Top Christian Books
These are our selections for the greatest theological books of all time.
NOTE. This page is a work in progress.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Major Eras: Patristic :: Dark Ages :: Medieval :: Reformation :: Modern :: Postmodern :: Other
THE PATRISTIC ERA
From 33 to 590 AD
Eras of Apostles :: Martyrs :: Emperors
ERA OF APOSTLES: 33 to 100 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. By Clement I of Rome (97 AD). We read this in the academic year 2013-2014.
The Didache. By the Shepherd of Hermas. We read this in the academic year 2013-2014.
ERA OF MARTYRS: 100 to 311 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
On the Apostolic Preaching. By Irenaeus (130-202 AD). Pages = 121.
The Hexapla (“Sixfold”). By Origen of Alexandria (circa 184 AD to circa 253 AD). This is a massive comparative study of various translations of the Old Testament.
The Septuagint. By Origen of Alexandria (circa 184 AD to circa 253 AD).
ERA OF EMPERORS: 311 to 590 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
First Council of Nicaea (325 AD). This was an Ecumenical Council held in Turkey. We read this in the academic year 2013-2014.
On the Incarnation of the Word. By Athanasius of Alexandria (296-298 AD to 373 AD). We read this in the academic year 2021-2022. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Sermon to the Rich. By Basil the Great, also known as Basil of Caesarea (330 AD to 378 AD). See the translation by Deacon Innocent Duchow-Pressley.
On the Holy Spirit (374) by Basil the Great (330-378). We read this in the academic year 2013-2014, as well as in the academic year 2024-2025.
First Council of Constantinople (381 AD). This was an Ecumenical Council held in Constantinople. We read this in the academic year 2013-2014.
Confessions by Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD). We suggest the translation by Garry Wills. It has 353 reading pages. Read for free online at Internet Archive. We read this in the academic year 2010-2011. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Council of Ephesus (431 AD). This was an Ecumenical Council held in Ephesus. We read this in the academic year 2013-2014.
The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD). This was an Ecumenical Council. We read this in the academic year 2013-2014.
The Rule of Saint Benedict (circa 530 AD). By Benedict of Nursia. We read this in the academic year 2013-2014. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD). This was an Ecumenical Council. We read this in the academic year 2013-2014.
THE DARK AGES
From 590 to 1049 AD
Era of Missionaries
ERA OF MISSIONARIES: 590 to 1049 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
40 Gospel Homilies. By Gregory I the Great (died 604 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Book of Morals. By Gregory I the Great (died 604 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Etymologiae. By Isadore of Seville (died 636 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Life of the Virgin. By Maximus the Confessor (died 662 AD).
Third Council of Constantinople (680-681 AD). This was an Ecumenical Council held in Turkey. Attended by 160 bishops. Restated the teaching of the Council of Chalcedon (451), and condemned some false teachings. We read this in the academic year 2014-2015.
On the Song of Songs. By Bede the Venerable (died 735 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Ecclesiastical History of the English People. By Bede the Venerable (died 735 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Homilies on the Gospels. By Bede the Venerable (died 735 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
On Divine Images. By John of Damascus (754 to 787 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Fountain of Wisdom. By John of Damascus (754 to 787 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in Turkey. Declared that images could be set up and could be given honor or veneration, but not worship. Worship belongs to God alone. Iconoclasm (image-breaking) was condemned. We read this in the academic year 2014-2015.
Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, translated by John Scotus Eriugena (died 840 AD)
Fourth Council of Constantinople (869-870 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in Turkey. Attended by more than 100 bishops. Excommunicated Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, which caused further tension between East and West. We read this in the academic year 2014-2015.
On the Unity of Christ. By Cyril of Alexandria (died 885)
Book of Lamentations. By Gregory of Narek (died 1003), Armenian mystical and lyrical poet, monk, theologian, Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Commentary on the Song of Songs. By Gregory of Narek (died 1003), Armenian mystical and lyrical poet, monk, theologian, Doctor of the Catholic Church.
THE MEDIEVAL ERA
From 1049 to 1417 AD
Eras of Popes and Scholars :: Papal Schisms
ERA OF POPES AND SCHOLARS: 1049 to 1294 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
The Letters of Peter Damian. By Peter Damian (died 1072 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Proslogion. By Anselm of Canterbury (died 1109 AD), Father of Scholasticism, Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the academic year 2014-2015.
Cur Deus Homo (1094–1098). By Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109 AD), Father of Scholasticism, Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the summer of 2017.
The Procession of the Holy Spirit. By Anselm of Canterbury (died 1109 AD), Father of Scholasticism, Doctor of the Catholic Church.
First Council of the Lateran (1123 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in Rome. Ended the custom of investiture. The State could invest bishops and abbots with symbols of temporal authority, but had no right to invest them with spiritual authority.
Second Council of the Lateran (1139 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in Rome. Condemned the anti-pope, Anacletus II. We read this in the academic year 2014-2015.
Sermons. By Bernard of Clairvaux (died 1140 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Steps of Humility and Pride. By Bernard of Clairvaux (died 1140 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
On Loving God. By Bernard of Clairvaux (died 1140 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the academic year 2014-2015.
Historia Calamitatum. By Abelard of Paris (died 1140 AD).
De Doctrina Christiana. By Hugh of St. Victor (died 1141 AD).
On the Sacraments of the Christian Faith. By Hugh of St. Victor (died 1141 AD).
Decretum. By Gratian (died 1160 AD).
Four Books of Sentences. By Peter the Lombard (died 1160 AD), the first person to ever write a systematic theology.
De Trinitate. By Richard of St. Victor (died 1173 AD).
Hildegard of Bingen: An Anthology. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179), German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, visionary, polymath, Doctor of the Catholic Church. This anthology was edited and introduced by Fiona Bowie and Oliver Davies.
Third Council of the Lateran (1179 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in Rome. Decreed that the votes of two-thirds of the Cardinals were required for the election of a pope.
Fourth Council of the Lateran (1215 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in Rome. It declared the necessity of yearly Confession and Holy Communion, and the doctrine of Transubstantiation.
First Council of Lyon (1245 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in France. Discussed the Schism with the Byzantines, and the immorality of the clergy. Deposed Emperor Frederick II because of sacrilege, suspicion of heresy, perjury and disturbing the peace. We read this in the academic year 2014-2015.
Second Council of Lyon (1274 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in France. Attended by 500 bishops, and such dignitaries as Bonaventure and Albertus Magnus. Thomas Aquinas died on his way to the Council. The Council established union between Eastern and Western Churches.
Summa Theologiae. By Thomas Aquinas (circa 1225 to 1274), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Summa Contra Gentiles. By Thomas Aquinas (circa 1225 to 1274), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Catechetical Instructions of St. Thomas Aquinas (circa 1225 to 1274), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the academic year 2022-2023.
A Life of St. Francis. By Bonaventura (circa 1225 to 1274), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
ERA OF PAPAL SCHISMS: 1294 to 1417 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
Philosophical Writings: A Selection. By John Duns Scotus (died 1308 AD)
Council of Vienne (1311-1312). An Ecumenical Council held in France. Suppressed the order of Knights Templar, and dealt with matters related to the clergy.
The Divine Comedy. By Dante Alighieri (died 1321 AD). We read this in the academic year 2014-2015. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Cloud of Unknowing. By Anonymous. We read this in the summer of 2021. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Meister Eckhart: Selections from his Essential Writings. By Eckhart von Hochheim, OP (circa 1260 to circa 1328). We read this in the academic year 2022-2023.
Dialogue of St. Catherine of Sienna. By Catherine of Siena (1347–1380 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the academic year 2022-2023.
The Lord’s Supper. By John Wycliff (1331-1384), professor at Oxford University. After his death, the Council of Constance declared him a heretic, banned his writings, burned his works, exhumed his body, defrocked him, and burned him at the stake.
De civili dominio. By John Wycliff (1331-1384), professor at Oxford University. After his death, the Council of Constance declared him a heretic, banned his writings, burned his works, exhumed his body, defrocked him, and burned him at the stake.
De potentate papae. Opposes the position that the Church consists only of the clergy. By John Wycliff (1331-1384), professor at Oxford University. After his death, the Council of Constance declared him a heretic, banned his writings, burned his works, exhumed his body, defrocked him, and burned him at the stake.
De Ecclesia. By John Hus (died 1415 AD). The first reformer. The Catholic church burned him at the stake. Often referred to in English as John Hus or John Huss. Hus was a professor at the Charles University in Prague. He tried to reform the Church by delineating the moral failings of clergy, bishops, and even the papacy from his pulpit. At the Council of Constance, he was imprisoned in a dungeon. Later, at the cathedral parish, he was condemned and burned at the stake.
Revelations of Divine Love. By Julian of Norwich (died 1416 AD). We read this in the academic year 2014-2015. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Council of Constance (1414-1418 AD). An Ecumenical Council held in Germany. Ended the Great Schism, when three men were each claiming to be the pope. Condemned John Wycliffe and Jan Hus.
THE REFORMATION ERA
1417 to 1648 AD
Eras of: Pre-Reformation :: Reformation :: Counter-Reformation :: Private Reforms
PRE-REFORMATION: 1417 to 1517 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges (1438). It required a general church council to be held every ten years. Its authority was to be superior to a pope. Such a notion was called the “Conciliar Movement.”
Council of Basel (1438-1445). It was an Ecumenical Council held in Ferrara and in Florence. It declared the authority of the Pope to be superior to that of a General Council. This killed off the Conciliar Movement.
On Learned Ignorance. By Nicholas of Cusa (1401 to 1464 AD). He was noted for his deeply mystical writings about the possibility of knowing God with the divine human mind — not possible through mere human means — via “learned ignorance.” We read this in the academic year 2015-2016.
De pace fidei. By Nicholas of Cusa (1401 to 1464 AD). He was noted for his deeply mystical writings about the possibility of knowing God with the divine human mind — not possible through mere human means — via “learned ignorance.”
The Imitation of Christ. By Thomas à Kempis (died 1471 AD). We read this in the academic year 2014-2015. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition (1478-on). It was established to enforce Catholic orthodoxy. Estimates of the number of persons assaulted by the Inquisition range up to 150,000, with 2,000 to 5,000 people executed.
Fifth Council of the Lateran (1512-1514). It was an Ecumenical Council held in Rome. It declared that the teachings of the Council of Pisa were invalid since it did not have the Pope’s approval. It expressed concern for abuses in the Church, and pointed out the need for reform.
REFORMATION: 1517 to 1648 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
TBD. By Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531). Together with Luther and Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli is one of the three key figures of the Reformation. He lived in Switzerland. His legacy lives on in the Reformed churches of today.
The Ninety-Five Theses. By Martin Luther (1483-1546). The Reformation was born of Luther’s dual declaration – first, the discovering of Jesus and salvation by faith alone; and second, identifying the papacy as the Antichrist. We read this in the academic year 2015-2016.
On the Bondage of the Will. By Martin Luther (1483-1546). The Reformation was born of Luther’s dual declaration – first, the discovering of Jesus and salvation by faith alone; and second, identifying the papacy as the Antichrist.
Smalcald Articles. By Martin Luther (1483-1546). The Reformation was born of Luther’s dual declaration – first, the discovering of Jesus and salvation by faith alone; and second, identifying the papacy as the Antichrist. We read this in the academic year 2015-2016.
On the Freedom of a Christian. By Martin Luther (1483-1546). The Reformation was born of Luther’s dual declaration – first, the discovering of Jesus and salvation by faith alone; and second, identifying the papacy as the Antichrist.
Commentary on Galatians. By Dr. Martin Luther (1483-1546). We read this in the academic year 2016-2017.
The Diet of Worms (1521). It was a formal deliberative assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, called by Emperor Charles V, to triy Martin Luther for heresy.
Decet Romanum Pontificem. By Pope Leo X. It excommunicated Martin Luther on January 3, 1521.
TBD. By Philip Melanchthon (died 1560 AD).
TBD. By John Calvin (1509-1564). He was a principal figure in the development of Calvinism, which is most famous for its doctrines on predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation and damnation. Together with Luther and Zwingli, John Calvin is one of the three key figures of the Reformation.
TBD. By John Knox (1514-1572). A Scottish clergyman and writer who was a leader of the Protestant Reformation and is considered the founder of the Presbyterian denomination in Scotland.
Thirty Years’ War (1618 to 1648). The Roman Catholic House of Habsburg and its allies fought against the Protestant princes of Germany, killing between 25 and 40% of its population.
The Peace of Westphalia (1648). It ended the Thirty Years’ War.
COUNTER-REFORMATION: 1545 to 1648 AD
Our Nickname: “The Empire Strikes Back”
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
404 Theses. By Johann Eck (1486 to 1543). A German scholastic theologian. He defended the doctrines of the Mass, Purgatory, and confession. He condemned Luther, Zwingli and others. Later in life, he became an Inquisitor. We read this in the academic year 2015-2016.
Council of Trent (1545-1563). An Ecumenical Council held in Italy. It clarified Catholic teaching, refuted the Protestant Reformers (Luther, Calvin, Zwingli), and set the Catholic counter-reformation in motion. We read this in the academic year 2015-2016.
PRIVATE REFORMS: 1545 to 1648 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
Spiritual Exercises. By Ignatius of Loyola (1491 to 1556). We read this in the academic year 2015-2016.
The Interior Castle. By Teresa of Jesus (1515 to 1582), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We had a seminar on this in the summer of 2008, and we read it in the academic year 2021-2022. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Life of Teresa of Ávila. By Teresa of Jesus (1515 to 1582), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the acedemic year 2016-2017.
Way of Perfection. By Teresa of Jesus (1515 to 1582), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Meditations on the Canticle. By Teresa of Jesus (1515 to 1582), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Foundations. By Teresa of Jesus (1515 to 1582), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Visitation of the Discalced Nuns. By Teresa of Jesus (1515 to 1582), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Pastoral Letters. By Charles Borromeo (1538 to 1584).
The Ascent of Mt. Carmel. By John of the Cross (1542 to 1591), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Dark Night. By John of the Cross (1542 to 1591), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the academic year 2021-2022. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Spiritual Canticle. By John of the Cross (1542 to 1591), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Living Flame of Love. By John of the Cross (1542 to 1591), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We had a seminar on this in the summer of 2008.
Controversies. By Robert Bellarmine (1542 to 1621), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Art of Dying Well. By Robert Bellarmine (1542 to 1621), Doctor of the Catholic Church. We read this in the academic year 2024-2025.
Introduction to the Devout Life. By Francis de Sales (1567 to 1622), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
The Love of God. By Francis de Sales (1567 to 1622), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Discourse on the Method (1637). By René Descartes (1596 to 1650), a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. His best known philosophical statement is “Cogito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am). He is dubbed the father of modern western philosophy. Much of subsequent Western philosophy is a response to his writings. We read this in the academic year 2017-2018.
THE MODERN ERA
From 1648 to 1962 AD
Eras of Enlightenment :: Revolution :: Intransigence
ENLIGHTENMENT: 1648 to 1789 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
Pensées. By Blaise Pascal (died 1662 AD). Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Jean Pierre de Caussade (1675 to 1751 AD). We read this in the academic year 2022-2023.
Ethics. By Baruch Spinoza (died 1677 AD)
The Pilgrim’s Progress. By John Bunyan (died 1688 AD). We read this in the academic year 2023-2024. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Practice of the Presence of God. By Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (1614-1691 AD). We read this in the academic year 2017-2018. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Theologiae Moralis. By Alphonsus Liguori (died 1787 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church.
Talking with God. By Alphonsus Liguori (died 1787 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church. Pages = 150.
Twelve Steps to Holiness. By Alphonsus Liguori (died 1787 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church. Pages = 216.
REVOLUTION: 1789 to 1870 AD
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
Religion Within the Limits of Reason. By Immanuel Kant (died 1804 AD)
The Philokalia. By Makarios of Corinth (died 1805), and Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain (died 1809). We read this in the summer of 2016. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Conference to Her Spiritual Daughters. By Elizabeth Ann Seton (died 1821)
Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers. By Friedrich Schleiermacher (died 1834 AD)
Lectures on Justification. By John Henry Newman (1801-1890 AD)
- Selections. We read these in the academic year 2017-2018.
- Chapters 1 to 3. We read these in the academic year 2019-2020.
Fear and Trembling. By Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855 AD). We read this in the academic year 2021-2022.
First Council of the Vatican (1869-1870). An Ecumenical Council held in Italy. About 700 prelates attended. Reaffirmed traditional Catholic teachings. Declared the Infallibility of the pope. We read this in the academic year 2017-2018.
Das Heilige (1917) by Rudolf Otto (1869–1937). We read this in 2024-2025.
INTRANSIGENCE: 1870 to 1962
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
The Brothers Karamazov. By Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky (died 1881 AD). Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Way of a Pilgrim (1884). By an unknown author. We read this in the summer of 2012. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Poetry. By Gerard Manley Hopkins (died 1889 AD). Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
- Lead, Kindly Light. We read this in the academic year 2018-2019.
- God’s Grandeur. We read this in the academic year 2018-2019.
- Windover. We read this in the academic year 2018-2019.
- Pied Beauty. We read this in the academic year 2018-2019.
The Story of a Soul. By Thérèse of Lisieux (died 1897 AD), Doctor of the Catholic Church. She is also known as the Little Flower. We read this in the summer of 2013.
Rerum Novarum. Leo XIII (died 1903 AD). We read this in the academic year 2018-2019.
Orthodoxy. By G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936 AD). We read this in the academic year 2017-2018.
A Testament of Devotion. By Thomas Raymond Kelly (died 1941 AD), Quaker mystic. Pages = 160. We read this in the academic year 2019-2020. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
The Cost of Discipleship. By Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945). Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Life Together. By Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945). Pages = 122. We read this in the academic year 2022-2023.
Writings Selected by Ursula King. A book of selections from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955). We read this in the academic year 2018-2019.
THE POSTMODERN ERA
1962 AD to present
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
Second Council of the Vatican (1962-1965). Commonly referred to as Vatican II. An Ecumenical Council held in Italy. Attended by 2,540 prelates. One of the most important Councils. Its purpose was to renew and update the Catholic church, and promote unity among Christians.
- Dei Verbum — Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. We read it in the academic year 2019-2020.
- Lumen Gentium — Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. We read it in the academic year 2019-2020.
- Nostra Aetate — Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions. Study our commentary of paragraph 4. We read it in the academic year 2019-2020.
- Gaudium et Spes — Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. We read it in the academic year 2020–2021.
- Dignitatis Humanae — Declaration on Religious Freedom. We read it in the academic year 2020–2021.
- Sacrosanctum Concilium — Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. We read it in the academic year 2020–2021.
- Unitatis Redintegratio — Decree on Ecumenism. We read it in the academic year 2020–2021.
- Gravissimum Educationis – Declaration on Christian Education. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
Inter Mirifica – Decree on the Media of Social Communications. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022. - Orientalium Ecclesiarum – Decree on the Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
- Christus Dominus – Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
- Perfectae Caritatis – Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
- Optatam Totius – Decree on Priestly Training. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
- Apostolicam Actuositatem – Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
- Ad Gentes – Decree Ad Gentes On the Missionary Activity of the Church. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
- Presbyterorum Ordinis – Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests. We read the Introduction in the academic year 2021-2022.
Mere Christianity. By C. S. Lewis (died 1963 AD). We read this in the academic year 2018-2019. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Screwtape Letters. By C. S. Lewis (1898–1963 AD). Pages = 198. We read this in the summer of 2020.
The Problem of Pain. By C. S. Lewis (1898–1963 AD). We read this in the summer of 2018.
Surprised by Joy. By C. S. Lewis (1898–1963 AD).
A History of Christian Thought. By Paul Tillich (1886-1965). We read selections in the academic year 2009-2010, as well as in the academic year 2017-2018.
Letter from a Birmingham Jail. By The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968 AD). We read it in the academic year 2020-2021.
The Seven Storey Mountain. By Thomas Merton (died 1968), Trappist monk. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
New Seeds of Contemplation. By Thomas Merton (died 1968), Trappist monk.
The Inner Experience: Notes on Contemplation. By Thomas Merton (died 1968), Trappist monk. We read this in the academic year 2018-2019.
Integral Humanism. By Jacques Maritain (died 1973)
Theology of the New Testament. By Rudulf Bultmann (died 1976), Founder of New Testament form criticism.
Sayings of the Desert Fathers (1984). By Benedicta Ward. We read this in the the academic year 2013-2014.
Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992). We read this in the summer of 2011.
Fides et ratio (1998). An Encyclical by John Paul II. We read this in the the academic year 2010-2011.
Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (1999). By the Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Lutheran World Federation. We read this in the academic year 2015-2016.
Homanisation (1958). By Karl Rahner (1904–1984). We read this in the academic year 2020-2021.
Meaning of Tradition. By Yves Congar (1904–1995). We read this in the academic year 2019-2020.
The Return of the Prodigal Son. By Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996 AD). We read this in the academic year 2020-2021. Renovaré includes this in their list of 25 Books Every Christian Should Read (see Note 2).
Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life. By Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996 AD). We read this in the academic year 2022-2023.
Verbum Domini (2008). An Apostolic Exhortation by Benedict XVI. We read this in the academic year 2010-2011.
Models of the Church. By Avery Dulles (died 2008).
Models of Revelation. By Avery Dulles (died 2008).
Concise History of the Catholic Church. By Thomas Bokenkotter (1924-2021):
- The First Half of the Book. We read this in the summer of 2010.
- The Second Half of the Book. We read this in the academic year 2009-2010.
- Selections. We read these in the academic year 2017-2018.
- Chapters 25 and 26. We read these in the academic year 2018-2019.
- Chapters 33 and 34. We read it in the academic year 2019-2020.
Living Buddha, Living Christ. By Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926-present). Pages = 198.
The Divine Dance (2020) by Richard Rohr (1943-present). We read this in the academic year 2023-2024.
Interior Freedom (2007). By Jacques Philippe (1947-present). We read this in the academic year 2020-2021.
Selections. By N. T. Wright (born 1947), New Testament scholar, Pauline theologian and Anglican bishop.
- Simply Jesus. We watched this video in the summer of 2014.
- Putting the Gospels Back Together. We watched this video in the summer of 2014.
- How God became King. We watched this video in the summer of 2014.
- Sacraments and New Creation. We watched this video in the summer of 2014.
Racial Justice and the Catholic Church (2010). By Professor Bryan Massingale (1957-present). We read this in the academic year 2020-2021.
Paths to Holiness. By Robert Barron (born 1959). We read this in the summer of 2009.
Catholicism DVDs. By Robert Barron (born 1959)
- Episodes 1-5. We watched these in the academic year 2011-2012.
- Episodes 6-10. We watched these in the academic year 2012-2013.
OTHER
Color Code: Want to Read :: Already Read
Note. Reading key texts from other world religions is essential for becoming equipped for the ministry of Interfaith Dialogue.
The Apology (399 BC). By Socrates (469–399 BC). We read this in the summer of 2015.
1 Enoch (circa 300–200 BC). Translation and commentary by George W. E. Nickelsburg. We read the second one-fourth in the academic year 2023-2024.
The Bhagavad Gita (from the second half of the first millennium B.C.), translated by Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948). We read this in the academic year 2022-2023.
The Yoga Sûtras of Patañjali. This is a collection of Hindu aphorisms on the theory and practice of yoga. It is from circa 400 AD. Reading Pages = 102.
Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki. In the western world, the Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki is a famous text from Japanese Zen Buddhism. The great Buddhist monk Eihei Dōgen wrote it in the 13th century. Fine translations are available. Reading Pages: 46,389 words ÷ ~250 words per page = 185 Reading Pages
The Qur’an. The Qur’an is the central religious text of Islam. It is from 610–632 AD.
- Chapters 1-6. This is the first one-fourth of the Qur’an. We read it in the academic year 2023-2024.
- Chapters 7-18. This is the second one-fourth of the Qur’an. We read it in the academic year 2024-2025.
- Chapters 19-37. This is our next step. It is the third one-fourth of the Qur’an. It has 148 reading pages.
The Secret (DVD). We watched this in the summer of 2008.
NOTES
Note 1. This page consolidates the following other pages:
- The Patristic Era of Church History (33 to 590 AD)
- The Medieval Era of Church History (590 to 1417 AD)
- The Reformation Era of Church History (1417 to 1648 AD)
- The Modern Era of Church History (1648 to 1962 AD)
- The Postmodern Era of Church History (1962 AD to present)
- Books we have Already Read
Note 2. 25 Books Every Christian Should Read, by Renovaré.