Showing results for "The Saint" in Christianity

Dive into the life of Saint Athanasius, a remarkable figure whose unwavering courage and integrity shine through this unapologetic hagiography. With a straightforward narrative style, this biography portrays Athanasius as a beacon of brilliance, standing tall against the conniving villains of his time. For those familiar with the historical controversies, Athanasius emerges as a God-sent hero whose story is both informative and captivating. Experience an engaging introduction to a fascinating saint whose impact resonates through the ages. (Summary by Pattymarie)

In this thought-provoking essay, St. Jerome engages in a robust defense against Helvidius, who argued that the mention of Christs “sisters” and “brethren” in the gospels implies that the Virgin Mary had other children with her husband, Joseph. Jerome counters with three compelling propositions 1) Joseph was only a putative husband to Mary, not a biological one. 2) The “brethren” of the Lord were actually his cousins, rather than siblings. 3) He advocates for the superiority of virginity over marriage. - Summary from the preface

In this powerful defense of the Christian faith, St. Justin Martyr presents a compelling argument to the Roman Senate in the second century AD, eloquently articulating the beliefs and values of early Christians. (Summary by IWYLLPA)

The Obscure Night of the Soul, more commonly known today as The Dark Night of the Soul, encapsulates the profound teachings of St. John of the Cross, who transformed Christian contemplation in the 16th century. This timeless text continues to inspire seekers on their spiritual journeys. St. Johns approach, known as the Via Negativa, is a unique form of theological reflection that emphasizes understanding the Divine by exploring what cannot be said about Gods perfect goodness. As explained in Wikipedia, negative theology seeks to clarify religious experiences and language about the Divine ...

In response to Pollentiuss inquiry about separation due to adultery, St. Augustine composed the thought-provoking work On Adulterous Marriages. Pollentius argued that a wife could remarry if she left her husband for his infidelity, interpreting St. Pauls teachings as applicable only to those who marry for reasons beyond adultery. St. Augustine counters this view, asserting that the prohibition applies to women who depart for this very cause. Furthermore, Pollentius claimed that believers in a marriage could not abandon their unbelieving partners, while St. Augustine clarifies that, although ...

On Loving God stands as a cornerstone of Medieval Christian mysticism, renowned for its profound insights into the nature of divine love. Commissioned by a cardinal of Rome, this influential work explores the four distinct “levels” of love for God, beautifully framing Christian devotion within the context of God’s unwavering love for humanity. Summary by Kirsten Ferreri.

In this profound exploration of divine love, Saint Bernard passionately articulates why God is worthy of our love and the boundless nature of that affection. His work, On Loving God, stands as one of the most cherished and widely read texts from the twelfth century, bridging the wisdom of the early Church Fathers with the contemplative insights of the Middle Ages. Bernards assertion that God should be loved without limits—sine modo—echoes the teachings of Saint Augustine. While not a product of scholastic theology, this tract showcases the eras love for logical reasoning and a meticulous ...

The centuries after the Protestant Reformation brought about a radical reinterpretation of the epistles of St. Paul, disconnected from any historical reality. But Paul operated, during his entire life, as a faithful Pharisee within the Roman Jewish world. In Saint Paul the Pharisee: Jewish Apostle to All Nations, Fr. Stephen De Young surveys Paul’s life and writings, interpreting them within the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church.

Few mysteries of the faith are so perplexing as the ongoing presence of sin in the life of the believer. On the one hand, Christians are no longer slaves to sin. On the other hand we find ourselves rocked by it, daily battling conflicting impulses and neuroses, caught in the middle of a cosmic tug-of-war between good and evil desires. What are we to make of this? Whatever we may believe theologically, practically speaking, the struggle is universal. The honest truth is that we're not as good as we would like to be. In other words, the answer to the question "Could I be better?

This collection of sermons covers the Gospel of John in an extraordinary way. Detailing the trinity, the nature of God, the person and divinity of Jesus, and the nature of man, this wealth of information provides an extensive dive into Christian theology. St. Augustine discusses the gravity of living a holy life and the impact it has on one’s relationship with Jesus. He also speaks on the role of the Holy Spirit in providing guidance and comfort and the overwhelming impact of love as the foundation of faith and key to experiencing the nearness of God.

Dive into St. Jeromes most renowned letter, Libellus de virginitate servanda, addressed to St. Eustochium, the young daughter of St. Paula. In this compelling correspondence, St. Jerome passionately encourages Eustochium to embrace the path of virginity while imparting essential lessons on the conduct of a virtuous young woman. Within its pages, you will find his reflections on topics such as the irreversible nature of a fallen virgin (§5), a striking portrayal of fasting and temptation (§7), his unyielding stance on abortion as murder (§13), and the notion of holy pride in virginity (§16)...

This insightful work by Saint Ambrose of Milan transcends its original audience of virgins. Written for his sister, the nun Saint Marcellina, it offers valuable lessons for anyone committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ with purity and devotion. My hope is that this recording will inspire and enlighten all who seek to live a life of chastity. (Summary by the Reader)

Written around A.D. 391, St. Ambroses treatise, which could easily be titled Concerning Christian Virtues, presents a rich tapestry of Christian ideals. Deeply valuing the sacred nature of the ministerial role, St. Ambrose passionately urges the clergy of his diocese to embody their high calling and serve as exemplary figures for their congregations. The text is marked by eloquent language, a noble style, and an abundance of vivid imagery and rhetoric, delivering philosophical and moral insights that are both profound and inspiring. (Summary by Euthymius)

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the compelling arguments made by a renowned saint on the value of virginity. His persuasive words inspired many young women to consider religious life, prompting some mothers to prevent their daughters from hearing him speak. Faced with accusations of depopulating society, the saint cleverly turned the conversation to young men, questioning whether they faced any challenges in finding wives. He argued, supported by centuries of experience, that a societys population flourishes in direct correlation to the reverence it holds for virginity. (...

Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kids. A Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God. Mother Teresa left her family at...

Love like poets, live like saints. This unique exploration of people such as Saint Thérèse, George MacDonald, and C.S. Lewis offers insight into 11 of the world's most thoughtful and authentic Christ followers. Weaving biography and spiritual formation together, Poets and Saints reminds us of the convictions that set us apart as Christians - and the truth that has set us free in every generation.

The Rule of Saint Benedict (Regula Benedicti) is a timeless guide crafted by St. Benedict of Nursia for monks living in community under the leadership of an abbot. Since the 7th century, it has also found a place among womens communities. Over its 1500-year history, this influential text has emerged as the cornerstone of monastic life in Western Christianity. The essence of St. Benedicts teachings can be captured in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation pax (peace) alongside the enduring principle of ora et labora (pray and work). (Introduction from Wikipedia)

In On the Spirit and the Letter, St. Augustine responds to Tribune Marcellinus, who expressed surprise at the claim that man could live sinlessly with divine assistance. Marcellinus questioned how something could be deemed possible if there are no examples to prove it. Augustine passionately defends the concept of grace, illustrating that while the law is good and holy, it alone cannot save us; it often amplifies our guilt when we know our duties but lack the ability to fulfill them. He emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit’s support, which fills our hearts with grace, enabling us to love ...

In On Grace and Free Will, Augustine delves into the profound debate surrounding the interplay of divine grace and human freedom. He addresses those who assert that affirming Gods grace undermines the liberty of the will, countering their claims that grace is merely a reward for personal merit. Written for the monks of Adrumetum, where this controversy first ignited, Augustines work invites readers to explore the delicate balance between grace and free will, beginning with a compelling examination of those who advocate for human autonomy.

In this insightful treatise, we delve into the historical context of the heresy of Jovinian, a monk who challenged established views on marriage and virginity in the early Church. Augustine addresses these controversies head-on, emphasizing the value of marriage while acknowledging the esteemed status of virginity. Written around A.D. 401, this work outlines the essential elements of marriage faithfulness, offspring, and the sacred nature of the union. Augustine’s reflections serve as a guide, balancing the beauty and responsibilities of marriage against the backdrop of early Christian ...