Review: Rediscover Catholicism

Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I enjoyed this inspirational book on the basic tenets of Catholicism. Rediscover Catholicism is meant for Catholics wanting to reconnect with the beauty and genius of their faith.

As he explores the whats and the whys of our faith, Matthew Kelley comes across as a very knowledgeable, inspirational and motivating writer/speaker. The book reads as a series of talks on a variety of Catholic faith topics, and each section is interspersed with anecdotes of Kelly's own journey of faith.

The topics covered are easily accessible to everyone, and I personally enjoyed the section on the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Why the need for this book? Because Catholics everywhere are now being asked to respond to the call to the New Evangelization. Why the need to re-evangelize Catholics? The simple answer is that our beautiful Church is being consistently and relentlessly attacked. In Matthew Kelly's own book summary:

"...it seems that the only acceptable prejudice in this hypersensitive, politically correct modern climate is anti-Catholicism. This prejudice is growing as it is subtly--and not so subtly--nurtured by the arts and the media, and furthered by the way prevailing philosophies [of individualism, hedonism and minimalism] undermine Catholicism.

"Tolerance is proclaimed as the ultimate secular virtue. And yet, those who espouse tolerance are completely intolerant of all things Catholic and Christians...

"In the midst of this blatantly obvious anti-Catholic environment that our culture has created, it is easy to overlook some fundamental and practical realities. The world needs the Church today more than ever before. And this trend shows no signs of slowing. In a modern schema in which people are becoming more self-absorbed and completely fixated on the fulfillment of their own selfish desires, the Church is only going to be needed more and more.

"The Catholic Church feeds, clothes, houses, and educates more people than any other organization in the world. And when modern media and the secular culture have finished tearing down the Church as best they can... who will take our place? Who will feed the hungry? Who will clothe the naked? Who will visit the lonely and imprisoned? Who will house the homeless? Who will comfort the sick and dying? Who will educate the masses?" (Rediscover Catholicism, Beacon Publishing, 2010, p. 308)

Catholics everywhere need to read this inspiring book.





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