1. The Pocket Catholic Catechism by John Hardon. For forty years the Church in America has suffered from a lack of solid catechesis. Even Catholics who know their faith well seem not to have a solid foundation. This was certainly my case. I read this book after ten years of steady study, during which I obtained two degrees in theology, and I still found this little book by Fr. Hardon to be a treasure trove of insight and knowledge. The reason for this, I believe, is because Fr. Hardon’s work was penetrated by his deep holiness. In the end, the greatest teachers of the faith are always saints.
2. Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed. On the surface, this is little more than an introduction to theology, but the real genius of Theology and Sanity comes from Sheed’s basic goal of teaching us to see the world as the Church sees the world. It’s this theme that distinguishes this book from others like it. What Sheed stresses from the very first page is the Catholicism is a thinking man’s religion — a fact that is grossly overlooked nowadays.
3. Living the Good Life: What Every Catholic Needs to Know About Moral Issues by Mark Lowery. This book is to moral theology what Frank Sheed’s Theology for Beginners is to theology in general: A first-rate introduction to the moral teaching of the Church. Rooted in the thought of Pope John Paul II and St. Thomas Aquinas, Dr. Lowery presents the material in a simply Q&A style that makes the moral thought of the Church accessible to the beginner. At the same time, Lowery never “dumbs-down” the material. The simple presentation makes the material easier to understand, but Lowery still expects you to think.
4. This Tremendous Lover by Eugene Boylan. Aimed at the layperson, Fr. Boylan examinees both the theological foundations for the spiritual life as well as its practical elements. Moreover, Fr. Boylan is well-versed in the great spiritual traditions within the Church, particularly Carmelite spirituality. Perhaps the best thing about the book is the peace of soul one receives as one realizes that becoming a saint is indeed within our reach. This book is the modern version of St. Francis de Sales Introduction to the Devout Life.
5. In Conversation with God by Fr. Francis Fernandez. O.K., this entry is really a seven-volume collection, the books flow seamlessly together. Following the liturgical calendar, these books are made up of three daily meditations based on the readings of the Holy Mass. The real beauty of these books — the reason why I recommend them to everyone I can — is that Fr. Fernandez has a tremendous gift for making the Church’s theology, moral teaching, and spirituality applicable to daily life. Rich or poor, young or old, priest, nun, married, or single — every Catholic can find spiritual food in at least one of the three daily meditations. And the meditations aren’t long, either, two to three pages each. You could easily read all three meditations within twenty minutes. Anyone looking for solid and substantial spiritual reading — these books are for you. (If you don’t want to kick the tires, you can always buy an individual volume first.)
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Fr Hardon’s dictionary is indeed a treasure trove. I have needed it for my own information and when I have engaged in an apologetics discussion. The definitions are clear and easily assessible yet not watered down.
I am so proud of Frank Sheed a fellow Australian, even if he did spend most of his life away from Australia! lol Theology and Sanity is indeed a wonderful book but I think that, for some, it might be better to tackle it after reading Sheed’s Theology For Beginners. TFB was one of my religious texts in Year 9 (15 yo) at secondary school. That should give you some idea that I was at school a long time ago. I have owned the set of In Conversation With God for about 5 years now and each time I read the meditations I discover something new. As you wrote, in these meditations one finds the Church’s theology, moral teaching, and spirituality simply expressed and when one reads more in depth books one finds echoes of In Conversation With God.
I haven’t read Living the Good Life of This Tremendous Lover but I will put them on my ‘to read’ list.
A friend whose judgement I respect would add to this list Bernanos’ Diary of a Country Priest. Have you read it? If so, what did you think? My friend has read it at least once a year for about 20 years.
Hi Sharon -
You caught me in a mistake. I mistyped the title of Fr. Hardon’s book. I wrote the word “dictionary” instead of “catechism.” I’ve updated it since.
(BTW — Fr. Hardon’s Catholic Dictionary is a treasure trove as well!)
I didn’t include Theology for Beginners on my list (even though that book helped me a great deal) because I think Fr. Hardon’s Pocket Catholic Catechism is an all-around better book than Theology for Beginners, and once you’ve read the Pocket Catholic Catechism you could easily read Theology and Sanity.
No, I have not read Bernanos’ Diary of a Country Priest. It’s on my list — but the list is long and my time is short.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy Living the Good Life and This Tremendous Lover. If you remember, drop me a note telling me what you thought of them.
In Christ,
I would add a sixth book: CHRIST, THE LIFE OF THE SOUL by Blessed (saint ?) Columba Marmion. Recommended by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pius Xii
Hi Dim Bulb,
I believe Columba Marmion is a blessed. I haven’t read anything by him, though Christ, the Life of the Soul is on my (rather long) list of books. I hope to get to him within a decade.
Thanks for the comment, and God bless.
I agree with Sharon that Sheed’s Theology for Beginners is a good prelude to Theology and Sanity. And both are definitely books worth buying, and re-reading multiple times.