Relations Between Church and State, by Leonel Franca, SJ

“Relations Between Church and State” by Leonel Franca, SJ, is a comprehensive examination of the intricate connections between religious institutions and governmental bodies. The introductory section underscores the significance of the issue by emphasizing its historical relevance, doctrinal implications, and timely importance. It also outlines the intellectual and moral complexities associated with the subject, laying the foundation for the structured approach the author will take in exploring the topic.

The body of the work is divided into two major parts. Part I discusses the fundamental principles and characteristics of both the State and the Church, elucidating their nature, purpose, and functions, and culminating in a balanced Christian perspective on the concept of the State. Part II explores various solutions to the problem of how the Church and State should relate. This part includes various historical and contemporary approaches such as Caesarism, Hierocracy, and Liberalism, and examines them critically. It also looks at concordats as a contemporary solution. Through a meticulous and detailed analysis, Franca draws a clear line of understanding between these two influential institutions, finally presenting both ideal and tolerable real-world solutions to the complexities that arise from their interactions.

Revolution, by Olavo de Carvalho

This series of thirty-five newspaper columns by Olavo de Carvalho was collected in this order in the book “The Minimum You Need To Know So As Not To Be An Idiot”. It is divided into eight parts.

The first part is titled “Globalism”. It dives into various aspects such as "The globalist revolution", which unveils the changing face of international politics and power structures. Then it explores the concepts that are "Omnipresent and invisible", highlighting global influences we don’t readily see. In "Planetary Lula", a focus is placed on specific global leaders and their impact. This is followed by "Who invented Brazil?", a historical analysis of the country’s roots. Lastly, “A fifteen-century history” offers a wider perspective on the world’s evolution over 1500 years.

The series then transitions into its second part, “Manipulation”. It opens with a discourse on “Culture wars” before delving into "The elite turned into masses", an exploration of social status and power. The narrative continues with “Weapons of freedom” and "The demolition of consciousness", discussing societal control mechanisms. It further analyses these mechanisms in "Engineering of complacency", and how they’re "Driven by force". The section concludes with "Hypnotic servitude", a critique on the power dynamics of manipulation.

Part three is called “Mentality”, and it starts with "The revolutionary mindset". This part delves into the psyche of revolutionaries, with particular attention to the polarity in “Right vs. Left”. It continues to explore “Still the revolutionary mindset” and the "The corporealist illusion". This section also delves into “Ascetics of evil” and "The structural lie".

The fourth part, “Society x guilt”, explores societal dynamics and culpability. It features provocative titles such as “Straight from hell” and "The formula to drive the world mad". It also includes a look at a “Just society” and outlines a "General rule".

Part five, “Capitalists x revolutionaries”, seeks to compare and contrast these two groups. It examines "Capitalism and Christianity", discusses "Good and evil according to Olívio Dutra", and scrutinizes the relationship between "Money and power".

The sixth part, “Money x knowledge”, ventures into the complex interplay between wealth and wisdom. It covers a range of topics from “Mortal vanity” to "The counterculture in power", the dynamics of "The collective suicide of the rich", and ends with a historical reference in "Remember Karl Radek".

Part seven, “Revolutionaries x better world”, poses a provocative question about the ultimate goals and outcomes of revolutionary actions. It covers "The only absolute evil", the concept of "The transfiguration of disaster", and ends on a hopeful note with "At last".

Finally, part eight, “Unmasking”, seeks to reveal hidden truths. This last part exposes "The good old double tongue", explores the link between "Double tongue and strategy", and gives advice on "How to debate with leftists". Each part is designed to guide readers on a thought-provoking journey through the complex themes of revolution and change.

The Perpetual Orgy: Flaubert and Madame Bovary, by Mario Vargas Llosa

The investigation by the Peruvian narrator explores three different approaches to Flaubert’s text: in the first part, with an autobiographical tone, Vargas Llosa portrays himself as an enthusiastic and passionate reader. The second part is an exhaustive analysis of “Madame Bovary,” examining the skillful combination of rebellion, violence, melodrama, and sex in this work and its significance. The third part traces the relationship between Flaubert’s work and the history and development of the most representative genre of modern literature: the novel.

Mario Vargas Llosa proves to be as adept a literary critic as he is a storyteller. The encounter between the narrative intelligence of the Peruvian novelist and the most important work of one of the essential authors in universal literature gives birth to an essay that is worth an entire literature course.