To write a book about Jesus is a challenging task; to live a life like Jesus' is more challenging still. Though not primarily a work of theology or of spirituality, this popular history intends to help the words and deeds of Jesus come alive for contemporary readers. In Jesus' day, he was a polarizing figure; one was either for him or against him. Today, even many who are familiar with the story of Jesus are unmoved. There are a number of reasons for this, but one of them is that we have forgotten the history of which Jesus came to be part; and we have also forgotten how we fit in. When God...

Comprender de la vida de Jorge Mario Bergoglio es esencial para comprender como el Papa Francisco pastoreo a su rebano - y la clave es la misericordia. Que es exactamente lo que la gente encuentra tan atractivo sobre el Papa Francisco? Hay algo en el que cautiva y encanta a la gente, incluso gente que no sabe nada sobre el. Aldo Cagnoli, un laico que desarrollo una amistad con el Papa cuando este estaba sirviendo como un cardenal, comparte lo siguiente: "La grandeza del hombre, en mi humilde opinion no se encuentra en construir paredes o buscar refugio detras de su sabiduria y su oficina,...

Jesus was a Messiah behind enemy lines - God come into a sinful world ruled by evil. He was on a secret mission to save humanity. To Jesus' first-century Jewish contemporaries, whatever the Nazarene might be, he was not simply 'another good rabbi.' Jesus was a polarizing figure. One believed either that this powerful preacher and wonderworker was uniquely of God or that he was an agent of the Evil One. As he said in Luke's Gospel, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Lk. 11:23). We often speak of the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus, but...

People are fascinated by the concept of royalty. The notion stirs up sentiments of love, admiration, and hatred. We see ourselves in them, and yet we criticize them at times with indignation. While most monarchies today have been put aside or at least limited in their power, the concept of royalty cannot be erased from human consciousness. In the words of Jesus, Christians pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." The ultimate and most perfect monarchy is that of God himself, the sovereign of all creation. Through David and the story of the kingship, God taught...

Has an inquisitive child ever stumped you with a question such as, "Who created God?" "What is Heaven like?" or "Why did God create the world? Was he lonely?" These questions have actually been pondered by great thinkers such as St. Thomas Aquinas, who, guided by faith, based his answers on solid principles. Who Created God? A Teacher's Guidebook for Answering Children's Tough Questions about God connects common children's religious questions with probable answers based on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. It makes the issues accessible to the adult layperson and provides lesson plans and...

While the twentieth century was o en a time of turbulence, sel shness, godlessness, and violence, Mother Teresa of Calcutta was a witness to love. She was a clear reminder of the goodness within human nature and the beauty of being truly open to God. 'Mother' was her religious title, but as she ascended to the world stage, it became her role for the world-to be like a mother to all, no matter their origins. She was accepting and welcoming towards all people, not only towards the good or the like-minded. She continues to serve as an inspiration to people of all walks of life and all creeds....