Title: Pensèes Catholiques: Volume 3 – Collections II
Author: Edward L. Helmrich
Publisher: Brilliant Books Literary; 1st edition
ISBN: 9798889450351
Pages: 287
Genre: Religion / Biography
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda

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Pensèes Catholiques: Volume 3-Collections II is a publication that furthers author Edward L. Helmrich’s intent from his prior Pensèes Catholiques books, of withdrawing deterrents and obstacles which may make one not consider the Catholic Faith.

In this volume, Helmrich offers acuity into how to interpret literature and film from a Catholic point of view, with his creativity and wit once again being witnessed in his ability to offer insight from unexpected places. He has incorporated distinct sayings from the saintly Father Benedict Groeschel and Jim Lonergan, such as “In receiving communion, it feels as if my soul has teeth and that it is eating steak” and “Will the end of time come when the number of people who have lived and died equals the number of people currently alive?” Though the majority of these sayings look contradictory to some degree, they, however, provoke a reader’s stance and challenge their critical thinking.

Specific phrases and parts from various literature pieces have been mentioned such as Alice in Wonderland, The Bourne Trilogy, and Darwinism, in a meticulous fashion that draws spiritual interpretations and analysis. Those who have encountered Helmrich’s books in the Pensèes Catholiques series will acknowledge his passion for scrutinizing ideas and occurrences from an unusual angle. Among the literature genres cited are poems, evolution essays, theorems, fantasies, and histories, from which he ably illustrates various biblical events, concepts, dogmas, and natures. Of notable mention are the nine hundred-plus platitudes readers from other religions may find contradictory and basis to raise theological concerns, thereby positioning the read as the best fit for Catholic devotees only.

As a whole, Pensèes Catholiques: Volume 3-Collections II of Edward Helmrich’s Collections II is a robust literary work which is bound to inspire many Catholic supporters on different aspects of the faith. It can however draw a debate in the broader framework of religion since much of its content is based on personal sayings and sentiments. The mix-up of the author’s biography in the epilogue could also have been better placed if penned into its volume. That notwithstanding, this author’s work certainly makes a mark in the study of religion and its many tenets.