Second Latin: Preparation for the Reading of Philosophy, Theology, and Canon Law
By Fr. Joseph Perkins · Published by TAN Books
Overview
"[Latin is the] language of wondrous spiritual power, transcending the boundaries of the nations . . . from which it is removed."
- St. Paul VI, Sacrificium Laudis
For centuries, the absolute baseline of a true classical Catholic education has been an unyielding grasp of Ecclesiastical Latin. While many introductory textbooks focus on basic vocabulary or simplified liturgical phrases, they often leave a massive, intimidating chasm between beginner grammar and the actual, dense Latin prose utilized by the greatest minds in Church history. Without a specialized, targeted bridge, navigating the profound depths of Thomistic philosophy, dogmatic theology, and the complex frameworks of Canon Law remains entirely out of reach for the modern student.
In Second Latin: Preparation for the Reading of Philosophy, Theology, and Canon Law, Fr. Joseph Perkins delivers the definitive, advanced manual designed specifically to conquer this academic hurdle. This rigorous, systematically structured textbook moves beyond elementary translations and plunges directly into the stylistic patterns, specialized terminology, and syntactic nuances unique to Scholastic and Magisterial texts. By working directly with authentic passages from Doctors of the Church, papal encyclicals, and ecclesiastical codes, Fr. Perkins equips the serious student with the precision tools necessary to read, analyze, and internalize the primary sources of Catholic thought in their original, unadulterated tongue. It is an indispensable textbook for anyone serious about unlocking the intellectual patrimony of Holy Mother Church.
- Scholastic Mastery: Learn the precise, technical syntax and specialized vocabulary required to read St. Thomas Aquinas and the great medieval philosophers without relying on faulty English translations.
- Theological Precision: Develop the skill set needed to safely navigate complex dogmatic definitions, patristic commentaries, and historic conciliar documents.
- Canonical Fluency: Demystify the legal terminology, conditional clauses, and formal structure intrinsic to the Code of Canon Law and traditional ecclesiastical decrees.
- Authentic Source Texts: Practice your reading translation skills using actual, un-simplified excerpts from traditional magisterial writings, liturgical books, and theological treatises.
Why This Intermediate to Advanced Text Is Essential:
- Targeted Pedagogy: Explicitly designed to bypass classical "Caesar and Cicero" military Latin in favor of the beautiful, logical, and flowing Ecclesiastical Latin of the Church.
- Fortress for Academics: Provides structural grammar reviews integrated with high-level conceptual definitions, seamlessly blending language acquisition with sacred science.
- Generational Value: A beautifully produced, highly durable textbook built to withstand years of intense study, desk reference, and classroom use.
Intended Audience
This advanced textbook is an essential acquisition for seminarians, religious in formation, graduate students of theology or philosophy, and canon lawyers looking to sharpen their skills. It also serves as the perfect upper-level high school text for advanced Catholic homeschoolers and classical academies looking to graduate students with true, working bilingualism in the official language of the Church.
FAQs
Do I need to know Latin before using this book?
Yes. This is an intermediate-to-advanced textbook ("Second Latin"). It assumes the reader already has a foundational understanding of basic Latin grammar, including first-level declensions, conjugations, and core vocabulary, such as that taught in introductory Ecclesiastical Latin manuals.
Does this book focus on Classical Latin or Christian Latin?
It focuses entirely on Ecclesiastical (Christian) Latin, with a heavy emphasis on the Scholastic style used from the Middle Ages to the modern era. While Classical Latin rules apply, this book teaches you the specific ways the Church adapted the language to express profound theological and legal concepts.
Can this book be used for independent self-study?
Yes. While it is highly suited for a structured classroom environment or seminar setting, its clear chapter summaries, logical progressions, and focused vocabulary lists make it an excellent choice for dedicated independent scholars looking to remediate their reading comprehension.
Key Themes
- Linguistic Patrimony: Reclaiming Latin as the living, universal breath of the Catholic intellectual tradition.
- Theological Clarity: Recognizing how precise linguistic structures protect and convey absolute dogmatic truth.
- Scholastic Methodology: Unlocking the exact formulas used by the Church’s greatest doctors to define reality and law.
- Author:
- Cora Carroll Scanlon, AM
- Author:
- Charles L. Scanlon, AM
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Pages:
- 280
- Publication Date:
- 1/1/1976
- SKU:
- 169
- Product Format:
- Paperbound
- Height:
- 8.50
- Width:
- 5.50
1 Review
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Second Latin
An in depth resource for the Latin Mass. Of course you will want to purchase the companion book, Latin Grammar, to have a complete understanding of the Latin used in the mass, and more.
