Author: Sam Fatzinger
Publisher: Ave Maria Press
ISBN: 1646800486
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Are you struggling under the burden of debt without a financial cushion to fall back on? Do you long for financial freedom—to live comfortably, pay for your children’s education, or retire while you’re still young enough to enjoy it? Sam and Rob Fatzinger can help you cultivate the values and virtues you need to achieve your financial goals. In A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More, the husband-and-wife team shares their extraordinary story of raising fourteen children on a modest income while living in an expensive metropolitan region. Their practical wisdom, hard-won spiritual insights, and Catholic perspectives on how they have created their own plan based on the financial advice of popular experts such as Dave Ramsey, Chris Hogan, and Brandon “Mad Fientist” Ganch will help you achieve your financial goals: Break free of debt—even if your family lives on one income. Pay off your mortgage and other big-ticket expenditures. Save for long- and short-term goals. Enjoy fun family vacations without going into debt. Cultivate interior virtues such as gratitude and generosity to prevent resentment and hoarding. Help your kids become good money managers and discerning consumers. Achieve a happier marriage and family life through Catholic principles of good stewardship.
A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More
Author: Sam Fatzinger
Publisher: Ave Maria Press
ISBN: 1646800486
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Are you struggling under the burden of debt without a financial cushion to fall back on? Do you long for financial freedom—to live comfortably, pay for your children’s education, or retire while you’re still young enough to enjoy it? Sam and Rob Fatzinger can help you cultivate the values and virtues you need to achieve your financial goals. In A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More, the husband-and-wife team shares their extraordinary story of raising fourteen children on a modest income while living in an expensive metropolitan region. Their practical wisdom, hard-won spiritual insights, and Catholic perspectives on how they have created their own plan based on the financial advice of popular experts such as Dave Ramsey, Chris Hogan, and Brandon “Mad Fientist” Ganch will help you achieve your financial goals: Break free of debt—even if your family lives on one income. Pay off your mortgage and other big-ticket expenditures. Save for long- and short-term goals. Enjoy fun family vacations without going into debt. Cultivate interior virtues such as gratitude and generosity to prevent resentment and hoarding. Help your kids become good money managers and discerning consumers. Achieve a happier marriage and family life through Catholic principles of good stewardship.
Publisher: Ave Maria Press
ISBN: 1646800486
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Are you struggling under the burden of debt without a financial cushion to fall back on? Do you long for financial freedom—to live comfortably, pay for your children’s education, or retire while you’re still young enough to enjoy it? Sam and Rob Fatzinger can help you cultivate the values and virtues you need to achieve your financial goals. In A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More, the husband-and-wife team shares their extraordinary story of raising fourteen children on a modest income while living in an expensive metropolitan region. Their practical wisdom, hard-won spiritual insights, and Catholic perspectives on how they have created their own plan based on the financial advice of popular experts such as Dave Ramsey, Chris Hogan, and Brandon “Mad Fientist” Ganch will help you achieve your financial goals: Break free of debt—even if your family lives on one income. Pay off your mortgage and other big-ticket expenditures. Save for long- and short-term goals. Enjoy fun family vacations without going into debt. Cultivate interior virtues such as gratitude and generosity to prevent resentment and hoarding. Help your kids become good money managers and discerning consumers. Achieve a happier marriage and family life through Catholic principles of good stewardship.
7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free Workbook
Author: Phil Lenahan
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 9781592762538
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free Workbook offers all the nuts and bolts to make the most of God's generous gifts. In this perfect complement to the book, 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free, you?ll find all the necessary tools to implement sound principles of financial management, budgeting, and investing in your life. An author, financier, and lifelong Catholic, Phil Lenahan weaves personal anecdotes with sound Catholic teaching and extensive financial counseling experience to help you gain clarity on some of the biggest issues you face today. Most important, he shows you why your financial plan is part of a much larger spiritual plan that God has in mind for you. 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free Workbook walks you through the right spreadsheets, spending analyses, calculators, metrics, and helpful prompts to create the best financial plan for yourself and your family ? without losing sight of Catholic teachings regarding money, being good stewards, and trusting God's plan. It helps you to appreciate the gifts God has given you ? your skills, your education, your training, your income ? and shows you how to use them as He intended. True financial freedom is about a lot more than just getting out of debt or saving for retirement. True financial freedom is being a good steward of all that God has blest us with, and trusting in His providence as we set our future goals. Start your journey to true financial freedom today.
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 9781592762538
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free Workbook offers all the nuts and bolts to make the most of God's generous gifts. In this perfect complement to the book, 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free, you?ll find all the necessary tools to implement sound principles of financial management, budgeting, and investing in your life. An author, financier, and lifelong Catholic, Phil Lenahan weaves personal anecdotes with sound Catholic teaching and extensive financial counseling experience to help you gain clarity on some of the biggest issues you face today. Most important, he shows you why your financial plan is part of a much larger spiritual plan that God has in mind for you. 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free Workbook walks you through the right spreadsheets, spending analyses, calculators, metrics, and helpful prompts to create the best financial plan for yourself and your family ? without losing sight of Catholic teachings regarding money, being good stewards, and trusting God's plan. It helps you to appreciate the gifts God has given you ? your skills, your education, your training, your income ? and shows you how to use them as He intended. True financial freedom is about a lot more than just getting out of debt or saving for retirement. True financial freedom is being a good steward of all that God has blest us with, and trusting in His providence as we set our future goals. Start your journey to true financial freedom today.
The Grace of Enough
Author: Haley Stewart
Publisher: Ave Maria Press
ISBN: 1594718180
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Winner of a 2020 Catholic Press Association book award (first place, backlist beauty). Do you ever feel caught in an endless cycle of working harder and longer to get more while enjoying life less? The Stewart family did—and they decided to make a radical change. Popular Catholic blogger and podcaster Haley Stewart explains how a year-long internship on a sustainable farm changed her family’s life for the better, allowing them to live gospel values more intentionally. When Haley Stewart married her bee-keeping sweetheart, Daniel, they dreamed of a life centered on home and family. But as the children arrived and Daniel was forced to work longer hours at a job he liked less and less, they dared to break free from the unending cycle of getting more yet feeling unfufilled. They sold their Florida home and retreated to Texas to live on a farm with a compost toilet and 650 square feet of space for a family of five. Surprisingly, they found that they had never been happier. In The Grace of Enough, Stewart shares essential elements of intentional Christian living that her family discovered during that extraordinary year on the farm and that they continue to practice today. You, too, will be inspired to: live simply offer hospitality revive food culture and the family table reconnect with the land nurture community prioritize beauty develop a sense of wonder be intentional about technology seek authentic intimacy center life around home, family, and relationships Drawing from Pope Francis’s encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’, Stewart identifies elements of Catholic social teaching that will enhance your life and create a ripple effect of grace to help you overcome the effects of today’s “throwaway” culture and experience a deeper satisfaction and stronger faith.
Publisher: Ave Maria Press
ISBN: 1594718180
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Winner of a 2020 Catholic Press Association book award (first place, backlist beauty). Do you ever feel caught in an endless cycle of working harder and longer to get more while enjoying life less? The Stewart family did—and they decided to make a radical change. Popular Catholic blogger and podcaster Haley Stewart explains how a year-long internship on a sustainable farm changed her family’s life for the better, allowing them to live gospel values more intentionally. When Haley Stewart married her bee-keeping sweetheart, Daniel, they dreamed of a life centered on home and family. But as the children arrived and Daniel was forced to work longer hours at a job he liked less and less, they dared to break free from the unending cycle of getting more yet feeling unfufilled. They sold their Florida home and retreated to Texas to live on a farm with a compost toilet and 650 square feet of space for a family of five. Surprisingly, they found that they had never been happier. In The Grace of Enough, Stewart shares essential elements of intentional Christian living that her family discovered during that extraordinary year on the farm and that they continue to practice today. You, too, will be inspired to: live simply offer hospitality revive food culture and the family table reconnect with the land nurture community prioritize beauty develop a sense of wonder be intentional about technology seek authentic intimacy center life around home, family, and relationships Drawing from Pope Francis’s encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’, Stewart identifies elements of Catholic social teaching that will enhance your life and create a ripple effect of grace to help you overcome the effects of today’s “throwaway” culture and experience a deeper satisfaction and stronger faith.
Louder Than Words
Author: Matthew Leonard
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 1612782906
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
Is Catholicism more than giving up beer or chocolate for Lent? Even if it's good beer or great chocolate the answer is a resounding "yes!" In fact, we're called to have such faith that when others meet us they actually see Christ. But how do we do that in a world where Notre Dame means "football" and not Our Lady? By following the lead of so many before us... We have living examples of holy men and women who overcame the same types of temptations we face and shortcomings we all have, to become "huge, blinking neon signs that pointed to Jesus." And if they can do it so can we...with a little practice. Author, lecturer, and Catholic covert Matthew Leonard combines the stories of the saints' triumphs and struggles along with his own personal anecdotes and wry humor to show us all a fresh take on the art of being truly Catholic in a contemporary world.
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 1612782906
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
Is Catholicism more than giving up beer or chocolate for Lent? Even if it's good beer or great chocolate the answer is a resounding "yes!" In fact, we're called to have such faith that when others meet us they actually see Christ. But how do we do that in a world where Notre Dame means "football" and not Our Lady? By following the lead of so many before us... We have living examples of holy men and women who overcame the same types of temptations we face and shortcomings we all have, to become "huge, blinking neon signs that pointed to Jesus." And if they can do it so can we...with a little practice. Author, lecturer, and Catholic covert Matthew Leonard combines the stories of the saints' triumphs and struggles along with his own personal anecdotes and wry humor to show us all a fresh take on the art of being truly Catholic in a contemporary world.
How to Attack Debt, Build Savings, and Change the World Through Generosity
Author: Amanda Teixeira
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 1681927438
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 265
Book Description
Most of us were never taught how to handle money, let alone what God has to say about it. Just thinking about money makes us worried and anxious. If you’re tired of living in debt, stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, stressed out when emergencies pop up, and wish you could be more generous, Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira are here to help. How to Attack Debt, Build Savings, and Change the World Through Generosity is your step-by-step guide to gaining control of your money so that, as a Catholic, you can live your life in freedom and generosity according to God’s will. The Teixeiras make learning about your finances not just informative and helpful but fun and entertaining. Among other topics, they cover: What money really is — and why you should care about it as a Catholic Common mistakes people make that keep them in debt The key to gaining financial momentum (hint, it’s not a bigger income) How to get the financial results you want while actually enjoying your life A financial blueprint you can use to get out of debt, build savings, and live generously The Teixeiras will walk you through a proven, practical strategy for managing your money, no matter what your circumstances. You’ll hear stories from individuals and families who have applied the Teixeiras’ method and changed their lives. Ultimately, Jonathan and Amanda will equip you to pursue financial freedom for yourself and your family — and change the world while you’re at it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira are cofounders of WalletWin, a financial-success program and podcast that help everyday Catholics get intentional with money. In 2012, they were $24,500 in debt, but in less than eight months, they had paid off all their loans and closed the doors on debt forever. Since kicking debt to the curb, they’ve focused on saving, investing, and giving, and they’re now teaching others how to do the same.
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
ISBN: 1681927438
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 265
Book Description
Most of us were never taught how to handle money, let alone what God has to say about it. Just thinking about money makes us worried and anxious. If you’re tired of living in debt, stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, stressed out when emergencies pop up, and wish you could be more generous, Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira are here to help. How to Attack Debt, Build Savings, and Change the World Through Generosity is your step-by-step guide to gaining control of your money so that, as a Catholic, you can live your life in freedom and generosity according to God’s will. The Teixeiras make learning about your finances not just informative and helpful but fun and entertaining. Among other topics, they cover: What money really is — and why you should care about it as a Catholic Common mistakes people make that keep them in debt The key to gaining financial momentum (hint, it’s not a bigger income) How to get the financial results you want while actually enjoying your life A financial blueprint you can use to get out of debt, build savings, and live generously The Teixeiras will walk you through a proven, practical strategy for managing your money, no matter what your circumstances. You’ll hear stories from individuals and families who have applied the Teixeiras’ method and changed their lives. Ultimately, Jonathan and Amanda will equip you to pursue financial freedom for yourself and your family — and change the world while you’re at it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira are cofounders of WalletWin, a financial-success program and podcast that help everyday Catholics get intentional with money. In 2012, they were $24,500 in debt, but in less than eight months, they had paid off all their loans and closed the doors on debt forever. Since kicking debt to the curb, they’ve focused on saving, investing, and giving, and they’re now teaching others how to do the same.
Kissing Fish
Author: Roger Wolsey
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 145683942X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 397
Book Description
Christianity receives a lot of attention in the media, but the most frequently discussed version represents a type of Christianity that sometimes turns people away from the Church. Kissing Fish presents a postmodern systematic theology of progressive Christianity, a growing movement that reclaims the radical message of the Gospel. This informative, contemplative, and entertaining book will guide you through the beliefs that inspire us to love one another in the transformative way that Jesus proclaimed, including practices that will take your faith to a new level. Kissing Fish is a scholarly yet thoroughly accessible introduction to progressive Christianity. While the intended target audience for this work would seem to be those who have either left the Christian faith or never adopted it at all; the work is filled with pearls of wisdom for all of us, whether associated with Christianity or not. Kissing Fish is a truly remarkable work, serving both as a reminder of the beauty and grace that form the central tenets of the faith, while offering a graceful yet prophetic rebuttal to its more exclusionary tendencies. Kissing Fish is part theological text and part tell-all personal spiritual journey. Imagine a down-to-earth combination of the works of Marcus Borg, Anne Lamott, Jim Wallis, Rob Bell, Shane Claiborne, Diana Butler-Bass, Brian McLaren, Walter Wink, Wes Howard-Brook, and Donald Miller. A profound romp that informs and inspires.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 145683942X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 397
Book Description
Christianity receives a lot of attention in the media, but the most frequently discussed version represents a type of Christianity that sometimes turns people away from the Church. Kissing Fish presents a postmodern systematic theology of progressive Christianity, a growing movement that reclaims the radical message of the Gospel. This informative, contemplative, and entertaining book will guide you through the beliefs that inspire us to love one another in the transformative way that Jesus proclaimed, including practices that will take your faith to a new level. Kissing Fish is a scholarly yet thoroughly accessible introduction to progressive Christianity. While the intended target audience for this work would seem to be those who have either left the Christian faith or never adopted it at all; the work is filled with pearls of wisdom for all of us, whether associated with Christianity or not. Kissing Fish is a truly remarkable work, serving both as a reminder of the beauty and grace that form the central tenets of the faith, while offering a graceful yet prophetic rebuttal to its more exclusionary tendencies. Kissing Fish is part theological text and part tell-all personal spiritual journey. Imagine a down-to-earth combination of the works of Marcus Borg, Anne Lamott, Jim Wallis, Rob Bell, Shane Claiborne, Diana Butler-Bass, Brian McLaren, Walter Wink, Wes Howard-Brook, and Donald Miller. A profound romp that informs and inspires.
More Money Than God
Author: Steven Z. Leder
Publisher: Bonus Books, Inc.
ISBN: 9781566252584
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Addresses questions about money as they relate to spiritual problems, discussing the impact of money on families and friends, relationships, work, and feelings of self-worth, and offering advice on how to conduct business affairs as if God were the boss.
Publisher: Bonus Books, Inc.
ISBN: 9781566252584
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 212
Book Description
Addresses questions about money as they relate to spiritual problems, discussing the impact of money on families and friends, relationships, work, and feelings of self-worth, and offering advice on how to conduct business affairs as if God were the boss.
Living Well, Spending Less
Author: Ruth Soukup
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
ISBN: 0310337739
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 149
Book Description
“If you struggle to simplify your life and wish you could savor the here and now, this book is a must-read.” —Crystal Paine, founder of MoneySavingMom.com and New York Times–bestselling author Have you ever felt that your life—and budget—is spiraling out of control? Do you sometimes wish you could pull yourself together but wonder exactly how to manage all the scattered pieces of a chaotic life? Is it possible to find balance? In a word, yes. Ruth Soukup knows firsthand how stressful an unorganized life and budget can be. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical action plans, she will inspire you to make real and lasting changes to your personal goals, home, and finances. With honesty and the wisdom of someone who has been there, Ruth will help you: Discover your “sweet spot” —that place where your talents and abilities intersect. Take back your time and schedule by making simple shifts in your daily habits. Reduce stress in your home and family by clearing out the clutter. Stop busting your budget and learn to cut your grocery bill in half. This book provides real and practical solutions from someone who has been there. Ruth doesn’t just offer advice, she walks it with you, and shares with brutal honesty her own mistakes, failures, and shortcomings. It is encouraging, motivating, and life-changing. “An inspiring book full of step-by-step instructions and spiritual wisdom. I love how Ruth is transparent about her mistakes as she leads us to reevaluate our priorities. This book is a great biblical guide to living well and finding joy!” —Courtney Joseph, founder of Women Living Well Ministries
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
ISBN: 0310337739
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 149
Book Description
“If you struggle to simplify your life and wish you could savor the here and now, this book is a must-read.” —Crystal Paine, founder of MoneySavingMom.com and New York Times–bestselling author Have you ever felt that your life—and budget—is spiraling out of control? Do you sometimes wish you could pull yourself together but wonder exactly how to manage all the scattered pieces of a chaotic life? Is it possible to find balance? In a word, yes. Ruth Soukup knows firsthand how stressful an unorganized life and budget can be. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical action plans, she will inspire you to make real and lasting changes to your personal goals, home, and finances. With honesty and the wisdom of someone who has been there, Ruth will help you: Discover your “sweet spot” —that place where your talents and abilities intersect. Take back your time and schedule by making simple shifts in your daily habits. Reduce stress in your home and family by clearing out the clutter. Stop busting your budget and learn to cut your grocery bill in half. This book provides real and practical solutions from someone who has been there. Ruth doesn’t just offer advice, she walks it with you, and shares with brutal honesty her own mistakes, failures, and shortcomings. It is encouraging, motivating, and life-changing. “An inspiring book full of step-by-step instructions and spiritual wisdom. I love how Ruth is transparent about her mistakes as she leads us to reevaluate our priorities. This book is a great biblical guide to living well and finding joy!” —Courtney Joseph, founder of Women Living Well Ministries
A Still Small Voice
Author: Benedict C.F.R. Groeschel
Publisher: Ignatius Press
ISBN: 1681490242
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 188
Book Description
Father Groeschel, the highly respected author, psychologist, spiritual director and leader of renewal in the religious life, has written a brief but comprehensive practical guide for all those interested in private revelations, the reports of visions and other extraordinary religious phenomena that are so widespread in these times. Because of the intense interest in extraordinary religious experience that ranges from Medjugorje to the New Age, Groeschel's book is an urgently needed resource that gives practical norms to everyone on how to evaluate these claims. Drawing on spiritual classics and Church documents not readily available, he summarizes the Church's perennial wisdom on this topic. He also offers an alternative to unusual and extraordinary ways of knowing the things of God, which is a normal everyday opportunity open to all called "religious experience"--the action of grace operating in the context of a human life that can become a powerful source of virtue and holiness. Father Groeschel skillfully directs the reader to the humbler and safer path which discerns God's presence in prayer, Scripture, the sacraments and love of neighbor. The great example of this path to holiness is St. Thérèse of Lisieux who, though having very few extraordinary experiences, was filled with a profound awareness of God's presence and said, "To ecstasy, I prefer the monotony of sacrifice."
Publisher: Ignatius Press
ISBN: 1681490242
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 188
Book Description
Father Groeschel, the highly respected author, psychologist, spiritual director and leader of renewal in the religious life, has written a brief but comprehensive practical guide for all those interested in private revelations, the reports of visions and other extraordinary religious phenomena that are so widespread in these times. Because of the intense interest in extraordinary religious experience that ranges from Medjugorje to the New Age, Groeschel's book is an urgently needed resource that gives practical norms to everyone on how to evaluate these claims. Drawing on spiritual classics and Church documents not readily available, he summarizes the Church's perennial wisdom on this topic. He also offers an alternative to unusual and extraordinary ways of knowing the things of God, which is a normal everyday opportunity open to all called "religious experience"--the action of grace operating in the context of a human life that can become a powerful source of virtue and holiness. Father Groeschel skillfully directs the reader to the humbler and safer path which discerns God's presence in prayer, Scripture, the sacraments and love of neighbor. The great example of this path to holiness is St. Thérèse of Lisieux who, though having very few extraordinary experiences, was filled with a profound awareness of God's presence and said, "To ecstasy, I prefer the monotony of sacrifice."
Render Unto Caesar
Author: Charles J. Chaput
Publisher: Image
ISBN: 0385522290
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
“People who take God seriously will not remain silent about their faith. They will often disagree about doctrine or policy, but they won’t be quiet. They can’t be. They’ll act on what they believe, sometimes at the cost of their reputations and careers. Obviously the common good demands a respect for other people with different beliefs and a willingness to compromise whenever possible. But for Catholics, the common good can never mean muting themselves in public debate on foundational issues of human dignity. Christian faith is always personal but never private. This is why any notion of tolerance that tries to reduce faith to private idiosyncrasy, or a set of opinions that we can indulge at home but need to be quiet about in public, will always fail.” —From the Introduction Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia. While American society has ample room for believers and nonbelievers alike, Chaput argues, our public life must be considered within the context of its Christian roots. American democracy does not ask its citizens to put aside their deeply held moral and religious beliefs for the sake of public policy. In fact, it requires exactly the opposite. As the nation’s founders knew very well, people are fallible. The majority of voters, as history has shown again and again, can be uninformed, misinformed, biased, or simply wrong. Thus, to survive, American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry —people of character, including religious believers, fighting for their beliefs in the public square—respectfully but vigorously, and without apology. Anything less is bad citizenship and a form of theft from the nation’s health. Or as the author suggests: Good manners are not an excuse for political cowardice. American Catholics and other persons of goodwill are part of a struggle for our nation’s future, says Charles J. Chaput. Our choices, including our political choices, matter. Catholics need to take an active, vocal, and morally consistent role in public debate. We can’t claim to personally believe in the sanctity of the human person, and then act in our public policies as if we don’t. We can’t separate our private convictions from our public actions without diminishing both. In the words of the author, “How we act works backward on our convictions, making them stronger or smothering them under a snowfall of alibis.” Vivid, provocative, clear, and compelling, Render unto Caesar is a call to American Catholics to serve the highest ideals of their nation by first living their Catholic faith deeply, authentically.
Publisher: Image
ISBN: 0385522290
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
“People who take God seriously will not remain silent about their faith. They will often disagree about doctrine or policy, but they won’t be quiet. They can’t be. They’ll act on what they believe, sometimes at the cost of their reputations and careers. Obviously the common good demands a respect for other people with different beliefs and a willingness to compromise whenever possible. But for Catholics, the common good can never mean muting themselves in public debate on foundational issues of human dignity. Christian faith is always personal but never private. This is why any notion of tolerance that tries to reduce faith to private idiosyncrasy, or a set of opinions that we can indulge at home but need to be quiet about in public, will always fail.” —From the Introduction Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia. While American society has ample room for believers and nonbelievers alike, Chaput argues, our public life must be considered within the context of its Christian roots. American democracy does not ask its citizens to put aside their deeply held moral and religious beliefs for the sake of public policy. In fact, it requires exactly the opposite. As the nation’s founders knew very well, people are fallible. The majority of voters, as history has shown again and again, can be uninformed, misinformed, biased, or simply wrong. Thus, to survive, American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry —people of character, including religious believers, fighting for their beliefs in the public square—respectfully but vigorously, and without apology. Anything less is bad citizenship and a form of theft from the nation’s health. Or as the author suggests: Good manners are not an excuse for political cowardice. American Catholics and other persons of goodwill are part of a struggle for our nation’s future, says Charles J. Chaput. Our choices, including our political choices, matter. Catholics need to take an active, vocal, and morally consistent role in public debate. We can’t claim to personally believe in the sanctity of the human person, and then act in our public policies as if we don’t. We can’t separate our private convictions from our public actions without diminishing both. In the words of the author, “How we act works backward on our convictions, making them stronger or smothering them under a snowfall of alibis.” Vivid, provocative, clear, and compelling, Render unto Caesar is a call to American Catholics to serve the highest ideals of their nation by first living their Catholic faith deeply, authentically.