Each resource listed in this guide will include one of the following icons:
Open Access: This is an online resource that is freely available and does not require an institutional login.
KGS Login: This is an online resource open only to affiliates of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Access from off-campus will require a login through OpenAthens.
KGS Print: This is a print resource available in the Souvay Memorial Library. Click on the link to see the item's current status, location, and call number. Most items listed under "Essential Readings" in the LibGuides will appear in current and recent Kenrick syllabi.
MOBIUS Print: This is a print resources that is not available at Kenrick but that can be requested through MOBIUS.
Internet Archive: This is a book that has been scanned by Internet Archive. Most of these books require you to set up a free, personal account in order to access them for a loanable period.
The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations
A contemporary version of important early Christian texts that are not included in the New Testament. The translation, Greek texts, introduction, notes, and bibliographies are freshly revised.
Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils
The translated decrees of all the councils are also available online from the Vatican.
Anselm of Canterbury
Anselm argues that Jesus redeems us by his heroic self-sacrifice on the cross. Since he is both God and man, his actions have infinite value; hence, the infinite value of his heroic generosity compensates for the infinite offense of humanity's sin.
Athanasius
While On the Incarnation is edifying devotional reading, it is also a wonderful introduction to classical Trinitarian theology that developed and took shape in the fourth century. For the believing church, Trinitarian theology has never been concerned with merely the status of the Son or the Holy Spirit. It has been concerned with what must be true if Christian worship is to have integrity, and what must be true if our salvation is to be anchored in heaven. By tethering our salvation to the incarnate Son who has risen and ascended to the right hand of the Father, Athanasius firmly anchors our greatest hopes in God himself.
Khaled Anatolios provides a comprehensive and concise introduction to the theological vision of Athanasius, relating the various aspects of his doctrine to a central emphasis on divine condescension.
Cyril of Alexandria
Cyril attempts to explain a deep mystery: how the divine and human are united in Christ. He approaches the mystery through metaphor. For example, similar to the way that the soul and body are united in a human being, the divine and human are united in Christ.
Irenaeus of Lyons
Irenaeus' primary goal in writing Against Heresies was to attack cults that fell away from orthodox Christianity, mainly the Gnostics and Marcionites. In particular, he sought to disprove what he saw as incorrect interpretations of scripture on the part of Gnostics such as Valentinus.
Leo the Great
Leo the Great's letters and sermons are saturated with the Mind of Christ. Leo preaches Christ- who and what He is; what He did and only what He could do.
Maximus the Confessor
This volume provides translations from St Maximus' two main collections of theological reflections, his Ambigua (or Difficulties) and his Questions to Thalassius, plus one of his Christological opuscula, hitherto unavailable in English. The translations are accompanied by immensely helpful notes, and prefaced by a long, brilliant introduction to the theology of the Confessor. This is the ideal volume from which to learn at first hand the depth and insight of St Maximus' cosmic vision and grasp of the complexities of human nature, as he patiently explores the nature and consequences of the renewal of all things in Christ.