How do we resolve conflicts when fundamental sources of knowledge and belief―such as science and theology―are involved? In God’s Two Books, Kenneth Howell offers a historical analysis of how sixteenth- and seventeenth-century astronomers and theologians in Northern Protestant Europe used science and religion to challenge and support one another. Howell reveals that the cosmological schemes developed during this era remain monumental solutions to the enduring problem of how theological interpretation and empirical investigation interact with one another. “Writing history requires a constant shedding of our misconceptions about the past,” says Howell. God’s Two Books reshapes our understanding of the interaction of cosmological thought and biblical interpretation in the emerging astronomy of the Scientific Revolution by analyzing new texts and offering interpretations that cast old materials in a new light. The central argument of this compelling book is that the use of the Bible in early modern cosmology is considerably more complex and subtle than has previously been recognized. Drawing on the writings of Lutheran and Calvinist astronomers, natural philosophers, and theologians, Howell analyzes several underlying patterns of interpretation which affected how these historical figures viewed the mutual interaction of the books of nature and Scripture. He argues that while they differed on how the disciplines of astronomy, physics, and theology should relate to one another, most thinkers shared the common goal of finding and explaining the true system of the universe. Howell introduces the notion of a convergent realism to describe Protestant intellectuals’ approach to incorporating empirical and theological perspectives into a holistic version of the universe. They believed the sacred page was relevant to cosmology but denied that the Bible had scientific content. At the same time, these thinkers argued that the theological truths expressed in the Bible were interwoven into nature in subtle, yet revealing, ways. Their resulting interpretations show continuity with Catholic thinkers and discard oversimplifications such as literal versus figurative hermeneutics or Copernican versus anti-Copernican cosmologies. Among Howell’s many original contributions in this cogent study is a distinctive approach to Kepler’s exegesis of nature and an introduction to the debate of many Calvinist thinkers who have previously received little attention.

God's Two Books: Copernican Cosmology and Biblical Interpretation in Early Modern Science

Howell, Kenneth J.

History

University of Notre Dame Press

John Chrysostom, Theologian of the Eucharist (Patristic Theology)

Religion & Spirituality

The Catholic University of America Press

An anthology of essays authored, in most cases, by Protestants or by convert Catholics. They provide, with historical and theological precision, insight and reasoning behind the Catholic Church's discipline of maintaining a celibate priesthood.

Priestly Celibacy: Its Scriptural, Historical, and Spiritual Roots

Newman House

Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna were two of the greatest leaders of Christianity in the first half of the second century. Both suffered martyrdom: Ignatius in Rome during the reign of Trajan, and Polycarp in Smyrna some time in the mid-century. The letters of Ignatius advance the teachings of Christ and the apostles on such important subjects as church unity, the Eucharist, and the governmental structure of the church. The Martydom of Polycarp represents one of the earliest and most inspiring accounts of a Christian martyr that we possess. Their combined writings provide a unique window on the faith, life and practice of Christians in the second century. Careful reading of these writings demonstrates the unique place that the early fathers of the church hold in establishing the foundations of historic Christianity. Their relevance for contemporary ecumenical discussions is beyond dispute.

Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna: A New Translation and Theological Commentary (Early Christian Fathers)

Catholic Word

Just as the mother is at the center of the family, so Mary is at the center of every Catholic's daily life--yet her role is often misunderstood. In this learning guide, theology professor and former Protestant minister Kenneth J. Howell clearly describes the central importance of Mary to not only every Catholic, but every Christian. Here he explains the reasons behind the four Marian dogmas and discusses the Marian apparitions at Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima--and what those apparitions mean for all of us. This resource also includes some best-loved Marian prayers and a list of the Church's Marian feast days. We are the children of God; in this family of believers Mary is our spiritual Mother, instructing us by her example of fidelity, obedience, and devotion to Christ. She plays a vital role in God's plan of salvation for all his children. This guide will awaken you to that knowledge.

Meeting Mary Learning Guide: Our Mother in Faith (Catholic Century)

Catholic Answers