Deus Books: Recent Episodes
Johannes and Jared
C.S. Lewis is certainly one of our favorite authors. In this episode we pull out various theological nuggets from the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series.
Did Jesus exist? How good are the Gospel accounts? What did non-Christians say about him? Luke Timothy Johnson's The Real Jesus addresses these questions and more.
Check it out!
Catholic Teddy Roosevelt vs. Materialism. G.K. Chesterton was a British author who was great at defending the faith. His book Orthodoxy is a great work considered, by many, to be on the Mount Rushmore of modern Catholic books.
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St. Ignatius of Antioch is a powerhouse figure in the history of Christianity. In this episode we analyze his letter to the Romans that he wrote before his martyrdom.
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C.S. Lewis is one of our favorites. In this episode we cover his discussion of glory and our immortality.
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The incessant demand for another garage sale episode was heard. And so, we bring you these knowledge nuggets. We hope you enjoy!
Summer is here! In this episode we bring you a discussion of an underrated document from Pope Francis on the call to holiness in today's world, Gaudete et exsultate. In this Apostolic Exhortation, he discusses how we are to interact in the modern age and even brings up heresies that are still festering.
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In this episode we dive into The Seven Deadly Sins: Sayings of the Fathers of the Church edited by Kevin Clarke. If you've ever wondered where Church Teaching regarding the deadly sins comes from, this episode is for you!
Check out the book
Today we look at how the saints give us steps to achieve our happiness using Robert Ellsberg's The Saints' Guide to Happiness: Practical Lessons in the Life of the Spirit.
Check it out!
Here we look at Constantine's contribution to Christianity as well as his understanding of the Church Hierarchy. Peter J. Leithart guides us in his Defending Constantine He is a key figure in Church history.
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Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Or is He? Today we look at several doubts to Christ's resurrection using Gerald O'Collins' Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus
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Perhaps it's time to return to the basics. Don't miss this. Bp. Robert Barron and his Word on Fire ministry have done amazing things in educating people on the beauty of Catholicism. Here we talk about his big launching piece Catholicism, which was also a multi-part dvd series.
Get Catholicism
We really get cooking around 25min, but we do get somewhere solid. Promise. Here, using David B. Perrin's essay, we talk about the reality of mysticism that every Christian is called to embrace. Definitely a good Lenten reflection topic.
Get Christian Spirituality
We do laugh a little in this episode. Here we cover topics like the Early Church, Orthodox vs. Catholic, and Papal Infallibility.
Get The Church: The Evolution of Catholicism
Here we discuss the incredible Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (aka St. Thérèse of Lisieux), Doctor of the Church. She has been very instrumental in Johannes' spiritual life in recent months. She is definitely worth getting to know.
Get her autobiography Story of a Soul
This is the version we used with a forward written by Bp. Robert Barron. You can also find her autobiography for free online
Merry Christmas! This is a big moment for us. In this episode we dive into Christ's infancy narratives using the book by one of the greatest theologians of the last 100 years, if not ever - Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). This is an incredible read and packed with solid insight.
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In this episode we look at 2 Timothy. This Epistle shows us an example of Apostolic Tradition and how Church leaders should handle themselves. 2 Timothy is good instruction for all of us.
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In this episode we look at the life of a lesser known mystic, St. Anthony of the Desert. He lived an incredible mystical life and his cave is still used by monks today!
Check out his story!
Back by popular demand! Jared and Johannes dive back into the epic garage sale find and discuss various random topics.
Most people know about the story of Abraham going to (almost) sacrifice his son Isaac, but do we know the rest? Join us as we expose Abraham, the father Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Here we discuss one of the earliest non-Biblical Christian writings. It shows us the faith of some of the earliest Christians. It is a short read so be sure to check it out!
Do church buildings matter? In Heaven in Stone and Glass, Bishop Robert Barron tells us why. This week we discuss the importance of beauty in churches... and gargoyles.
Get the book here!
Prophets help us stay on track in a life for God. So, do we listen to the people that are proclaiming the end times? Join us as we look to figure this out using Early Christianity: A Brief History by Joseph H Lynch.
Get the book here
We've reached a milestone! In this episode we have our first guest and first author on the podcast. We interviewed Charles G. Hamilton Jr. who tells us his mindset in writing this children's book and his incredible conversion story. We hope you enjoy!
Get the book: A Lamb's Tale
Today we look at Early Christianity: a Brief History and how the Early Church reacted to Donatism, a controversy involving the people that handed over Scripture to the Roman authorities, which often resulted in torture and execution of Christians in the area.
Lynch, Joseph H. Early Christianity: A Brief History. Oxford University Press, 2010.
Today we explore lessons from the future. Looking at Brave New World, we analyze what may already be happening and what could be.
Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
We're back! Today we dive into the incredible story of St. Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr.
This story is taken from Early Christian Fathers
Richardson, Cyril C, et al., editors. Early Christian Fathers. Schuster, Simon &, 1996.
Today we dive into St. Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. Parts of this letter are quite familiar and parts of this letter are somewhat controversial and require deeper analysis. We hope you enjoy!
1 Corinthians
We go back to the Garage Sale! This time it is slightly more organized (maybe). Either way, back when we recorded this it was our fifth episode of the day so, pardon us if we are slap happy, unless you find it enjoyable, in that case we are glad.
We're back! Sorry for this crazy hiatus. It was completely unintentional. In this episode we talk about truth, drone strikes, and bioethics based on Jared's old professor's book.
Check it out!
Kim, A. (2015). An introduction to Catholic ethics since Vatican II. Cambridge University Press.
Happy Easter!!! Yes, it's still Easter. Christ is Risen! Alleluia! We conclude our journey through the Book of Acts in this episode. Join us as we go through the earliest parts of Paul's ministry and the Council of Jerusalem.
Acts 9-22 using the NABRE translation
Happy Easter!!! Christ is Risen! Alleluia! In this episode we discuss the beginnings of the Christian movement from Pentecost to Saul's Conversion.
Acts chapters 2-9 using the NABRE translation
We wish you a blessed Triduum. Join us in reflecting on the remainder of Christ's Passion in time for the Triduum, the most sacred time of the year. We pray you have a blessed Triduum and a blessed Easter!
Matthew 27:1-28:8 NAB
We hope your Lent has been a good one. This week we dive into the Passion Narrative of Matthew beginning with a quick view at the verses regarding Jesus in the desert. We pray you have a blessed rest of Lent as we prepare for Easter.
This week we take a dive into the Nicene Creed. We had fun with this episode. We hope that you will use our discussion to help your understanding of the Profession of Faith that we make every Sunday at Mass.
Nicene Creed
Apostles' Creed
Thank you so much for tuning in! It means a lot to us. Join us as we review the first year of Deus Books. Tell us how we're doing on Instagram @deusbookspodcast
Happy (belated) New Year!!! Today we discuss where Christ is in relation to culture. H. Richard Niehbuhr walks us through various models Christians have practiced regarding their relationship with culture in response to where they see Christ. This is definitely a relevant discussion in a world of many polarizing thoughts.
Check it out!
Niebuhr, H. R. (2003). Christ & culture. HarperCollins World.
This time we're doin' it live. Jared found some really cool Catholic books at a garage sale and we begin to unpack them. Johannes attempted to find something to bring to the table and failed. But, we think the discussions from the garage sale find are intriguing. Let us know if you'd like more like this!
Happy New Year! Following our conversation about everyday Catholicism, we felt it important to discuss the sacraments and why they are vital to Catholicism. In his book, Sacramental Theology, Herbert Vorgrimler makes the case that God's interaction with humans must be sacramental. The Sacraments are vital to the spiritual life. Using this book we broadly discuss how the Power of God works in the Sacraments.
Check it out!
Vorgrimler, H. (1992). Sacramental theology. (L. M. Maloney, Trans.). The Liturgical Press.
"In the beginning was the Word..." (John 1). Merry Christmas!!! Today, we go through the Vatican II document on the Word of God, Dei verbum. Sacred Scripture is of critical importance to the life of a Christian because in it God reveals Himself to us.
Dei verbum
We wish you a blessed Advent! What actually is the Catholic Church? Today, we look at the Spirit of Catholicism by Karl Adam, who seeks to show the laity what the faith is, what it is for, and the need to protect it. This book started some great discussion that we hope will help you understand more about the faith.
Get the book here!
Adam, K., & McCann, J. (2016). The spirit of catholicism. Martino Publishing.
We wish you a blessed Advent! Advent is a great time to do some good self reflection as we await the Second Coming. In this episode we will do this at the parish level by asking, how can we make parish life better? Our conversation is guided by Fr. James Mallon's Divine Renovation. In this book, Fr. Mallon lays out ways that parishes can overcome some of the failings of the status quo and move them back to executing the mission Christ gave it.
https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Renovation-Bringing-Maintenance-Mission/dp/1627850384/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TPGNEPAS9J90&keywords=divine+renovation+by+james+mallon&qid=1669673469&sprefix=Divine+ren%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1
Mallon, J. (2014). Divine renovation: Bringing your parish from maintenance to mission. Twenty-Third Publications.
In this episode it is time to get real with yourself and God. Today we return to Thomas Merton in his arguably most famous work, New Seeds of Contemplation. In this book, Thomas Merton addresses the ways to have a real relationship with God in response to everyday life through solid prayer and action. Definitely worth checking out.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Seeds-Contemplation-Thomas-Merton/dp/0811217248/ref=sr_1_1?crid=272FCO7SNRP8R&keywords=new+seeds+of+contemplation+by+thomas+merton&qid=1668221690&sprefix=New+Seeds+of+%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1
Merton, T. (2007). New seeds of contemplation. New Directions.
Just in time for Halloween, we bring you our discussion on the late Fr. Gabriele Amorth's An Exorcist Explains the Demonic. You'll notice we begin this episode with the St. Michael Prayer. This is because we will be diving into demonology and how Satan and his demons operate according to the Vatican's former chief exorcist's experiences. This book is definitely worth reading if you'd like to know more about demons.
https://www.amazon.com/Exorcist-Explains-Demonic-Antics-Fallen/dp/1622823451?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1∣=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Amorth, G., Stimamiglio, S., & Fasi, C. J. (2016). An exorcist explains the demonic: The antics of satan and his army of fallen angels. Sophia Institute Press.
A faithful widow is the main character in today's story, which is provided by the Book of Ruth from the Old Testament. Ruth is a non-Israelite that remains faithful to her Israelite mother-in-law and is a key figure in the line of David. One of the shorter books in the Old Testament, it is an easy and quick read but filled with important insights that we discuss in this episode.
One of Johannes' favorite spiritual books is the great work from St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church, "Introduction to the Devout Life." This book was written for people to live a truly faithful life of Christ. It features great insights into holiness, great mediations, and other tips to be a better version of yourself. Be sure to check it out. It is an easy read!
https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Devout-Life-Tan-Classics/dp/0895552280/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2UQMNESV985J&keywords=introduction+to+the+devout+life+st+francis+de+sales+vintage+books&qid=1664492223&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjI4IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=introduction+to+the+devout+life+st+francis+de+sales+vintage+boo%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-2
Francis, de S. (2002). Introduction to the devout life. Vintage Books.
Today we cover a more modern book. In this episode we look at what Bishop Barron says about proclaiming the Gospel in a secular age. Bishop Robert Barron is an excellent commentator on the intersection of the Church with modern life. This is and his other works are definitely worth digging into.
https://www.amazon.com/Light-Fire-Earth-Proclaiming-Secular/dp/152475952X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3317WQFYXPEOA&keywords=to+light+a+fire+on+the+earth+robert+barron&qid=1663276706&sprefix=To+Light+a+Fire%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1
Barron, Robert, and John L. Allen. To Light a Fire on the Earth: Proclaiming the Gospel in a Secular Age. Image Books, 2017.
Can you tell we love C.S. Lewis? Jared labels "Mere Christianity" as the quintessential Christian book. In this great work we are given a choice and the time for our decision is now. Decision time!https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MQ3TV7ALW7FE&keywords=mere+christianity+by+c.s.+lewis+paperback&qid=1662047288&sprefix=Mere+Ch%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-1Lewis, C. S. (2015). Mere Christianity. HarperOne.
Ever wonder what the Church says about other religions? Today we discuss what the Church says about the truths that exist in other religions and how we should act toward people of different faiths. It is not a long read at all; check it out!
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html
The Crusades is an era that is divisive in discussions about Christian history. Rodney Stark attempts to make the case for the military campaigns over the Holy Land in today's book, "God's Battalions: The Case for the Crusades." Was it worth fighting over the Holy Land?
https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Battalions-Crusades-Rodney-Stark/dp/0061582603/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2I7QY4RAWMZB5&keywords=god%27s+battalions&qid=1659651585&sprefix=God%27s+Batt%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1
Stark, R. (2010). God's battalions: The case for the crusades. Harper One.
Today we discuss the incredible account of Immaculee Ilibagiza. She is a courageous woman who survived the Rwandan Genocide. This story mixes history with faith in a first-hand account of utter carnage and perseverance. The Rwandan Genocide occurred in Rwanda during a civil war from 7 April to 15 July 1994. In this civil war, extremists in the majority Hutu tribe slaughtered at least 500,000 people. This story is definitely worth learning.
https://www.amazon.com/Immaculee-Ilibagiza-Steve-Erwin-Paperback/dp/B009O2YD9E/ref=sr_1_2?crid=AZ30T8LU68SW&keywords=Left+to+Tell&qid=1658716655&sprefix=left+to+tell%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-2#detailBullets_feature_div
Ilibagiza, I., & Erwin, S. (2007). Left to tell: Discovering god amidst the rwandan holocaust. Hay House.
For many Catholics living in society is a challenge. Today we discuss Rod Dreher's idea of how Catholics should live in the face of modern society. We really wrestled with this one and hope you find this interesting. Do we form an island or remain integrated in culture? This book definitely gets you thinking. Check it out:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+benedict+option&i=stripbooks&crid=1D2O9C22B07Q3&sprefix=the+Benedict+%2Cstripbooks%2C87&ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_13_ts-doa-p
Dreher, R. (2018). The benedict option: A strategy for Christians in a post-Christian nation. Sentinel.
How fitting that this episode is published today. Today Jared and Johannes discuss the monumental encyclical from Pope St. Paul VI, Humanae Vitae. It is a short read but filled with many great points on Natural Law, society, human sexuality, and more. Be sure to check out this prophetic work:
https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html
Great Scott! With the help of John L Allen Jr.'s "The Future Church", we discuss what the Church could look like in the years and decades to come. He shares an interesting perspective that got Jared and Johannes thinking. Check out his book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385520387/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_BG45VK63AF360VZ85BWZ
Allen, J. L. (2009). The Future Church: How Ten Trends are revolutionizing the Catholic Church. Doubleday.
**Have you heard the saying, "The blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church?" Today we go through a martyr's diary in the lead-up to their death for the Faith given to us by Tertullian. This is an inspiring story you should definitely check it out:
http://www.public-library.uk/ebooks/73/64.pdf**
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Do we just have to check a box? Does grace allow us to simply go on without considering the consequences? Protestant Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer shares his thoughts in "The Cost of Discipleship". This book is inspiring and also challenging. You should definitely check it out:
https://www.amazon.com/Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Cost-Discipleship-Paperback/dp/B01FOD778U/ref=sr_1_2?crid=FT7K3IBU1PU0&keywords=the+cost+of+discipleship+by+dietrich+bonhoeffer&qid=1652394314&sprefix=the+cost+of+%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-2
Bonhoeffer, D. (1995). The cost of discipleship. A Touchstone Book.
Today we journey through another great work by C.S. Lewis. In The Great Divorce we are sent through hell and purgatory on our way to heaven. A short but profound read; check it out:https://www.amazon.com/Great-Divorce-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652950/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KQIJC6LVGYLW&keywords=The+Great+Divorce&qid=1651189954&sprefix=the+great+divor%2Caps%2C293&sr=8-1
Lewis, C. S. The Great Divorce. Harper One, HarperCollins, 2007.
Christians are not called to be living as individuals just roaming around the earth like a lone wolf. Today we hit on love, social justice, prayer, and more as we discuss "No Man Is an Island" by Thomas Merton. It's a fantastic read! Check it out:https://www.amazon.com/No-Man-Island-Thomas-Merton/dp/0156027739/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G0QKTQ2HLP5W&keywords=no+man+is+an+island&qid=1649966010&sprefix=no+man+is+an+island%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1Merton, Thomas. No Man Is an Island. Mariner Books, 2021.
An Ecumenical Council is the highest teaching authority of the Church, called when all the bishops around the world meet to discuss ongoing issues. The last time a council was called was 1962-1965. In this episode, we explore the teachings from Gaudium Et Spes a document from the most recent Ecumenical Council.
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html
An Ecumenical Council is the highest teaching authority of the Church, called when all the bishops around the world meet to discuss ongoing issues. The last time a council was called was 1962-1965. In this episode, we explore the teachings from Gaudium Et Spes a document from the most recent Ecumenical Council.
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html
Welcome to Deus Books! We're just two dudes that love to read and banter about Catholic stuff. Today we discuss "The Screwtape Letters" by C. S. Lewis. It's a fantastic read! Check it out:
https://www.amazon.com/SCREWTAPE-LETTERS-Screwtape-Proposes-Toast/dp/B00M0OMR8W/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1KXKNDV0R8KV7&keywords=screwtape+letters+with+screwtape+proposes+a+toast&qid=1646347839&sprefix=screwtape+letters+with+screw+tape+proposes+a+toast%2Caps%2C38&sr=8-4
Lewis, C. S. (1996). The screwtape letters: With Screwtape proposes a toast. HarperOne.
Welcome to Deus Books! We're just two dudes that love to read and banter about Catholic stuff. Today we discuss "Hail, Holy Queen" by Scott Hahn. It's a fantastic read! Check it out:
https://www.amazon.com/Hail-Holy-Queen-Mother-Word/dp/0385501692/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2M5U2H9G7UCF9&keywords=hail%2C+holy+queen&qid=1644981932&sprefix=hail%2C+holy+queen%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1
Hahn, Scott. Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God. 1st ed., Image Books - Doubleday, 2001.
It's been a while but I'm back! This week I discuss wanting it vs. being it and give a preview of youth ministry happenings this semester.
I found an article on BuzzFeed highlighted some cool things about America so I decided to unpack them! Happy Independence Day!
Here's the article: https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephenlaconte/non-americans-share-things-they-like-about-america-reddit?utm_source=dynamic&utm_campaign=bffbbuzzfeed&ref=bffbbuzzfeed&&fbclid=IwAR16HTVAvH9jCEWp1hhsQJBokVdBynF3y5QGQo0RjXDDtve1RapsEFVd4FY
Today we welcome back our teens to discuss the creation of CTDS and they offer pro tips for the incoming freshmen.
Today I talk with Erin from St. Peter Parish about our hopes coming out of lockdown and how we come back!
Today we discuss a teen's life during COVID lockdown and what it is like being a Catholic Teen in 2020
Today I get together with Brandon and Erin to discuss digital ministry, male-female communication, and COVID update.
My first guest is my old co-host from the Clarence and Peter Podcast, Erin the Youth Minister at St. Peter.
I'm back into podcasting with Clarence Talk & Dippin' Sauce! Today I talk about Super Tuesday and Lent. Enjoy!