Rediscovering Catholicism

[kayla]

Our parish is handing out the book “Resiscoving Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly.
wanted to know if anyone has read this book and what do you think??

 

[juno24]

I have not read the book, but I have heard several talks by Matthew Kelly. He is awesome! He has a way of delivering the truth of the faith with such humor and grace that one never feels bludgeoned by the truth.

 

[T_Hope]

Our parish is handing out the book “Resiscoving Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly.
wanted to know if anyone has read this book and what do you think??

I received the book at Christmastime, and have read bits of it. It is very good. Simple and inspiring. An easy read. And well worth the time.

Hope

 

[catherine126]

My parish also offered this book at Christmas! I read the whole thing and give it two big thumbs up. I thought there was solid, positive advice throughout the book.

 

[jtodisco]

I know this is likely not going to be the most popular post in this thread but I have to say that I think Matthew Kelly is an awful writer. I am a practicing Catholic and an avid reader and am always excited to check out books that might help deepen my appreciation and understanding of the faith. When I received a free copy of Rediscovering Catholicism from my deacon I assumed this would be a great book since I know my deacon to be an intelligent and devout man. However, Matthew Kelly is just another motivational speaker/author who spews cliched and repetitive feel good statements that have little substance.

If you want to save yourself a lot of time and brain cells then I can sum up Matthew Kelly’s book for you in one sentence: “God wants you to be the best person you can be.” Now that is clearly true, but that’s as “deep” as the author gets spiritually and he repeats it over and over again for 300 pages. I was seriously torn on whether or not to throw the book out after reading it or give it to a local Goodwill thrift store. In the end I gave it to Goodwill because I hate being wasteful, but part of me feels guilty knowing someone will end up paying 50 cents for that waste of time.

If you really want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the faith check out Father Robert Barron. He’s written several good books, he has a show on WGN, and also a website to promote Catholic evangelization. wordonfire.org

 

[JRKH]

I have it and agree with the other posters. It is a good book, quite inspiring and an easy read. Very down to earth and practical.

Peace
James

 

[Carlan]

I know this is likely not going to be the most popular post in this thread but I have to say that I think Matthew Kelly is an awful writer. I am a practicing Catholic and an avid reader and am always excited to check out books that might help deepen my appreciation and understanding of the faith. When I received a free copy of Rediscovering Catholicism from my deacon I assumed this would be a great book since I know my deacon to be an intelligent and devout man. However, Matthew Kelly is just another motivational speaker/author who spews cliched and repetitive feel good statements that have little substance.

If you want to save yourself a lot of time and brain cells then I can sum up Matthew Kelly’s book for you in one sentence: “God wants you to be the best person you can be.” Now that is clearly true, but that’s as “deep” as the author gets spiritually and he repeats it over and over again for 300 pages. I was seriously torn on whether or not to throw the book out after reading it or give it to a local Goodwill thrift store. In the end I gave it to Goodwill because I hate being wasteful, but part of me feels guilty knowing someone will end up paying 50 cents for that waste of time.

If you really want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the faith check out Father Robert Barron. He’s written several good books, he has a show on WGN, and also a website to promote Catholic evangelization. wordonfire.org

Hmmmm, At least it didn’t cost you anything to give it away to someone who may be blessed by it. I am going to buy it myself and will probably pass it on to others. Peace, Carlan

 

[JRKH]

I know this is likely not going to be the most popular post in this thread but I have to say that I think Matthew Kelly is an awful writer. I am a practicing Catholic and an avid reader and am always excited to check out books that might help deepen my appreciation and understanding of the faith. When I received a free copy of Rediscovering Catholicism from my deacon I assumed this would be a great book since I know my deacon to be an intelligent and devout man. However, Matthew Kelly is just another motivational speaker/author who spews cliched and repetitive feel good statements that have little substance.

If you want to save yourself a lot of time and brain cells then I can sum up Matthew Kelly’s book for you in one sentence: “God wants you to be the best person you can be.” Now that is clearly true, but that’s as “deep” as the author gets spiritually and he repeats it over and over again for 300 pages. I was seriously torn on whether or not to throw the book out after reading it or give it to a local Goodwill thrift store. In the end I gave it to Goodwill because I hate being wasteful, but part of me feels guilty knowing someone will end up paying 50 cents for that waste of time.

If you really want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the faith check out Father Robert Barron. He’s written several good books, he has a show on WGN, and also a website to promote Catholic evangelization. wordonfire.org

You are certainly entitled to your opinion of the book, and your “counterpoint” to the other posts will surely be helpful to the OP. The more perspectives the better.

While I agree that the book is not very “deep”, but it may also be just the thing for a person just coming to faith, not very spiritually learned, or not very well educated or, not overly intelligent (no offense to anyone)…Or a person who wants something light and uplifting without getting too involved.
What I’m saying is that it’s lack fo spiritual depth doesn’t necessarily make it a bad book or Mr Kelly a poor writer. It just makes it different than what you may have expected or needed or wanted.
As to the style, I quite agree that it is somewhat repetative, built around the “be the best person you can be theme”. Actually the style struck me much more like a transcribed motivational speech than anything else, but since that is what Mr Kelly is, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised…

Peace
James

 

[Carlan]

You are certainly entitled to your opinion of the book, and your “counterpoint” to the other posts will surely be helpful to the OP. The more perspectives the better.

While I agree that the book is not very “deep”, but it may also be just the thing for a person just coming to faith, not very spiritually learned, or not very well educated or, not overly intelligent (no offense to anyone)…Or a person who wants something light and uplifting without getting too involved.
What I’m saying is that it’s lack fo spiritual depth doesn’t necessarily make it a bad book or Mr Kelly a poor writer. It just makes it different than what you may have expected or needed or wanted.
As to the style, I quite agree that it is somewhat repetative, built around the “be the best person you can be theme”. Actually the style struck me much more like a transcribed motivational speech than anything else, but since that is what Mr Kelly is, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised…

Peace
James

We are not all in the same place with our spiritual growth and I think any reading that helps anyone in that direction is a good thing, Evidently the parish Priest and Deacon who provided it for their people thought it a worthy investment, Peace, Carlan

 

[JRKH]

We are not all in the same place with our spiritual growth and I think any reading that helps anyone in that direction is a good thing, Evidently the parish Priest and Deacon who provided it for their people thought it a worthy investment, Peace, Carlan

 

[baylee]

I know this is likely not going to be the most popular post in this thread but I have to say that I think Matthew Kelly is an awful writer. I am a practicing Catholic and an avid reader and am always excited to check out books that might help deepen my appreciation and understanding of the faith. When I received a free copy of Rediscovering Catholicism from my deacon I assumed this would be a great book since I know my deacon to be an intelligent and devout man. However, Matthew Kelly is just another motivational speaker/author who spews cliched and repetitive feel good statements that have little substance.

If you want to save yourself a lot of time and brain cells then I can sum up Matthew Kelly’s book for you in one sentence: “God wants you to be the best person you can be.” Now that is clearly true, but that’s as “deep” as the author gets spiritually and he repeats it over and over again for 300 pages. I was seriously torn on whether or not to throw the book out after reading it or give it to a local Goodwill thrift store. In the end I gave it to Goodwill because I hate being wasteful, but part of me feels guilty knowing someone will end up paying 50 cents for that waste of time.

If you really want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the faith check out Father Robert Barron. He’s written several good books, he has a show on WGN, and also a website to promote Catholic evangelization. wordonfire.org

I’m kinda with you on this. I read it and was left with “Meh”…it didn’t do anything to increase my faith or understanding; however, I do agree with a couple of the others who said they think it depends on the person and where they are in their spirituality/understanding of Catholic teaching. I think it is probably a great book to start with especially if you are a Catholic who is just returning or thinking of returning to the Church.

 

[JRKH]

I’m kinda with you on this. I read it and was left with “Meh”…it didn’t do anything to increase my faith or understanding; however, I do agree with a couple of the others who said they think it depends on the person and where they are in their spirituality/understanding of Catholic teaching. I think it is probably a great book to start with especially if you are a Catholic who is just returning or thinking of returning to the Church.

I also think it would be a good read for younger folks, teens and pre teens…

Peace
James

 

[CB_Catholic]

I’m kinda with you on this. I read it and was left with “Meh”…it didn’t do anything to increase my faith or understanding; however, I do agree with a couple of the others who said they think it depends on the person and where they are in their spirituality/understanding of Catholic teaching. I think it is probably a great book to start with especially if you are a Catholic who is just returning or thinking of returning to the Church.

I think you are right. At my daughter’s parish they gave copies out to everyone at their Christmas Masses because they are trying to bring Catholics back to the Church, and, of course, there are many Catholics who only attend at Christmas and Easter, and have little knowledge of the Faith. Also, his book is meant to be passed on to others. We definiately need to make efforts to re-engage Catholics and bring them back, and most of them need basic catechesis. If you are well formed in the faith and do quite a bit of study and spiritual reading, this book is probably not going to appeal too much to you. But it is, in my opinion, a great tool for re-evangelzing Catholics. Read the book and then pass it on to someone who hasn’t been to church in a while. It might spark interest.

In fact, just the other day at work I saw someone reading it and started up a conversation with her. Someone had passed the book on to her. Matthew Kelly is coming to speak one evening in my parish and we will have copies of his book available. I am getting excited about this and hope we can reach inactive Catholics and also re-energize our parish.

 

[At_Trent]

I have a copy of it I picked up in the free books bin at my parish. I applaud his efforts, but for rediscovering Catholicism, I’d prefer one of the many staple works such as This is The Faith by Ripley.

I think he misses the point in many places. He tries to rationalize things, when the answer is simple. Weak faith.

jmo

 

[Soontobe]

I agree that the central theme of Kelly’s book is to strive to “be-all-that-you can-be” and that it is perfectly reasonable that is God’s intention for each of his creaturess. So I’ve no issue with that.

What I am troubled about his pot-shots at the Catholic Church and subtle derision of the it’s leaders and theologians.

Specifically he writes (Page 71) “As the Church becomes more and more isolated from this call to holiness - whether locally, regionally, nationally, or universally - it quickly begins to resemble little more than a massive social welfare committee”

On Page 69, he writes, “I think it safe to say that Vatican II was grossly misunderstood by Catholics at large, and misrepresented by a great many theologians”

Page 62, " “after Second Vatican Council…a great many educators and priests stopped teaching, preaching, and speaking about the (goal of Christian Life)” … “so they threw it away away or watered it down”

“Ever since Vatican II … we have done little more than provide another form of entertainment” - page 69

I’m left with the impression that Kelly is suggesting that the leaders of the Catholic Church need to " Rediscover Catholicism". I’m not sure I understand how he acquired this moral/theologic authority to be critical of the leaders of his Catholic Faith.

Having heard him speak, he is most assuredly a great motivational speaker. I’m just not sure about his agenda. Furthermore, open criticism of Catholic educators, priests, and leaders on issues of theology and the goal of Christian life do nothing to persuade us to embrace Catholicism more deeply.

But this is just my opinion.

• Soontobe

 

[JRKH]

I agree that the central theme of Kelly’s book is to strive to “be-all-that-you can-be” and that it is perfectly reasonable that is God’s intention for each of his creaturess. So I’ve no issue with that.

What I am troubled about his pot-shots at the Catholic Church and subtle derision of the it’s leaders and theologians.

Specifically he writes (Page 71) “As the Church becomes more and more isolated from this call to holiness - whether locally, regionally, nationally, or universally - it quickly begins to resemble little more than a massive social welfare committee”

On Page 69, he writes, “I think it safe to say that Vatican II was grossly misunderstood by Catholics at large, and misrepresented by a great many theologians”

Page 62, " “after Second Vatican Council…a great many educators and priests stopped teaching, preaching, and speaking about the (goal of Christian Life)” … “so they threw it away away or watered it down”

“Ever since Vatican II … we have done little more than provide another form of entertainment” - page 69

I’m left with the impression that Kelly is suggesting that the leaders of the Catholic Church need to " Rediscover Catholicism". I’m not sure I understand how he acquired this moral/theologic authority to be critical of the leaders of his Catholic Faith.

Having heard him speak, he is most assuredly a great motivational speaker. I’m just not sure about his agenda. Furthermore, open criticism of Catholic educators, priests, and leaders on issues of theology and the goal of Christian life do nothing to persuade us to embrace Catholicism more deeply.

But this is just my opinion.

• Soontobe

Having been born in the Pre-Vatican II church, raised during the changes, having left the church for many years before coming back - I think I DO know what he is driving at and it is quite true.

The Vat II Changes started when I was 10 yo and in Catholic School. Our religion classes changed, our catechesis fell off and I know now that this continued after I left school and church.

Today many Catholics use ABC and there are priests and theologens who allow and even support it. WHY?
Today more than half of Catholics surveyed do not believe in the real presence. WHY?
We could go on and list many other abuses that are allowed, endorsed, or “overlooked” in various diocese over the last 40+ years.

The Church today, thanks to the efforts of our last two popes, has begun to move back to orthodoxy. To believing in and following the Magisterium. It is a gradual thing, but abuses are being challenged by those in the pews. Liberal bishops are gradually being replaced by more conservative ones. Catachesis is improving now that we have a new Catechism.

And as to Mr Kelly’s authority to criticize, it is the same as our own. We are not just sheep to be led. We are members of “a Royal priesthood, a people set apart”…This is what we are called every week in mass.
The term “Church” in the Greek is Ekklesia which means “a community called out for a specific purpose”. Mr kelly, as a memeber of that ekklesia, certainly has the right to expound as he sees fit in order to get us to look at and think about "rediscovering (true) Catholicism.

Peace
James

 

[laszlo]

Today many Catholics use ABC and there are priests and theologens who allow and even support it. WHY?
Today more than half of Catholics surveyed do not believe in the real presence. WHY?

After examining some factors involved in the well-known polls, he also cites other ones that produced a far different result: a Roper poll from 1997 indicated that 82% among American Catholics believed that “the bread and wine used in Mass are actually transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.” A CARA poll in 2001 found that 70% accepted that “Jesus Christ is really present” as opposed to 30% who thought “the bread and wine are symbols of Jesus.” Davidson cites several additional studies and concludes that, while belief in the Real presence is declining somewhat, it is nowhere near as bleak as the 1992 Gallup and 1994 Times/CBS studies made out. It’s a case study of how to ask poll questions, and how the question affects the answer. Davidson opined that the 1992 poll (of 519 Catholics) offered four elaborate choices over the phone: the nuances of which would have gone over many people’ heads.

Also if the ABC is animal birth control my cat is spayed, and my dog is neutralized. What is wrong with that?

 

[CB_Catholic]

I don’t think Mr. Kelly is saying anything that hasn’t been said ad infinitum on this forum many times, and also by many Catholic speakers, priests, religious, and laity who are so popular among the more conservative-minded Catholics today. Why single him out?

 

[Soontobe]

I certainly don’t wish to “single him out”, rather I’m interested in understanding what other agenda he might have beside exhorting his readers to “be-all-that-you can be”. As to his “authority”, I have tried (in vain) to have his Foundation explain how or where he received his training.
I was told by some they had heard he attended Franciscan University but did not complete his work.

From the last several postings, apparently it was clearer to others that he is really espousing that the church rediscover it’s (true) Catholicism. Frankly, I was not really prepared for that, rather I thought that the book’s theme was each individual rediscovering what it means to be Catholic.

BTW, I was 22 in 1965, so I did have some experience with pre Vatican II.

Whether “liberal” bishops have corrupted Catholicism, and “conservative” bishops are now in repair mode…I have no opinion, because I don’t feel qualified to judge those that were appointed by the Pope.

So call me a “sheep” if you will, I believe that God calls me to obey his duly ordained ministers.

Peace,

 

[JRKH]

After examining some factors involved in the well-known polls, he also cites other ones that produced a far different result: a Roper poll from 1997 indicated that 82% among American Catholics believed that “the bread and wine used in Mass are actually transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.” A CARA poll in 2001 found that 70% accepted that “Jesus Christ is really present” as opposed to 30% who thought “the bread and wine are symbols of Jesus.” Davidson cites several additional studies and concludes that, while belief in the Real presence is declining somewhat, it is nowhere near as bleak as the 1992 Gallup and 1994 Times/CBS studies made out. It’s a case study of how to ask poll questions, and how the question affects the answer. Davidson opined that the 1992 poll (of 519 Catholics) offered four elaborate choices over the phone: the nuances of which would have gone over many people’ heads.

Also if the ABC is animal birth control my cat is spayed, and my dog is neutralized. What is wrong with that?

As regards Polls, I agree that we can find many differing views.

As to ABC - I don’t know if you are just being “cute” but ABC stands for “Artificial Birth Control”, as opposed to Church Sanctioned NFP, Natural Family Planning.

Peace
James