Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion and Purpose

This book is one of several books in the apologetics genre that I have recently read and while perhaps the best of them, it still is not that good. So my issues with the book- First, like other titles I have read in this genre, it does not really seem to answer the questions that people have about religion and God. He seems to presume that all problems or issues with Catholicism come out of the “New Atheist” school. My experience is that most people do not know or could explain what they think. Rather, the “New Atheists” give a type of permission to allow people to not believe anymore, their reason for that lack of faith are probably varied but can be summed up that the experience that this book writes about is not the experience that many people have in their day-to-day interactions with people. Most important however is that he explanation of why one believes is off the mark. Essentially, one is Catholic so that you can be the best you can be. It is a version of the Prosperity Gospel heresy. Finally, at times, the tone was a bit negative. Several times he writes that the secular world has no moral code. This is fundamentally untrue. While it may not be systematically articulated or agree with the moral code of the Catholic Church or most Christian churches, there is a moral code. This thought ignores the history of theological thought that we can come to know God through natural law.While I did not have some problems, I did begin by writing that this book is the best of the apologetic works that I have read recently. The best part of this book is the Third Part- The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality. In this part he briefly goes over a different aspect of what he considers the essentials of Catholic spirituality. These are usually accompanied by an anecdote that shows how these played out in his own life. While I may have wished he emphasized some other things they were the most practical parts of the book.

Even though the Catholic Church is under attack, and fittingly with all the abuse scandals, this is very inspirational to NOT abandon your Catholic beliefs. The Hierarchy that is in control of the church is sorely needing of a purging. It also shows how evil can infiltrate any aspect of our lives, Religious, Corporate, Judicial, Political and of course in the Entertainment field. It is everywhere. We must stand strong in our own personal beliefs against this hailstorm of evil if anything to not let it overwhelm and overtake us. We can't let evil be victorious. It is an uphill battle. This book shows that we must not give up and keep on trying to swim against the tide. I had been away from my faith for over 35 years and it inspired me to "rediscover" my roots. Highly recommend it!

I just bought this in Kindle and Audible formats. Originally, I got the book in the mail and I never recall ordering. Seemingly odd for a book with this name, it opens telling of a pandemic, much like COVID-19. And after reading the story about the pandemic, much like the Easter Story we celebrate each year which is based on the Salvation History story, Kelly presents us with a question, “Father, seeing it from your eyes should break our hearts. Maybe now we can begin to comprehend the great love you have for us”? That's when I became interested in what he was trying to tell us in the book. It was a good hook to get me to read. It might work for you also. Baiting us, Kelly prays, “We collectively rediscover what it means to live a Christian life.”Kelly says, “The Church, like so many other things in life, is not something we inherit from generations past or take over from our predecessors. The Church is on loan to us from future generations.” With Churches empty, do we have plans to give it back to them—or doesn’t the Easter Story mean enough to us? It's a fascinating challenge he places before us. If you’re curious about all he’s trying to tell us, like I was, you'll have to read the book!Just a side note: I heard him talk years after I first read the book and found him a captivating Catholic Christian witness.

This book is an outstanding reminder of the wonderful things about our Catholic faith. This is not a "nuts and bolts" of Catholic tradition and doctrines. Rather it reminds us of the the reasons we should embrace our Catholic faith instead of allowing the negative things that we may have experienced or heard drive us away or give us an excuse to "throw the baby out with the bath water". It is an easy read, even for slow readers. I am a practicing, devout Catholic and I got this book for a family member who has abandoned his faith more than 40 years ago, but due to a serious illness and an visit by a Catholic priest at the hospital, has shown an interest in his faith again. This book may also be good for a non-Catholic Christian who has questions about some aspects of Catholicism, particularly the saints, and why Catholics look to them as role models. If you need a "nuts and bolts" book, "Catholicism for Dummies" is great. If you need a book for a protestant to help them embrace Catholicism, "Surprised by Truth" is great for them.

Author writes well, and it is a pleasant read. I'm Catholic, and I learned a lot about Catholicism. I now realize a few things that I wish I had known before. I feel more enlightened, and because I have a better understanding of things, it brings new purpose and determination to the activities that I perform. I also will be able to tell my children more about the Church and about God.Great read from a great author.Even non-Catholics would obtain a greater respect for Catholicism after reading some parts of this book.

This book will help you to do exactly what it claims... To rediscover Catholicism. Whether you're a practicing Catholic looking to deepen your faith or are searching and hoping to return to the Church you knew and loved, this book will help. It's not a bombardment of theological phrases or concepts and doesn't seek to expound the doctrines of The Church. The book seeks (and in my opinion achieves) to re awaken within us the joy of being part of Christ's Church and all that she has to offer.

Excellent book, but the writing is too small.

This book engaged me from the first page to the very last work.It has reminded of the beauty that is the Catholic Church, the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Matthew Kelly has rekindled my faith, provided me with the tools to become the-very-best-version-of-myself. Read this book, share this book and together we can set the world alight!

Came on time. Great book.

what my grandaughter wanted