Böcker av Wyatt North

Martin Luther is arguably one of the most influential people in the past millennium. He is perhaps most notably recognized for nailing the "Ninety-five Theses" to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church, effectively initiating what is now Christian Protestantism. Luther was radical, wittily sarcastic, and rebellious against the traditional establishments of the Church. Whatever Luther could do to progress and defend Scripture, he did, even at the risk of his life. He is often referred to as the "Great Reformer" and the father of Lutheranism. His devotion and passion for the word of God would become his driving force. He would face ridicule, opposition, and at times, daily death-threats, yet his grasp on the word of God would ultimately preserve him for a lifetime of far-reaching accomplishment.

Also known as Saint Jude Thaddeous, Saint Jude is known as the most powerful Patron Saint of Desperate Cases. Christians turn to Saint Jude for hope in what often seem like hopeless circumstances. Whether it an illness in the family, a dissolving marriage, or financial struggles, Saint Jude answers our calls when we are at our darkest hour. God rewarded Saint Jude with the incredible power to help the desperate. Saint Jude is a true friend, who we can look to when feeling hopeless and alone. During a time in our world when resources are few and families find themselves in desperate times, calls to Saint Jude are louder than ever.

In an age that smirks at the mention of miracles, sin, angels, and demons, St. Pio of Pietrelchina has emerged as a figure of immense popularity, attracting fascination, veneration, and also emulation. Padre Pio, who once wrote in a letter, "I am a mystery to myself," is certainly a mystery to all who know of him. To those who moved beyond mere credulity, he became an inspiration to embrace the fullness of faith. Perhaps that is why his shrine in outlying San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, is second only to the Vatican itself in annual number of pilgrims and why Italian Catholics now report to praying more for St. Pio's intercession than for that of any other saint.This book is a concise introduction to Padre Pio's life, especially as compared to the example and journey of his spiritual father, St. Francis of Assisi. If St. Francis is said to be the most popular saint of all time, Franciscan Capuchin Padre Pio is perhaps the most popular saint of our times.Given that he passed only in 1968, it is remarkable to think that such a spiritual "superhero" could exist in our modern age. Through not spared from misfortune, he was spared those things that cloud us from perceiving the world in a truly spiritual way. Perhaps that is why Padre Pio offers us just the message we need to hear.

Born Helena Kowalska on a clear August day in 1905, to a poor Polish family, she was the third of ten children. When Helena turned nineteen, she felt called by Jesus to go to Warsaw and enter a convent. After arriving, she was turned down by convent after convent, until finally, one accepted her. She took the name Faustina and stayed in the convent until her death in 1938. Little would have been known about her if it had not been for her extraordinary revelations. Sister Faustina's most extraordinary revelation-the one she is famous for-was of Jesus appearing to her with white and red rays protruding from his heart. Jesus told her that he wanted her to have a painting made of the vision and have as its banner, "Jesus, I trust in you."

St. Francis's call is a call to return to the basics of Christianity. It is a call to Christians to reach back to their roots so that their spiritual lives can draw strength from the pure waters of the Gospel instead of being choked by manmade traditions and worldly concerns.St. Teresa of Calcutta saw the rapid changes taking place in the world and among its people. She asked individuals to contemplate the meaning of ideas such as home, love, and family and to be open to new conceptions of these terms in the midst of our changing world. In doing so, St. Teresa introduced a new, modern way of doing missionary work, led an international religious organization, and was beloved by people the world over for the work she did out of love for her family, which would one day grow to include all of humanity.