Good books for my non-Catholic husband to read?

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anp1215

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I would really love for my husband to be Catholic. Unfortunately, he has about zero interest in religion. He would describe himself as a Christian, but doesn’t have much interest in anything.

His worldview is extremely scientific (if I can’t see it or study it, it’s not real). His main objection is the Eucharist, he emphatically denies that it’s possible. I can’t really talk to him about it, I’ve tried to talk about Eucharistic miracles with him, but he flat-out denies that they are real. He says that if they were, they would be front-page news all over the world. I can’t talk to him for very long because I get too frustrated.

Anything I show him has to be rational, scientific, etc. He won’t go for anything emotionally based.

Any recommendations?
 
anp1215 said:
I would really love for my husband to be Catholic. Unfortunately, he has about zero interest in religion. He would describe himself as a Christian, but doesn’t have much interest in anything.

His worldview is extremely scientific (if I can’t see it or study it, it’s not real). His main objection is the Eucharist, he emphatically denies that it’s possible. I can’t really talk to him about it, I’ve tried to talk about Eucharistic miracles with him, but he flat-out denies that they are real. He says that if they were, they would be front-page news all over the world. I can’t talk to him for very long because I get too frustrated.

Anything I show him has to be rational, scientific, etc. He won’t go for anything emotionally based.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Hello ANP. I will try to provide the best advice I can (I’m not married, but I am a scientist and Catholic!).

Does your husband truly believe that God sent his “only Begotten Son” (John 3:16) to die on the Cross for our sins and then later ressurect, ascend into Heaven, etc.? If he doesn’t believe in Christianity 101, that Christ did truly die on the Cross, I can see why he would have a problem believing in the Eucharist.

Eucharistic miracles don’t have to be reported all over the world. We never hear news about valid Marian apparitions or Eucharistic miracles, yet they do occur (PM me if you want some book suggestions on miracles, not necessarily Eucharistic ones). In fact, upon personal research, I was astounded by just how many there are all over the world! Every time we partake in the Eucharist we are witnessing a personal miracle; some just don’t see it. One of my priests said in a homily “some people just don’t get it.” I would say, continue praying for your husband and be patient with him (sorry, I know that’s not stellar advice).

My main concern is, have you recommended your husband to go and speak to a priest? I’m sure many priests come across people having doubts, and they are usually the best ones equipped to help your husband through his problems.

Ultimately, your husband is the one who will have to decide whether he believes in Christ as Savior or not. You can’t force him, only act as a positive influence.

Faith in God is completely rational to me. It sounds like your husband is attempting to combine science with religion. Religion deals mostly with faith, science with coming up with the best answers (not the “correct” answer) as to why God’s creation acts the way it does. We should not be worshipping God’s creation, but God Himself. Science is not the sole reason as to why things are the way they are, as we sometimes don’t undersand the things we are seeing. The best answers are not necessarily the correct ones, but the most accepted ones. Perhaps that is one explanation you can provide to your husband.

One book I recommend (though I have not read it yet myself): “The Fingerprint of God” by Hugh Ross.

I also highly recommend doing some research into the Catholic Church and history of science. Many priests/nuns/monks and even Saints were scientists. In fact I would probably argue that the Catholic Church has shaped the western world with its contributions to science.
 
anp1215 said:
I would really love for my husband to be Catholic. Unfortunately, he has about zero interest in religion. He would describe himself as a Christian, but doesn’t have much interest in anything.

His worldview is extremely scientific (if I can’t see it or study it, it’s not real). His main objection is the Eucharist, he emphatically denies that it’s possible. I can’t really talk to hi
m about it, I’ve tried to talk about Eucharistic miracles with him, but he flat-out denies that they are real. He says that if they were, they would be front-page news all over the world. I can’t talk to him for very long because I get too frustrated.

Anything I show him has to be rational, scientific, etc. He won’t go for anything emotionally based.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
You could start by talking to him about how little science Knows and how only a few theories are comepletly provable.

Hope this helps
Shalom
God bless
 
anp1215 said:
I would really love for my husband to be Catholic. Unfortunately, he has about zero interest in religion. He would describe himself as a Christian, but doesn’t have much interest in anything.

His worldview is extremely scientific (if I can’t see it or study it, it’s not real). His main objection is the Eucharist, he emphatically denies that it’s possible. I can’t really talk to him about it, I’ve tried to talk about Eucharistic miracles with him, but he flat-out denies that they are real. He says that if they were, they would be front-page news all over the world. I can’t talk to him for very long because I get too frustrated.

Anything I show him has to be rational, scientific, etc. He won’t go for anything emotionally based.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Do you have Catholic radio in your area. Catholic Answers Live and EWTN’s Open Line shows are really good. All I can tell you is that listening to them helped me learn my faith. Maybe you can have those shows on while he is around. Also these books were very helpful. Born Fundamentalist Born Again Catholic by David Currie, Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre. Maybe you can pick up these books and just have them around where he can see them. And this website might appeal to him…

magisreasonfaith.org/

It is run by Fr. Robert Spitzer. Look for shows where he is a guest on CAL and download them. And finally…pray. God Bless!
 
Another book I would recommend is “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis. Though not really on the topic of science (it is more philosophy/theology), this is what I consider a logical, rational book. In fact, it is mind-blowing. This may be something your husband is looking for.
 
Tous_Logous said:
Hello ANP. I will try to provide the best advice I can (I’m not married, but I am a scientist and Catholic!).

Does your husband truly believe that God sent his “only Begotten Son” (John 3:16) to die on the Cross for our sins and then later ressurect, ascend into Heaven, etc.? If he doesn’t believe in Christianity 101, that Christ did truly die on the Cross, I can see why he would have a problem believing in the Eucharist.

Eucharistic miracles don’t have to be reported all over the world. We never hear news about valid Marian apparitions or Eucharistic miracles, yet they do occur (PM me if you want some book suggestions on miracles, not necessarily Eucharistic ones). In fact, upon personal research, I was astounded by just how many there are all over the world! Every time we partake in the Eucharist we are witnessing a personal miracle; some just don’t see it. One of my priests said in a homily “some people just don’t get it.” I would say, continue praying for your husband and be patient with him (sorry, I know that’s not stellar advice).

My main concern is, have you recommended your husband to go and speak to a priest? I’m sure many priests come across people having doubts, and they are usually the best ones equipped to help your husband through his problems.

Ultimately, your husband is the one who will have to decide whether he believes in Christ as Savior or not. You can’t force him, only act as a positive influence.

Faith in God is completely rational to me. It sounds like your husband is attempting to combine science with religion. Religion deals mostly with faith, science with coming up with the best answers (not the “correct” answer) as to why God’s creation acts the way it does. We should not be worshipping God’s creation, but God Himself. Science is not the sole reason as to why things are the way they are, as we sometimes don’t undersand the things we are seeing. The best answers are not necessarily the correct ones, but the most accepted ones. Perhaps that is one explanation you can provide to your husband.

One book I recommend (though I have not read it yet myself): “The Fingerprint of God” by Hugh Ross.

I also highly recommend doing some research into the Catholic Church and history of science. Many priests/nuns/monks and even Saints were scientists. In fact I would probably argue that the Catholic Church has shaped the western world with its contributions to science.
Click to expand...

Hi, thanks for your answer.
He does believe in Jesus and His Resurrection, at least I think he does. He doesn’t think miracles happen anymore though. He knows that the Church actually has a good history in relation to science, what with the priests and monks who were scientists and the theories they formulated. He says Catholicism is the most rational religion and the one he agrees with the most. He respects it.

I want him to talk with a priest. I would love to find a priest who is very intellectual. I don’t really know how I would go about “finding” such a priest.

Your answer was very helpful.
johnnyc176 said:
Do you have Catholic radio in your area. Catholic Answers Live and EWTN’s Open Line shows are really good. All I can tell you is that listening to them helped me learn my faith. Maybe you can have those shows on while he is around. Also these books were very helpful. Born Fundamentalist Born Again Catholic by David Currie, Surprised by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre. Maybe you can pick up these books and just have them around where he can see them. And this website might appeal to him…

magisreasonfaith.org/

It is run by Fr. Robert Spitzer. Look for shows where he is a guest on CAL and download them. And finally…pray. God Bless!
Click to expand...
Hmmm…we really never listen to the radio. I will look into the books you suggested. Thanks!
 
Summa Theologica. It doesn’t get any more cause-and-effect, and proof-oriented, than that. And you can point out to him that the Powell doctrine closely mirrors Aquinas’ theory of the just war.

The absolute worst that could happen with it is, if your husband is an insomniac, it will put him to sleep!
 
anp1215 said:
I would really love for my husband to be Catholic. Unfortunately, he has about zero interest in religion. He would describe himself as a Christian, but doesn’t have much interest in anything.

His worldview is extremely scientific (if I can’t see it or study it, it’s not real). His main objection is the Eucharist, he emphatically denies that it’s possible. I can’t really talk to him about it, I’ve tried to talk about Eucharistic miracles with him, but he flat-out denies that they are real. He says that if they were, they would be front-page news all over the world. I can’t talk to him for very long because I get too frustrated.

Anything I show him has to be rational, scientific, etc. He won’t go for anything emotionally based.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
I have one but it is better than a book, Our Lady’s green scapular.

The Green Scapular is for everyone, faith or no faith, saint or sinner.
It is a gift from Mary to everyone but especially people in greatest need.

Ten years after the manifestation of the Miraculous Medal to Sister Catherine Laboure in 1830, the Blessed Mother entrusted the Green Scapular of her Immaculate Heart to
Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, likewise a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

How to use it.
Wear or carry the green scapular for yourself.

To help another, place it in their vicinity (i.e. their room, wallet, purse, or all over; lamp, house,car, chair, bed).

Pray, at least daily: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”
This prayer should be said for oneself and separately for each person to whom it has been given (unless they pray it themselves, which they might not do)

Scapular(s) should be blessed.

Have the strongest possible trust in Mary’s promise.
Mary’s own words were:
“The GREATEST graces come from using the scapular but these graces come
in direct proportion to the degree of CONFIDENCE IN ME which the user has.”
The user is you, not the one to whom you give it to.
Confidence means that you believe Mary will keep her promises. (How could she not do so?)
It just means you do your part and she will do hers. It’s a gift from her and she wants you to use it.

Promises of Mary:
… Conversion of those who do not have the faith <<<==========
… Reconciliation to the Church for those who have lost/strayed from the faith
… Assurance of a happy death
… Strengthening of the faith for those already in the Church
… Protection from Satan for those who wear or promote the scapular

Be faithful to the prayer every day.
She didn’t say when, just that she promised it would happen.

“Great graces are often attached to what seems trifling.” St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=544742&page=3

My father, a fallen-away Catholic, passed away several years ago. When he first became ill and was hospitalized, one of the Vincentian priest pinned a Green Scapular to his pillow. I know my mother was especially worried about his salvation, as he had not awakened following emergency surgery. He did awaken many days later, and that same Vincentian asked if he wished to receive the sacraments. He was on a ventilator, so he could not speak, but he could indicate “yes” or “no”, so the priest simply asked if he was sorry for any and all sins he committed, then he was given Extreme Unction. This was 2 years to the day of my auto accident, August 3rd. He died 2 days later, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows on August 5th. There is a promise attached to the Green Scapular that Our Lady will obtain the conversion of those who have fallen away from the True Faith. I’m convinced she did so with my father, the day of his death was clearly Providential.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=620449
(From an atheist)
How did you come to embrace Catholicism?
Strangely enough, it was the Blessed Virgin Mary. That friend of mine had sneakily
snuck in a scapular under my mattress. I didn’t know until about 1 year into my
conversion. I imagine that she had something to do with it. I think it was the
green scapular.
 
fred_conty said:
I have one but it is better than a book, Our Lady’s green scapular.

The Green Scapular is for everyone, faith or no faith, saint or sinner.
It is a gift from Mary to everyone but especially people in greatest need.

Ten years after the manifestation of the Miraculous Medal to Sister Catherine Laboure in 1830, the Blessed Mother entrusted the Green Scapular of her Immaculate Heart to
Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, likewise a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

How to use it.
Wear or carry the green scapular for yourself.

To help another, place it in their vicinity (i.e. their room, wallet, purse, or all over; lamp, house,car, chair, bed).

Pray, at least daily: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”
This prayer should be said for oneself and separately for each person to whom it has been given (unless they pray it themselves, which they might not do)

Scapular(s) should be blessed.

Have the strongest possible trust in Mary’s promise.
Mary’s own words were:
“The GREATEST graces come from using the scapular but these graces come
in direct proportion to the degree of CONFIDENCE IN ME which the user has.”
The user is you, not the one to whom you give it to.
Confidence means that you believe Mary will keep her promises. (How could she not do so?)
It just means you do your part and she will do hers. It’s a gift from her and she wants you to use it.

Promises of Mary:
… Conversion of those who do not have the faith <<<==========
… Reconciliation to the Church for those who have lost/strayed from the faith
… Assurance of a happy death
… Strengthening of the faith for those already in the Church
… Protection from Satan for those who wear or promote the scapular

Be faithful to the prayer every day.
She didn’t say when, just that she promised it would happen.

“Great graces are often attached to what seems trifling.” St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=544742&page=3

My father, a fallen-away Catholic, passed away several years ago. When he first became ill and was hospitalized, one of the Vincentian priest pinned a Green Scapular to his pillow. I know my mother was especially worried about his salvation, as he had not awakened following emergency surgery. He did awaken many days later, and that same Vincentian asked if he wished to receive the sacraments. He was on a ventilator, so he could not speak, but he could indicate “yes” or “no”, so the priest simply asked if he was sorry for any and all sins he committed, then he was given Extreme Unction. This was 2 years to the day of my auto accident, August 3rd. He died 2 days later, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows on August 5th. There is a promise attached to the Green Scapular that Our Lady will obtain the conversion of those who have fallen away from the True Faith. I’m convinced she did so with my father, the day of his death was clearly Providential.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=620449
(From an atheist)
How did you come to embrace Catholicism?
Strangely enough, it was the Blessed Virgin Mary. That friend of mine had sneakily
snuck in a scapular under my mattress. I didn’t know until about 1 year into my
conversion. I imagine that she had something to do with it. I think it was the
green scapular.
Click to expand...
That is an idea.

Shalom
 
Thanks for all your suggestions. I’m going to look into all of them and also get a green scapular.
 
anp1215 said:
I would really love for my husband to be Catholic. Unfortunately, he has about zero interest in religion. He would describe himself as a Christian, but doesn’t have much interest in anything.

His worldview is extremely scientific (if I can’t see it or study it, it’s not real). His main objection is the Eucharist, he emphatically denies that it’s possible. I can’t really talk to him about it, I’ve tried to talk about Eucharistic miracles with him, but he flat-out denies that they are real. He says that if they were, they would be front-page news all over the world. I can’t talk to him for very long because I get too frustrated.

Anything I show him has to be rational, scientific, etc. He won’t go for anything emotionally based.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton. He rationalizes his way to Christianity and Catholicism using almost solely human-based arguments. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis might also be good for him.

Honestly, I struggled for a long time with the Eucharist, and it only clicked after spending months going to Adoration. That might just have to be a spiritual conversion, rather than convincing him with rational arguments.
 
Reasons to Believe by Scott Hahn might just be the book that will stir your husband’s curious mind. Good luck
 
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