Thinking of converting..... Advice?

[crazzeto]

Hi I’ve been thinking of converting to Catholicism for some time. I’ve been in contact with my local priest by email and he invited me to call; he seemed very nice in the email. I was wondering if anyone had any specific advice for me and especially any suggestions for good books that are a must have for those that are thinking of converting. I’ve been reading Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila and I also have a wonderful Catholic Study Bible.

Any help and book suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thanks Lauren

You’ve been given some good recommendations, I would also suggest aplogetics books

Where We Got the Bible… Our Debt to the Catholic Church (also available freely online, just search the title)

Apologia pro Vita Sua - I’m not sure this is a complete version or not, it’s the cheapest I could find. You might find a better version searching the title.

Catholic Controversy: St. Francis De Sales Defense of the Faith Converted 70,000 in southern france back to the Catholic Church after the reformation

Bible Proofs for Catholic Truths: A Source Book for Apologists and Inquirers Biblical defence of Church teachings.

 

[LARSCOUT0311]

I would also recommend as someone did previously Catholicism for Dummies. As before I would also recommend participating in Mass as often as you can, especially at this time of year. At this time of year there are many feasts and the Christmas Midnight Mass is coming shortly. Not only will you learn about Catholicism but you will be immersed in the community(church).

 

[CSUNGerrie]

If you want a strong testimony, apologetics, basic faith book, then the books previously reccomended are good.

However, if you want a book that is neither one of these, and yet, all of these at the same time… then get G.K. Chesterton’s Orthodoxy. It is unlike any book you will ever read.

It is not really apologetics and yet it is one of the all time best apologetics books in the world. It is frequently referenced along side Mere Christianity. In fact, G.K. Chesterton’s books were what converted C.S. Lewis.

The book is essentially Chesterton’s testimony to how he found the Church. The first couple of chapters will be a bit confusing but the rest is gold. I have read the book 5 times. It is SOOOO good. You really have to read it atleast 3 times to appreciate it.

best,
Gerrie

 

[aspirant]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but someone might still be interested…

I was wondering if anyone had any specific advice for me and especially any suggestions for good books that are a must have for those that are thinking of converting.

You have a Bible and Catechism, the real essentials. Here’s a checklist for reading both in a year, if you’re interested (you could still use it even if you choose to go slower).

Some of my basic recommendations have been mentioned before, but I don’t think all of them have: Catholicism for Dummies by Trigilio & Brighenti, Why Do Catholics Do That? by Kevin Orlin Johnson, Catholic Christianity and Back to Virtue by Peter Kreeft, The Art of Praying by Romano Guardini, Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West, Early Christian Writings (published by Penguin Books) and On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius (published by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press).

 

[desiringhim]

Welcome home. :dancing:

I went through RCIA last year and came into full communion with the Catholic Church at Easter. It is an experience I will always remember.

Since you have already received many fantastic book recommendations, my best advice to you or anyone thinking of converting is to attend Mass regularly and pray often. Visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is also a wonderful idea.