Plato’s Statesman

Plato (424-347 BC) was a Greek philosopher of first rank. His writings are part of most every philosophy curricula in the entire Western World. Plato was taught by Socrates and was, himself, the teacher of the incomparable Aristotle. Together, these three are the original founders of both science and philosophy.

In general, it may be said that Plato is to St. Augustine what Aristotle is to St. Thomas Aquinas. That is, he is founded a legitimate school of philosophy that has had more than a major impact on Christian civilization and on Christian philosophy and theology.

Plato’s Republic, Laws and Statesman are the three treatises in which he grappled with the political question . He did in systematic style, relying on previous mastery of metaphysics, ethics and psychology, which is a hallmark of brilliant minds. Plato’s eminence is shared by a rare company of theologians and philosophers including St.Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, the already mentioned Aristotle and Socrates as well as others such as St. Bonaventure, St. Robert Bellarmine and Cicero.

POL 1223 Medieval World: The Birth of Christendom (3)

(Semester Long Course)

POL 1223 Medieval World: The Birth of Christendom (3)

(POL 1223) is a continuation of POL 1133. From a study of Ancient Politics, the course moves to a consideration of major historians, thinkers, and statesman in the Christian tradition. Special attention is given to the epochal shift resulting from the incarnation of the “King of Kings” and the establishment of his kingdom amid the Roman Empire.

Pope Leo XIII

Kolbe’s Greatest Books Volume 76

Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) was pope for 25 years (1878-1903) during which time he guided the Church into the modern world. Leo is best know as the “Father of Modern Papal Social Teaching”. As such, his encyclical “Rerum Novarum” is known as the “Magna Carta” of Catholic social doctrine. He was also a great devote of the Virgin Mary and of her rosary and scapular, which he saw as instrumental to spiritual renewal effecting the temporal order. Leo was a staunch opponent of Liberalism, but tempered his opposition with charity and a diplomatic understanding of political, economic and social renewal in the light of the Divine Law and of natural reason.

PREMIUM ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

Rev. Edward Cahill S.J.

Kolbe’s Greatest Books Volume 92

Rev. Cahill (1868–1941) was an Irish Jesuit Priest and Professor of Church History and Catholic Social Doctrine. He was also a champion of Catholic social thought and its application in the “Free State of Ireland“.

Though his thoughts are presented in a pre-Vatican II mode aimed more at hardcore truth than pastoral sensitivity, Father Cahill possesses a vast wealth of understanding and offers a thorough and encompassing analysis of Catholic social teaching along with objective and irreplaceable historic data that is extremely helpful in understanding Catholic culture.

Special emphasis is given to private property distribution and Christian common law. Cahill also examines the family, economy, politics and effects of Protestantism and Free Masonry on social development

Saint Augustine: The City of God

Saint Joan of Arc

Kolbe’s Greatest Books Volume 52

Saint Joan of Arc (1412–1431), “The Maid of Orléans“, was (like the Old Testament heroines, Deborah, Jael, and Judith) called by God to lead her nation against a menacing foe intending to usurp her vacant throne and diminish her ancient faith. Out of nowhere, a teenage girl of peasant stock was elevated as the rampart of Catholic France against “Reformation” minded England, which appeared to be on the verge of triumph in the latter part of the Hundred Years War. Led ever onward by the inspirational Maid of Orleans, the flower of French chivalry experienced victory after unexpected victory, which resulted in coronation at Reims Cathedral of the dauphin, Charles VII, as King of France. Inspired by Sts. Michael, Margaret and Catherine, Joan lit a holy fire in the hearts of Frenchmen leading to the expulsion of England and the safeguarding of the cultural patrimony of France, a pivotal moment in French and world history.

Saint Louis Marie de Montfort’s Love of Eternal Wisdom

Saint Louis Marie de Montfort’s Love of Eternal Wisdom
Kolbe’s Greatest Books Volume 68

Saint Pope John Paul II

Kolbe’s Greatest Books Volume 101

Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) was pope for 27 years (1978-2005) during which time he guided the Church into the new millennium. Saint John Paul is best know as the “Pope of Mercy” and for his essential role in the downfall of communism and the inauguration of Catholic spiritual and social renewal known as the “New Evangelization“. The New Evangelization is also known as the “Hour of Mercy” and the “Era of Peace“, granted by Christ to honor His mother under whose banner His Church is being prepared for a world-wide Catholic renewal before His return as the “Just Judge”. His social trilogy is simply required reading for anyone interested in modern social renewal with the mind of Christ, and His bride, the Holy Catholic Church.