Ask Fr. Barron: What spiritual classic books should every Catholic read?

This week's question for Fr. Barron comes from Mike Hayes of BustedHalo.com. Get ready for some serious additions to your reading list!
Blog posts here: www.ncregister.com/blog/matthe...

[@applehacker3211]

My man just dropped 2 years of homework in 3 minutes

[@p.s.431]

And that’s “the surface, of the surface, of the surface” lol

[@mancipiachristi9032]

Lol. Thats a life time of reading for me

[@jimmyjam209]

2 years! how about 10... Aquinas alone is 5

[@PInk77W1]

“Fairytales are true, not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be defeated.” GK Chesterton

[@oambitiousone7100]

I have this framed on my wall with my Hobbit/LOTR art collection :-)

[@PInk77W1]

You missed the entire point, As per usual. God Love u now

[@PInk77W1]

justthinken1 what church do u go to ?

[@PInk77W1]

justthinken1 LoL. I believe in fairy tales and u are ashamed of your church. LoL Nice. “Fairy tales are true, NOT BECAUSE they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be defeated.” I just defeated your dragon church. Thanks for playing. Come back soon. It’s been fun.

[@frisco61]

That’s not the exact quote but it does read easier than the actual text.

[@Motherdiva1]

I am an 84 year old widow and I certainly am going to read all these books. (Smile smile). before I am 150. Incidentally I am reading Fire Within by Thomas Dubay. Reading it with a daughter. Highly recomnend it Bishop and would like to hear your comments on that one. I love your mysteties of the rosary on youtube.

[@bamboolaceway]

I would add "The Story of a Soul" by St Therese of Lisieux

[@kayfarquar2034]

Better -- The Truth about Therese, Henri Gheon. So clear!

[@alfafusionPH]

St. Theresa of Avila's "Interior Castle", St. Francis de Sales "Introduction to the Devout Life" and please do not miss reading "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis.

[@joshflinchbaugh5866]

When I first read Imitation of Christ I cried every time. Such a good book! I has so hungry for Christ in the beginning of my semi-conversion.

[@PilgrimSurgeon]

Patristic: Origen, St. Irenaeus, St. Augustine (City of God, Confessions, De Trinitate), St. Chrysostom, St. Jerome (Biblical commentary), St. Maximus the Confessor, St. Gregory of Nyssa (Life of Moses). Medieval Ages: St. Anselm, St. Thomas Aquinas (Summa), St. Bonaventure, St. John Henry Newman (Apologia Pro Vita Sua), G.K Chesterton, St. Ignatius of Loyola (Spiritual Exercises), St. John of the Cross (Dark Night of the Soul, Ascent to Mt. Carmel). Modern: Thomas Merton (Seven Story Mountain, New Seeds of Contemplation).

[@tauwilltriumph]

+PilgrimSurgeon Thank you!

[@jcawalton]

I'm very glad someone write this down. Thanks.

[@justthinken1]

What a pathetic state of affairs that is the catholic religion. It's a sad state of affairs when a so-called ''man of God'' can suggest numerous writ from fallible men yet conveniently exclude the one book that is in fact the only infallible, inerrant, and INSPIRED, i.e. God breathed book - the bible. And by the only infallible inerrant and inspired word of God that can only be the King James Bible. Not one of the authors and their writings suggested by this so-called ''man of God'' are inspired. In fact between the few he suggested there are scores of contradictions, divergence of opinions as well as dissimilarities that simply do not line up in many cases one with the other. And furthermore the writings of these ''church fathers'' absolutely contradict the doctrines from the written word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. But as in all cults they rely on the wisdom of man after they have rejected the wisdom of God. Truly sad. The scriptures declare in John 17:17, John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Never will you find in scripture a suggestion or implied sanctification for the Christian can be obtained from extra-biblical sources - NEVER. Yet like all cults, just as the catholic religious cult does, they may reference the scriptures and even quote from the scriptures but ultimately all cults run to the wisdom of man forsaking the teachings of God to their ultimate demise and eternal destruction. .

[@sevenoaths3130]

justthinken1 I invite you to research catholicism. Ask God the Father to reveal to you His Son alive in The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. i recommend Scott Hahn. Christ as the New Passover lamb in the Once and Forever Sacrifice on Calvary that is memorialized and the focus of the worship. We hold up this Eternal Sacrifice to God the Father at Mass in pleading for the forgiveness of our sins and the grace and strength to cooperate with His sanctifying will. It's not a cult. Show some respect

[@justthinken1]

seven Oaths === I was catholic. I repented of my sins for being involved in that pagan idolatrous religion called the catholic ''church''. Now I'm a born again bible believing Christian saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, ALONE. I now have eternal life. O.S.A.S. It's too bad you are incapable of understanding my comment. But more egregious to you to your demise is you are a blind and deaf fool incapable of allowing the truth of scripture to to enter your heart and mind. But you keep working at it. Keep ''pleading'' for that forgiveness and the aberrant understanding of what grace is so you can have the strength to cooperate WITH his sanctifying will. Whatever that means it has no foundation in scripture. I find it ironic that you regurgitate this horse manure after I give you the scriptures that instruct us where and how sanctification is received. No one has ever been sanctified by ingesting a gluten free pasty wafer based on hocus-pocus trickery. Sanctification can only be realized once a person is justified, saved, and only then can that person be sanctified through the renewing of the mind through the written word of God. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; In fact my comment is a repudiation of everything you stated in your comment as well as your catholic pagan idolatrous ideology and you're too blind and deaf to realize it. But you keep working at it. You keep doing your so-called ''good works'' and due diligence to clean up your soul and your never ending ritual observances. The only thing that will get you is a one way ticket to the lake of fire for all eternity. I give you scripture and you want to lead me to traditions of men. Noooo thank you. .

[@brownandwolfe]

Love G K Chesterton and CS Lewis

[@AnthonyHutjes]

I would like to add "The Lord" of Romano Guardini. I read this book as a young University student and although I think that as a Catholic priest and as an old man of 85 years I have read many other beautiful catholic writings, there are still passages in Guardini's book which I consider to be the best and most lovely texts I have ever read.

[@MinnieGreenie]

Thank you from the Philippines! I just bought it now (6/2/2023) from Kindle. And I will read it.

[@arklowrockz]

Thank you for the recommendations, much appreciated.

[@WombatProphecy]

"Just rattle of four or five..." Or, of course, you can list everything in the classical theology section of the library, that's good too....

[@asgerdk]

Its amazing how many of these and others you can find for free PDF online

[@dermotoneill7115]

All so modern, relevant and of huge interest to today's youth!

[@ethiopienqueen]

This made me want to read more🙌🏽

[@cbigskies5310]

I wish I had time to read all of these!

[@BronxCat]

thank u for writing them..couldnt get them all myself!

[@jsnukem]

Read Thomas Kempis "Imitation of Christ" from the 1400s.

[@miguelb4988]

I am reading the Kempis now and is absolutely amazing. I do recommend "Humility of heart by Father Cayetan da Bergamo

[@frankbalthazar7877]

Yes ! one of the best!!!

[@GebreMenfesKidus]

The indispensable work on the doctrine of Christ is "On the Incarnation" by St. Athanasius. And for spiritual warfare, I would also recommend St. Athanasius "Life of St. Anthony."

[@aggmeister]

Your recommendations in classics is truly awesome- I hardly see Catholics mention some of these very very important church fathers (I’m not Catholic I’m working to be orthodox but it’s been taking a while and I like to read lots of Catholic poetry and saint stuff) Oh I have to ask!!! I still have to get to St Anselm, I tried St Aquinas when I was very new to this so I should read again, but you mentioned St John of the Cross He is truly one of my favorite Catholic saints, but you didn’t mention my favorite book of his!!! A spiritual canticle (the poem and accompanying book of explanation) It is a must read

[@Chaaarge]

I'm not a catholic, but in my lit class we went through some really good poetry with a Christian theme. George Herbert for example. Just throwing it out there.

[@WombatProphecy]

I agree that we shouldn't intrude on that which doesn't hurt anyone (we should, of course, stick to our religious beliefs in our own lives, but we shouldn't insist that others stick to our beliefs). Aquinas I agree with you is an excellent writer, so I definitely encourage you to read that. Another, more contemporary, work that I would suggest is The Everlasting Man.

[@pineapplepeanuts]

Can't wait to dig into everyone he's mentioned. My own research has turned up some interesting Christian writers outside the Catholic tradition. Wonder what he'd make of the eastern writers like Gregory Palamas who has really risen to the fore in Eastern Orthodox spirituality. Him and a few of the other monastics like Symeon the New Theologian and John Cassian have interesting things to say in the Eastern hesychast practice. It was them that really seemed to articulate things like the seven deadly sins and spiritual ascent to God. Even Muslim philosophers like Al-Gazali, whose great spiritual question led him to similar conclusions, even over the rationale of the filosofem, the Islamic philosophers. All of those people I have on my reading list as well. I guess it comes down to a question of philosophy and mysticism. My sense is that the Catholic church, with its reputation for more intellectual pursuits, perhaps tends to shy away from mysticism to a certain degree. But at the same time, that's actually been observed to be a kind of shortcoming on the part of the Catholic tradition. For me, its not a problem at all - I tend to look at the different churches as branches of the same tree, although the intellectual tradition of the Catholic church is probably unmatched. And yeah, they have their spiritualists too, like John of the Cross and Theresa of Avila, the Benedictines, etc. as some have mentioned.

[@jamesmc04]

pineapplepeanuts I have never understood why the CC, with its rich tradition of mystical theology, is often said to be averse to mystical theology. St Thomas Aquinas is in no sense the entirety of Catholic theology, even if he is often treated as though he were.

[@blindknitter]

I must have read The Sound and the Fury over ten times and will again. Divine Commedy, Imitation of Christ. Also love Silence. Story of a Soul, wow, we have so much to read. Gerard Manley Hopkins! Hound of Heaven, not by a Catholic, but Donne, poetry and sermons. Milton. Séamus Heaney (I knew him, he prayed his rosary every day.)

[@PilgrimSurgeon]

St. John of the Cross: Collected Works, St. Teresa of Avila: Interior Castle, Thomas Merton: Seven Storey Mountain, Thomas a Kempis: Imitation of Christ, St. Ignatius Loyola: Spiritual Exercises, Gustavo Gutierrez: A Theology of Liberation, the Philokalia/Desert Fathers.

[@spinvalve]

I would recommend Story of a Soul by Therese of Lisieux

[@ednorton3026]

One of the best is Why God Won't Go Away by Dr Andrew Newberg MD. It does not preach but lets the reader form their conclusions

[@clemenpogi1412]

Read any works of Fulton J. Sheen and you will have a glimpse of eternity!

[@NaYawkr]

"The Mystical City of God", author Venerable Mary of Agreda, not to be confused with St. Augustine's " City of God "

[@alfafusionPH]

Hi there! I think reading the Bible is enhanced by reading the books by saints. It provides some guidance especially if you're going to read on your own without the guidance of a priest, Catholic professor or Catechist. Reading the books by saints is definitely enhanced by reading the Bible. I like reading the Bible in the Adoration Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. I just meditate on the readings for the day based on the Missal. :)

[@christophermartin8685]

"Works of Love" by Soren Kierkegaard.

[@chance_peterik]

St Ephrem’s Hymns On Paradise is also a tremendous read for those wanting a more mystical approach /interpretation of the Creation narrative

[@mblasko]

Thanks for that list! Its amazing how many deep thinkers graced the Churches history. Father, what do u think bout Bishop sheens Life of Christ?

[@Mustygusher]

I love that book. Reading it for the first time now.

[@SperoinDeo]

True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort and the Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis are, aside from the bible, the two most important books for average person. Theologians can go after that list Fr. Barron mentioned, only after they've read these two great works.

[@lifeboattheatre6525]

Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich. Not many women's voices in this list Bishop Barron!

[@victoriaanntirado7201]

1) Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre 2) These Beautiful Bones by Emily Stimpson 3) Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen ♡

[@typowynietypowy4559]

I recommend modern pieces "He leadeth me" by Walter Ciszek SJ and "Diary" st. s. Faustine

[@binyamin3716]

It’s not catholic …it’s of new world religion by pop jp2

[@hilairebelloc3368]

@@binyamin3716 Oh get out

[@angelahull9064]

Interior Castle - St. Teresa of Avila

[@MysteryofTheTrinity]

New Testament, Imitation of Christ, Catechism of the Catholic Church, William Berkeley commentaries...

[@joannelarcher6246]

I strongly recommend these books as well: Matthew Kelly's Rediscovering Catholicism; Scott Hahn's 40 days of Life; Christopher West's (Blessed John Paul II) Introduction to Theology of The Body, anything by Ronald Rolheiser as well. I have read these books and they brought my faith deeper and more understanding too.

[@martinedalo5595]

I read "Imitation of Christ. Excellent book for every Christian.

[@alfafusionPH]

Why not? I think Father Barron was asked because he clearly can give an authoritative answer. :)

[@Theholtoneuphonium]

Was so confused by "Fr" Barron until I saw the date

[@from415daysofchanges]

Can anybody write the list of all the books that he talked about? It's kind of hard for me to pick up some of the titles that he mentioned. Thank you sm

[@janethockey9070]

St.Augustine's Confessions

[@WombatProphecy]

Metaphysics isn't just about scripture. I recommend you read some of the books. Lots of it is more about reasoning than anything else.

[@gloriabravo6513]

Hi Fr B! since there r diff versions of the Creed, 1 says descended into hell, did Jesus go to hell for 3 days bf the Resurrection? it blows my mind to think that He suffered even more than we can even envision. is that true? thanks4 your time, i would very much appreciate your thoughts on this for it

[@SamuelCyrus]

I am not a Catholic for whatever that might be worth. That said I have probably learned more from you as a teacher than anyone else in my walk of faith as a professing, embracing seeking follower of His Way. Question. I recently watched a documentary on Thomas Merton. Since you sited his Seven Storey Mountain which I read (could not put down actually); what are your thoughts on his death resulting from assassination? Thank you.

[@louisecoppki7136]

Have you a short list for elderly who dont expect to have 10 years? Where do I find a spiritual director for more personal issues?

[@justthinken1]

Louise Coppki === Yes. The King James Bible. It's a sad state of affairs when a so-called ''man of God'' can suggest numerous writ from fallible men yet exclude the one book that is in fact the only infallible, inerrant, and INSPIRED, i.e. God breathed, book - the bible. Not one of the authors and their writings suggested by this so-called ''man of God'' are inspired. In fact between the few he suggested there are scores of contradictions, divergence of opinions as well as dissimilarities that simply do not line up in many cases one with the other. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. But as in all cults they rely on the wisdom of man after they have rejected the wisdom of God. Truly sad. .

[@justthinken1]

Leo === You make no sense.

[@potterfan392]

I am interested in reading Origen, but I have heard that the church has dismissed some of his beliefs. What sort of caution should we exercise when reading some of these books?

[@typowynietypowy4559]

As far as I know, he wasn't trinitarian

[@pedrodiasscher2612]

Bishop Barron, would recomend the way, by saint josemaria escrivá?

[@ZackV2496]

Pedro Dias Scher i have this book..very striking straight to the point.

[@patrickfoley4990]

Any of those on Audiobooks?

[@arklowrockz]

Oh I am very much an advocate of examining the contemplative element of any professed faith. My problem is the intrusion by religious in to private adult behaviour and believe me Fr. Barron will cite scripture at great length to voice a church position (to be fair he dosent really have any choice in the matter). I have read a heck of a lot, no way would I or could I try dabble extensively in that list but I reckon I will def read Aquinas Bible commentaries

[@andreahunter3904]

What about Teresa of Avila? I didn't notice Hildegarde or any women mentioned.

[@Christabbaword]

Ecclesiastes 12 9Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 11The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails-given by one shepherd. b 12Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Jesus is my father.

[@reginagaughan4918]

Dear Father RB: You have become my favorite Spiritual Advisor despite the fact that we have never met. However, you have gone way over-board with the list of books EVERY catholic should read. Are there Cliff Notes? I have a BA in Ancient History with a minor in Philosophy and I barely made it through The Confessions. You really cannot expect the average catholic to be able to read these books without becoming extremely frustrated. I could barely get the spellings down. Please post a list? And without a study guide I think most people will give up. I'll be waiting for that list. Word on Fire is a great source of insight into the Gospels. The Holy Spirit speaks through your words. Thank you for your wisdom and work. You are blessed. P.S. I quite enjoy your apologetics, especially for Bill Maher!

[@TheLockBox1]

Is that 3 or 4 more books than what you were planning on reading in the next 5 years or so? Read lots of books in jail, not so much when I was free. Books are a type of currency for those of us who read a lot. Used to offer the inmates a few shots of coffee & cocoa to check out a book or 2 on my behalf, had like 18 stuffed under my mattress! No regrets.

[@CatholicMagus]

The good Father was making suggestions to what we should read, because someone asked for it. You should not determine who shouldn't have the right to suggest something to someone.

[@PInk77W1]

The Catholic Controversies by St. Francis de Sales

[@silvernett2726]

Theology and sanity By F.J sheed

[@AngelaSealana]

Origen: De Principiis Irenaeus: Adversus Haereses Anything by Augustine Sermons of Chrysostom Jerome's biblical commentaries Maximus the Confessor: anything Gregory of Nyssa: anything Anselm: "Why God Became a Man" & Proslogion Aquinas: Summa Theologiae, De Ente et Essentia, Bible commentaries by him "Golden Chain," Summa Contra Gentiles... (continued in next comment)

[@stevekudlo1464]

I’m wondering about “Crossing the Threshold of Hope “ by John Paul 2

[@benabaxter]

How do we submit questions?

[@arki1379]

How about "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis?

[@kicocol]

Every Catholic should read this book. I do not know why it is not mentioned more often

[@richarda7040]

I'm disappointed he didn't mention "Life of Christ" by Fulton Sheen. This book is a walk through the gospels with Bishop Sheen along to reveal many hidden truths. You might even describe this book as a personal introduction to Jesus Christ by Fulton Sheen.

[@punkpersonified]

Read ALL of Aquinas.

[@TheLockBox1]

Here's an idea friend, put the name of the author and type quotes afterwards. St. Teresa of Avila quotes. Wow, just had a moment of deja vu & another. Our body has this defect that, the more it is provided care and comforts, the more needs and desires it finds. Saint Teresa of Avila Read more at brainyquote I like inspirational quotes (brainyquote). I'm not even Catholic but I really love you guys & gals. Hail Mary!

[@jorgesoberon6866]

CS Lewis, Abolition of Man, The Problem of Pain... Screwtape Letters

[@laura12515]

read Saint Margaret Mary's autobiography and "The Story of A Soul" by St Terese of the Child Jesus. God bless! :-)

[@elcanaldeshackra]

you are the best! :D. God bless you! :'D

[@leasingfall]

Not one woman :(how about st therese of Avila?

[@edmund7290]

+leasingfall Agreed, The life of Teresa of Avila is one of my favourites. Probably the best I have read, although I haven't read that many.

[@MagnificentFiend]

leasingfall Yes, I was surprised he didn't mention Teresa's _Interior Castle_ when he brought up John of the Cross.

[@mr.f6215]

He was mentioning just a few books and he’s not perfect maybe he just forgot.

[@Anna-tj7mp]

I enjoy f Barron but he has a bit of a blind spot with respect to women. I recommend the biographies of Genevieve de Gaulle, who was in Ravensbruck and helped to find atd 4th world. The blindfolds eyes, sister Dianna Ortiz. Grey is the color of hope, Irina Ratushniskaya, who is orthodox actually. Anything by or about Simone Weil. All of these women faced the abyss and are spiritual giantesses. And many many more besides.

[@jamesmc04]

The lack of St Teresa of Avila and the two Saints Catherine is inexplicable. No mention of Dame Julian of Norwich, either.

[@LandaverdeJR]

The Bible, starting with the 4 gospels

[@NathanHughesUK]

Wondering why he didn't mention the Bible? Every Catholic should read the Bible and believe the truth of the gospel.

[@WombatProphecy]

Metaphysics hasn't really changed that much. Science advances, and indirectly affects metaphysics, but we haven't really learned any more about metaphysics because it isn't something that can be studied and quantified.

[@ewaldradavich7307]

@RSM82. The statement about other books outside of the bible regarding Jesus is incorrect. What it is saying is that there could b volumes about Jesus & what is written is the tip of the iceberg.

[@arklowrockz]

I don't like criticising anyone recommending reading but that all sounds like a little bit of an argument from authority. Most of those texts from antiquity.....how would the authors view their thoughts now in an information age?....To be so articulate on metaphyics at a time when human enquiry was only, to borrow the good fathers phrase "scratching the surface". Still and all, though, I fully endorse plenty of reading

[@arklowrockz]

Seems to me though that metaphysics glides like Fred Astaire away all the explanation scientific enquiry has presented regarding the scriptural basis for said metaphysics...

[@AngelaSealana]

Bonaventure: "The Mind's Road to God" John Henry Newman: "Apologia Pro Vita Sua" & essay on development of doctrine GK Chesterton: anything Ignatius of Loyola: spiritual exercises St. John of Cross: anything Thomas Merton: 7 Story Mtn, New Seeds of Contemplation ...that's just "the surface of the surface"

[@otoolehouse1]

Is it bad that I've never read any of these?

[@binyamin3716]

It good that you know all these treasures now...better late than never!!

[@WombatProphecy]

No C.S. Lewis?

[@hyperclearphoto6573]

10 year? Challenge accepted

[@wjm5972]

The new testament

[@SeedsofJoy]

Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis

[@timblack2]

Any chance you could type out that list and put them in the video description?

[@nousury]

timblack2 PATRISTIC: Origen, On First Principles St. Iranaeus, Against Heresies Augustine, Confessions City of God On the Trinity anything else he wrote Sermons of Chrisostom Jerome, Biblical commentaries Maxim, The Confessor Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Moses anything else he wrote MIDDLE AGES Anselm, Cur Deus Homo (Why God became a man) Proslogium Aquinas, Summa Theologica On Being and Essence The Golden Chain (Bible commentaries) Summa Contra Gentiles Disputed Questions anything else he wrote Bonaventure, The Mind's Road to God (very readable) MODERN John Henry Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua Essay on Development of Doctrine G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man Orthodoxy anything he wrote SPIRITUAL Ignatius, Spiritual Exercises St. John of the Cross, anything he wrote Thomas Merton, Seven Story Mountain New Seeds of Contemplation

[@TimothyBlack]

Gordon - Bless you. sir.

[@joeadams3672]

+Gordon - Thank you kindly!

[@bralbanroeosbksc4865]

+ PAX May I also humbly suggest The Path of Mother Adele Garnier by Don Gianmario Piga. The story of Adorer's of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Montmatre, Nuns of Tyburn Foundress. An inspirational book of a Christian mystic who found her love of God through her suffering. +Gloria Deo+

[@josephrzeplin]

@JamesSamuelCyrusBlack

[@rmhernandez777]

Father Barron, have you heard Vassula Ryden ? If you did, please make a video about her or make a comment. Thank you.

[@mditt7]

I've grown lazier as I've grown older. I just watch and listen to Bishop Barren and a few others on youtube these days and imbibe the wisdom of The church fathers and great scholars by means of association.

[@ashdurrance]

Read 1Enoch and 2Enoch.. works that are quoted and referenced by the writers of both the Tanakh and New Testament left and right and all over the place.

[@jamaicanification]

he was just giving a recommendation.....relax there tiger

[@frankpontone2139]

Nothing by Pope St. Pius X, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, Father Charles E. Coughlin???

[@MakeTheStand]

No Isaac or Ephrem the Syrian?

[@janethockey9070]

mcabrera This is a short list.

[@johnp.mccartney2556]

I have to be honest. I don't have the best hearing, and I can't hear mos of what Father is saying, and the transcript that comes with this KZbin video is worthless. Is anyone willing to post Father's suggestions?

[@alfafusionPH]

Did you know that St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote to the Blessed Mother asking her to come to Antioch and she responded to his letter :) You can read this in the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of the Church Fathers.

[@WombatProphecy]

Of course, because recommending books is a terrible thing to do...

[@ewaldradavich7307]

U could spend a life time reading & studying the bible, which is God's word

[@Paul-qr7hu]

The Bible?

[@vfigueroa7502]

Any female authors?

[@PianoForte9096]

If you're still looking, you could try the autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Diary of St. Faustina, and anything St. Teresa of Calcutta has written.

[@Paul-qr7hu]

C S Lewis, at all?

[@sleepystar1638]

lol i love the first person he mentions is a condemned heretic

[@doctor1alex]

Calvin’s Institutes - 1541 edition

[@cbooth151]

What spiritual classic book should every Catholic read? How about the Bible?

[@PInk77W1]

We read from the Bible at every mass every day of the year

[@cbooth151]

@@PInk77W1 Really? Then, tell me, where does your Bible say or imply that unmarried Catholic priests are required to remain unmarried?

[@PInk77W1]

cbooth151 the Bible doesn’t REQUIRE. the Bible also doesn’t say it has to be in the Bible. You seem to miss that part ? But the Bible does say “Some are born eunuchs Some are made eunuchs And some CHOOSE to be eunuchs For the KINGDOM OF GOD.” Mt 19:12

[@cbooth151]

@@PInk77W1 You say "the Bible doesn't require [unmarried priests to remain unmarried]"? Well, you're right!!! As The Catholic Encyclopedia says: "We do not find in the New Testament any indication of celibacy being made compulsory either upon the Apostles or those whom they ordained.” So, the Catholic Church's requirement that unmarried priests must remain celibate is entirely unscriptural. BTW, as you said concerning Matt. 19:12, remaining unmarried for the sake of the Christian ministry is a choice, not a requirement. Incidentally, a number of Jesus' apostles, including Peter, were _married_ men. As 1 Cor. 9:5 says: "Do we not have the right to take along a Christian wife, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and [Peter]?"

[@PInk77W1]

cbooth151 there are many Catholic priests who are married and in good standing with the pope and the church. Jesus wasn’t married Paul wasn’t married The Bible doesn’t say we must believe in the Trinity either. The Roman Catholic Church does say we MUST believe in the Trinity. The Bible doesn’t say we must believe in the New Testament. The Roman Catholic Church does say we MUST believe in the New Testament. The Bible doesn’t say we must go to church on Sunday. The Roman Catholic Church does say we MUST go to church on Sunday. Your whole way of thinking is WRONG