Book Recommendations for a Catholic who wants to understand the Church and the Faith better?

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I don’t know if this is the right place to post, so I apologize if it’s not, but does anyone know any good starter books to understand Catholicism (what we believe and why) and the Church (history, contributions, modern stances) better? I would prefer these be comprehensive books, rather than one on the Church’s view on abortion and another explaining the concept of the Trinity and yet another on the Church’s history in the 1600’s (making up random examples here haha).

I just realized lately how little I understand my faith and I’d like some good reads to help develop that understanding. I’m 22 years old, if that gives you an idea of my reading level.

Thank you, guys!
 
Catholicism for Dummies. (not joking)
Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft
Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
 
jseman said:
I don’t know if this is the right place to post, so I apologize if it’s not, but does anyone know any good starter books to understand Catholicism (what we believe and why) and the Church (history, contributions, modern stances) better? I would prefer these be comprehensive books, rather than one on the Church’s view on abortion and another explaining the concept of the Trinity and yet another on the Church’s history in the 1600’s (making up random examples here haha).

I just realized lately how little I understand my faith and I’d like some good reads to help develop that understanding. I’m 22 years old, if that gives you an idea of my reading level.

Thank you, guys!
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I enjoyed reading Salt of the Earth, God and the World and Light of the World which are part of a series of interviews between Peter Seewald, a respected German journalist and Pope Benedict XVI. Seewald gets right to the punch when he talks about the issues facing the Church but there is a great spectrum of issues covered such as the question of who is God, where is He, the meaning behind Jesus’ words and the Eucharist and the presence of evil today.

These aren’t exactly starter books like the ones recommended but they were intended for a broad audience. I don’t think you’ll find them dull and dry. From their conversation, you can get a sense of who Pope Benedict XVI is-- calm, intelligent but also, a deeply devoted man. He has a strong knowledge of history apart from theology and is well aware of issues currently facing the world (such as religious indifference and persecution and the abuse scandals). He doesn’t shy away from Peter Seewald’s questions but is straight-forward and articulate in his response.

I’m also 22 years old and I found them to be a good starting point when, as a young adult, I became interested in Catholicism.
 
Seeker1961 said:
This is Our Faith by Canon Francis Ripley
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Rediscover Catholicism-Matthew Kelly, Magnetic Christianity-Gus Lloyd, Meat & Potatoes Catholicism-Father Joseph Classen, The Catechism of the Catholic Church
 
“Triumph The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church” by H.W. Crocker III.
 
I have been reading Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith by Rev. Robert Barron. Excellent book! Also, I haven’t read it yet, but our parish priest recommended Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis as a must read for all Catholics.
 
LittleFlower378 said:
I have been diving into Catholic history a little. I am reading this one that I rented from the library and so far it is a good book.

amazon.com/The-Catholic-Church-Through-Ages/dp/0809142341/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346005395&sr=8-1&keywords=vidmar
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Little Flower, I had just logged on here again because I came across my list of books to read, and I noticed that the one you mentioned was on it. (*The Catholic Church Through the Ages: A History *by John Vidmar OP)

I haven’t read it yet, but I put it on my list because it was strongly recommended. It also has some favorable reviews on Amazon.
 
I have been reading “A Biblical Walk Through The Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do In the Liturgy” By Dr. Edward Sri. I got it for my Kindle it is a well written book on the biblical history of the Liturgy and details the new translation of the Mass. Since the Liturgy is central to our Faith I think this too is a must read.
 
Nelka said:
The New Testament.

The Catechism.
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Buy the St. Ignatius bible. The commentary is excellent. It’s the best $30 that you can buy.

Read the Catechism on-line for free if money is an issue. This is a must as well.

Plus…,use the websites available with the many free articles, podcasts and videos. Search for any topic that you want to learn more about.
 
jseman said:
I don’t know if this is the right place to post, so I apologize if it’s not, but does anyone know any good starter books to understand Catholicism (what we believe and why) and the Church (history, contributions, modern stances) better? I would prefer these be comprehensive books, rather than one on the Church’s view on abortion and another explaining the concept of the Trinity and yet another on the Church’s history in the 1600’s (making up random examples here haha).

I just realized lately how little I understand my faith and I’d like some good reads to help develop that understanding. I’m 22 years old, if that gives you an idea of my reading level.

Thank you, guys!
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I second the recommendation of Catholicism for Dummies, 2nd Edition: amazon.com/Catholicism-For-Dummies-Religion-Spirituality/dp/1118077784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346204969&sr=8-1&keywords=catholicism+for+dummies+2nd+edition Don’t let the name fool you, it is an excellent book which is well written, funny at times, and teaches the faith very well.

I also second the recommendation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. However, I actually recommend the US Catechism for Adults if you are American. It is written in a style which is a bit more direct then you will find in the universal catechism, which I find useful. Here is the US Catechism: amazon.com/United-States-Catholic-Catechism-Adults/dp/1574554506/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346205133&sr=1-1&keywords=us+catechism+for+adults

I also second the recommendation of a decent study Bible. The Ignatius New Testament Study Bible is an excellent chioce, as is the Navarre series, and there are others as well.

Finally, I am going to go in a bit of a different direction. I am going to suggest the purchase of a book on the Church Fathers. I find it very helpful to see that the early Christians believed what we believe today. I find it helpful to see the living Tradition of the Faith as passed down by the Apostles. One book I recommend you consider in this area is Four Witnesses - The Early Church in Her Own Words. amazon.com/Four-Witnesses-Early-Church-Words/dp/0898708478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346205696&sr=8-1&keywords=four+witnesses+the+early+church+in+her+own+words
 
daisybee said:
Little Flower, I had just logged on here again because I came across my list of books to read, and I noticed that the one you mentioned was on it. (*The Catholic Church Through the Ages: A History *by John Vidmar OP)

I haven’t read it yet, but I put it on my list because it was strongly recommended. It also has some favorable reviews on Amazon.
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So far I give this book 4 stars. I still am in the middle of reading it, in the Middle Ages part. The book really gives some good teachings that I havent heard before which really help my faith. The Crusdes part he explaines what positives came from them but doesnt hit too much on some possible negative points. But so far, overall, this is a good history especially looking at the reviews for some of the other Catholic History books which try to give stances that possibly go against Church teaching.
 
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