A number of people have asked me, “What are you reading?” I have the time to do a lot of reading and these are some of the books I have been reading over the past few months.
The Mole of Vatican Council II, Richard A. Zmuda
During the four sessions of Vatican II (1962-1965), a Redemptorist priest, Fr. Francis Murphy, wrote regular columns for the New Yorker detailing the activity of the council. (I have donated my four-volume copy of those articles to the parish library). He wrote under the pseudonym of Xavier Rynne. This historical novel details the escapades of Xavier Rynne.
We are Only Saved Together, Colin Miller
Colin Miller is the Director of the Center for Catholic Social Thought at the Church of the Assumption in St. Paul, MN. This book outlines how the principles of the Catholic Worker Movement are fitting for any person, family or community seeking to follow the Gospel in the 21st century.
Is This All There Is?, Gerhard Lohfink
This German theologian reflects on the resurrection and eternal life, a book I have read slowly with much enthusiasm as I prepare for the ultimate and crowning moment of the Christian life.
Finding Sanctuary, Abbot Christopher Jamison
This popular read takes the 1,500 year old tradition of Saint Benedict, found in the Benedictine Rule, and applies it to the busy life of the Christian seeking a path to prayer and a balance in life.
Saul Alinsky and The Dilemmas of Race, Mark Santow
I met Alinsky in the late 60’s at a lunch at the President Café on Lake Street, Minneapolis. I was involved with his work through the Industrial Areas Foundation, and took the ten-day training from the IAF shortly after coming to Saint Matts. This book describes the foundational work Alinsky undertook in Chicago. Barak Obama was an organizer in the Alinsky style of organizing through the IAF.
From the Stone Age to Christianity, William Foxwell Albright
I first read this book for scripture class in the mid 60’s and have recently gone back to so many reads of long ago. W. F. Albright is the premier ancient world archeologist. He lectured at the seminary in the mid 60’s and I heard his lecture on the excavations of Troy. Archeology, along with language, geography, and history are tools for unlocking the scriptures. Pius XII told us to “go back wholly in spirit to the ancient Middle East to discover the meaning of the scriptures.”
Father Steve Adrian
Pastor Emeritus
Margaret Perron Deeb says
Thanks to Father Adrian and Richard Schletty and whom ever else has had a hand in encouraging Fr. Adrian to share with us. The wonderful thing is these books reveal so much, including history.
Richard Schletty says
Thanks for your note of appreciation.