April 19, 2019
Catholic social teaching confuse you? Not certain what it is or what the Church really teaches on the subject? Public debate often circles around such hot-button topics as immigration, abortion, health care, racism, religious freedom and capital punishment. It's helpful to allow the Church to guide us on these matters. Father Kevin McKenna joins me this week to help cut through the confusion and discuss his book A Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching: Third Edition.
April 12, 2019
This week on Off the Shelf Gary Jansen returns to discuss a recently released book from Image Books that is likely familiar to many of us. Your Life is Worth Living: 50 Lessons to Deepen Your Faith by Fulton Sheen has been brought back to print by Image and as Gary tells us it's one he knew he had to bring back. Listen in as we explore some of the timeless wisdom Bishop Sheen has for all of us.
April 5, 2019
The history of the Catholic Church is one word...FASCINATING. It''s a 2000 year history full of drama, intrigue, promise, love, hope, and heartache. The Church has been filled with fascinating heroes, devious villains, and a myriad of people in between. Steve Weidenkopf has written one of the most approachable books I have ever read on this history. Join us as we discuss the very real and exciting history of the Church and Steve's book Timeless: A History of the Catholic Church.
March 29, 2019
Everyone at some point in their is searching. They are after the truth so as to obtain happiness. Some are still searching in frustration today as nothing they attempt to use to fill that emptiness is working. Steve Hemler and I discuss this and how one can find true happiness as described in his book Search No More: The Keys to Truth and Happiness. The answer is a personal relationship with God. Strugglling or no someone who is.....have a listen!
March 22, 2019
Leading a holy life doesn't have to be difficult. Simply put we just need to persevere. The market is filled with books on life hacks but what about our faith life? Patti Macguire Armstrong joins us to discuss her book Holy Hacks: Everyday Ways to Live Your Faith and Get to Heaven. We discuss simple hacks to build your prayer life, ward off the devil, and everything in between. Institute a few of the nearly 500 holy hacks in this book and you'll lead a more engaging faith life in no time!
March 15, 2019
We are constantly inundated with what people THINK the Church teaches but do we really know what the Church ACTUALLY teaches? Jimmy Akin joins me this week to cut through the chaos and provide real answers as we discuss his book Teaching with Authority: How to Cut Through Doctrinal Confusion & Understand What the Church Really Says.
March 8, 2019
I recently stumbled upon an AWESOME four book series for men that has the potential to change men into true men of faith. This week on Off the Shelf my guest is author Mark McCann and we discuss the first in the series To the Ends of the Earth: Character. We walk through the book which is setup as a 10 week devotional. What will you learn? To be a man of Catholic character is to imitate Christ!
March 1, 2019
Conversion stories are a powerful witness to the fact that we have a loving God intent upon a one on one relationship with each of us...no matter where we are. Christine Watkins joins me on this week's show to discuss the lives of six men and how Mary played a significant role in their journey to the faith. These stories are so powerful they may just change yours!
February 22, 2019
Each Lent we are encouraged to give something up as a sacrifice during the penitential season. Most often we pick things we can put our fingers on like sweets or coffee. What if we tried something different. In his book Give up Worry for Lent Gary Zimak tells readers how we can give worry up and lead stringer faith filled lives. Listen in as we cover the book and discuss the pitfalls worry can have on our lives.
February 15, 2019
This week on Off the Shelf we have something a little different. David Williams is the developer behind the new game Saint Cards. Its a card game where the Saints and history are presented in fun and engaging games for ages 4-104. Cards are available in base sets and expansions that add to the challenge and fun. Listen in as David and I discuss how to play the game and what each of the multiple expansions contain.
February 8, 2019
This week Rob Kenney and I discuss an incredible resource that Sophia Institute Press has breathed new life into. Around the Year with the Von Trapp family is back in print and sure to serve as a timeless classic to new generations of families looking to incorporate the Catholic faith into their daily lives. Written by the beloved Maria Von Trapp formatted as a coffee table type book this is one you will want to add to your home library.
February 1, 2019
In the internet age we can find ourselves getting caught up in the quick reaction sound bites spread across social media like wildfire. Information is literally at our fingers within seconds of events happening and often people fire off their armchair evaluation within seconds giving little thought to who they may offend or harm. Join Shaun and I as we discuss a proper path forward when it comes to social media use as outlined in his book Social Media Magisterium: A No-Nonsense Guide to the Proper Use of Media.
January 26, 2019
One of the oldest drinks known to man...next to water of course..is alcohol. Brewed out of necessity for health purposes in England the beloved beer has become a of staple of our culture. But were you aware that there is a spiritual aspect to beer as well? Jared Staudt joins me this week to discuss this and how Catholic monks perfected the art of brewing and spread it throughout the world. Learn about the rise, fall, and return of beer brewing on this episode.
January 18, 2019
If you are one who loves studying Scripture than this episode is for you. Dr. John Bergsma joins me to talk about the EXCELLENT new volume on the Old Testament he co-wrote with Brant Pitre called A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament. This book is packed with charts, graphs, history behind each book of the Old Testament and much, much more within it's 1060 pages. Learn about the book, a little Bible history, and the process John and Brant went through over a span of 10 years to write the book. We even touch upon when we can expect to see the companion New Testament volume.
January 11, 2019
Many feel Thomas Aquinas is hard to read. Have you ever considered thinking like him? On the episode I am joined by Dr. Kevin Vost who tells us just how to accomplish. It may take some time but well worth it. Listen in as we take a look at his recent book How to Think Like Aquinas:The Sure Way to Perfect Your Mental Powers.
January 4, 2019
Occasionally a book makes it’s way to me that gives me pause. A book that looks at the faith in a manner that addresses the current divided culture we live in and it brings hope. Join Marge Fenelon and I as we discuss her book 10 Promises of Jesus: Stories and Scripture Reflections about Suffering and Joy. In a world grown cold we need a little joy this year. Marge has chronicled stories that will give you hope!
December 28, 2018
We wrap 2018 up with my favorite saint, Padre Pio. Join author Bernard Ruffin and I as we discuss the life of this beloved saint and Bernard's recently released 3rd edition of his book Padre Pio: The True Story. In 528 pages Bernard takes a deep look into the life, mystery, and miracles of Padre Pio. This book is perhaps the most complete biography of Padre Pio available and this third edition is newly updated with more details and 16 pages of photos! Saint Padre Pio pray for us!
December 21, 2018
This week on Off the Shelf as we anticipate the birth of Jesus we take a look at some of the many names of Jesus in Scripture. Paul Thigpen joins me to discuss his book The Biblical Names of Jesus: Beautiful. Powerful Portraits of Jesus. From Lion of Judah to King of kings and everything in between, Paul covers many of the 100's of names used to describe the Messiah on Scripture. Learn about the history to a few of them on this weeks episode.
December 7, 2018
We are in full Advent prep mode and I have a great book to share with you to help us take a focused look at the season leading up to Christmas. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas by Father William P. Saunders is the perfect resource for learning about and making Advent a prosperous season filled with faith. Join us as we discuss the numerous feast days observed in the season, objects that have become part of our celebrations, and stories behind some of the more well-known Christmas carols of the season.
