Books - Evangelium Project

Streams of Grace: Spiritual Movements that shaped the Church

Julian Porteous

Streams of Grace, explores the history of the Church by considering the various spiritual movements which have revitalised the Church at particular times and given fresh vigour to its life and mission. Bishop Porteous argues that the heart of the many and varied spiritual movements that have shaped the Catholic Church is the mysterious activity of the Holy Spirit. Often the Spirit has acted in surprising and unexpected ways, yet as spiritual movements flourished it has become clearer that they have been critical to maintaining and enriching the calibre of the faith and provided impetus to the evangelical mission of the Church. These movements often have had saints at their forefront, or have become vehicles for the emergence of saints. Spiritual movements emerge at particular moments in history and in particular places. The historical and social context of these movements is important in order to appreciate their significance. It is also true that these movements have had a marked influence on the life of the Church lived most immediately by "ordinary" Catholics. Many movements, the author explains, have shaped the character of Catholic faith and how this faith has come to be expressed in the life of Catholics. The spiritual movements have not just influenced a small number of the spiritual elite, but have become sources of inspiration and fruitfulness for countless thousands. This book examines some twenty movements that have had an important effect on the Church at different times in its history. It also outlines how these various movements - as movements of grace - have shaped the nature of the Catholic spiritual heritage which we continue to benefit from today.

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New Evangelisation: Pastoral Strategy for the Church at the beginning of the Third Millennium

Julian Porteous

As a young newly ordained priest, Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi, had a profound effect on me. As I read it I saw the nature of the mission of the Church presented in a clear and decisive manner. This mission was to proclaim Jesus Christ to the world and to enable people to enter into a real and personal relationship with him. It gave clarity and direction to my priestly ministry. This book brings together my developing understanding of what evangelisation entails. It gives expression to what I have experienced over a period of some 40 years of being actively involved in various works of evangelisation and to my deep conviction that the new evangelisation must be the pastoral strategy for the Church as it enters the third millennium of Christianity.

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Become What You Are: Growing in Christian Character

Julian Porteous

The question of the formation of Christian character is an important contemporary issue. Our society is undergoing radical change at the personal and social level. There are forces at work that deconstruct the traditional patterns of human life - the family, the understanding of masculinity and femininity, our view on the nature and use of our sexuality. These forces are rebuilding human society in such a way that it is free from the influence of a religious perspective on life and free from the constraints of a moral approach to human living. The modern attitude is to reject traditional models of the virtuous life in favour of a self-realisation freely pursued outside the constraints of moral codes. There is a certain "morality" which is fashioned by society. Certain things are determined to be "politically correct." Certain stances become fashionable like ecological sensitivity or the perceived threat from sexism, but these are fluid positions and change with fashions of thought. They do not impinge particularly on the inner quality of character but rather reflect certain acceptable attitudes. They are superficial and do not promote serious inner growth. This book seeks to explore the nature of the human person. Then, by drawing on our Christian tradition, consider the ways in which we can build a healthy and happy life fulfilling what God has intended us to become as a faithful imitation of his Son. This is a book about identifying the nature of Christian character. It offers a path which will lead to mature Christian character.

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Foundations: Preparing the Church in Australia for the Plenary Council and Beyond

Julian Porteous

For any Catholic living in Australia at the present moment the challenges to the faith are great indeed. The culture around us is changing rapidly, not only abandoning its Christian heritage but becoming increasingly hostile to the Church. Within the Church there is a serious struggle to know how to respond to these changes. Does the Church adapt itself to the culture? How can it preserve its true identity? The evident decline in religion and in numbers of Catholics attending Sunday Mass and living a sacramental life is another area of concern. Is this decline terminal? Experiences like the sexual abuse crisis have further eroded the confidence of many Catholics, and some have lost confidence in the leadership of bishops. Is it time to change the governance structures of the Church? As the Church prepares for a Plenary Council, these and many other issues challenge the Church here in Australia. Will the Council find the right way forward and plot a course which will ensure that the Church is able to effectively carry out the mission entrusted to it by the Lord? The response we make to the issues we face must be grounded in a deep spirit of faith. It must be faithful to the revelation of Sacred Scripture. It must be grounded in its living Tradition, and continuous with the body of Magisterium. The Plenary Council will shape the direction of the Church in Australia for decades to come.

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Forming Intentional Disciples

Sherry A. Weddell

How can we transmit a living, personal Catholic Faith to future generations? By coming to know Jesus Christ, and following him as his disciples. As we emerge from a pandemic into a post-Christian world, these are times of immense challenge and enormous opportunity for the Catholic Church in the United States. Consider these statistics: Fully 15 percent of all adults in America are ex-Catholics.

Nearly three-quarters of young Catholics think that they could be a good Catholic without going to Mass every Sunday.
Catholic marriages have declined by almost two-thirds since 1969, even as the number of Catholics in the United States has grown significantly.
Only one-third of Catholics believe that the bread and wine actually become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ at the consecration during Mass.

If the Church is to reverse these trends, the evangelizers must first be evangelized In other words, Catholics in the pew must come to know and follow Jesus as a disciple in the midst of His Church before they can draw others to him. Ten years after it was first published and changed the conversation about discipleship among Catholics, Forming Intentional Disciples is still widely used by bishops, clergy, dioceses, parishes, and lay Catholics as a guide to 21^st century evangelization and the transformation of parish life. Author and speaker Sherry Weddell leads you through the steps that will help Catholics enter more deeply into a relationship with Jesus Christ and the river of apostolic creativity, charisms, and vocations that flow from that relationship for the sake of the Church and the world.

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Christians The urgent case for Jesus in our world

Greg Sheridan

Passionate and compelling, Greg Sheridan, bestselling author of God is Good For You, examines the role of Christianity in our modern world. From the historical Jesus and his disciples through to the present day, Greg Sheridan has written an impassioned, informed and utterly compelling case for the truth and importance of Christianity in our lives. He presents a strong argument for the historical reliability of the New Testament, meets the living Jesus there, explores the extraordinary personality of Paul, celebrates Mary's activism and examines the magnificent richness of John. Filled with insights, intelligence, warmth and humour, Greg also introduces us to a range of fascinating Christians today, among them political leaders, and young activists offering the radical Christian interpretation of love to their generation. His book explores the journey of those who have been guided by faith, such as Gemma Sisia, whose school in Tanzania has transformed the lives of thousands of children, and the dynamic Chinese Christians pursuing their beliefs under harsh restrictions. He examines where Jesus can be found in popular culture and talks to Christian leaders - Pentecostal, Catholic, Evangelical and others - in Australia, the US and Britain. At a time when the chasm of understanding between secularism and faith has never seemed wider, Christians is timely, relevant and convincing. 'At the heart of the Christian story is the truth about the life of Jesus ... Greg Sheridan's book is a good read about Good News.' Peter Comensoli, Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne 'If there is ever going to be a Renaissance of Christian belief to save us from the dreariness of much secular humanism, it will come from a book like Christians. I will be buying it and giving it away to believers and sceptics alike.' John Dickson, author and historian.

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Light from Light A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed

Robert Barron

In recent decades, antipathy toward religious belief in general, and Christianity in particular, has been on the rise, with over a quarter of Americans now identifying as religiously unaffiliated. The dumbing down of the faith, the influence of the new atheists, and the culture of self-invention have all contributed to obscuring the truth of what thoughtful Christians actually believe. In Light from Light: A Theological Reflection on the Nicene Creed, one of the Church’s leading thinkers invites skeptics and seekers to discover the intellectual richness of the Catholic faith. Walking through the venerable Nicene Creed, an ancient statement of doctrine accepted by most Christians around the world, Bishop Robert Barron opens readers to the theological and philosophical depths of Christianity: the nature of belief, the mystery of God, the story of Christ, the work of the Spirit, the life of the Church, and the resurrection of the dead. In a number of recent studies, people who have left the practice of religion were asked why they disaffiliated. One of the most prominent reasons they gave was simply that they no longer believed in the teachings of Christianity. Light from Light is a clear and compelling explanation of those teachings for a new generation, especially those who have wandered away.

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The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church

Fr Robert Spitzer

Jesus said, "The truth will set you free." Father Spitzer lays bare the theological and philosophical roots of Catholic morality, and also uses secular statistical studies to demonstrate that these teachings, even from a scientific standpoint, help human beings to flourish. Gathering data from universities, general psychiatry, medical institutes, and general survey organizations such as Pew Research, Gallup Research, and Harris Poll, this book shows that going against foundational Christian doctrines, from marriage to the sanctity of unborn life, leads to significant increases in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, familial tensions, suicidal contemplation. The numbers speak for themselves. Many people today, particularly the young, are embarrassed by the Church's moral teaching. For them, it is only an outdated expression of hatred or disgust. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Sin is what degrades man and kills his joy, and a moral life is a life of love. If we tell the truth about destructive lifestyles, we can rescue our loved ones from a life of darkness, helping to bring about a shift in our culture. With scientific clarity, this work provides readers everything they need to know to speak credibly, effectively, and persuasively about the most controversial moral issues.

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Breakthrough

Fr Rob Galea

Breakthrough is the story of Rob Galea's journey from troubled teen to Catholic Priest in the Sandhurst diocese in Victoria. Struggling under the weight of addiction and depression, Fr Rob was considering ending his life when redemption came through a phone call. Knowing that he needed help, Fr Rob fought his demons to forge a relationship with Jesus Christ and has never looked back. Breakthrough asks the reader to find their own way through adversity to the better life that awaits them. It’s a powerful story about recovery, redemption and faith, and is told by one of the most charismatic priests of our time.

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Tweeting with God

Fr Michel Remery

If you are curious, you ask questions – even about difficult topics. Can Catholic teaching provide answers relevant to your life now? In this book you will find 200 daring questions from young people about God, faith, and morality. Father Michel Remery thoughtfully answers them all in Tweets of 140 characters or less and provides expanded explanations based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. He shows how faith is logical, even in the 21st century! He introduces you to Jesus, shows you how to pray, and explains the sacraments. He explores some of the more difficult chapters of Church history, and helps you to discover what it means to live a good and purposeful life. This book is for:

young men and women who are curious about the Catholic faith
new Catholics and current catechumens
anyone who wants to freshen up his knowledge of the faith
those who want to speak with others about the faith

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Online with Saints

Fr Michel Remery

Imagine you could meet and greet a saint, which saint would you choose? This book offers a virtual encounter with 100+ saints from all around the world. Women and men, carpenters and scholars, mothers and popes, princes and paupers: their inspiring life stories are linked to real life modern questions, and together with them answers are found. The free app “Online with Saints” contains the social media profile of 100+ saints, with interesting facts, quotes, prayers, and captivating stories of personal faith, love, and sacrifice. Scanning the image of the saint in the book, allows them to tell their story in the first person by video. Anyone can become a saint! Every saint is different, with their own unique personality and destiny. Each of them found their vocation in a different way – demonstrating that God has a special plan and vocation for each individual. www.onlinewithsaints.com

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Your Neighbour is God

Fr Michel Remery

“Love your neighbour as yourself”, Jesus said (Mt 22:39). When you try to put these powerful words into practice you will face many different questions. Should I give money to a beggar? What if I cannot afford an eco-friendly lifestyle? What does the Bible say about discrimination? Can I contribute to world peace? Do I have a right to work? Can the state punish people? Should I pay taxes and vote? Is artificial intelligence okay? This unique book answers many concrete questions on the basis of the social teaching of the Church. There is no need to start on page 1: you can go directly to the question that interests you most. The answer provokes you in an interactive way to continue thinking about the theme you are reading. Apps using augmented reality turn the contents of this book into a multimedia experience. The book can be read by individuals, or used in a group discussion. www.yourneighbourisgod.com

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How to Grow in Faith

Fr Michel Remery

How to grow in faith challenges participants to interact by asking questions, searching for answers together, and discovering how God loves each of them very deeply. Taking the book Tweeting with GOD as a basis, the online resources, videos, mobile apps, social media, and manifold activities make this a very interactive program. It can be used with teenagers, young people, and adults, those who are completely new to the faith, as well as those searching to deepen their understanding. How to grow in faith is a detailed handbook for helping people to grow in faith. It can be used by seasoned teachers and beginning leaders alike. It covers all stages of the course, including a detailed layout of the program for every course meeting and all activities. Free downloads are available from tweetingwithgod.com/growinfaith. The course can be used by schools as a program for religious education, by communities as a catechetical program to grow in faith, or by parishes to support those preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation or First Holy Communion, catechumens seeking Baptism (RCIA), or couples preparing for marriage. Think also of the personal development of teachers, health workers, social workers... or as follow-up after introductory courses like the Alpha Course. How to grow in faith can be used in all these circumstances.

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