Books i should read?

[SRMartin15]

Hello again,

I am planning on converting to the Catholic religion and i was just wonder what books i should read in my process in doing so. I was raised in the protestant religion and was never close to the lord till i started going to the Catholic church which made me feel different while entering the first church of Jesus Christ. I know this is what i want but like anything i am going to give it time and pray about it and see where the Lord and God lead me.

I am planning on reading the bible but what version would make it easier for a 20 year old male to understand the best. (i know its awful that i have yet to read the bible but i have found the Lord and i feel that the Catholic church is the way to find truth.) I would very much appreciate what you guys have to say about what bible i should first read, then of course i plan to read other Catholic versions.

Also if there are books i could read to further understand the Catholic religion and learn the smaller details of the church. I know of books like the Catechism of the Catholic Church (my mother gave it to me from when she converted, when meeting her new husband), also books like Catholicism for Dummies, The Catholic Answer Bible: New American Bible (NAB), What Makes Us Catholic: Eight Gifts for Life,and Why Do Catholics Do That?: A Guide to the Teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church. Those are the books that i found on Barnes & Noble online that i want to read. Do any of you have any other or better suggestions for me? I would love to hear all of your opinions.
Grace of God be with you all

Sean

[Guest Eremite]

One caution about "Why Do Catholics Do That". It suggests that female ordination is possible, when in fact, it is not.

I'd recommend anything by the Saints. St. Augustine's "Confessions" is pretty popular, as it details his own conversion.

For something more about the faith itself, Peter Kreeft's "Catholic Christianity" is pretty good. I'd also recommend "Theology for Beginners" and "Theology and Sanity" by Frank Sheed.

Welcome to the Church!

[lifeteenchick527]

the Catechism of the Catholic Church

um yeah, theres a lil catholic store near my house, u could check to see if theres one near yours and they normally have good books to read

God bless
LTC :hearts:

[Colleen]

This is a great one: [url="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1889334294/qid=1121204496/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_ur_1/002-6766382-7438407?v=glance&s=books&n=507846"]The Faith Explained[/url] by Fr. Leo Trese.

Book Description
The Faith Explained is an all-in-one handbook to help you understand, explain, and defend the great truths of the Catholic Faith. In brief and readable chapters, it explains the purpose of human existence, God and His perfections, the creation and fall of man, the Incarnation, the Redemption, the sacraments, sacramentals, prayer, the importance of the Bible, and much more. Perfect for RCIA classes, this book is also a magnificent refresher course on the Faith for Catholics and an illuminating resource for non-Catholics with questions about the Church.

[Guest Eremite]

I just noticed you live in Springfield. If you're looking for some good Catholic places to visit around Massachusetts, let me know. I live in Boston. The North Shore Mall in Peabody has a nice little Carmelite chapel and bookstore.

[Fidei Defensor]

The Lamb’s Supper by Dr. Scott Hahn - its all about the Mass

[Brother Adam]

From flyfreeministries.org

Catechetically Inclined
Books which will help the Catholic apologist or catechist refresh their memory and help teach others in a very direct sense.

The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition - I believe this Bible is among the best academically and scholarly English versions available. Unlike the NAB it is not gender inclusive or politically correct. I would use this version for all of my studies. I highly recommend the Septer (Opus Dei) publication.

The Holy Bible: New American Bible - Because this edition is the official edition used in all liturgical rites and in the Catholic missal, I suggest having a copy on hand and using it when teaching your students as a catechist.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church - If you are a Catholic Apologist and don't use this, shame on you. Get a copy and get very familiar with what it says. It was written for teachers to help you go into the world and teach others and is the first universal catechism in 400 years. Know your faith!!

The Sixteen Documents of Vatican II - Know your faith!! It's a stretch to ask anyone to read all of the documents right through, but these are absolutely essential to understanding your faith and the Church today. Especially if you are an apologist or catechist. If you haven't read Dei Verbum, Gaudium et Spes, Ad Gentes, Nostra Aetate, Apostolicam Actuositatem, Perfectae Caritatis, Sacrosanctum Concilium, or Lumen
Gentium, get to it.

The Catholic Source Book - This is a handy reference book which contains thousands of informational tidbits that normally you spend hours trying to find now at your fingertips. When you go "Oh where is that again?" you'll know to look here.

Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft - This outstanding volume pulls together the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a systematic and easily understandable way.

The Gift of Faith by Wuerl, Lawler, and Lawler - While the authors sound like a law firm, this volume is an even shorter and easier to understand exposition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for beginners.

Code of Canon Law - If you are an advanced apologist or are dealing with inter-Catholic debates, it is probably a good idea to have a copy of canon law and to familiarize yourself with the areas of the text and some more common arguments that stem from it's use.

The New Jerome Biblical Commentary - This is among the best one volume biblical commentaries in the world. Highly recommended for your studies.

Study Tools
These are all pretty straight forward tools which are important to have on hand in your apologetic work.

The Modern Catholic Encyclopedia

38 volume set of the writings of the Early Church Fathers on CD.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Strong's Complete Dictionary of Bible Words Expanded - For use with your Greek and Hebrew volumes.

The New Illustrated Bible Dictionary - While it is a Protestant volume, it is inexpensive and the vast majority of the entries are unbiased and factual information.

Lives of the Saints

Nave's Topical Bible

The Catholic Verse Finder - $2.95 from San Juan Catholic Seminaries. Over 500 common verses categorized on one laminated 8 1/2 by 11 sheet (back and front). It is very handy to have around.

Fundamentally Foundational

This is a look at texts that introduce non-Catholics to the Catholic Faith and help them grasp a good understanding of what the Catholic Church teaches. The second part of the list gives the apologist books to use in your apologetic work.

Pass it on! Books to Give Protestants

How can I get to Heaven? by Robert Sungenis - Do you have an anti-Catholic who keeps trying to convince you that you're going to go to hell for being Catholic. This book is an excellent exposition on the scriptures based on "Not by Faith Alone" to hand him. It is short, but very thorough.
Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn - This is a very funny, very delicate approach to sharing a story of coming home to the Catholic Church that this famous college professor wrote. It is not condescending or condemning, and would be a great gift to a non-Catholic friend who is interested in the faith.

Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie - A great book for those who 'think' they know why the Church is wrong, but are not very well read and usually use what they have heard from others to try to convert Catholics.

Crossing the Tiber by Stephen Ray - This is a great volume for someone who is curious about the faith, but wants to read a more advanced book. It explores Mr. Ray's conversion to the Catholic faith and goes quite in depth on a number of topics.

On Being Catholic by Thomas Howard - This, like most of his books, is very straight forward and very easy to read. He gives a systematic look at why the Church is all she says she is.

Evangelical is not Enough by Thomas Howard - This book contrasts Catholic and non-Catholic worship and why God calls us to worship Him through the mass and in the Blessed Sacrament.

A Map of Life by Frank Sheed - This master apologist explains in a very short and simple work one of life's most pressing questions - who am I and why am I here?

Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating - This text is for the more vibrant and pushy anti-Catholic. Keating, while charitable, knocks the socks off of the most popular anti-Catholic authors and speakers. In a one-two punch style in the second half of his book he uses the scriptures to prove the Catholic position and leave little room for argument.

Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed - This master apologist explains the Christian faith in very easy to read chapters and touches on all of the essentials to a non-Catholic who is not at all anti-Catholic and wants to learn about the Christian faith more in depth. Powerful.

A Father who Keeps His Promises by Dr. Scott Hahn - This text looks at the covenants in scripture showing how it culminates in our New Covenant in Jesus Christ. A powerfully moving text for the fundamental Protestant. It will help them see the Bible as they never have before, showing how it all fits together without having to compartmentalize passages to make everything work.

Lord, Have Mercy by Scott Hahn - This text looks at the scriptural proofs for confession in a easy to read and often humorous manner that is a hallmark of Dr. Hahn

First Comes Love by Scott Hahn - Explores the need for a united visible Church family and it's foundation in the Trinity.

Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn - Explores the role of Mary in the Word of God. A must have for those who are concerned about the role of Mary in the Catholic Church. You may never see the Bible in the same light again when you discover for the first time what is painfully obvious that you never stopped to consider as a Protestant.

The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn - An exploration of the mass. Protestants and Catholics alike will learn just how scriptural the mass is, and how it literally is a piece of heaven on earth with an exploration of the book of Revelation.

Swear to God by Scott Hahn - This is an exploration of the biblical roots of all of the sacraments and how they all fit together for the life of the Christian.

Crossing the Threshold of Hope by Pope John Paul II - This text which answers reporters questions gives us an intimate conversation with the Holy Father as he shepherds the worlds Catholics and shows us his deep love and concern for all people, especially those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Fundamentals of the Faith! Books to use for your apologetic work

Introduction to Christianity by Pope Benedict XVI (writing as Cardinal Ratzinger) - This text is often difficult to understand but is a brilliant introduction to the faith that should don the shelf of every apologist (not to mention be read by every apologist).

Catholicism by Henri De Lubac - Also tougher to read it will give you a deeper grounding in the Catholic faith and prepare you even more to explain it to others. It will give you a renewed appreciation to the depth of the faith.

The Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Dr. Ludwig Ott - This is an excellent, but sometimes hard to come by book on the Christian faith. Extremely in-depth and systematic, it is a powerful volume to look to for authoritative teaching on the beliefs of the Church. It takes the approach of teaching the faith 'gradually and in stages'.

The Not By Series by Robert Sungenis - Comprising of three large volumes (Not by Faith Alone, Not by Bread Alone, Not by Scripture Alone) this author seeks to give an exhaustive scriptural and traditional look at why these common Protestant beliefs just do not hold up to the Bible or the Christian faith.

Transformed by Grace by Dom Wulstan Mork, OSB. - This short text first looks at proofs for the Christian faith for the non-Christian and then shows how the Sacraments are foundational to our faith through scriptural analysis.

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
Having a tough time proving the Church is all that it says it is? This list of books will give you a firm grounding in the roots of the Catholic Church and the Early Church Fathers. Well worth the time and the investment.

Theology of the Church by Cardinal Journet - This is an excellent exposition on ecclesiology that would be well worth any apologists time.
Primacy of the Bishop of Rome and the Ecumenical Dialogue - Published by Ignatius Press this volume familiarizes the Catholic apologist with current dialogue between the Catholic Church and Anglicans, Orthodox, Lutherans, and others.

Upon This Rock by Stephen Ray - Excellent and thoroughly well researched book by an apologist who converted to Catholicism on the foundation of the Church and the Papacy.

The Teachings of the Church Fathers by John Willis S.J. - This Jesuit father has complied and categorized hundreds of topics that the Church Fathers spoke on. Excellent tool for apologetic work.

Jesus, Peter, and the Keys by Butler, Dahlgren and Hess - This volume explores the scriptural roots to the Papacy.

The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church by Hans Von Balthasar - Just as the title says this easy to read volume explores the biblical and traditional roots of the Church.

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic by Kenneth Whitehead - This text also explores the founding of the Catholic Church by Christ and it's early years throughout the first centuries.

Four Witnesses by Rod Bennett - This text is a intimate look into the writings of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons.

Those Terrible Middle Ages! by Regine Pernoud - Explores common myths non-Catholics have about the Church in the Middle Ages.

The Dignity of Life
These texts explore the most pressing need in the world today - a return to understanding the dignity of the human person. These texts explore the Christian family, our sexuality, and our role as human persons in the plan of God. Catechists - please use these texts and present them to your classes.

Natural Family Planning by John Kippley - This is the definitive text on NFP that every engaged and married couple should be reading through. Even if you don't intent to use NFP because you are fully open to children, this text can still help you to have a child - NFP works both ways. To those who are not married or engaged, the chapters on theology and history are especially helpful.

The Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II - This compiled text of John Paul's Wednesday audiences is a powerful tool for conversion. Described as a theological time bomb waiting to explode, the late pope brings us back to a correct understanding of human dignity and how even Catholics are violating it today.

The Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West - West explores the popes theology and philosophy in a way that is easier to understand.

The Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West - West breaks down the pope's theology even more for younger audiences.

The Good News about Sex and Marriage by Christopher West - This is a Question and Answer look for people who are not theologically inclined at the Churches theology.

Naked Without Shame by Christopher West - This is an audio series available for $4 (10 CD's) on Theology of the Body.

Love and Responsibility by Pope John Paul II - This text is the often complicated philosophy of Pope John Paul II which is very important for the catechist to have a grasp on, especially in today's culture of death.

The Gospel of Life by Pope John Paul II

Life Giving Love by Kimberly Hahn - Kimberly targets those who are not always interested in in-depth theology who want to know and understand the beauty of sexuality and of marriage. Excellent presentation.

The Catholic Family by John Hardon - A very short introduction to what it means to be a Catholic Family today.

Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn - This text is Protestant, but offers strong help for those who struggle with their sexuality.

Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge

Humanae Vitae by Paul VI - This text is so useful today especially with those Catholics who believe it is okay to use contraception.

Respect for Human Life in it's origin by CDF - In today's technologically advanced society this document explores the morality of such procedures as IVF and AI.

So Great a Liturgy

Dictionary of the Liturgy by Catholic Book Publishing Company - A great resource tool for terms in the liturgy you may run into.

The History and the Future of the Roman Liturgy by Denis Crouan S.T.D. - This text explores the roots of the Liturgy, what has gone wrong and why. It puts the liturgy in excellent perspective for both Traditionalists and non-Orthodox individuals in the Church.

The Spirit of the Liturgy by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - This is an excellent book sharing the meaning of the liturgy and the importance of celebrating it properly. A great read for those who insist the Tridentine is the only way to celebrate the mass.

The Liturgical Documents - A great complied set of documents from the Church on the proper celebration of the Liturgy.

Liturgical Abuse by Paul Mihalik - Mr. Mihalik explores current abuses in the liturgy for the education of the faithful. Often times people don't even know they are abusing the liturgy.

More Catholic than the Pope by Patrick Madrid - Explores the SSPX cult which is currently in schism.

Sources of Renewal by Karol Wojtyla - Pope John Paul II writing as Cardinal Wojtyla offers great insight into the implementation of Vatican II. Basically, this is what should have happened. Hard to come by, but get it if you can.

Let's hear it for the Saints
A short list of great books on and by the Saints. There are oh so many more out there.

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Franis De Sales - Popular devotional has wonderful meditations.

A Crisis of Saints by George Rutler - Explores the problem of a lack of virtue and heroism in todays society which is producing lukewarm
Christians.

The Confessions of St. Agustine

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure

Classics
Books which may not otherwise fit into another category, but are classics which should be read by all.

What's Wrong With the World by G.K. Chesterton - As he says "I am what is wrong with the world.

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton - Deadly funny, but profoundly written, this text explores why orthodoxy is not outdated.

The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton - His look at why we are here and what our purpose is.

Spiritual Combat Revisited by Fr. Robinson of the Oratory - Spiritual combat is very real, and we must be prepared and must be fighting. If your life is free from spiritual combat, something is seriously amiss.

Worthy is the Lamb by Thomas Nash - This text can be used by groups and explores the biblical roots of the mass.

An Exorcist tells his Story by Gabrielle Amorth - This former exorcist for the Vatican shares stories of actual exorcisms and offers practical advice and caution from a biblical perspective on what possession really is.

Mere Christianity by CS Lewis - Profound classic on proof of the
Christian faith from reason and logic.

The ScrewTape Letters by CS Lewis - a classic warning about falling away in this fictional account of Wormwood and Screwtape - a head demon and his younger apprentice and the soul they are trying to win.

Philosophy

Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas - If you can afford the hefty price tag, great, pick up the complete Summa. This is the classic work on the Christian faith which has been a cornerstone for centuries.
Aquinas' Shorter Summa by St. Thomas Aquinas - Written by Aquinas himself this shorter Summa offers those who want to learn about his theology an easier path to do so.

On Human Nature by St. Thomas Aquinas

A Shorter Summa by Peter Kreeft - Even shorter than the Shorter Summa, Kreeft offers a glimpse at the Summa for beginners to explain some of the foundational material. Good for group classes.
Republic by Plato

The anti-thesis
Books by non-Catholics used to attack the Catholic faith. it is essential to have these books and know what they say to develop your apologetics and be ready with responses to the attacks within.

Roman Catholicism by Loraine Boettner - This book is hailed as the Bible against the Roman Catholic Church. Almost all other anti-Catholic texts are built from this text.

The Gospel According to Rome by James McCarthy - This book is a well known Protestant apologists attempt at refuting the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It would do you well to become familiar with the faulty logic of his arguments. "The Gospel According to McCarthy" is the work by Catholic Apologist Gary Mitchua which refutes his work.

Letters between a Catholic and an Evangelical by James McCarthy and
Fr. John Waiss - This is a decent work which chronicles the letters of these two apologists about the Christian faith. While the publisher gives it a decisively anti-Catholic bias, Fr. Waiss does a fairly good job defending the faith.

Faith Alone by RC Sproul - This text surprisingly is one of the few 'faith alone' books that deals directly with an attempt at refuting the Catholic view of salvation. It is also worth looking at and preparing to refute it's claims.

Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie - This text, while not focusing on anti-Catholic claims would be a handy addition to study the theology of fundamental protestants. It systematically lays out their claims about the Christian faith.

Holy Bible: King James Version - This version is widely popular among Protestants, some professing it to be the only true Bible.

Holy Bible: New International Version - I suggest owning the Study version of the Bible to use in your apologetics, especially to use the notes it offers and commenting on them in ecumenical dialogue.

[luciana]

Go to www.ignatius.com to get a RSV-CE, Revised standard Version- Catholic Edition, if you can't get 2 a Catholic bookstore. They have other great books, and they give a free book w/ an order of [color=red]50[/color] dollars.
It's a good translation that is easy to read.
[color=red](oops edit^)[/color]
Also try the Ignatius Catholic study bibles by Curtis Mitch and Scott Hann. They have little cheap, paperback study guides for each of the Gospels, which is probably where you want to start, and other books in the New Testament.

Regarding, the Catholic study bible you mention, if it's The New Catholic Answer Bible by Paul Thigpen, Dave Armstrong, great choice too, since the notes and articles are written by 2 good apologists.

For ageneral book, try Peter Kreeft, Catholic Christianity, or any book by him. check out his website too.

All these are available at B+N, too, since you mentioned them, and Amazon

Edited July 12, 2005 by luciana

[cathgirl]

Ditto...any Scott Hahn book

[quote name='fidei defensor' date='Jul 12 2005, 06:10 PM']The Lamb’s Supper by Dr. Scott Hahn - its all about the Mass
[right][snapback]641221[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

[ReinnieR]

for beginners

not that i'm insulting your inteligence or anything but uh

catholicism for dummies

[Birgitta Noel]

The Good News About Sex and Marriage by Christopher West. Email me your address and when I get back to St. Louis in August I'll mail you a copy. Christopher donated a bunch of them to me for those on PM.

[ReinnieR]

OOH CAN I HAVE ONE?!?!???

[mariology21]

[quote name='Brother Adam' date='Jul 12 2005, 06:11 PM']From flyfreeministries.org

Catechetically Inclined
Books which will help the Catholic apologist or catechist refresh their memory and help teach others in a very direct sense.

The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition - I believe this Bible is among the best academically and scholarly English versions available. Unlike the NAB it is not gender inclusive or politically correct. I would use this version for all of my studies. I highly recommend the Septer (Opus Dei) publication.

The Holy Bible: New American Bible - Because this edition is the official edition used in all liturgical rites and in the Catholic missal, I suggest having a copy on hand and using it when teaching your students as a catechist.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church - If you are a Catholic Apologist and don't use this, shame on you. Get a copy and get very familiar with what it says. It was written for teachers to help you go into the world and teach others and is the first universal catechism in 400 years. Know your faith!!

The Sixteen Documents of Vatican II - Know your faith!! It's a stretch to ask anyone to read all of the documents right through, but these are absolutely essential to understanding your faith and the Church today. Especially if you are an apologist or catechist. If you haven't read Dei Verbum, Gaudium et Spes, Ad Gentes, Nostra Aetate, Apostolicam Actuositatem, Perfectae Caritatis, Sacrosanctum Concilium, or Lumen
Gentium, get to it.

The Catholic Source Book - This is a handy reference book which contains thousands of informational tidbits that normally you spend hours trying to find now at your fingertips. When you go "Oh where is that again?" you'll know to look here.

Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft - This outstanding volume pulls together the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a systematic and easily understandable way.

The Gift of Faith by Wuerl, Lawler, and Lawler - While the authors sound like a law firm, this volume is an even shorter and easier to understand exposition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for beginners.

Code of Canon Law - If you are an advanced apologist or are dealing with inter-Catholic debates, it is probably a good idea to have a copy of canon law and to familiarize yourself with the areas of the text and some more common arguments that stem from it's use.

The New Jerome Biblical Commentary - This is among the best one volume biblical commentaries in the world. Highly recommended for your studies.

Study Tools
These are all pretty straight forward tools which are important to have on hand in your apologetic work.

The Modern Catholic Encyclopedia

38 volume set of the writings of the Early Church Fathers on CD.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Strong's Complete Dictionary of Bible Words Expanded - For use with your Greek and Hebrew volumes.

The New Illustrated Bible Dictionary - While it is a Protestant volume, it is inexpensive and the vast majority of the entries are unbiased and factual information.

Lives of the Saints

Nave's Topical Bible

The Catholic Verse Finder - $2.95 from San Juan Catholic Seminaries. Over 500 common verses categorized on one laminated 8 1/2 by 11 sheet (back and front). It is very handy to have around.

Fundamentally Foundational

This is a look at texts that introduce non-Catholics to the Catholic Faith and help them grasp a good understanding of what the Catholic Church teaches. The second part of the list gives the apologist books to use in your apologetic work.

Pass it on! Books to Give Protestants

How can I get to Heaven? by Robert Sungenis - Do you have an anti-Catholic who keeps trying to convince you that you're going to go to hell for being Catholic. This book is an excellent exposition on the scriptures based on "Not by Faith Alone" to hand him. It is short, but very thorough.
Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn - This is a very funny, very delicate approach to sharing a story of coming home to the Catholic Church that this famous college professor wrote. It is not condescending or condemning, and would be a great gift to a non-Catholic friend who is interested in the faith.

Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie - A great book for those who 'think' they know why the Church is wrong, but are not very well read and usually use what they have heard from others to try to convert Catholics.

Crossing the Tiber by Stephen Ray - This is a great volume for someone who is curious about the faith, but wants to read a more advanced book. It explores Mr. Ray's conversion to the Catholic faith and goes quite in depth on a number of topics.

On Being Catholic by Thomas Howard - This, like most of his books, is very straight forward and very easy to read. He gives a systematic look at why the Church is all she says she is.

Evangelical is not Enough by Thomas Howard - This book contrasts Catholic and non-Catholic worship and why God calls us to worship Him through the mass and in the Blessed Sacrament.

A Map of Life by Frank Sheed - This master apologist explains in a very short and simple work one of life's most pressing questions - who am I and why am I here?

Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating - This text is for the more vibrant and pushy anti-Catholic. Keating, while charitable, knocks the socks off of the most popular anti-Catholic authors and speakers. In a one-two punch style in the second half of his book he uses the scriptures to prove the Catholic position and leave little room for argument.

Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed - This master apologist explains the Christian faith in very easy to read chapters and touches on all of the essentials to a non-Catholic who is not at all anti-Catholic and wants to learn about the Christian faith more in depth. Powerful.

A Father who Keeps His Promises by Dr. Scott Hahn - This text looks at the covenants in scripture showing how it culminates in our New Covenant in Jesus Christ. A powerfully moving text for the fundamental Protestant. It will help them see the Bible as they never have before, showing how it all fits together without having to compartmentalize passages to make everything work.

Lord, Have Mercy by Scott Hahn - This text looks at the scriptural proofs for confession in a easy to read and often humorous manner that is a hallmark of Dr. Hahn

First Comes Love by Scott Hahn - Explores the need for a united visible Church family and it's foundation in the Trinity.

Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn - Explores the role of Mary in the Word of God. A must have for those who are concerned about the role of Mary in the Catholic Church. You may never see the Bible in the same light again when you discover for the first time what is painfully obvious that you never stopped to consider as a Protestant.

The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn - An exploration of the mass. Protestants and Catholics alike will learn just how scriptural the mass is, and how it literally is a piece of heaven on earth with an exploration of the book of Revelation.

Swear to God by Scott Hahn - This is an exploration of the biblical roots of all of the sacraments and how they all fit together for the life of the Christian.

Crossing the Threshold of Hope by Pope John Paul II - This text which answers reporters questions gives us an intimate conversation with the Holy Father as he shepherds the worlds Catholics and shows us his deep love and concern for all people, especially those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Fundamentals of the Faith! Books to use for your apologetic work

Introduction to Christianity by Pope Benedict XVI (writing as Cardinal Ratzinger) - This text is often difficult to understand but is a brilliant introduction to the faith that should don the shelf of every apologist (not to mention be read by every apologist).

Catholicism by Henri De Lubac - Also tougher to read it will give you a deeper grounding in the Catholic faith and prepare you even more to explain it to others. It will give you a renewed appreciation to the depth of the faith.

The Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Dr. Ludwig Ott - This is an excellent, but sometimes hard to come by book on the Christian faith. Extremely in-depth and systematic, it is a powerful volume to look to for authoritative teaching on the beliefs of the Church. It takes the approach of teaching the faith 'gradually and in stages'.

The Not By Series by Robert Sungenis - Comprising of three large volumes (Not by Faith Alone, Not by Bread Alone, Not by Scripture Alone) this author seeks to give an exhaustive scriptural and traditional look at why these common Protestant beliefs just do not hold up to the Bible or the Christian faith.

Transformed by Grace by Dom Wulstan Mork, OSB. - This short text first looks at proofs for the Christian faith for the non-Christian and then shows how the Sacraments are foundational to our faith through scriptural analysis.

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
Having a tough time proving the Church is all that it says it is? This list of books will give you a firm grounding in the roots of the Catholic Church and the Early Church Fathers. Well worth the time and the investment.

Theology of the Church by Cardinal Journet - This is an excellent exposition on ecclesiology that would be well worth any apologists time.
Primacy of the Bishop of Rome and the Ecumenical Dialogue - Published by Ignatius Press this volume familiarizes the Catholic apologist with current dialogue between the Catholic Church and Anglicans, Orthodox, Lutherans, and others.

Upon This Rock by Stephen Ray - Excellent and thoroughly well researched book by an apologist who converted to Catholicism on the foundation of the Church and the Papacy.

The Teachings of the Church Fathers by John Willis S.J. - This Jesuit father has complied and categorized hundreds of topics that the Church Fathers spoke on. Excellent tool for apologetic work.

Jesus, Peter, and the Keys by Butler, Dahlgren and Hess - This volume explores the scriptural roots to the Papacy.

The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church by Hans Von Balthasar - Just as the title says this easy to read volume explores the biblical and traditional roots of the Church.

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic by Kenneth Whitehead - This text also explores the founding of the Catholic Church by Christ and it's early years throughout the first centuries.

Four Witnesses by Rod Bennett - This text is a intimate look into the writings of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons.

Those Terrible Middle Ages! by Regine Pernoud - Explores common myths non-Catholics have about the Church in the Middle Ages.

The Dignity of Life
These texts explore the most pressing need in the world today - a return to understanding the dignity of the human person. These texts explore the Christian family, our sexuality, and our role as human persons in the plan of God. Catechists - please use these texts and present them to your classes.

Natural Family Planning by John Kippley - This is the definitive text on NFP that every engaged and married couple should be reading through. Even if you don't intent to use NFP because you are fully open to children, this text can still help you to have a child - NFP works both ways. To those who are not married or engaged, the chapters on theology and history are especially helpful.

The Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II - This compiled text of John Paul's Wednesday audiences is a powerful tool for conversion. Described as a theological time bomb waiting to explode, the late pope brings us back to a correct understanding of human dignity and how even Catholics are violating it today.

The Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West - West explores the popes theology and philosophy in a way that is easier to understand.

The Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West - West breaks down the pope's theology even more for younger audiences.

The Good News about Sex and Marriage by Christopher West - This is a Question and Answer look for people who are not theologically inclined at the Churches theology.

Naked Without Shame by Christopher West - This is an audio series available for $4 (10 CD's) on Theology of the Body.

Love and Responsibility by Pope John Paul II - This text is the often complicated philosophy of Pope John Paul II which is very important for the catechist to have a grasp on, especially in today's culture of death.

The Gospel of Life by Pope John Paul II

Life Giving Love by Kimberly Hahn - Kimberly targets those who are not always interested in in-depth theology who want to know and understand the beauty of sexuality and of marriage. Excellent presentation.

The Catholic Family by John Hardon - A very short introduction to what it means to be a Catholic Family today.

Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn - This text is Protestant, but offers strong help for those who struggle with their sexuality.

Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge

Humanae Vitae by Paul VI - This text is so useful today especially with those Catholics who believe it is okay to use contraception.

Respect for Human Life in it's origin by CDF - In today's technologically advanced society this document explores the morality of such procedures as IVF and AI.

So Great a Liturgy

Dictionary of the Liturgy by Catholic Book Publishing Company - A great resource tool for terms in the liturgy you may run into.

The History and the Future of the Roman Liturgy by Denis Crouan S.T.D. -  This text explores the roots of the Liturgy, what has gone wrong and why. It puts the liturgy in excellent perspective for both Traditionalists and non-Orthodox individuals in the Church.

The Spirit of the Liturgy by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - This is an excellent book sharing the meaning of the liturgy and the importance of celebrating it properly. A great read for those who insist the Tridentine is the only way to celebrate the mass.

The Liturgical Documents - A great complied set of documents from the Church on the proper celebration of the Liturgy.

Liturgical Abuse by Paul Mihalik - Mr. Mihalik explores current abuses in the liturgy for the education of the faithful. Often times people don't even know they are abusing the liturgy.

More Catholic than the Pope by Patrick Madrid - Explores the SSPX cult which is currently in schism.

Sources of Renewal by Karol Wojtyla - Pope John Paul II writing as Cardinal Wojtyla offers great insight into the implementation of Vatican II. Basically, this is what should have happened. Hard to come by, but get it if you can.

Let's hear it for the Saints
A short list of great books on and by the Saints. There are oh so many more out there.

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Franis De Sales - Popular devotional has wonderful meditations.

A Crisis of Saints by George Rutler - Explores the problem of a lack of virtue and heroism in todays society which is producing lukewarm
Christians.

The Confessions of St. Agustine

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure

Classics
Books which may not otherwise fit into another category, but are classics which should be read by all.

What's Wrong With the World by G.K. Chesterton - As he says "I am what is wrong with the world.

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton - Deadly funny, but profoundly written, this text explores why orthodoxy is not outdated.

The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton - His look at why we are here and what our purpose is.

Spiritual Combat Revisited by Fr. Robinson of the Oratory - Spiritual combat is very real, and we must be prepared and must be fighting. If your life is free from spiritual combat, something is seriously amiss.

Worthy is the Lamb by Thomas Nash - This text can be used by groups and explores the biblical roots of the mass.

An Exorcist tells his Story by Gabrielle Amorth - This former exorcist for the Vatican shares stories of actual exorcisms and offers practical advice and caution from a biblical perspective on what possession really is.

Mere Christianity by CS Lewis - Profound classic on proof of the
Christian faith from reason and logic.

The ScrewTape Letters by CS Lewis - a classic warning about falling away in this fictional account of Wormwood and Screwtape - a head demon and his younger apprentice and the soul they are trying to win.

Philosophy

Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas - If you can afford the hefty price tag, great, pick up the complete Summa. This is the classic work on the Christian faith which has been a cornerstone for centuries.
Aquinas' Shorter Summa by St. Thomas Aquinas - Written by Aquinas himself this shorter Summa offers those who want to learn about his theology an easier path to do so.

On Human Nature by St. Thomas Aquinas

A Shorter Summa by Peter Kreeft - Even shorter than the Shorter Summa, Kreeft offers a glimpse at the Summa for beginners to explain some of the foundational material. Good for group classes.
Republic by Plato

The anti-thesis
Books by non-Catholics used to attack the Catholic faith. it is essential to have these books and know what they say to develop your apologetics and be ready with responses to the attacks within.

Roman Catholicism by Loraine Boettner - This book is hailed as the Bible against the Roman Catholic Church. Almost all other anti-Catholic texts are built from this text.

The Gospel According to Rome by James McCarthy - This book is a well known Protestant apologists attempt at refuting the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It would do you well to become familiar with the faulty logic of his arguments. "The Gospel According to McCarthy" is the work by Catholic Apologist Gary Mitchua which refutes his work.

Letters between a Catholic and an Evangelical by James McCarthy and
Fr. John Waiss - This is a decent work which chronicles the letters of these two apologists about the Christian faith. While the publisher gives it a decisively anti-Catholic bias, Fr. Waiss does a fairly good job defending the faith.

Faith Alone by RC Sproul - This text surprisingly is one of the few 'faith alone' books that deals directly with an attempt at refuting the Catholic view of salvation. It is also worth looking at and preparing to refute it's claims.

Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie - This text, while not focusing on anti-Catholic claims would be a handy addition to study the theology of fundamental protestants. It systematically lays out their claims about the Christian faith.

Holy Bible: King James Version - This version is widely popular among Protestants, some professing it to be the only true Bible.

Holy Bible: New International Version - I suggest owning the Study version of the Bible to use in your apologetics, especially to use the notes it offers and commenting on them in ecumenical dialogue.
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Wow!

~Jen

[photosynthesis]

The "Surprised By Truth" series is very good. Also, I love St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life." definitely invest in a good Catholic prayer book.

also, anything by Christopher West, Scott Hahn or Fr. Benedict Groeschel is bound to be good

[Maccabeus]

''Hail Holy Queen" by St. Alphonsus Lig...
(dont remember how to spell the last name)

...amazing Book, one of the best I've read in my life. It explains our devotion to our Mother Blessed virgin Mary. and backs up and shows many scriptures that detail with her etc. Totally a gift from God through the hands of a saint. I can see this book saving every Catholic thats superstitious about our honor paid to Mary.

[url="http://www.catholicfreeshipping.com/images/Local/gensym-93-b.jpg"]http://www.catholicfreeshipping.com/images...gensym-93-b.jpg[/url]

[SRMartin15]

[quote name='ReinnieR' date='Jul 12 2005, 09:17 PM']for beginners

not that i'm insulting your inteligence or anything  but uh

catholicism for dummies
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Sorry Reinnier but unlike probably many of you being brought up in a church period, nevermind a catholic church, you got all the basics while growing up.

For me its a different story. I was brought up Protestant but ask me how many times i remember going to a service ill count them on my hands. I believe in god i believe that Jesus is the Messiah and i have looked into the basic beliefs and practices of both Protestant churches and Catholic churches and i have been to a mass and a service.

While at Mass i feel something within myself that i cant explain. I feel like i am with God and his Son Jesus Christ while at Mass. That is something that I have never felt before in a church. I have felt it while praying to God and Jesus but never have i felt that way at a church. Thats when i knew i was at home. Also i believe more in the Catholic church the First church of Jesus Christ. Although i know the basics of the Catholic church consider me a 4 year old when it comes to Churchs in general., nevermind the Catholic church.

It is hard for me because my thirst for the truth is very strong and i want to know more and more each day. I know you probably ment nothing by it but i would like to take baby steps instead of giant leaps and then get lost. I hope you understand. There are no hard feelings i just felt that i had to defend myself from that comment, sorry if i have offended you in any way at all.

On another note thank you all for posting i appreciate it very much. I will be looking into all your suggestions and im ready to start reading as much as i can and absorbing as much as i can as well. Grace of God be with you

Sean

[mariology21]

I'd also suggest St. Louis de Montforts "True Devotion to Mary" very good book. Anything by the saints. And I highly second whoever suggested Scott Hahn's books. (Or maybe I'm thirding or fourthing it....can't remember how many people have suggested his!)

I just finished his book "First Comes Love: Finding your family in the Trinity and the Church." VERY good.

~Jen

[SRMartin15]

My Book wishlist is seeming to grow and grow , I like it keep them coming

Sean

[Birgitta Noel]

Sean,

Rennie wasn't trying to insult you, it's a real book

Rennie, Email me your snail mail addy and I'll get one in the mail to you in August when I get home.

[Mateo el Feo]

[quote name='photosynthesis' date='Jul 12 2005, 09:57 PM']Also, I love St. Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life."[right][snapback]641416[/snapback][/right][/quote]
This is a wonderful book that I'd recommend to anyone!

Sean, you're in my prayers. With your whole life ahead of you, it's a great time to grow in your love for God.