The 'Summa of the Summa' is a summary of Thomas Aquinas's 'Summa Theologiae', which is a comprehensive treatise on theology and philosophy. It covers a wide range of topics including the nature of God, the creation of the world, the nature of man, and the path to salvation. The summary aims to make Aquinas's complex and detailed work more accessible to readers.
Dorothy Day's work, including her writings and the Catholic Worker Movement, emphasizes a commitment to faith, social justice, and nonviolent activism. She co-founded the movement with Peter Maurin in 1933, and it has been a significant force in American Catholicism, advocating for the poor and marginalized. Her writings often reflect her personal journey, her conversion to Catholicism, and her dedication to living out the Gospel's radical message.
In this book, Carl R. Trueman explores the historical and philosophical roots of the modern concept of the self, tracing the development from an externally defined identity to an internally focused, expressive individualism. He examines the contributions of thinkers such as Rousseau, the Romantics, Freud, and contemporary philosophers like Charles Taylor, Philip Rieff, and Alasdair MacIntyre. Trueman argues that the sexual revolution is a symptom of a broader transformation in human selfhood, which has led to a highly psychologized and sexualized understanding of identity. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how these changes have shaped modern culture and offers guidance for Christians navigating these cultural shifts.
In 'A Secular Age', Charles Taylor explores the transformation of Western society from a pre-modern world where belief in God was inescapable to a modern secular age where believing in God is just one option among many. Taylor argues against the 'subtraction story' of secularization, which posits that religion has been removed from society. Instead, he describes a complex historical process involving the Reform movement in Christianity, the rise of disciplinary society, and the emergence of exclusive humanism. The book examines how these changes have affected the conditions of belief and unbelief, and how they have shaped modern social forms, moral orders, and spiritual experiences[1][3][4].
Rod Dreher's "Living in Wonder" explores the resurgence of spiritual and mystical experiences in a technologically advanced, secular world. The book delves into the concept of 're-enchantment,' examining how individuals are seeking deeper meaning and connection beyond traditional religious institutions. Dreher discusses various phenomena, including UFOs, AI, and the occult, as manifestations of this spiritual yearning. He argues that while these experiences can be genuine, they must be understood within a Christian framework to avoid potential dangers. Ultimately, the book advocates for a return to a more profound and direct experience of faith.