Book recommendations for a beginner?

[Johndigger]

Hello!

My fiancee’s sister is becoming a Catholic, praise God!

She’s given me $60 to spend on books so she can grow in faith. She’s already picked up a Bible, The catechism, the Lamb’s Supper by Hahn, a book on Catholic churches.

Slightly wishing to take her out of books of a modern American perspective, I’ve already ordered Orthodoxy by G.K. and Mere Christianity by the obvious both books I love with undying flame, also Introduction to the Devout life.

In particular she wishes for a book about popes and the hierarchy of the Church but I humbly prostrate myself before your advice.

In Christ,

JD

(Already posted this in another forum but I think it’s a quiet one so moving it into a relevant but more frequented one. )

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Well, I would recommend both of you focusing your attention on your relationship with Jesus Christ first.

Without faith, religion will become a burden.

But that being said, the books you already have, are good, especially “The Lamb’s Supper.”

In all, it is prayer that will be the tool for your spiritual growth because you will be turning to the source of faith, Jesus Christ.

Jim

 

[PietroPaolo]

Well, you can’t have a relationship with someone without getting to know them and wanting to know all about them, so I appauld your decision to learn more about the Faith. Remember, Christ commands us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind" (Luke 10:27). As for recommendations:

Theology for Beginners - Frank Sheed
Jesus Shock - Peter Kreeft
History of the Catholic Church - James Hitchcock
Essential Catholic Survival Guide - Catholic Answers Staff
Consuming the Word - Scott Hahn
Introduction to the Devout Life - St Francis de Sales
Jesus of Nazareth Trilogy - Pope Benedict XVI
Catholicism - Fr Robert Barron
Rediscover Catholicism - Matthew Kelly
The Mass of the Early Christians - Mike Aquilina
The Great Heresies - Hillaire Belloc
Catholicism for Dummies

 

[Skyhighblue34]

You need to buy her the Diary of St. Faustina. I’ve been going to Catholic schools for years, and I only really discovered the faith when I read this book. Its about her day to day life with Jesus and let me tell you, when you read what Jesus talks about, you are beyond convinced in how real he is. Just the things he says are so just… wow. It is beyond faith inspiring, and I can’t imagine really getting into my faith without it. Its just so interesting because it lets you really get into his personality and what he requires of all who follow him. It will really nail the faith into you. I think I must have cried what like 20 times from reading it, just that piercing truth in the book goes through to the soul. So yeah, get it dude.

 

[fred_conty]

These 3 books will bring one to God and develope a closeness to him. It would help to read one of them in the beginning of her journey. Shows how to pray and love Jesus.

…The Practice of the Presence of God - Lawrence

…The Ordinary Path to Holiness - R Thomas Richard

…Diary - St. Faustina

This book will give more explaination and depth to her faith.

…The Catholic Catechism - John Hardon

This is a book which every married couple should read. Well written.

…The Art of Natural Family Planning - John and Shiela Kippley

This will show why the Catholic Church is THE church, and remains one and the same thru time.

…A Short History of the Catholic Church - Joe Orlandis

This is a biograpy of one couple’s journey finding the church, and the problems and answers in their struggles. Shows how the Holy Spirit guided them. Very inspirational.

…Rome Sweet Home - Scott and Kimberley Hahn

A short book well written explaining what went into writting the bible and its use over time.
Very interesting and a must.

…Where We Got the Bible: Our Debt to the Catholic Church - Henry G. Graham

This book is also here: catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/protestantism/wbible.htm