James L. Papandrea

Chrysostom's Devil

Theology

“Samantha Miller clearly lays out John Chrysostom's demonology, but more importantly, she demonstrates how, for Chrysostom, demonology is a kind of practical theology because of the way it becomes part of his overall systematic theology, especially anthropology and soteriology, and because of the way Chrysostom uses his teaching on demons to drive his audience toward virtue. Miller shows how to respond to a world where people are tempted to claim, 'the devil made me do it,' by countering as Chrysostom did with a healthier view of spiritual warfare and human freedom, regardless of one's present view of the demonic. Miller is a careful and thorough scholar, but also eminently readable, and she has the gift of making nuanced analysis accessible to the scholar and nonscholar alike. This is a very satisfying book. It covers all the bases and checks all the boxes.”

Church Councils

History & Biography

“On a topic that could otherwise be dry, Senz offers an easy-to-follow, logical flow of questions and answers, which makes it a joy to read. As we are still living in the wake of Vatican II, it is especially critical to understand the ecumenical councils, not least for the sake of the unity of the Church.”

Early North African Christianity

Theology

“Eastman is one of a very small number of scholars most qualified to write on the subject of North African Christianity. He makes the rich history of early African Christianity accessible to those who have not studied this treasure, and yet, even scholars and the well-read will learn things from this book. Anyone interested in the story of the origins of Christianity will love this book.”

Rabbles, Riots, and Ruins

History & Biography

“Everyone loves an origin story, and when it comes to the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, the origins are the cities, and every city has a unique story. With his usual masterful storytelling, Mike Aquilina tells us the tales of not two cities but twelve of the most important cities of the ancient world—and of our Christian faith.”

Why I Am Roman Catholic

Theology

“Rising above the noise of sensationalist apologetics is Matthew Levering's calm yet passionate apologia. Levering is a scholar's scholar, so his treatment of the question is both welcome and needed, and he is able to cut to the heart of the discussion in a nonconfrontational and engaging way. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the journey of saints down through the ages of the history of the church, Levering brings us into communion with the great cloud of witnesses who cheer us on as we run the race that is our faith. And it turns out that the reason Matthew Levering is a Catholic is not because other faiths or communions are ugly but because Catholicism is beautiful.”