A Traditional Catholic Renaissance Man

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What would be the perfect reading list for a renaissance man trying to be a good and faithful Catholic? Ranging from theology and philosophy to modern works on psychology and the theory of relativity, what would the readers here recommend. Thanks!!
 
Rule of St Benedict
Little Flowers of St Francis

I’d find a good basic guide to Einstein’s theories they are amazing!

A collection of Constable paintings.

Well those are very random! 🙂
 
smad0142 said:
What would be the perfect reading list for a renaissance man trying to be a good and faithful Catholic? Ranging from theology and philosophy to modern works on psychology and the theory of relativity, what would the readers here recommend. Thanks!!
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Chesterton, most certainly, and Belloc is great as well. Naturally for a more experienced theologian (an a more affluent one) Aquinas’ multitude of works would be ideal
 
I would say remember:

Rule of Saint Benedict
Little Flowers of Saint Francis

For the compassion and understanding of our humanity and the love of God who is reflected in all his creation.

I know they are not science or art but I think compassion should be at the heart of all we do.

And for art, see the books of Sister Wendy Beckett who is a highly intelligent and warm human being, art historian and who makes human the works of the great masters in a very perceptive, charming and heart warming way.
 
Chesterton and Belloc were Victorian/Edwardian, not Renaissance men.

smad0142, do you read Latin?
 
Prie_dieu said:
Chesterton and Belloc were Victorian/Edwardian, not Renaissance men.

smad0142, do you read Latin?
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A Renaissance man is a man who has broad intellectual interests and is accomplished in areas of both the arts and the sciences. It has nothing to do with the era in which one lived.
 
Bl_Pope_Pius_IX said:
A Renaissance man is a man who has broad intellectual interests and is accomplished in areas of both the arts and the sciences. It has nothing to do with the era in which one lived.
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That makes a bit more sense. I’m not really familiar with the term. If someone described themselves as a Victorian man and enquired after reading my automatic thoguht would be to tell them to read Elliot or Wilde.
 
Science is now at the point where anything other than technical reading and persistent education will be insufficient.

You can look up reading lists for introduction to western civ courses for a broader reading list.
 
I would also add, Story of a Soul (Therese of the Child Jesus) to balance out that heady stuff.
 
Authors or books you should check out. I am writing this on the assumption that you have basic formation in the Faith.

Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, OP - Perhaps the greatest Thomistic writer of recent memory
Dom Columba Marimon, OSB - One of the most influential spiritual writers and defenders of the Faith of the last 100 years. I’d be shocked if he is not a Doctor of the Church someday
Ludwig Ott, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma - The best and most in-depth explanation and defense of the Catholic Faith I have found. Nothing wrong with the CCC of course, but this goes much deeper, and is more completely referenced.
GK Chesterton - do I really need to explain why?
James Hitchcock - History of the Catholic Church, From the Apostolic Age to the Third Millennium

I’m not sure what to tell you on the basics of science. I am a professor in a scientific field, but I never use any basic books! LOL Sorry on that one.
 
From an actual Renaissance man (17th C.) and Doctor of the Church :

Introduction to the Devout Life

by Saint Francis de Sales

Introduction to the Devout Life is the most popular Catholic “self-help” book of all time. First published in the early 17th century,** it has proven its value as a daily spiritual guide **and helpful reference for living an authentic Christian life. Written specifically for laymen, it began as letters from Saint Francis to a married woman who was seeking holiness amidst the distractions of her life of wealth and status. It contains treasures of wisdom for every reader, from eager beginner to lifelong Christian.

On line: catholicity.com/devoutlife/

Book : tanbooks.com/index.php/Introduction-to-Devout-Life-B
 
Gidge said:
From an actual Renaissance man (17th C.) and Doctor of the Church :

Introduction to the Devout Life

by Saint Francis de Sales

Introduction to the Devout Life is the most popular Catholic “self-help” book of all time. First published in the early 17th century,** it has proven its value as a daily spiritual guide **and helpful reference for living an authentic Christian life. Written specifically for laymen, it began as letters from Saint Francis to a married woman who was seeking holiness amidst the distractions of her life of wealth and status. It contains treasures of wisdom for every reader, from eager beginner to lifelong Christian.

On line: catholicity.com/devoutlife/

Book : tanbooks.com/index.php/Introduction-to-Devout-Life-B
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Good call. I should have included that in my list. Shame on me. 😉
 
Gidge said:
From an actual Renaissance man (17th C.) and Doctor of the Church :

Introduction to the Devout Life

by Saint Francis de Sales

Introduction to the Devout Life is the most popular Catholic “self-help” book of all time. First published in the early 17th century,** it has proven its value as a daily spiritual guide **and helpful reference for living an authentic Christian life. Written specifically for laymen, it began as letters from Saint Francis to a married woman who was seeking holiness amidst the distractions of her life of wealth and status. It contains treasures of wisdom for every reader, from eager beginner to lifelong Christian.

On line: catholicity.com/devoutlife/

Book : tanbooks.com/index.php/Introduction-to-Devout-Life-B
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YES YES and YES. St. Francis De Sales!!! 👍
 
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