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The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism

by Thomas Joseph White
Paperback |English |0813229715 | 9780813229713

The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism

by Thomas Joseph White
Paperback |English |0813229715 | 9780813229713
Overview
The Light of Christ provides an accessible presentation of Catholicism that is grounded in traditional theology, but engaged with a host of contemporary questions or objections. Inspired by the theologies of Irenaeus, Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman, and rooted in a post-Vatican II context, Fr. Thomas Joseph White presents major doctrines of the Christian religion in a way that is comprehensible for non-specialists: knowledge of God, the mystery of the Trinity, the Incarnation and the atonement, the sacraments and the moral life, eschatology and prayer. At the same time, The Light of Christ also addresses topics such as evolution, the modern historical study of Jesus and the Bible, and objections to Catholic moral teaching. Touching on the concerns of contemporary readers, Fr. White examines questions such as whether Christianity is compatible with the findings of the modern sciences, whether historical Jesus studies disrupt or confirm the teaching of the faith, and whether history confirms the antiquity of Catholic claims. This book serves as an excellent introduction for young professionals with no specialized background in theology who are interested in learning more about Catholicism, or as an introduction to Catholic theology. It will also serve as a helpful text for theology courses in a university context. As Fr. White states in the book's introduction: "This is a book that offers itself as a companion. I do not presume to argue the reader into the truths of the Catholic faith, though I will make arguments. My goal is to make explicit in a few broad strokes the shape of Catholicism. I hope to outline its inherent intelligibility or form as a mystery that is at once visible and invisible, ancient and contemporary, mystical and reasonable."
ISBN: 0813229715
ISBN13: 9780813229713
Author: Thomas Joseph White
Publisher: The Catholic University of America Press
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2017-08-04
Language: English
PageCount: 328
Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.0 x 8.4 inches
Weight: 16.8 ounces
The Light of Christ provides an accessible presentation of Catholicism that is grounded in traditional theology, but engaged with a host of contemporary questions or objections. Inspired by the theologies of Irenaeus, Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman, and rooted in a post-Vatican II context, Fr. Thomas Joseph White presents major doctrines of the Christian religion in a way that is comprehensible for non-specialists: knowledge of God, the mystery of the Trinity, the Incarnation and the atonement, the sacraments and the moral life, eschatology and prayer. At the same time, The Light of Christ also addresses topics such as evolution, the modern historical study of Jesus and the Bible, and objections to Catholic moral teaching. Touching on the concerns of contemporary readers, Fr. White examines questions such as whether Christianity is compatible with the findings of the modern sciences, whether historical Jesus studies disrupt or confirm the teaching of the faith, and whether history confirms the antiquity of Catholic claims. This book serves as an excellent introduction for young professionals with no specialized background in theology who are interested in learning more about Catholicism, or as an introduction to Catholic theology. It will also serve as a helpful text for theology courses in a university context. As Fr. White states in the book's introduction: "This is a book that offers itself as a companion. I do not presume to argue the reader into the truths of the Catholic faith, though I will make arguments. My goal is to make explicit in a few broad strokes the shape of Catholicism. I hope to outline its inherent intelligibility or form as a mystery that is at once visible and invisible, ancient and contemporary, mystical and reasonable."
Editorial Reviews


"It is aptly named: Father White shines the light of serious teaching and reflection into the darkness of emotionalism the book is also imbued with the spirit of St. Augustine and Blessed John Henry Newman -- that is, with their attentiveness to the longings, intuitions and wounds of the human heart... 'Father, is there a book you can recommend?' We priests hear this question fairly often. The Light of Christ is such a book. It can be recommended generally -- but especially to those coming to the faith, to those desiring to go deeper, and to college and even high-school students needing to cultivate the habit of thinking clearly about the faith... This book strikes me as particularly important for seminarians. It is the perfect introduction to genuine pastoral theology: that is, good theology done well, with reverence for the culture's questions and with a view to living -- not just knowing -- the faith. It shows how a priest can explain the faith, engage contemporary questions, and impart the genuine instinct and intuition of Catholic thought."--Fr. Paul Scalia, Diocese of Arlington, National Catholic Register
"This book, written by one of the preeminent Catholic theologians in the United States, speaks to many, if not most of the most popular questions people have about Catholicism, and is particularly relevant for those most familiar with the Reformed tradition...It is for this reason that i recommend The Light of Christ, not only to interested non-Catholics, but also to Catholics seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of their own faith."--Casey Chalk, Blog Post
"Father Thomas White, OP has written a book on the Catholic Church that is destined to be a classic. It is erudite yet written in an engaging style making it accessible to the educated layperson - which is the intended audience. Even non-Catholics may be convinced that the Catholic Church is indeed the light of Christ. Father White's skill as a writer and theologian come together nicely throughout the book. He always provides new and different insights on the topics he covers. This is his particular talent. That is what makes this book so good. The author's Thomistic vision- the importance of natural reason and law-comes through throughtout this splendid book. Yet there is also the more subtle influence of John Henry Newman and his articulation of the illative sense. This is that type of reason that brings together many human experiences and creates a unified belief-for Newman, a belief in God. Father White makes this case with his book as one clearly sees how the Catholic Church-its institutions, practices, and beliefs-has always articulated and defended the illative sense. That is why it remains the Light of Christ."--Lanz, Tobias J., StAR
"Father White's book, The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism (Catholic University of America Press, 2017) offers a serious overview of the Catholic faith. It is not a scholarly work, but one that does challenge us to enter more deeply into the theological tradition of the Church, flowing from the Bible and Catechism. the Fathers, and especially the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. Part of the genious of the book is how it uses the theological tradition to address contemporary concerns such as evolution, sexual ethics, and relativism."--Staudt, Jared, Denver Catholic
"This book is an introduction to Catholic doctrine written for educated laypeople who are seeking to understand their faith more deeply or who are exploring conversion to the Catholic faithThis is a Newmanian book. A pastor of souls who is keenly interested in the debates of our day, Fr. White has Newman's rare power of going deeply into topics without sacrificing eminently readable prose... I cannot commend this book highly enough. Fr. White maintains that the Catholic faith is true, and he explains why with intellectual generosity and grace. In doing so with a Newmanian lucidity of mind, he has put an entire generation in his debt."--Levering, Matthew, Newman Studies Journal
"In 1968 Joseph Ratzinger published his great Introduction to Christianity. While rarely equaled, 50 years later it does have a worthy popular successor. The Light of Christ combines scholarly depth with an engaging style to present the what and why of Catholic belief with exceptional clarity and grace. In walking the reader persuasively through the faith that generations of Christians have sought to witness, Fr. White has done a service not just for the believing community but for any intelligent adult seeking a path to God."--Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia
"Thomas Joseph White is one of the brightest and most articulate theologians writing today. This book is an intelligent and spiritually alert introduction to the principal themes of Catholic theology. Both beginners and serious academics will find much to savor in its pages. -"--Bishop Robert Barron, author of The Priority of Christ: Toward a Postliberal Catholicism
"One of America's leading young theologians offers a challenging, bracing, and comprehensive introduction to the mind of the Catholic Church--and doesn't neglect the Catholic heart in the process. The perfect evangelical gift for the skeptical or inquisitive young intellectual who wants to know what Catholics really think and believe, and why. -"--George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center


Thomas Joseph White, OP is associate professor of systematic theology, Dominican House of Studies and author of
The Incarnate Lord (CUA Press)

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If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

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To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

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To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
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Overview
The Light of Christ provides an accessible presentation of Catholicism that is grounded in traditional theology, but engaged with a host of contemporary questions or objections. Inspired by the theologies of Irenaeus, Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman, and rooted in a post-Vatican II context, Fr. Thomas Joseph White presents major doctrines of the Christian religion in a way that is comprehensible for non-specialists: knowledge of God, the mystery of the Trinity, the Incarnation and the atonement, the sacraments and the moral life, eschatology and prayer. At the same time, The Light of Christ also addresses topics such as evolution, the modern historical study of Jesus and the Bible, and objections to Catholic moral teaching. Touching on the concerns of contemporary readers, Fr. White examines questions such as whether Christianity is compatible with the findings of the modern sciences, whether historical Jesus studies disrupt or confirm the teaching of the faith, and whether history confirms the antiquity of Catholic claims. This book serves as an excellent introduction for young professionals with no specialized background in theology who are interested in learning more about Catholicism, or as an introduction to Catholic theology. It will also serve as a helpful text for theology courses in a university context. As Fr. White states in the book's introduction: "This is a book that offers itself as a companion. I do not presume to argue the reader into the truths of the Catholic faith, though I will make arguments. My goal is to make explicit in a few broad strokes the shape of Catholicism. I hope to outline its inherent intelligibility or form as a mystery that is at once visible and invisible, ancient and contemporary, mystical and reasonable."
ISBN: 0813229715
ISBN13: 9780813229713
Author: Thomas Joseph White
Publisher: The Catholic University of America Press
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2017-08-04
Language: English
PageCount: 328
Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.0 x 8.4 inches
Weight: 16.8 ounces
The Light of Christ provides an accessible presentation of Catholicism that is grounded in traditional theology, but engaged with a host of contemporary questions or objections. Inspired by the theologies of Irenaeus, Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman, and rooted in a post-Vatican II context, Fr. Thomas Joseph White presents major doctrines of the Christian religion in a way that is comprehensible for non-specialists: knowledge of God, the mystery of the Trinity, the Incarnation and the atonement, the sacraments and the moral life, eschatology and prayer. At the same time, The Light of Christ also addresses topics such as evolution, the modern historical study of Jesus and the Bible, and objections to Catholic moral teaching. Touching on the concerns of contemporary readers, Fr. White examines questions such as whether Christianity is compatible with the findings of the modern sciences, whether historical Jesus studies disrupt or confirm the teaching of the faith, and whether history confirms the antiquity of Catholic claims. This book serves as an excellent introduction for young professionals with no specialized background in theology who are interested in learning more about Catholicism, or as an introduction to Catholic theology. It will also serve as a helpful text for theology courses in a university context. As Fr. White states in the book's introduction: "This is a book that offers itself as a companion. I do not presume to argue the reader into the truths of the Catholic faith, though I will make arguments. My goal is to make explicit in a few broad strokes the shape of Catholicism. I hope to outline its inherent intelligibility or form as a mystery that is at once visible and invisible, ancient and contemporary, mystical and reasonable."
Editorial Reviews


"It is aptly named: Father White shines the light of serious teaching and reflection into the darkness of emotionalism the book is also imbued with the spirit of St. Augustine and Blessed John Henry Newman -- that is, with their attentiveness to the longings, intuitions and wounds of the human heart... 'Father, is there a book you can recommend?' We priests hear this question fairly often. The Light of Christ is such a book. It can be recommended generally -- but especially to those coming to the faith, to those desiring to go deeper, and to college and even high-school students needing to cultivate the habit of thinking clearly about the faith... This book strikes me as particularly important for seminarians. It is the perfect introduction to genuine pastoral theology: that is, good theology done well, with reverence for the culture's questions and with a view to living -- not just knowing -- the faith. It shows how a priest can explain the faith, engage contemporary questions, and impart the genuine instinct and intuition of Catholic thought."--Fr. Paul Scalia, Diocese of Arlington, National Catholic Register
"This book, written by one of the preeminent Catholic theologians in the United States, speaks to many, if not most of the most popular questions people have about Catholicism, and is particularly relevant for those most familiar with the Reformed tradition...It is for this reason that i recommend The Light of Christ, not only to interested non-Catholics, but also to Catholics seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of their own faith."--Casey Chalk, Blog Post
"Father Thomas White, OP has written a book on the Catholic Church that is destined to be a classic. It is erudite yet written in an engaging style making it accessible to the educated layperson - which is the intended audience. Even non-Catholics may be convinced that the Catholic Church is indeed the light of Christ. Father White's skill as a writer and theologian come together nicely throughout the book. He always provides new and different insights on the topics he covers. This is his particular talent. That is what makes this book so good. The author's Thomistic vision- the importance of natural reason and law-comes through throughtout this splendid book. Yet there is also the more subtle influence of John Henry Newman and his articulation of the illative sense. This is that type of reason that brings together many human experiences and creates a unified belief-for Newman, a belief in God. Father White makes this case with his book as one clearly sees how the Catholic Church-its institutions, practices, and beliefs-has always articulated and defended the illative sense. That is why it remains the Light of Christ."--Lanz, Tobias J., StAR
"Father White's book, The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism (Catholic University of America Press, 2017) offers a serious overview of the Catholic faith. It is not a scholarly work, but one that does challenge us to enter more deeply into the theological tradition of the Church, flowing from the Bible and Catechism. the Fathers, and especially the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. Part of the genious of the book is how it uses the theological tradition to address contemporary concerns such as evolution, sexual ethics, and relativism."--Staudt, Jared, Denver Catholic
"This book is an introduction to Catholic doctrine written for educated laypeople who are seeking to understand their faith more deeply or who are exploring conversion to the Catholic faithThis is a Newmanian book. A pastor of souls who is keenly interested in the debates of our day, Fr. White has Newman's rare power of going deeply into topics without sacrificing eminently readable prose... I cannot commend this book highly enough. Fr. White maintains that the Catholic faith is true, and he explains why with intellectual generosity and grace. In doing so with a Newmanian lucidity of mind, he has put an entire generation in his debt."--Levering, Matthew, Newman Studies Journal
"In 1968 Joseph Ratzinger published his great Introduction to Christianity. While rarely equaled, 50 years later it does have a worthy popular successor. The Light of Christ combines scholarly depth with an engaging style to present the what and why of Catholic belief with exceptional clarity and grace. In walking the reader persuasively through the faith that generations of Christians have sought to witness, Fr. White has done a service not just for the believing community but for any intelligent adult seeking a path to God."--Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia
"Thomas Joseph White is one of the brightest and most articulate theologians writing today. This book is an intelligent and spiritually alert introduction to the principal themes of Catholic theology. Both beginners and serious academics will find much to savor in its pages. -"--Bishop Robert Barron, author of The Priority of Christ: Toward a Postliberal Catholicism
"One of America's leading young theologians offers a challenging, bracing, and comprehensive introduction to the mind of the Catholic Church--and doesn't neglect the Catholic heart in the process. The perfect evangelical gift for the skeptical or inquisitive young intellectual who wants to know what Catholics really think and believe, and why. -"--George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center


Thomas Joseph White, OP is associate professor of systematic theology, Dominican House of Studies and author of
The Incarnate Lord (CUA Press)

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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