Doors to the Sacred by Joseph Martos. It actually covers all sacraments so it may be more than you’re looking for. It is an outstanding historical account of the sacraments.
Thanks!
s06,
I’m looking for a book that explains what the church teaches in terms of the nature of what exactly happens during the transformation from bread and wine into the body and blood. And I’m considering converting away from the Catholic Church, but I’m trying not to make a rash or uninformed decision.
I feel I have a strong grasp of Catholic teaching, but I could be wrong, as on other threads, people have told me I don’t. And I have had very little exposure to Metaphysics, but I can usually learn stuff pretty quick, as long as the writer is good, and this is something that’s pretty important to me.
From what you’ve shared in this thread, I would reiterate my recommendation for Martos’ book.
In that case, I’‘ll give you a personal (note, this is just my *opinion) *recommendation. I don’t recommend Joseph Martos’ Doors to the Sacred. It seems to me that there are some confusing ideas, not necessarily consistent with authentic Catholic teaching or thought. Of course there is some good in it, but I think the questionable material is enough that you should avoid it if you are serious about learning the mind of the Church.
I have read Martos’ book numerous times It is completely compatible with Catholic teaching. In fact, the most recent revision was made to incorporate the teachings of the Catechism (the book was originally written in the 1980s, but the most recent edition has been updated to include numerous explicit references to the Catechism).
As have I. It was one of my textbooks.
More than me!
I cannot speak knowledgeably to the more recent edition as I do not have them. The editions that I am familiar with caused me concern. Perhaps the book has been relieved of the parts which I found troubling. That is possible, but perhaps not actual.
That does not follow, does it? His popularity isn’t an indicator of the book’s worth.
Thanks for being honest.
No, of course not. My point was that he’s not some isolated obscure author/theologian/etc/ He is actively involved and engaged in the real life of the Church. He gets out and talks with “real people” in all kinds of places. I didn’t say he was popular, just that he frequently gives workshops and presentations to multiple Catholic audiences.
Fine. No problem. Can you share any specifics? It may or may not be helpful to the OP.
I will refer to this thread as some indication.
Now, you may take issue with the points raised in the thread or by Fr. Hardon. You may also say that Fr. Martos has revised his book such that there is no need for concern. I however had concern after reading the book. I have concern about the points brought up in the thread. I have concern that Fr. Martos collaborated with Fr. Richard Rohr.
I stand by my recommendation of Martos.
Ah, alas. For my part I reaffirm my recommendation against it.
Would you say this book discusses the metaphysics – the substance and accidents – as s06 was inquiring about?
I would have thought it more geared to an explanation of the structure of the Mass (based on its table of contents), and not really a discussion about substance and accidents, etc.