Robert J. Spitzer (1)Critiques

This book is a succinct explanation of happiness and unhappiness, written in a very clear, precise style, and including some solid advice for spiritual growth. It really helped me to understand the reasons for the unhappiness that I've struggled with throughout much of my life, and the reasons why I tend to still be unhappy even when times are good. For that alone it's worth several stars in my estimation. The author used himself as an example a few too many times for my liking, and this book will probably not be of much use to non-Christians (and of somewhat limited use to Christians who aren't Catholics), but otherwise, a solid read.

Cosmic Origins explains what we know about the beginning and nature of the universe, as well as its transcendent implications in clear, easy-to-understand terms. The film weaves together a compelling narrative from academics and credentialed scientists pointing toward a very Christian understanding of how the universe came to exist.

Cosmic Origins expertly conveys a vital and important message for everyone - our Christian faith is not disproven by modern science, but rather corroborated by it.

Definitely enjoying the proofs presented from a cosmological standpoint but now there's a lot to research to make sure he's using valid references. The difficulty today with proofs and apologetics is that everyone's a scholar regardless of what they actually know and whether their positions have been subjected to rigorous peer review.
I did like it enough but I bought a hardback version instead of just relying on an ebook version.

With the incredible popularity of recent books championing agnosticism or atheism, many people might never know that such books almost completely ignore the considerable evidence for theism uncovered in both physics and philosophy over the past four decades. New Proofs for the Existence of God responds to these glaring omissions.

From universal space-time asymmetry to cosmic coincidences to the intelligibility of reality, Robert Spitzer tackles a wealth of evidence. He considers string theory, quantum cosmology, mathematical thoughts on infinity, and much more.

This fascinating and stunning collection of evidence provides solid grounding for reasonable and responsible belief in a super-intelligent, transcendent, creative power standing at the origins of our universe.

In Finding True Happiness Jesuit Fr. Robert Spitzer outlines a philosophical and theological framework for understanding and experiencing happiness. He proposes four types or “levels” of happiness, beginning with external pleasure and culminating with transcendent spiritual experience. He then lays out a program for experiencing the positive elements of the lower levels of happiness while answering the call of our transcendent desires and encountering God in a direct, dynamic way.

Fr. Spitzer draws heavily from the Catholic philosophical and theological tradition; readers interested in further reading on the subject will want to peruse the lengthy bibliography. Three more planned volumes in the series will tackle evidence for humanity’s transcendent nature; Jesus Christ’s revelation of God’s desires for humanity; and the problem of evil and suffering.

Finding True Happiness is not written with a lay audience in mind and casual readers may find the philosophical style daunting. Nevertheless the book is an important contribution to Catholic teaching on human desire and happiness.

Recommended for college and theological libraries.

N.B.: I received a free review copy of this book from the Catholic Library Association. This review was originally published in the March 2016 issue of Catholic Library World.

The Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life by Robert Spitzer SJ is a guide to how to pray. If the five pillars are diligently followed a living and good spiritual life results. four stars.

A brilliant and definitive set of proofs for the existence of God (as defined in the arguments) showing that such belief is reasonable and responsible. The author is meticulous and rigorous. The best argument for theism I've ever read. A completely rational and evidentiary approach without circular argument and grounded in empirical data and philosophical deduction. It will not be worth arguing on this topic with anyone unless they've read this book. The author even sets out the requirements for disproving his arguments and shows that doing so would result in inconsistency and irrationality. An absolute must read for those interested in the existence of God. Be warned, though, the book is an incredibly demanding read. It is very deep and complex philosophical reasoning! But there are great rewards for the determined and persistent reader.

contributions of physics & philosophy

Father Spitzer’s work provides a bright light in the midst of the darkness by presenting traditional and contemporary evidence for God and a transphysical soul from several major sources. It shows that we are transcendent beings with souls capable of surviving bodily death; that we are self-reflective beings aware of and able to strive toward perfect truth, love, goodness, and beauty; that we have the dignity of being created in the very image of God. If we underestimate these truths, we undervalue one another, underlive our lives, and underachieve our destiny.