Benedict Books

_New England and the Bavarian Illuminati_, first published in 1918 and republished here by The Invisible College Press, by Vernon Stauffer is the classic historical examination which covers the period in New England from 1798 to 1799 when a widespread fear of the Bavarian Illuminati developed. V. Stauffer born in 1875 was a scholar of some repute who was active in the Christian ministry before becoming a professor. This book represents his doctoral dissertation for a degree in the Faculty of Political Science at Columbia University. This work was praised highly by _The American Historical Review_ and has been subsequently used as a useful source of information by various researchers. The Illuminati scare arose in New England during a period of believed decline in morality and religion and a relaxation of puritan values, when various Federalist clergymen revived the notion of the Illuminati which had proliferated on the European continent and made allegations against the Democratic party of Thomas Jefferson. Various factors played into this, including a growing fear of the revolution in France, the excitement over the X.Y.Z. Affair, and the alleged relations between the Illuminati and the freemasons. These allegations were chiefly the work of Reverend Jedidiah Morse, a clergyman of the Calvinist faith and the father of the inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, whose picture appears near the front of this book. Reverend Morse revived the theories of the Abbe Barruel and John Robison concerning an Illuminati conspiracy at work through the masonic lodges behind the French revolution and plotting the overthrow of all thrones and altars. Thus, began the Illuminati scare in New England in 1798 which was to continue in the writings and sermons of several important clergymen. This book is expertly footnoted and includes a wide variety of information and sources detailing the history of the Bavarian Illuminati of Adam Weishaupt and its role in the New England scare. While the author is certainly opinionated on this matter, he nevertheless offers much material of value to the modern reader, particularly in light of the times in which we live.

The book begins with an Introduction in which the author explains the role of the churches in New England and their role in promulgating the Illuminati scare. Following this, the first chapter is entitled "The Undermining of Puritan Standards and Institutions". Here, the author explains how the strict and fierce standards of puritanism came to be eroded after the Revolutionary War and the growing fear that developed among some of the clergy that this heralded in a coming age of irreligion. Added to this fear was a newfound dread of the events that had taken place in France during the revolution and the rise in America of the Democratic-Republicans who were opposed by the conservative Federalist clergy. This chapter examines such things as the "Rapid Disintegration of Puritanism After the Revolution", "Ominous Discontent With the Standing Order" (discussing the situation as it was in Massachusetts and Connecticut and ending with a Summary), "Alarms Due to the Spread of Religious Radicalism and Skepticism" (discussing for example the works of Thomas Paine and others, mentioning the horror felt by many of the clergy at the atheistical French revolution). The second chapter is entitled "Political Entanglements and Hysteria". Here, the author explains the complicated relationship between the fledgling United States and England and France, noting the important distinction of loyalties amongst the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans regarding England and France. The author notes the rise of the Democratic Clubs in France and the role of the X.Y.Z. Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts under the presidency of the Federalist John Adams. This chapter examines such things as "The Situation Prior to 1798" (explaining the role of the Democratic Clubs in France and the relationship with England and George III) and "The Situation from 1798 to 1800" (explaining how France fell out of favor with the Federalists following the diabolical French revolution). The third chapter is entitled "The European Order of the Illuminati". This chapter traces the role and development of the Bavarian Illuminati created by Adam Weishaupt in 1776 out of a milieu of Enlightenment philosophy marked by anti-clericalism. This chapter includes sections discussing "The Rise and the Disappearance of the Order" (explaining the creation of this order by Weishaupt, the role of this order in Bavaria, and its alleged suppression in 1787; the author explains the complicated relationship between this order and the Catholic church as well as the Jesuits and the Freemasons, mentioning such figures as the Baron von Knigge, Zwack, and others, and ending with a bibliographical segment devoted to the study of the order) and "The Legend of the Order and Its Literary Communication to New England" (mentioning the works of the Abbe Barruel and John Robison concerning this order and its conspiracy against the churches and all earthly governments and the dissemination of these works and their eventual arrival in New England). The fourth chapter is entitled "The Illuminati Agitation in New England". Here, the author explains the role of the Illuminati scare in New England as precipitated by Morse and taken up by other clergymen including Seth Payson and eventually the leveling of the charge in turn by the Democrats against the Federalists. This chapter also includes a discussion of the complicated role of the Freemasons and the attempts by various clergymen to condemn the Illuminati but distance themselves from outright condemnations of the freemasonic lodges. This chapter includes the following parts "Morse Precipitates the Controversy" (explaining how drawing from the work of Robison, Morse began the Illuminati scare), "Inconclusive Developments of Morse's Second Formal Deliverance", "Morse Submits His Inept Documentary Evidence" (explaining how Morse was called to explain himself and how his evidence for the conspiracy was found to be faulty), "Freemasonry's Embarrassment and Protest" (explaining how many freemasons took the charges made against them by Robison personally and how Morse tried to deflect some of the animosity directed against the freemasons), and "Attempts of Democrats to Fix the Countercharge of Illuminism Upon the Federalists" (explaining how eventually the Democrats came to level the same charge against the Federalists as had been leveled against them). The book ends with a thorough Bibliography including material from a wide variety of sources and a Vita.

This book offers a fascinating study of a disturbing period in American history. It remains one of the unique sources on these events and offers much material for those interested in the history of secret societies. Into modern times, similar scares have continued to plague the United States and this book shows the origin and growth of one of their important precursors.

Cardinal Ratzinger (of course, now Pope Benedict XVI) gives us an insightful view of the charismatic dimension of the Church. What I found most striking was his faith in the ongoing activity of the Holy Spirit and in how the Holy Spirit constantly surprises us and has surprises up his sleeve, so to speak (cf. p.54). Ratzinger thus warns against excessive bureaucratic planning in the Church that can quench the activity of the Holy Spirit (cf. pp. 20, 59, 73). As a conservative charismatic Catholic, I am also happy to see the future pope, in 1999, speaking quite warmly and favorably about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (p. 68). Some other Catholic conservatives who consider themselves strong Ratzinger fans do not share the future pope's positive and irenic view of the charismatic renewal. They should take note in order to appreciate the whole of Ratzinger's thinking, without picking and choosing cafeteria style. It is also quite interesting to see how Ratzinger links the ecclesial movements and their emphasis on the universal Church with the primacy of the Pope. For Ratzinger, the movements aided and guided by the Pope constantly call the Church to be faithful to her universal apostolic and evangelistic mission in the world (cf. pp. 52-53).

Some months ago I set as a goal for myself the promotion of the ideas of Joseph Cardianl Ratzinger as a source of a far, far richer appreciation of the Eucharistic Liturgy. I have read and continue to read the Cardinal to further my stated goal. However, perhaps more importantly, I find in the course of this exercise my own appreciation of the Liturgy being significantly enriched.

Participating as a Deacon at the Liturgy can very easily become a matter of routine, mere ritual. One must spiritually "pinch" oneself periodically to bring about a renewed sense of the importance of this, the Catholic's central act of worship. This particular book is just that; a spiritual shot in the arm to renew one's faith and love in our most beloved treasure, the Eucharistic Liturgy.

A NEW SONG FOR THE LORD is far more than just about song at the Liturgy. There's Scripture, History, Theology. This group of collected essays builds a fundamental basis for the Liturgy itself as the book's sub-title suggests, "Faith in Christ and Liturgy Today." We must once again refocus our liturgical attention upon that to which it belongs: Jesus / God / Adoration. Cardinal Ratzinger points out the danger of the congregation focusing upon itself, of the community celebrating itself and thereby becoming a vehicle for merely social purposes.

We get the "Song" right when we have gotten the fundamentals of the Liturgy right. We thereupon can join with the angels in a most beautiful act of worship on that special day called the "Lord's." We've been prepared for it because already the Cardinal has given us a renewed appreciation for that day of days: the "third," the "first," the "eighth."

In contrast to some of the other of Cardinal Ratzinger's books, this one is a fairly easy read. Anyone seriously interested in the Mass and its attendant liturgy should find this book a most valuable encouragement that the Church truly does understand itself and its worship. Liturgists and church musicians alike should make available a special spot on their book shelf for this important, little tome. In fact, every Catholic should find in A NEW SONG FOR THE LORD a valuable source of rejuvenation and edification.

I give this one a five star rating for everyone.

Mervyn Kavanagh, an Irish historian living in the United States, returns to attend his neice's wedding in Carmincross, a village just inside the Ulster border. His neice is killed by a bomb planted by the IRA. He is separated from his American wife and takes up with an old girl friend who is separated from her nebbish husband.
It's full of bitter sharp-edged satire about Irish nationalism and sectarian violence. He makes clever use of lines from Irish songs and romantic legends. He piles atrocity story on atrocity story. In the end it's more political statement than entertainment but it's wonderful writing.
I understand that Kiely usually writes in a lighter vein, and shall be looking for more of his stuff.

Vitalism is a profoundly science-ejected concept, though many CAM or 'natural health' cabals falsely claim that vitalism survives scientific scrutiny [along with supernaturalism and teleology!].

This book is a prime example of naturopathy's vitalism [aka "vis medicatrix naturae"].

This was the official journal of this form of sectarian medicine, edited and published by naturopathy's "father," Lust.

I quote from its masthead:

"Naturopath and Herald of Health. Official Journal of the American Naturopathic Association and the American School of Naturopathy. Naturopathy employs physiological, mechanical, and psychological sciences to rebuild, purify, and normalize the vital forces of the body."

-r.c.

The very phrase "social justice" makes the majority of evangelical pastors and churches turn a deep shade of grey. All they think about is complaints of social gospel preaching, liberalism, and politics. How sadly the western church has fostered a mentality of escapism, complacency, and avoiding the hard questions.

The two authors bring an entirely refreshed view of the Kingdom of God as it is lived out amongst the marginalized, the poor, the oppressed and more. Filled with recent (and historical) stories from Apostle Paul, to William Wilberforce, to present day martyrs and advocates this book is one I could not put down. I read it in one day...not because it is a simplistic book. No, far from that. The application of ever page could entail giving of one's own life in persecution and death. But the depth of the message is contagious. It touches the nerves of every Christian who has wanted to see the Church develop a positive, life-changing, activist worldview. This book delivers....and it delivers with such passion (and a great resource in the Appendix) that the reader has no other option but to weigh the personal costs of living these biblical teachings in their daily life.

Admittedly, most readers are thousands of miles away from the persecution in Darfur, East Timor, the Middle East, among the Dalits and more. But the authors do not allow that to be an excuse for simple inaction, in fact, they even call us to consider going abroad and unfurling our banners of protest in countries around the world. I know, this sounds like militant marching and political answers to spiritual problems. Yet, dare we say that we should not live out the Sermon on the Mount? Dare we tell the Dalits that we are too busy to care for their caste? Dare we ignore page upon page of Holy Scripture that drives us to care with justice, mercy and humility?

All Christians can benefit from every page of this book. Some, who seriously activate each idea may wind up losing their life. But in death, have we not gained all that we hope for?

Mainline evangelicals will find much in this book to ignore...but to ignore the teachings is to ignore and compartmentalize the teachings of Jesus into "easy" and "hard." We are called to live a life that is not worthy of this world and taking the "side of the angels" is the strong statement that describes the road that narrow and hard is the way...that leads to life. Especially when it means life for the down-trodden, lost, hurting, slaves, sex-trafficked, and more. I have met pastors in my own town that did not want the word "justice" to ring out from their own pulpit, and sadly these churches are happy to spend every dime and every ounce of energy on luxury, self, and personal gratification.

This book is a call to a revolution in thinking. I highly recommend this book alongside the compendium book "Justice, Mercy, and Humility" Tim Chester (ed).

The most comprehensive account of the topic. Very useful in rejectiing the Latinist theory that Thomas never established a Church in the Malabar. After looking at every possilbe scrap of evidence pro adn con, the author concludes that it is highly probable that St Thomas did in fact preach the Gospel there and establish their unique tradition of Christianity.

As someone who is tremendously interested in the various modes of Christian spirituality, I found this book to be better than I could have asked for. It is well authored and has information that is useful to both those who are just becoming interested in the subject, or for someone who has had more experience. It is a very easy read and has excellent content. It is a great addition to any theological librairy.

I was engaged the moment I picked this book up! I really enjoyed it. The author has created an atmosphere of futuristic life, advanced technology, ordinary everyday and real human relationships. I can feel John and Karen's inner struggles. The battle of injustice in an unjust world, the pain and suffering all around, and the hope for redemption, it's all there. I look forward to reading #2 and #3.

This is absolutely the best overall introduction to the very important discipline of philosophy we have ever seen. The book actually arose from a series of lectures given by Brother Francis at the Saint Augustine Center for Catholic Studies during the mid-80's. And this excellent book, as well as the lectures themselves, on cassete or mp/3, can be purchased directly from the center. Those who have the perspicacity to do so will have in their hands an absolute key to understanding philosophy as wisdom.