Evening Knowledge, Morning Knowledge

Ignatius of Loyola's "Spiritual Exercises" is a classic text on spiritual formation and discernment. It guides individuals through a process of reflection and prayer to deepen their relationship with God. The Exercises emphasize the importance of self-awareness, detachment from worldly desires, and a focus on God's will. They are widely used by individuals and groups seeking spiritual growth and guidance. The Exercises have had a profound impact on the Catholic Church and beyond.

Zbigniew Herbert's "Selected Poems" offers a diverse collection of his poetic works, showcasing his mastery of language and profound insights into the human condition. His poems often engage with historical events and philosophical questions, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the search for meaning in a complex world. Herbert's style is characterized by its intellectual depth, precision, and subtle irony. He frequently employs allusions to mythology and classical literature, enriching his poems with layers of meaning. His work continues to resonate with readers for its enduring relevance and profound exploration of the human experience.

Firefly is a horror novel by Piers Anthony, set in a Florida estate where a mysterious creature lures its victims through pheromones, leaving them drained of their flesh. The story explores themes of love, sex, and the human condition, intertwined with a terrifying monster. The novel delves into complex characters and their past experiences, often using allegorical storytelling.

In 'The Great Divorce', C.S. Lewis presents an allegorical narrative where souls from a gray, dreary town (representing hell) are given the opportunity to visit heaven. The story follows the narrator and various ghosts as they encounter spirits in heaven, engaging in dialogues that reveal the nature of their choices and the reasons they remain in hell. The book emphasizes that hell is a self-imposed state, and individuals choose to remain there due to their inability to let go of their earthly attachments and sins. Through these encounters, Lewis explores themes of redemption, the afterlife, and the importance of spiritual choices, underscoring that true joy and salvation are available to those who seek them sincerely.

In 'The Historical Jesus', John Dominic Crossan challenges conventional wisdom by demonstrating that Jesus is one of the best-documented figures in ancient history. Crossan's methodology integrates social anthropology, Greco-Roman history, and literary analysis to provide a vivid portrayal of Jesus. The book divides into sections that set the historical and social context of first-century Judaea, analyze the written records of Jesus' life, and reconstruct his teachings and actions. Jesus is depicted as a savvy and courageous Jewish Mediterranean peasant with a vision of economic, political, and religious egalitarianism and a social program to achieve it. The book also explores Jesus' relationship with John the Baptist, his teachings on the Kingdom of God, and his opposition to conventional morality and power structures.