Book for someone thinking about converting

[ElizaE]

I have a friend that is thinking about converting to the Catholic Church. She got married in the Catholic Church this past summer and is really considering converting however she is not sure if she believes everything the church teaches. I can tell that she is sincere and she expressed a want for her future family to share in one religion. I told her that she should pray and the Holy Spirit will guide her where she needs to be.

Christmas is coming and her B-day and I thought that I would like to get her a good book that she could read that would answer most of her questions about the Church. I think that a good Catechism is always needed in a Catholic home but I see that as more of a “refrence” book to look things up rather than something to sit down a read.

Please help and let me know of a good book that is both well written (meaning clear) and educational.
Thanks

 

[awalt]

My advice would be to get a copy of “The Pillar of Fire” on this very web site! My theory is, it’s very short but accurate and with Bible references, and it addresses many of the key points someone outside the Catholic faith would be concerned about. I think if the initial foray into our faith is too long a book they won’t read it.

It’s like 50 cents or a dollar on this site, I hope it proves useful to you!

 

[Orionthehunter]

ElizaE:

I have a friend that is thinking about converting to the Catholic Church. She got married in the Catholic Church this past summer and is really considering converting however she is not sure if she believes everything the church teaches. I can tell that she is sincere and she expressed a want for her future family to share in one religion. I told her that she should pray and the Holy Spirit will guide her where she needs to be.

Christmas is coming and her B-day and I thought that I would like to get her a good book that she could read that would answer most of her questions about the Church. I think that a good Catechism is always needed in a Catholic home but I see that as more of a “refrence” book to look things up rather than something to sit down a read.

Please help and let me know of a good book that is both well written (meaning clear) and educational.
Thanks

Christian and Catholic by Schreck. Additionally, it is my experience that most of the barriers for converting are not really theological but related to our practices. For instance, there is an element of intimidation in that they don’t know all the responses, postures (kneeling, genuflecting, etc.) and prayers or they don’t understand devotions like the rosary or icons. For these types of issues, I think that “Why do Catholics do that” is really good. I forgot the author.

 

[gloraykid]

If she has a lack of understanding about certain areas of Catholic theology, I certainly suggest Scott Hahn’s beautiful hardcover (giftworthy) books- among others, he has written one on confession (tough for many protestants) LORD HAVE MERCY, one on the Catholic mass THE LAMBS SUPPER, and one on Mary (also tough for many protestants) HAIL HOLY QUEEN, and I know he’s got a new one out now. Hahn, as you probably know, is a theology professor at Steubenville and a biblical scholar, and so his stuff is sure to satisfy her intellectually (great history and knowledge of the ancient languages and references to the Bible), but his writing style is approachable. Good luck!

 

[Aaron_I]

I’d imagine that the Scripture Catholic website might serve as a relief for some who might doubt the Biblical nature of some Catholic practices. John Salza runs the site and has written The Biblical Basis for the Catholic Faith. I haven’t read the book, but if it’s anything like the website, it should be excellent.

 

[Mike_Rainville]

Peter Kreeft, philosophy professor, is the clearest writer I know, and has written many suitable books. “Catholic Christianity” or “Fundamentals of the Faith” peterkreeft.com/

Frank Sheed is deepest, and wonderfully clear, though I sometimes have to reread a sentence a few times. “To Know Christ Jesus,” A Map of Life", and “Theology for Beginners”