The list is not meant to be comprehensive or thorough, nor is it presented in any particular order or ranking. Again, we are all called to be holy, to be saints, and far from dismissing them, we ought to see how we can be like them. When not theologizing, Steve enjoys bad television, hiking, and rooting for the Indianapolis Colts. Change ). For college students who are constantly on the move, it's comforting to carry along a compact, pocket-size devotional resource that helps them meditate on God's Word and His forgiveness and grace through Christ Jesus. Moreover, it points out the very real way that a consumer mentality can shape one’s faith while offering (some limited) ways of responding. Greg Boyle’s work with current and former gang members in LA is moving and heartbreaking. These Are the Best Catholic College Books Learning the Faith, Living the Faith 0 College can be a trying time for any student. Thomas Aquinas was a prolific writer whose most famous work was the Summa Theologiae, a thorough and systematic treatment of theology that represents the pinnacle of Catholic scholarship. The best student Chromebook to come out in 2020 might just be the Acer Chromebook 714 whose premium and seriously solid chassis is just the ticket for students who need just a … It was probably the best two weeks of The text has shaped Western conceptions of the afterlife, but it has a more significant, subtle, and extended reflection on the nature of human freedom and identity, especially as that pertains to our relationship with God and each other. Some of these books had a real influence on me in college; others I wish I had discovered in college (or that they had been written earlier!). All around them the world’s sinful counterfeits of these things are blatantly flaunted right before their eyes and ears. Some of the Summa and other works of St. Thomas is above the comprehension of the average college student. However, an even greater difficulty awaits Catholic students who desire to continue practicing their faith. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Share in the comments! As students enter their freshman year or return to their respective universities, I think there are 5 books that every Catholic student in college needs on their bookshelf. Our Catholic educational resources are great for CCD classes, homeschooling, & informal use. In particular, it can help the college student think about the challenge and limitations of using language to understand God. Of course, this list is limited and comes from my own finite experience and context. In fact, outside of creating a library of Catholic books for our homeschooling family, the majority of our personal resources are FREE. When I was in college, With Open Hands by Henri Nouwen was very significant in my developing understanding of prayer and spirituality. Not only will this safeguard his own faith, but will enable him to be a good witness to his fellow students and to society at large. Second, it shows how similar Peter and Judas are, as one character throughout the text vacillates between the two, and how challenging a question that can be for one who considers the self to be a disciple. True U: Three 10-part apologetics series for upper high school and college students on the existence of God, reliability of the Bible, and the historical Jesus. At my previous institution, I assigned this book to students at the conclusion of a course segment on Christology, usually to great success, because of two key themes it brings together so beautifully. Enter Your E-mail Address Enter Your First Name (optional) Then Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure. A familiarity with the ideas presented in the books above would prepare a Catholic student well for the difficulties of modern higher education. Although the intention was probably noble, that list is hampered by a narrow understanding of the Catholic college student as someone who better be prepared to do apologetics (defense of the faith), presumably against the godless heathens they will meet. Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Rather, ideas such as these proceed from a way of thinking that is flawed in its foundational principles. St. Augustine's Confessions presents the conversion story of this great saint, while also exploring many philosophical and theological topics. Tattoos on the Heart – Gregory Boyle, SJ And as students begin a new semester (the first for many), I thought it might be worthwhile to bring together the two pieces above and make a list of ten books that I would recommend for college students who identify as Catholic or are interested in Catholicism. Press Esc to cancel. Walter Brueggeman, THE PROPHETIC IMAGINATION I tend to be hot and cold on Jim Martin’s books, but I think this one is well worth it. Second, this post a couple weeks back proposed a list of five books that every Catholic college student should take with them to their dorms. are asked to name 10 books that have had a significant influence on them, On Job: God-Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent, Beyond Kendi: Antiracism and Non-White Sovereignty in the US Political Economy, Sinful and Holy: The Human Nature of the Church, To Jesuits, Black Americans were Objects of Ministry, Not Agents Of their Own Faith, No Innocent Space: Confronting Racism Here. They range in genre and level of difficulty, and many of them could be swapped out for another insightful text. UD has one of the strongest study-abroad programs in the nation, with 80% of students studying in partner universities overseas, primarily in … The reason for this is that the ideas propagated by modern institutions of higher learning are not contrary to Catholic teaching simply as individual and isolated doctrines such as support for abortion and homosexual marriage. To all the students out there, we wish you the best of luck as you hit the books for the spring semester. U.S. News & World Report ranks College of Saint Mary 69th among Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, and the school’s Occupational Therapy program r… Best Books for College Students The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey In her gorgeous new book, Oprah Winfrey provides inspiration for your grad to discover their purpose, at a pivotal point in time. His call for “boundless compassion,” with the possibilities for conversion, reconciliation, and fulfillment that this can bring in the lives of others, provided a thicker portrait for me of what Jesus’ call to love others can mean. The material is presented in an interesting way and is broken up into relatively short books that enable the material to be ingested without being intimidating. I would also want to include some reasonable “feminist theology 101” book. This relatively short text does two things really well: (1) it introduces Gutierrez’ thought and the broader area of liberation theology in a way I think more accessible (but no less challenging) than his A Theology of Liberation and (2) it channels that approach and the concern for the marginalized through an examination of the biblical figure Job (which is a book from the Bible I keep coming back to). This book is at times infuriating and at times inspiring. Students learn about the schools of thought that I taught an introductory class with this book one year, and although it wasn’t great for the course I really liked it on its own. is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Religion at Saint Leo University outside of Tampa, FL. These devotionals for college students can not only help young women learn how to address these issues in their life but also help them live out their faith and draw closer to God. It can be fun to have them reread that section aloud in class, but replace “Carthage” with the name of the school. Also, there are some books not recommended because they’re obvious (e.g., yes, Catholic student, you should have a Bible). ( Log Out /  ( Log Out /  Therefore, for the sake of the preservation of his own faith, a Catholic student should prepare himself to notice and avoid these flawed ways of thinking. That looks a lot like my bookshelf, but there are a few I’ll have to catch up on! If you’re looking for a new book to read, check out one of these best Catholic books of all time: Theology and Basics of Catholicism Adams, Karl – The Spirit of Catholicism Bouyer, Louis – Spirit and Forms of Protestantism In fact, these works would be of great benefit to any Catholic who can take the time to read them. When I teach it with undergrads, I particularly like highlighting the beginning of Book III, when Augustine “came to Carthage and all around me hissed a cauldron of illicit loves…I sought an object for my love; I was in love with love, and I hated safety and a path free of snares” (III.i(1)). It is challenging and insightful, and I believe can help many (myself especially) develop empathy through seeing the world and the reality of suffering through another’s eyes. With Catholic Textbook Project, you can bring balance, perspective, and hope back into the hearts and minds of your students—these are the only history textbooks written with the freedom for truth that Catholic schools enjoy. I agree. To be frank, this post comes from the confluence of three things. A few I’d think might also profit Catholic college students (even though a few are from non-Catholics): Ignazio Silone, BREAD AND WINE. Even if he remains faithful to the teachings of the Church in important and obvious matters like abortion and homosexual marrige, a Catholic student can have his opinions and ways of thinking altered in ways that are so subtle and gradual that he does not notice until the change has already occurred. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. A basic familiarity with Aristotle's teachings would also be very helpful to a Catholic college student, because the erroneous ways of thinking present in universities can very frequently be traced to a rejection of Aristotelian philosophy. Students entering their senior year of high school in fall 2017 are invited to register for the college’s summer program. The Great Books curriculum and related educational experiences of C.S. Someone also needs to do an anthology for Catholic College students to include some of the essays of Thomas Merton, Robert Barron, Toothy Radcliffe, as well as selections from Gutierrez, Sobrino, and some women. At First Glance is a devotional for college students that provides a semester’s worth of daily devotions; sharing biblical truth to enable students to remain steady and growing in their Christian walk, and enabling them to become Added to all this is a stressful and difficult course load. Artur, no doubt you have some suggestions of your own…care to offer any? Please feel encouraged to offer your own books or lists in the comments below. Dorothy Day’s autobiography is a text I’ve never successfully finished in one go. College can be a trying time for any student. Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher whose philosophical system largely provided the intellectual framework of St. Thomas's writings and indeed of traditional Catholic scholarship as a whole. Thus the reader both gets an introduction to some significant examples of human sanctity and sees the real day to day relevance of those lives. He encounters new ideas, people unlike any he has seen before, and the difficult task of navigating the social scene and making friends. Maybe Freeing Theology edited by LaCugna, which was my first explicit encounter with feminist theology, though long after college. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. He should also learn the Catholic faith more thoroughly and be able to defend it. My students say it is one of the best books they have ever read! books help students learn a subject better; books help you avoid a social exclusion (according to this study of the Basic Skills Agency). St. John of the Cross—Reflection on His Sayings of Light and Love, Immaculate Conception: the World’s Most Powerful Woman, 5 Tips for a Fruitful Advent During a Dark Time, Why Having a Spiritual Director Is Important. But the school appeals outside of Catholic circles, too, with its strong Christian emphasis but no Catholic confessional requirements for students. The powerful witness of a modern day (20th century) person who experiences a powerful conversion, both to Christ and to his poor and vulnerable, powerfully humanizes our notions of holiness. It also models a diversity of ways of thinking about the divine. Written by students for students, by a team of journalists from universities nationwide, we’re on the pulse of the college experience. While it is intended for high-school students, this series is written at a level appropriate also to adults. The Best Books for College Students & Recent Grads The years during and immediately following college often find students seeking guidance on many different topics, ranging from learning to cook to finding their path in life. Top 3 Best Catholic Bible Reviews 1. National Catholic Colleges Scholarship Scholarship for students attending a National Catholic College Association member institution. An excellent resource for high school and college students, young adults Makes a perfect Confirmation or graduation gift With half a million copies sold since its inception, Day by Day is the beloved prayerbook that Notre Dame students, alumni, and friends trust to deepen their prayer lives and expand their understanding of God. Every hour of every day brings college students into direct observation and confrontation with the world’s backward view of love, sex, and relationships. St. Thomas's writings, however, do not merely provide a deeper knowledge of the faith, but also a grounding in sound philosophy that can help a college student avoid the philosophical errors taught in universities. Quest for the Living God – Elizabeth Johnson Our articles for college students feature university rankings of U.S. colleges, college guides, academic advice, college prep, career advice, student health and collegiate dating tips. But it’s usually effective and pushes the reader to recognize how profoundly one’s culture shapes one’s views. Summary of The Best Devotional for College Students Our college years are often filled with temptations and various challenges as we try to navigate our newfound path of stepping into adulthood. These staff provide one-on-one mentorship A few I’d think might also profit Catholic college students (even though a few are from non-Catholics): Reblogged this on North Church and commented: On Job: God-Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent – Gustavo Gutierrez His dissertation was on the theological anthropology of David Tracy. Most of the original writings of Aristotle are too extensive and difficult for a lone college student to study by himself. Shop resources including books, activity cards, coloring books, & more. Also, at the request of his assistant, St. Thomas wrote another work, entitled Compendium of Theology, that addresses a variety of theological topics in a more understandable way suited to a layman. Even many prominent modern Catholics are unable to speak about political issues in a clear and reliable way because they do not think with the precision and logic that characterize St. Thomas's thought. The purpose of the mission trip was to learn how live out one’s faith and how to become an influence in your sorority or fraternity. The Defense Never Rests : Student workbook to go along with training material from William Lane Craig (ages 10-16). Beyond the actual space that the QRC provides, LGBTQ students at Harvey Mudd College are encouraged to branch out and get involved in other tangible ways. These are perfect for any Catholic […] This pick is apparently controversial, but Johnson’s text here is both accessible and challenging for traditional college age students. Every college student has their own list of must-read, or at least must-check, books; but 1. Essential Reading 16-inch MacBook Pro … UD also has one of the strongest study abroad programs in the nation, with 80% of students studying in partner universities overseas, primarily in Rome, Italy While Day herself said “Don’t call me a saint— I don’t want to be dismissed that easily,” I think her example can push us to try to live the universal call to holiness rather than just passing that torch off to those we dismiss as saints (who clearly must be fundamentally different from our own finite and flawed selves). Northeast Catholic College Northeast Catholic College integrates many of the Great Books of Western literature and philosophy into its humanities and philosophy coursework. His attack on consumer culture comes across like a broadside, designed to overwhelm and even antagonize the reader. Dean Brackley, S.J., THE CALL FOR DISCERNMENT IN TROUBLED TIMES Parental Powerful Prayers for College Students - Prayers of strength and wisdom. If a student takes philosophy, psychology, or sociology courses which are core requirements for a variety of degrees, there is a good chance that they will be inundated with ideas that run counter to the Catholic faith and good philosophy from the beginning of the course to the very end. The 2021 Best Catholic Colleges ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Following Christ in a Consumer Society – John F. Kavanaugh, SJ The world of higher education is saturated with professors, administrators, and students who strongly and even militantly subscribe to the secular-humanist worldview that pervades society. Any college student (and, indeed, any adult) will undoubtedly benefit from studying Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. It has frustrated me, challenged me, and moved me at different times in my life. As parents, we are the primary educators of our children in the ways of our Church. As a result, even students who are well-grounded in and committed to their faith can encounter serious temptations to doubt their faith. Each of six sessions Books & Bibles: ***The first book I will recommend is put out by Ignatius Press and is titled The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible . The Long Loneliness – Dorothy Day It also avoids the ambiguity of language that plagues many modern Catholic books.​. offers a A Course in Religion is a Catholic high-school religion curriculum that includes five books: Chief Truths of the Faith, Mass and the Sacraments, Catholic Morality, and Catholic Apologetics. Teaching your children our Catholic faith doesn’t have to be expensive. There, I met over 100 college students from across the nation. What is your favorite Catholic book for college students? I read this while on the Camino this summer and found it eye-opening. WebsiteImage SourceNet Price: $18,388Founded by the Sisters of Mercy and located minutes from Aksarben Village in Omaha, the College of Saint Mary is an all-women’s college that thrives on assisting students to develop leadership skills and career fulfillment. FOCUS is a Catholic evangelization movement on college campuses. I imagine most nerds like me had trouble narrowing this list down to ten, but I found it a fun exercise in self-reflection and nostalgia. While prayer and the sacraments are an essential means to this end, the student should also educate himself as far as he is able in the true and noble ideas that are no longer taught at universities. Of course, disclaimers: this list comes from my experiences, and thus is necessarily limited. The Politics, like St. Thomas's Treatise on Law, lays out a sound and logical system of thought about issues relating to government and the common good. Ignazio Silone, BREAD AND WINE. 4. This was begun as a series in the New Testament and has been compiled into one volume for the New Testament only (they have already completed work on Genesis from the Old Testament). Current high school sophomores are also asked to register to be placed on a waiting list. How about a list of films to see in the first two years at the university? The books are short and engaging. The Ethics provides a system of moral philosophy that is rooted in human nature and foundational to Catholic moral teaching. A classic of the Western tradition, this effort features an adult Augustine reflectively looking at his life and seeing where he believes providence and the grace of God have intervened in his life. The Creed – Luke Timothy Johnson I agree. It is an age appropriate way to introduce 9/11 filled with mystery, hope, and a hero’s journey to find home. It is an age appropriate way to introduce 9/11 filled with mystery, hope, and a hero’s journey to find home. Welcome to The HomeScholar’s high school reading list for college-bound students!The following selection of books are drawn from a variety of different reading lists, and represent the books that we at The HomeScholar are both Johnson does a really good job of working through the Nicene Creed and looking at the scriptural and historical background for it. Fearless Faith: Devotions for College Students by Werre and Mark Jeske | Jul 22, 2015 4.8 out of 5 stars 50 Paperback $19.99 $ 19. It’s a helpful way of reflecting on something that many Christians say without thinking. Silence is a historical novel written largely from the perspective of a Portuguese Jesuit missionary in Japan. Students are not required to sign any Catholic confessional statement. Skip to content Submit Close search Home Catalog expand collapse Catalog Books for Lent Books for Catholic … Furthermore, some of Aristotle's original works, such as his Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, are understandable by themselves. In particular, Questions 90-108 of the Summa Theologiae, often known as St. Thomas's Treatise on Law, would be valuable to modern Catholics in forming the way that they think about political issues. That is not to say that there is no truth to be found at modern universities, but that these truths are often present in spite of, rather than because of, the professors' core philosophies. Students can study in the lounge (affectionately dubbed the “Rainbow Ski Lodge”), check books out of the queer library, find clothing in the swap closet, or utilize the computer lab. As a result of these faulty principles, the whole body of knowledge imparted to the students is riddled with falsehoods throughout, many of which are too nuanced and subtle to be noticed and avoided even by a Catholic student. For example, one book addresses apologetics surrounding the Eucharist, and another book shows how to evangelize Jehovah's Witnesses. My Life with the Saints – James Martin, SJ First, it raises the question of the particular and the universal (so important for thinking about Jesus as God made human as a first century Jewish man) by asking about what it means for Christianity to take root in Japanese soil (can also help with teaching Matthew 13). At this vulnerable age with its attending h… Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Martin not only gives great descriptions of a select set of Catholic saints, but he also models an imaginative way of appropriating the key lessons of their lives. ( Log Out /  First, there’s a meme going around the old Facebook where those who are tagged are asked to name 10 books that have had a significant influence on them or that have “stuck with” them. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. However, there are books available, such as Mortimer Adler's Aristotle for Everybody, that summarize and explain Aristotle's teachings in a more accessible way. However, St. Thomas's lucid style makes a basic understanding of his writings possible. Lastly, the poetry is magnificent, and there are numerous excellent translations to choose from. I am the creator of this list, Books for Catholic Teens (having created a Facebook group by the same name). I still pray with open hands more often than not. Finally, by now, nearly all colleges and universities in the US have begun their fall semester (my own institution started classes two weeks ago). More importantly, I think it’s a helpful text for teaching about self-reflection. Paul Farmer and Gustavo Gutierrez, IN THE COMPANY OF THE POOR The Divine Comedy – Dante Alighieri They may even spark in many people a new interest in philosophical and intellectual pursuits that could yield rich fruits in the future. 16. I promise to use it only to send you The Inspirational Life. Classic books for Catholics on theology, liturgy, psychology and more. Reading through The Divine Comedy in Frank Ambrosio’s class altered the trajectory of my college life both personally and professionally, so I’m certainly a big advocate for it. The text was inaccurately and wrongly maligned by opponents, but for more advanced students the experience of following the text’s controversy is an instruction all its own. The Catholic Study Bible Often considered the best Catholic bible, the The Catholic Study Bible Third Edition is a comprehensive personal devotional Bible that also helps enrich readers’ understanding of the faith. Confessions – St. Augustine Oscar Romero, THE VIOLENCE OF LOVE All rights reserved. His other interests include theology and culture, especially pop culture and media, the relationship between sin and grace, and the public and political aspects of theology. Not required to sign any Catholic who can take the time to read them Heart – Gregory,! Student has their own list of must-read, or at least must-check, books ; but 1 theology 101 book! Course, this series is written at a level appropriate also to.... All this is a stressful and difficult for a lone college student think about the divine St.... Original works, such as his Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, are understandable by themselves adult ) will undoubtedly from... Broadside, designed to overwhelm and even antagonize the reader limitations of using language to understand God Twitter account one... Catholic institutions your comment: You are commenting using your Facebook account I promise to use it only to You. And pushes the reader to recognize how profoundly one ’ s autobiography is a series of ten books thoroughly! Who desire to continue practicing their faith Eucharist, and many of original. 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Assistant Professor of philosophy, theology, liturgy, psychology and more to post comment! You have some suggestions of your own…care to offer any the primary educators of our children in the of.