Book idea/review

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returningcath

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I am looking for a book/CD/DVD for my girlfriend (who is a cradle catholic but does not really think that it matters what you believe, IMO). I have recently returned to the faith and she has agreed to give it a try as well. She has bought a few christian books to try and read which is great but nothing specifically catholic. I want something that explains what is wrong with having no faith, exposes the realities of hell, gives reasons for why we believe in God but is not overly advanced. It would certainly help me as well.

Yes I know the bible does all of these things but this would be a supplemental study guide for someone who needs things clearly explained. I came across “The Love that Waits for You” by Bishop Fulton Sheen. Has anyone read this or listened to the cds and could advise me if this would be what I am looking for? I am also open to other suggestions. Thanks so much.
 
Welcome to CAF! 👋

A lot depends on what your girlfriend is interested in and what types of obstacles may be preventing her from fully embracing the Catholic faith.

The book that did it for me was Peter Kreeft’s Yes or No?: Straight Answers to Tough Questions about Christianity. But that book came along at just the right time in my life and answered for me all the questions I had been asking. If she’s asking different questions, it might not have the same impact.

Fr. Robert Barron’s book Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith is a nice positive book that simply tries to show the reader the amazing beauty of the Catholic Church. There is a popular DVD set of the same name by Fr. Barron as well, but that’s a little more pricey.
 
I put this on before. It is great and has great background going back to Jesus and the apostles and citing earliest sources… This is the Faith, a complete explanation of the Catholic Faith by Canon Francis Ripley. My copy is published by Tan. It’s 474 pages but broken down in subject matter with questions and answers. I’m a cradle catholic too and I learned a lot from this book. Easy to read, well written. Kindle price $8.98
 
There are several books, CDs and DVDs available from *Dynamic Catholic *that might fit your needs. I would recommend the DVD of “Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality”, or “Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic” and “Becoming the Best Version of Yourself”, both available as a CD. Watching a DVD together might be a great way to get you both thinking and talking about this as a couple. Much easier and quicker than a book as a way to get started. Much of their material is geared towards getting marginal Catholics back and to strengthening faith among all Catholics.

You can order the materials at very low cost from DynamicCatholic.com or they may be available at your parish or from a Catholic college or seminary library, if there is one near you.
 
You might wish to read Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn. There is also a CD available.

Although it is a conversion story, it is very interesting to read, and he does show indirectly that the Catholic church is THE one church and why.

May God our Father give you grace and peace.
 
And, is there anyone more versed in the old and new testament than S. Hahn? And what a gifted speaker… He brings the bible to life for me!
I agree, read and listen to Scott Hahn!
 
fred_conty said:
You might wish to read Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn. There is also a CD available.

Although it is a conversion story, it is very interesting to read, and he does show indirectly that the Catholic church is THE one church and why.

May God our Father give you grace and peace.
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I second this. I was baptised when I was 7 and was lukewarm Catholic until I read Rome Sweet Home in 2006. I had a Protestant bestfriend who kept questioning my faith and forced me to learn and answer her.

Reading this book, put me to shame. Why a Protestant appreciate the Catholic Church more than the Catholics themselves? 😊
 
Some books that have helped me are:
  1. Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living With Passion and Purpose by Matthew Kelly. This was handed out last Christmas to all in our Diocese. It was a great gift from the Church and I was so excited to go home from Midnight Mass to read it.
  2. Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris. Norris is not Catholic, but does spend a great deal of time turning toward God through the help of the Benedictines.
  3. The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. This is the book I first read on my journey back to Christ and being Catholic. For that reason it will always hold a very special place for me.
 
Adventures in Orthodoxy and Christianity Pure & Simple, both by Fr. Dwight Longenecker.
 
Dynamic Catholic and Lighthouse Catholic Media have some great CDs available at many parishes.
 
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