What 5 Books Might Someone Suggest When A Friend Is Looking Into The Catholic Faith?

[Chris_Jacobsen]

I would not recommend the Catechism of the Catholic Church, nor would I recommend the Bible.

1. A good catechism such one of the ones by Father John Hardon, or Baltimore Catechism No. 4, or This is the Faith by Canon Francis Ripley. I would lean toward This is the Faith because it is very easy to read.
2. A Textual Concordance of the Holy Scriptures by Thomas David Williams. It has all of the scripture passages written out that support the main beliefs and practices of the Catholic Faith.
3. Radio Replies by Fathers Rumble and Carty. Volumes 1, 2, &3. In a question and answer format, it answers all the possible objections to the Catholic Church.
4. The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort. This book brings the Catholic religion to life.
5. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis This book, second only in popularity to the Bible, teaches us how to put our religion into practice.

 

[MichaelKelly]

Thanks everybody! This is a wealth of information and some great suggestions! I have several of these books and the others I will not only suggest to my friend but read myself! Thank you all!

 

[Sanctus]

1. The Life of Christ
2. Catholic for a Reason
3. The CCC
4. Upon this Rock
5. Where we got the Bible

 

[dmm2000]

Yes or No, By Peter Kreeft

 

[Strider]

bettyg51:

For converting an agnostic:
New American Bible
For a revert:
New American Bible
For those with non-Catholic background:
New American Bible

I would be wary of giving a non-Catholic a copy of the NAB. Yes, it’s the version for the Mass and prayers that the USCCB uses, but many of the commentaries are, ah, problematic to say the least.
The question was, “besides the Bible,” but if one is recommending a Bible, I’d definitely stick with RSV CE.

Anything by Sheed, Kreeft or Weigle would be good.