes or No? much better than I did.” – Dr. Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, MA

“It’s very difficult to present substantive philosophical ideas in a way that is popularly accessible and entertaining. But Fradd and Delfino pull it off admirably in this fine book. Read, learn, and enjoy.” – Dr. Edward Feser, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Pasadena City College, CA

REVIEWS

“This book is a great introduction to the Five Ways as well as the metaphysics and natural theology of Aquinas. Understandable, entertaining, and engaging. The basic nature of God and the arguments for His existence are presented in a way that even beginners can understand. Overall, it is a very valuable book.” – Matt D’Antuono, March 4, 2018.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

OTHER WHY BE CATHOLIC BOOKS

Nonsense to Horse-Sense: How Horses Tell Us the Truth about Ourselves and How to Live

by P. D. “Dave” Basconi

TESTIMONIALS

“Here is an excellent book to give to family members and friends who are not Catholic or even religious as a bridge in its way of presenting the truth of natural law ethics.” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, author of The Way of Love: The Path of Inner Transformation

“This book is about horses, but it is also about people. The author is telling the reader how horses live, his horses, and other ones. He is telling the reader that horses live in harmony, that their basic need is to survive, and that the only way to do so is without nonsense. Horses are all business. The author’s message is that there is quite a lot of nonsense in our human society. There are self-centered people, and for humans to function in harmony, self-centeredness cannot exist. Everyone needs to work together to survive, and nonsense and self-centeredness are not beneficial to survival. Teenagers who read this book will find themselves questioning how they are acting after they read it. They will understand that nonsense does not bring much good to society, and they will most likely try their best to improve themselves, and society.” – Cecilia Anderson, teenage student at the Montessori Adolescent Program of St. Louis, MO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

P. D. “Dave” Basconi grew up in rural, coal-mining West Virginia with his two brothers; all worked in their parents’ hardware store. He discovered his passion for horses at an early age when making deliveries with his father to local farms.

Upon graduation with an engineering degree, he headed off to Connecticut, was soon married and raised two sons. The dream to bring horses into his life came to life when he and his wife moved to a new location.

That decision brought a host of new adventures; along with all of its challenges and rewards. A good decision with lots of work and no regrets. The chance to write about it came from the fortunate encounter with some very interesting and accomplished people in the world of books and media.

Dave still lives in Connecticut with his wife, three cats and four horses.

OTHER WHY BE CATHOLIC BOOKS