Learning from Saints & Sages
“A smart person learns from their own mistakes, but a truly wise person learns from the mistakes of others.”
Throughout church history, there have been spiritual giants who have emerged with much to teach the wider church. These are people who have drunk deeply of God and His way, people who have helped the church follow Jesus with passion and sincerity. They have been called by many different names over time. For this newsletter, we’re calling them the saints and sages of the Church. Now, you’re likely well on your way when it comes to learning from these incredible men and women. We hope these books, podcasts, and courses continue to serve you to that end.
Books
Consider Reading
Extraordinary Women Of Christian History - Ruth A. Tucker
Christianity has long been criticized as a patriarchal religion.
But during its two-thousand-year history, the faith has been influenced and passed down by faithful women. Martyrs and nuns, mystics and scholars, writers and reformers, preachers and missionaries, abolitionists and evangelists, these women are examples to us of faith, perseverance, forgiveness, and fortitude. (Amazon.ca)
Dark Night of the Soul: How the journey of self-denial leads to perfect union with God - Saint John of the Cross
Dark Night of the Soul follows the soul's journey from a state of abandonment and darkness to a loving union with God. In a voice at once grandiose and melodious, and a style that combines the systematic theology of St. Thomas Aquinas with rapturous poetry, St. John describes the process of moving away from routine religious rituals and embracing a Being who can be known only through love.
On the Road with Saint Augustine: A Real-World Spirituality for Restless Hearts - James K. A. Smith
This is not a book about Saint Augustine. In a way, it's a book Augustine has written about each of us. Popular speaker and award-winning author James K. A. Smith has spent time on the road with Augustine, and he invites us to take this journey too, for this ancient African thinker knows far more about us than we might expect.
“Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.”
Podcasts
Listen to This
The C.S. Lewis Podcast
A weekly podcast with Professor Alister McGrath exploring C.S. Lewis’ thought, theology, and teaching.
5 Minutes in Church History - Stephen Nichols
Travel back in time to more deeply discover the people, events and places that shaped the story of Christianity in this weekly podcast.
Prayer Amid Pandemic
Responding to the felt needs which have surfaced in the Pandemic, this short podcast series from Christianity Today tells the story of saints, nuns, theologians, and believers whose lives and faith were shaped by sickness. Each episode beautifully uncovers themes like perseverance, service, and suffering using the lives of these diverse, godly individuals.
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.”
Courses
G.K. Chesterton: Christian Wit And Moralist For Our Time
Countless lives have been transformed by G.K. Chesterton’s works. This course explores many of his most important texts and prophetic essays, discussing themes like humor and theology, morality, radical politics, the incarnation & more. (Course by Regent College) Learn more
Dallas Willard: Leadership and Spirituality
Leadership for Jesus Christ, both among his people and in the world at large, requires us to possess a significant measure of the character of Christ and the power of Christ. In this course, join Dallas Willard as he seeks to answer the question “what is our part in attaining these?” (Course by Regent College) Learn more