The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis, is a classic work of Christian devotion that explores the spiritual life and the pursuit of Christ-likeness. It emphasizes themes of humility, self-denial, and the importance of inner transformation. The book is divided into four books, each focusing on different aspects of the spiritual journey. It offers practical advice and guidance on how to live a life of faith and devotion, emphasizing the importance of prayer, meditation, and self-examination. The Imitation of Christ has been a source of inspiration and guidance for countless Christians throughout history, offering timeless wisdom on the path to spiritual maturity.
The Muqaddimah is a seminal work written by Ibn Khaldūn in 1377. It serves as the introduction to his larger work, 'Kitab al-‘Ibar' (The Book of Lessons), and provides a detailed philosophy of history. The book discusses historical method, the nature of society and social change, and introduces the concept of 'ʿilm al-ʿumrān' (the science of culture). It is divided into six chapters, covering topics such as human civilization, desert and sedentary civilizations, dynasties and royal authority, crafts and ways of making a living, and the sciences. Ibn Khaldūn's central concept of 'ʿaṣabiyyah' (social cohesion) explains the rise and fall of civilizations based on the strength of social bonds within tribes and societies[1][2][5].
In 'In the Shadow of the Sword', Tom Holland provides a sweeping narrative of the late antique world, detailing the decline of the Roman and Persian empires and the emergence of Islam. The book critically examines the traditional sources of Islamic history, questioning the accuracy of early accounts and proposing alternative perspectives on the origins of Islam. Holland's work is both a historical exploration and a provocative reevaluation of the period.
In 'The Will to Believe,' William James defends the idea that, in certain cases, it is rational to adopt a belief without prior evidence of its truth. The central essay argues that faith can be justified even in the absence of evidence, particularly in matters of religious belief. James also discusses other philosophical topics such as causality, free will, and the importance of individual action in society. The book is part of 'The Works of William James' series and includes an introduction by Edward H. Madden[2][4].
Ecclesiastes is a philosophical and theological reflection on human existence and the meaning of life. It is presented through the voice of Qohelet (the Preacher), who questions the doctrine of retributive justice and observes that human endeavors are often futile and temporary. The book emphasizes the inevitability of death, the limitations of human wisdom, and the dangers of materialism and hedonism. It concludes by advising readers to fear God and keep His commandments as the foundation of true happiness and purpose[2][3][4].
Ridvan Aydemir, known online as Apostate Prophet, is a Turkish-born former Muslim who grew up in a devout Sunni household and later became a prominent critic of Islam. After a period of intense religious study and ideological shifts—including atheism, secular communism, and Judaism—he became an Orthodox Christian catechumen.
Ridvan launched his YouTube channel in 2017 to document his deconversion and critique Islamic teachings, gaining notoriety for controversial videos and public debates with Muslim apologists. A staunch advocate of free speech, he has been critical of both Islamic doctrine and Western institutions that, in his view, suppress legitimate criticism of Islam. Ridvan regularly collaborates with both atheist and Christian thinkers and has debated numerous Muslim figures on theology, human rights, and religious history.
🍺 Want to Support Pints With Aquinas? 🍺
Get episodes a week early, score a free PWA beer stein, and join exclusive live streams with me! Become an annual supporter at 👉 https://mattfradd.locals.com/support
💵 Show Sponsors:
👉 Seven Weeks Coffee – Use promo code MATT for up to 25% of your first subscription order + claim your free gift: https://sevenweekscoffee.com/matt
👉 Exodus 90 – Join Exodus 90 on August 15 for St. Michael's Lent: https://exodus90.com/matt
👉 Truthly – The Catholic faith at your fingertips: https://www.truthly.ai/
👉 Hallow – The #1 Catholic prayer app: https://hallow.com/mattfradd  💻 Follow Me on Social Media:
📌 Facebook: https://facebook.com/mattfradd
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattfradd
𝕏 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Pints_W_Aquinas
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pintswithaquinas
👕 PWA Merch – Wear the Faith!
Grab your favorite PWA gear here: https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com
Pints With Aquinas 
