James Walmsley has narrated 5 audiobooks on Listento.it by 7 authors. The most-rated is Catechism of the "Summa Theologica" of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
The Early Church from Ignatius to Augustine
Summary
This classic text gives a broad overview of the early Christian church, how it was formed, and how it dealt with the Roman empire, which was at first hostile to Christianity, and then under Constantine the Great how it came to embrace the new faith. The author, George Hodges, also examines the many heresies that beset the church from within, and the various figures that would defend the correct definition of the faith. The book consists of the following chapters: Chapter I: The Roman World Chapter II: The Struggle for Life Chapter III: The Defence of the Faith Chapter IV: The Organization of Religion Chapter V: The Arian Debate Chapter VI: Monasticism in the East Basil: Gregory Chapter VII: Ambrose Chapter VIII: Chrysostom Chapter IX: Monasticism in the West: Martin: Cassian: Jerome Chapter X: Augustine
Public Domain (P)2021 Patristic Publishing
The Catechism of Trent
Summary
The Catechism of Trent was published in 1566. It was commissioned by the Council of Trent during the period of the counter-Reformation. The document's main task was to clarify the doctrine of the church for the clergy. It enjoyed widespread use within the Roman Catholic world and was considered the authoritative guide for the faithful up until the most recent catechism, which was released in 1992.
Public Domain (P)2020 Patristic Publishing
The Apostolic Fathers
Summary
The Apostolic Fathers are the Christian writers from the first and second centuries who are thought to have been disciples of the Apostles or to have been so directly influenced by the Apostles that their writings are considered echoes of genuine Apostolic teaching. Their writings form a link of tradition that binds these writings to those of the New Testament. Chief among the apostolic fathers are the three first-century Bishops: St. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Polycarp of Smyrna, who were disciples of St. Peter and St. John. There are a number of works attributed to St. Clement although only his letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) and possibly one of his homilies (2 Clement) are believed to be genuine. Ignatius and Polycarp also have a number of surviving letters, one of which includes the famous story of the martyrdom of Polycarp. Included in this collection is the Didache, an early doctrinal statement said to be composed by the 12 apostles before they went their separate ways to preach the gospel "to all nations." Also included is, the Epistle of Barnabas, which many have held to have been written by the Barnabas who is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. Some early Christian Bibles included these works, although later councils would leave them out of the canon of scripture. The full list of works included in this collection, along with introductory material, is: 1. 1 Clement 2. 2 Clement 3. Epistles of Ignatius 4. Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians 5. The Didache 6. Epistle of Barnabas
©1912 London: Heinemann; New York: Macmillan (P)2021 Steven Burger
On Prayer and the Contemplative Life
Summary
From the preface: St. Thomas Aquinas (1225 - 1274), one of the greatest philosophical minds of the church, has left us no formal treatise on mystical theology. Instead, his teachings on this subject have been collected from his various works. No such synthesis has been attempted in this book. Rather the editor has simply taken from the Summa Theologica the treatises on religion, on devotion, prayer, and the contemplative life, and presented them in an English dress. When occasion offered, he has added to each portion appropriate passages from St. Augustine, St. Thomas' master, and more rarely from the Commentary on the Summa by the illustrious Cardinal Cajetan. This has been done for several reasons. The mystical life is the life of union with God, and it is based essentially on prayer and contemplation. But prayer and contemplation, though simple in themselves, are yet fraught with difficulties and dangers unless we be wisely guided. And as Father Faber wisely says: When we ask for instruction in these things, let us, by all means, make an appeal to those whose names begin with St. - let us, in other words, go to God's saints. And the reason is simple: These Saints are no mere idle signposts who point the way but stand still themselves; they themselves have been where they would have us go; they speak from no mere theoretical knowledge; they themselves have tasted and seen that the Lord is sweet!
©1914 London: R. & T. Washbourne (P)2020 Patristic Publishing
Catechism of the "Summa Theologica" of Saint Thomas Aquinas
Summary
The Summa Theologica (Summary of Theology) was written in the 13th century by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225 - 1274). It is a massive compendium of all the main theological doctrines of the Catholic Church, and it was intended to be a guide for theology students. Even though St. Thomas died before it could be finished, it is considered to be one of the greatest classics of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature. This catechism presents the full work of the Summa Theologica in a condensed form to help instruct the laity in the principal points of Christian doctrine.
Public Domain (P)2021 Patristic Publishing