Titoli in Filosofia

Discover the profound insights of William Burnes, father of the renowned poet Robert Burns, through this engaging dialogue penned between father and son. With the help of family friend and tutor John Murdoch, the original text was anglicised, bringing it to life for a wider audience. After remaining in handwritten form for nearly a century, it was finally published in 1875. Join us as we explore the enduring themes of faith and belief in this thought-provoking work, summarized by Gillian Hendrie.

Discover the profound insights of St. Thomas Aquinas in his Homilies, where the esteemed Angelical Doctor provides outlines that inspire and challenge preachers to engage deeply with Scripture. These homilies are rich in suggestive hints and theological depth, making them a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Advent season. This English translation preserves the originals skeletal framework while inviting the preachers creativity and interpretation. - Summary from the Preface

Join Mr. Toplady as he shares a collection of thoughtful reflections and insightful extracts, meticulously organized for your enjoyment. Just as diamonds shine brightest when set in a crown, these gems of wisdom reveal their true brilliance when thoughtfully arranged. Even when scattered, they retain their value, waiting to be gathered and appreciated. This bouquet of ideas promises to delight and inspire readers. - Summary by the Editor

In On Grace and Free Will, Augustine delves into the profound debate surrounding the interplay of divine grace and human freedom. He addresses those who assert that affirming Gods grace undermines the liberty of the will, countering their claims that grace is merely a reward for personal merit. Written for the monks of Adrumetum, where this controversy first ignited, Augustines work invites readers to explore the delicate balance between grace and free will, beginning with a compelling examination of those who advocate for human autonomy.

In his profound exploration of the English Church, Richard Hooker embarks on a quest to uncover the foundations of Church laws and governance. His seminal work, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, emerges as a formidable response to the Puritan belief that all matters of religious worship, discipline, and governance are dictated solely by Holy Scripture. Hooker challenges this notion, asserting that understanding the Divine order requires not just the written word of God, but also an examination of moral relationships, historical contexts, and societal institutions. He emphasizes the essential ...

In New Jerusalem, Dale Ahlquist presents a captivating exploration of G.K. Chestertons philosophical journey through Europe to Palestine. He describes the landscapes and encounters that reflect the essence of the Holy Familys Flight into Egypt, noting the striking similarities with a modern twist The man is riding on the ass. Ahlquist delves into the complex dynamics of faith, suggesting that the real error of Muslims lies not in historical persecutions, but in their belief that a simpler form of Christianity could be universally appealing simply by stripping away its richness. He argues that ...

My Path to Atheism is a groundbreaking work, especially considering it was penned by a woman in Victorian England—a time when free thought was often stifled, particularly for women. It took a truly exceptional woman to write such a bold and, to many in the 19th century, heretical document in an era dominated by the Church. Annie Besant, originally married to a clergyman, experienced a profound transformation in her beliefs, ultimately leading to her legal separation and her commitment to secularism. She became a key figure in the National Secular Society and co-editor of the National ...

The notion, often echoed by ancient writers, is more than just poetic fancy; it suggests that the soul of an individual is merely a fragment of a larger whole, seeking out other souls for true completion. We navigate through unrealized worlds until we uncover the profound secret of love. Deep down, we acknowledge this truth, even as we chase various ambitions and hopes. Amid the materialism that surrounds us, we recognize that the spiritual dimension of life holds the utmost significance, offering us genuine joy. At its core, friendship is a spiritual bond—a free and spontaneous expression ...

Dive into St. Jeromes most renowned letter, Libellus de virginitate servanda, addressed to St. Eustochium, the young daughter of St. Paula. In this compelling correspondence, St. Jerome passionately encourages Eustochium to embrace the path of virginity while imparting essential lessons on the conduct of a virtuous young woman. Within its pages, you will find his reflections on topics such as the irreversible nature of a fallen virgin (§5), a striking portrayal of fasting and temptation (§7), his unyielding stance on abortion as murder (§13), and the notion of holy pride in virginity (§16)...

The Hexaemeron comprises nine captivating homilies by St. Basil that delve into the fascinating cosmogony presented in the opening chapters of Genesis. While the exact time and location of these sermons remain uncertain, they were delivered during Lent, both in the morning and evening services, and were intended for a diverse audience, including working men. St. Basil’s preaching style, suggested by the spontaneous nature of his words in Homily VIII, reflects his usual extemporaneous approach. Unlike his more polished written works, such as De Spiritu Sancto, the Hexaemeron reveals a raw and...

In A DOUBTERS Doubts about Science and Religion, originally published anonymously by an author serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police at Scotland Yard, we delve into the intersection of skepticism, science, and faith. This thought-provoking work challenges the reader to question widely held beliefs, urging a true skepticism that scrutinizes rather than blindly accepts. The author critiques both scientific theories and religious claims, providing a philosophical exploration of ideas that continue to resonate today. Although certain theories may have evolved since its publication, the ...

In On Lying, I explore the complex nature of deception and the vital importance of truthfulness. While the ideas presented may initially seem challenging, they offer profound insights that sharpen the mind and enrich moral understanding. This work, which I contemplated leaving unpublished due to its intricate nature, ultimately aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for honesty in our speech and interactions. - Summary by Augustine

William Law (1686-1761) was an influential Anglican priest, Christian mystic, and one of the most notable theological writers of his era. He transformed how 18th-century Anglicans approached the spiritual dimensions of their faith, achieving popularity that rivaled that of John and Charles Wesley. Law skillfully integrated mystical practices from early church writings into the modern British church, aimed at empowering the Anglican layperson to seek a deeper connection with Christ. A Dialogue Between a Methodist and a Churchman stands as one of Laws significant theological works. In this ...

Dive into the profound insights of The Elements of Theology (ΣΤΟΙΧΕΙΩΣΙΣ ΘΕΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ), crafted by the renowned Greek Neoplatonist philosopher Proclus (ΠΡΟΚΛΟΣ) and brilliantly translated by Thomas Taylor, who honored his youngest son with the name Thomas Proclus Taylor. This remarkable work comprises 211 thought-provoking propositions, each accompanied by a rigorous proof, beginning with the foundational concept of the One (divine Unity) and culminating in the exploration of individual souls descent into the material realm. Notably, Saint Thomas Aquinas acknowledged ...

Written during a time of deep personal turmoil in England and completed in the tranquil solitude of Schiavi, Anselm’s Cur Deus Homo? stands as his literary masterpiece. This profound work continues to engage readers today, even those with little background in Catholic theology. While the title suggests an inquiry into the purpose of the Incarnation, Anselms true aim is to explore the rationale behind the economy of redemption. He poses critical questions Was the Incarnation a slight against Gods majesty? What barriers did the Fall create against Divine forgiveness? Could these barriers have ...

Underhill explores the vibrant and immediate nature of spiritual life, asserting that spirituality is an essential aspect of humanity. She contends that any comprehensive understanding of human existence must incorporate the spiritual dimension and recognize the religious life through which it is expressed.

In this thought-provoking exploration, Richard Hooker delves into the foundational aspects of the English Church, tackling the pivotal question What underpins Church laws and governance? His monumental work, ‘The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity,’ emerges as a response to the prevailing Puritan system, which posited that only the unchanging rules laid out in Holy Scripture could govern matters of worship, discipline, and authority. Hooker challenges this notion by asserting that to truly understand Divine order, we must consider not only the scriptures but also the moral relations, historical...

Henry Scougal, born in Scotland in 1650, was the son of the Bishop of Aberdeen and thrived under rigorous academic instruction, eventually becoming the Professor of Philosophy at Kings College, Aberdeen. In 1672, he was ordained as a minister in Auchterless, returning a year later to Kings College as Professor of Divinity, a role he held until his untimely death in 1678. The Life of God in the Soul of Man is essentially a heartfelt letter of doctrine and encouragement directed to a friend struggling with faith, initially never meant for public eyes. In his epistle, Scougal explores three ...

Discover the timeless wisdom of the Dhammapada, a cherished collection of verses that serve as one of the foundational texts of Buddhism. The term Dhammapada translates to The Path of Dharma, with the Pali term Dhamma aligning closely with its Sanskrit counterpart, Dharma. This compilation encapsulates the Buddhas teachings, meticulously gathered by his devoted students in the years following his final Nirvana. Spanning forty-five years of profound insights, these 423 verses—marked by their clarity and often playful wit—offer vivid similes that resonate with all ages, from the carts wheel ...

In 1770, Baron DHolbach unveiled his groundbreaking work, Systeme de la Nature, which was long misattributed to M. de Mirabaud. This influential text on Atheistical Philosophy ignited considerable debate, leading to the Barons release of an insightful abridgment in 1772. Stripped of arbitrary notions and characterized by its clarity, accessibility, and precision, this edition is designed for the everyday reader. This version is based on an undated English translation of Le Bon Sens, published around 1900, with no credit given to the translator. (Summary from editors preface)