Here are the Crux Staff picks for February. I’m sure you will love these books! Also, one of these picks is not like the others. See if you can spot the difference –it as a game to help the winter pass more quickly.
Ed: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Cindy: Love Alone is Credible by Hans Urs Von Balthasar
What is divine love? The topic has been explored and written about by a variety of authors, but in his book, Von Balthasar delves into the topic in a deeply insightful and thoughtful manner. Our understanding of divine love significantly impacts our personal relationship with God and with others. Read this book carefully, slowly and thoughtfully—you may want to have a reading partner so that you have someone to discuss all the ideas and questions that arise as you read together.
Heather W. (The Doctor): The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
This reflection on the four greek words translated love is thoughtful and well-written. It prompts good thinking on language use as well as on relationships.
Alain: Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge
(Alain forgot to pick a book for February. We selected this book for him. Aren’t we helpful?)
Sheila: The Communion of Love by Matthew the Poor
In preparation for Lent, I have been thinking about the habits and objects in my life over which I have acquired a certain Gollumesque frame of mind: “These are mine, my precious, and none shall touch them!” Some of these I have long battled with and some are more newly come by. A friend recommended Matthew the Poor’s (a.k.a. Father Matta El-Meskeen) writings as a way to become open again to Christ’s re-forming me and for me to make God the centre of my life. Here are some of the subtitles in the chapter on Repentance which drew me into the book: “Repentance can only end in union with God”; “Repentance is constant change”; “Repentance as an actualization of baptism”; “Repentance is a work of grace”. There are some enticements – for you and for me.
Connor: God Is Love/Deus Caritas Est by Benedict XVI
Carolyn: Works of Love by Soren Kierkegaard
Love is so central to the Christian faith that sometimes it may seem that we already know a lot about what love looks like. This book will challenge that assumption. Indeed, Kierkegaard’s examination of the various works of love may cause you to wonder if you will ever be able to come close to loving your neighbour. But it will also fill you with hope in the unfathomable mercy and love of God and the ways in which that love can be manifested in human relationships. The opening prayer sums it up well, “There are indeed only some works that human language specifically and narrowly calls works of love, but in heaven no work can be pleasing unless it is a work of love.” This is my desert island book.
Andrew: The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone
Heather L. (The Deacon): Revelation of Love by Julian of Norwich
Talk about love poetry! This 14th Century classic chronicles the soul’s quest for the divine and is well worth a prayerful read. If you take my advice it goes best with Rouge Provence Rooibos tea and a substantial helping of shortbread. Happy Valentine’s Day Cruxians!
Crux Books 