Not Boring Catholic Books (from a Theology Major Who Had to Read a LOT of Boring Books)

The time is January, 2025. I'm a fresh college graduate from Benedictine College (where greatness begins), suddenly realizing that I haven't read a book for fun in the last four years.

Which is all well and dandy, but I rolled up my sleeves, looked at my book shelf, and was ready to tackle some books that weren't on a course syllabus. Being a theology major in college meant that literally all of my homework was reading. I discovered some of my favorite spiritual classics and authors this way: St. Teresa of Avila, Pope Benedict, St. John Paul II, Balthazar, the works.

But now, with a degree and a few thousand dollars in student loans, I'd like to think that these readings were well worth it, and I'm here to share some of my favorites with you! The books you'll find below are books that I continuously recommend to friends and family. They've probably changed my life in one way or another, opening up my heart more deeply to the Loving Father. Through reading the works of Saints and spiritual authors, I believe God can speak to us or use their words to put the things we struggle with into concrete thoughts and actions.

While some theology books can be quite difficult to comprehend, I've carefully curated this list to connet you with books that are easy to understand, spiritually rich, and will inspire you on your path to sainthood. Please enjoy!

CHECK OUT MY ENTIRE RECOMMENDATION LIST HERE

1.) For the person wondering where God is in their life and what it means that God actually does love you, know you, and care for you: A Flame of God Himself by Joshua Elzner

Get ready to be awestruck with this book. My spiritual director recommended for me to read this book after going through a breakup and, man, did it strike me. It is a book that I only allow myself to read in Eucharistic Adoration because it is so prayerful and beautiful. When I'm needing a reminder of God's intentional love, this is the book I choose.

A Flame of God Himself is a reflection on the Song of Songs. While a seemingly strange/difficult to understand the purpose of book in Scripture, this reflection puts Scripture into it's rightful context. I love that this book is not only poetic and beautiful, but it's essentially a deep dive into Scripture which is always an incredible way to encounter God!

2.) For the person ready to make some lifestyle changes and learn how to love God better: The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis

This book will have you wondering "how does CS Lewis know what's going on inside my head?" In an absolutely fascinating concept, CS Lewis writes this theology book from the perspective of a demon. Here, "Screwtape" is giving advice to another demon "Wormwood" on how to tempt a human being. This makes you think of faith in the adverse, and become more aware of the ways you may be falling short in faith.

For example, one of the pieces of advice Screwtape gives to Wormwood is to distract his human during Church service: paying more attention to peoples outfits, the song choices, etc. rather than focusing on the Church service itself. Totally called me out, and I didn't even realize it was a habit I needed to change!

3.) For the person looking for a good book to pray with during Adoration: The Diary of St. Faustina

St. Faustina was one of the Saints that literally saw and talked with Jesus. She was able to encounter Him in ways we will only know in Heaven. In her diary, she recalls these moments with the Lord: what He is concerned about, how He wants to love, and how we can love Him better.

It is a dense read in the sense that you want to read it little by little. Don't feel pressured to read through a chapter in one sitting. Rather, bring it with you in prayer, read just a little bit (until

something strikes you), then put the book down and turn your gaze to Jesus. This is a beautiful way to learn the heart of our Lord from someone who was a master of the spiritual life.

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I'm sure there will be more to come in this topic, and so many more books to read! Let me know some of your favorites below, and don't forget to check out my entire list of recommendations HERE!