What is a good book that explains the basic tenements of the Catholic faith without preaching?

Question

My fiance is Baptist, I am Catholic, we decided to each pick books that explain our beliefs so that we can understand the other's faith before we get married since we are both staying in our respective religions. I need to find a good book that explains the basic practices and beliefs of Catholicism that is a little more accesible than the catechism. I don't know any offhand. I would obviously read them first, but can anyone give me any suggestions to start with. I don't want them to be preachy or to sound like they are criticizing other faiths or trying to convert because that is not what I want to do, I just want it to explain.

Answer 1

*Is Catholic*

I know of many books, but it really depends on what your fiancée likes to read. Message me with more complete details.

In the mean time, for the Baptist I am going to suggest something that doesn't just go through dogma, but instead paints a picture, a lived experience of what Catholicism is.

Because all Dogma rests on Christ, you cannot understand "why Catholics do that" until you understand who Catholics say Christ is.

Thus I would start with these books and in this order:
The Founding of Christendom by Carroll (very readable world history book dawn of history up to about 350 AD)
Life of Christ by Sheen
From Death to Life: The Christian Journey by Schonborn
Introduction to Christianity by Ratzinger not lite reading but very good (see the review on Amazon by Mark who writes 10 years ago .... a Baptist minister friend singled out this book as one of his own, all-time favorites - the one that best lived up to its title, as an "Introduction to Christianity.")

Only when these are down, do I suggest moving into the "why do Catholic's do that" type books. The key for understanding Catholicism is the focus on Christ, the God-Man, the only Son of the Father.

God be with you!

Answer 2

Of course the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains Catholic teaching in great detail but is so inclusive that it is a long read. I would suggest a book by Patrick Madrid called "Does the Bible Really Say That?", for a Baptist to learn the Catholic faith this book may be a good place to start. Eventually the two of you should go to classes together at the local parrish that teaches the Catechism.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 3

A nice little book that explains the basics of the Catholic faith in simple terms is called "This Is Our Faith" and the author is Michael Francis Pennock.

When instructing RCIA classes about the Catholic faith, I always give them this book for self-study and many of them have found it useful.

Another good book is "Why Do Catholics Do That?" and the author is Kevin Orlin Johnson. This book is a simple and basic guide to the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. You can also find it at a very reasonable price.

Also, your fiance might just be interested in learning about the Mass itself and how it is Biblical...rather than about all the teachings of the Catholic Church all at once. If this is the case, a wonderful book that explains the Mass is called "The Lamb's Supper" and the author is Scott Hahn.

I hope this helps. God bless you in all of your endeavors.

Answer 4

You'll like this one: Catholic and Christian - an Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs by Alan Schreck.

heres the link on amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Christian-Explanation-Commonly-Misunderstood/dp/0867165995/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-1608047-4592066?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1184020793&sr=1-1

Answer 5

Here are a couple of books: "Catholic Christianity" by way of Peter J Kreeft "Does the Bible Really Say That" by way of Patrick Madrid "Catholic Questions, Catholic Answers" by way of Fr. Kenneth Ryan "The Catholicism Answer Book" by way of Rev. John Trigilio Jr, and Rev. Kenneth Brighenti "What Catholics Really Believe" by way of Karl Keating "Catholicism and Fundamentalism" by way of Karl Keating "Catholic and Christian" by way of Alan Schreck In Christ Fr. Joseph

Answer 6

The Catechism is it. Good luck with your Baptist friend.