This book of Advent reflections treats the nitty-gritty of trying to live authentically in a world that is ordered to contradict the message of God-with-us, of God's hands-on love and involvement in our lives. Each pithy reflection reminds us why humanity needed and still needs Christmas. One unique aspect of the book is that the reflections do not end on Christmas Day. Reflections for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas allow readers to soak in the meaning, comfort, and joy of Christmas.
Endorsements:
"A gifted preacher and sought-after spiritual mentor, Fr. Mark-David Janus, CSP, offers insightful, stirring, and at times intimate reflections that challenge us to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ's incarnation." —David Dwyer, CSP, host of The Busted Halo Show on SiriusXM
"Father Janus's book is a superb resource for busy people. The meditations are short, poetic, and filled with human wisdom and spiritual insight. An essential companion to the Advent and Christmas seasons!" —Ronald D. Witherup, PSS, author of numerous books on Scripture and theology, including Ashes to Flames: A Lenten Pilgrimage (Paulist Press, 2025).
"What a gift! Fr. Janus's meditations encourage us to find a quiet room in the 'noisy inn of our lives' to reflect on God's love and be 'angels' (messengers) who bring God's comfort and joy to all." —David B. Gowler, Pierce Chair of Religion, Oxford College of Emory University/span>
Mark-David Janus, CSP, PhD, is President and Publisher Emeritus of Paulist Press.
To Believe or Not Believe examines the faith of young adults in a society that struggles to grasp the nature of truth or the transcendent, to appreciate the deep compatibility of faith and reason, and to encounter the mystery of the divine due to a truncated vision of salvation in contemporary culture. Furthermore, while young adults are generous and willing to listen, a religious milieu is often missing.
This book addresses young people, many of whom are formed by social media rather than a liberal education, who seek a sense of God's presence in their lives. It also addresses those who work with them—teachers, pastors, or parents—in our post-truth society. The concluding reflections offer practical suggestions.
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"Thomas Rausch has brought his profound theological and pastoral acumen to bear on Catholic young adults' frequent ignorance of, indifference, or hostility to Catholicism's profound grasp of truth and transcendence. He builds a solid theological basis for analyzing this phenomenon as well as offering helpful suggestions for pastoral practice." —Harvey D. Egan, SJ, professor emeritus of systematic and mystical theology, Boston College, and author of Rethinking Catholic Theology: From the Mystery of Existence to the New Creation
"To Believe or Not Believe expertly addresses the challenges young adults face in grasping truth and the transcendent in a post-truth society. This essential guide provides practical insights for teachers, pastors, and parents, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and reason in today's complex world." —Sr. Rosalia Meza, VDMF, senior director, Office of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Rev. Thomas P. Rausch, SJ, is the Emeritus T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. A specialist in ecclesiology, he has published twenty-six books and received seven awards from the Catholic Press Association. He is a member of the Anglican/Roman Catholic Consultation USA and co-chairs the Los Angeles Catholic/Evangelical Committee for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Swiss theologian Hans Küng was the most controversial of the European Catholic theologians who emerged at the time of Vatican II. He gained notoriety for challenging papal infallibility, but he also wrote at length on other topics, including justification, the Christian life, priesthood, global ethics, and interreligious dialogue.
This collection of essays explores his theological legacy. Given Küng's mixed reputation and broad range of topics, a wide range of voices, including Susan Ross, Francis X. Clooney, Roger Haight, and Mary Ann Hinsdale, among others, provides a revaluation of his impact on the church and its teachings by examining his writings, influence, and significance.
Paul Lakeland is the Emeritus Aloysius P. Kelley, SJ, Professor of Catholic Studies and was the founding director of Fairfield University's Center for Catholic Studies.
