Books any Catholic should read

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Goya said:
I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for. Of books not yet mentioned, I’d volunteer St. Augustine’s Confessions–it’s an all-time classic; very readable, very moving, and very spiritual (it’s essentially a long, coherent prayer–it begins (first 9 books) with the autobiography of St. Augustine–then switches gears, discussing more philosophical, spiritual generalized concerns, building on the backdrop of his conversion). This book will stick with you for years.

I also loved Imitation of Christ, mentioned by several readers above–but that’s more of a devotional, intended to be digested piecemeal, daily (not really to be read straight through, as Confessions; in this sense, it is more like the Catechism–which I also loved–especially the end–seemed to build up to it; but by the time I had read it, I had a very well developed understanding of Catholicism, and it seemed to speak to that). The imitation of Christ is challenging, and spiritually moving–but well worth the journey.

My advice (FWIW)–read the Confessions actively, straight through;

At the same time, read Imitation of Christ, passively–a section each day or so, when you can. Take your time. Digest it; meditate on it; live it. You can probably read a few works, while working your way at a casual pace, through Imitation of Christ.

jmho.
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Confessions is one of my favorite books. Seeing a great philosopher and theologian like Augustine struggle with the same problems we do definitely does stick with you. The section on time is really well done too.
 
Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed
Pope Fiction by Patrick Madrid
Life of Christ by (Blessed) Fulton Sheen
Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie
*Between Heaven and Hell: A Dialog Somewhere Beyond Death with John F. Kennedy, C. S. Lewis & Aldous Huxley * by Peter Kreeft, also A Refutation of Moral Relativism: Interviews with an Absolutist Moralist
 
danzibr said:
First, I’m sorry if this would fit better into a different subforum.

I’m looking for books to read to strengthen two things: my knowledge of the Faith, and my ability to defend Her (from Protestants and non-Christians).

I’ve only been Catholic for 2 years now, so what I’ve read is quite limited. I’ve read at least some of:
The Bible (most of it)
CCC (some of it, need to read more)
Catholicism for Dummies (cover to cover)
Catholicism (cover to cover)
Mere Christianity (cover to cover, and this is what converted me from agnosticism to Christianity)
Faith and Reason (halfish of it)
The Catholic Verses (almost done with it)
If Protestantism is True (most of it, and in fact this is what converted me to Catholicism)
Rome Sweet Home (most of it)

And… that’s all that comes to mind. I’m about to join the Liturgical Council and, to be honest, I don’t feel quite, well… Catholic enough. I’ve only memorized a couple dozen key verses (open to suggestions there!).

I’m also open to history books.

Thanks in advance!
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Everything by Peter Kreeft.
 
Many great suggestions so far. I would also add James Akins book “The Salvation Controversy”, Tim Staples book “Behold Your Mother”, and Brandt Petri’s book “The Jewish roots of the Eucharist.”

I could list many more, but these are some of my favorites.
 
ocdnms said:
Self Abandonment To Divine Providence ; Fr. J.P. De Cuassade, S.J.
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Not everything has to be apologetics and Self Abandonment to Divine Providence is one of the top five every Christian should read. It is also titled “The sacrament of the Present Moment.”

http://bks5.books.google.com/books/content?id=YKR6e05-EBIC&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&imgtk=AFLRE70X2kVspnPytoLeKinGeI7HBazYdigt4f7jirY6NkNO8jetlZLyLQWp2sUA-Z49FNEZYeC7NqT14yHJP4UdvUoJ46qQOhJJpWLJm2a2mmDW0l2Lz20BwoNx6FsblYgMB81PxhTh

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales is another in the top five. The one from Tan books is the best translation.

-Tim-
 
Bill_Martin said:
Confessions is one of my favorite books. Seeing a great philosopher and theologian like Augustine struggle with the same problems we do definitely does stick with you. The section on time is really well done too.
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👍 Concur.

I liked Book X, on memory, most (contains the famous “…late have I loved you…” line). In fact, after I read it, Garry Wills came out with a translation just of book X entitled “Memory”–couldn’t resist. He didn’t add a whole lot by his translation, but the footnotes made it worth it. Actually, now that I think about it, it included book XI, on time, as well.

But yes, St. Augustine’s Confessions, is definitely worthy of its reputation (Probably my 2nd favorite all time, behind don Quixote). fwiw.
 
I’m glad that you mentioned Mere Christianity. I believe that to always be the ultimate book for the conversion of the half converted/agnostic. Any of CS Lewis is worth reading. How that man was not a Catholic is behond me. My recommendation (if they have not already been mentioned) are the three books that Pope Benedict wrote about Jesus after becoming Pope. I am on the second one (Entry Into Jerusalem and Holy Week). The first book absolutely blew my head off. A master theologian whilst still being very readable.
 
The following is a basic list for Catholic Apologetics. If I were listing Christian apologetics books, the titles would be different.

RECOMMENDED READING LIST

Conversion Stories
Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn
Lead Kindly Light by Thomas Howard
Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid (contains 11 shorter conversion stories)
Crossing the Tiber by Stephen RayBeginning Apologetics
The One-Minute Apologist by Dave Armstrong
Cathollicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating (founder of Catholic Answers)
Catholicism for Dummies by Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Brent Brighenti (silly title, excellent book)Intermediate Apologetics
A Biblical Defense of Catholicism by Dave Armstrong
The Catholic Verses by Dave Armstrong
The Biblical Basis for the Catholic Faith by John Salza
The Biblical Basis for the Papacy by John Salza
The Biblical Basis for Purgatory by John Salza
The Biblical Basis for the Eucharist by John Salza
Upon This Rock by Stephen K. RayHistory
Code: 
**How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization** by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.**Theology**
Theology for Beginners by Frank SheedReference Books
The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition)
Catechism of the Catholic Church (the print edition has a scripture index which is very useful)
 
May I just say, please try to buy these books from good catholic stores, local, shop.catholic.com, ewtn, whomever. just do your local/smaller friends a favor and go to them before you try the big stores like amazon and walmart and such. That’s just my opinion anyway.
 
GK Chesterton is always a good read.

My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin SJ, was an enjoyable one.
 
Greetings,
I will second St. Augustine’s Confessions, and Fulton Sheen’s Life of Christ.

For History, without question my favorite is

CHRIST THE KING LORD OF HISTORY,
by Anne Carroll, published by Tan Books, Phone # 1800437*5876

It is one of the most interesting book that I have ever read. It shows how God has worked through history in His Church and it has a lot of apologetically useful information as well. History is not just about one country advancing because of some new technological weapon that it uses to subdue its enemies. History is about people. In this book you really get to know some important people in Church history. Often she will give quotations from them at turning points in history that lets you see right into their character, good or bad. History is about how God’s divine providence prevails.

The Author’s husband is Warren Carroll, who has published a six volume history of the Church.

UNDERSTANDING THE MASS,
by Father Maynard Kolodziej, O. F. M.
Franciscan Publishers
143 E. Pulaski St.
Pulaski, Wisconsin 54162
PH: 1920822*5422
It cost $5.00 including shipping and handling, but it is worth so much more, especially seeing what is at stake.
It is about 80 pages. I recommend this because it is so important to learn how to pray the Mass well.

If you want something on the crusades, i could send some links.
Also see Church and Science, Bones of ST. Peter

.
 
danzibr said:
First, I’m sorry if this would fit better into a different subforum.

I’m looking for books to read to strengthen two things: my knowledge of the Faith, and my ability to defend Her (from Protestants and non-Christians).

I’ve only been Catholic for 2 years now, so what I’ve read is quite limited. I’ve read at least some of:
The Bible (most of it)
CCC (some of it, need to read more)
Catholicism for Dummies (cover to cover)
Catholicism (cover to cover)
Mere Christianity (cover to cover, and this is what converted me from agnosticism to Christianity)
Faith and Reason (halfish of it)
The Catholic Verses (almost done with it)
If Protestantism is True (most of it, and in fact this is what converted me to Catholicism)
Rome Sweet Home (most of it)

And… that’s all that comes to mind. I’m about to join the Liturgical Council and, to be honest, I don’t feel quite, well… Catholic enough. I’ve only memorized a couple dozen key verses (open to suggestions there!).

I’m also open to history books.

Thanks in advance!
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Hi Danzibr,

My favorite Catholic books are about devotion to Jesus through Mary. For example,

–33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley
–True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis DeMontfort
–The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus Liguori

Peace,

Pat
 
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