Monday, August 18, 2008

Book Review: "A Well-Built Faith"

This blog has experienced a new first: a book review request. I'm quite honored.

The new release from Loyola Press is entitled: "A Well-Built Faith: A Catholic's Guide to Knowing and Sharing What We Believe" ($9.95, soft-cover, 192 pages).

The volume is the latest from Joe Paprocki, a religious educator in the Chicago area for more than 25 years. He's also the author of "The Catechist's Toolbox" and "God's Library" and the co-author of "Living the Mass."

"A Well-Built Faith" uses construction as a theme with chapter titles like: "Laying a Firm Foundation: Transmitting Faith," "Construction Safety Signs: Mystery and Sacramentality" and "Building according to Code: The Commandments, Beatitudes and Virtues."

Each of the 18 chapters is digestible for the busy reader with stand-alone text boxes on particular concepts. For instance, Chapter 6 (Union Workers: The Church, Mary, the Saints, and Eternity) features a text box on "The Last Judgement." In Chapter 7, there's a special place for an explanation of the term "efficacious." A box in Chapter 18 answers the question "Is God Male?"

Each chapter also includes notable stand-alone quotes, often-humorous illustrations and a "So What?" summary section, as well as a concluding scripture passage and prayer.

"A Well-Built Faith" would be a useful resource for any teacher of the Catholic faith, whether a teacher of young people or adults. And, while it may be most valuable to those teachers who are new to religious education, its contents would serve as an ample refresher for veteran educators as well.

"Christians are made, not born."
-- Terullian, Church Father, 3rd Century A.D.

1 comment:

Stratoz said...

I recently began to read this book. Maybe I have spent too much time with Jesuits, but so far I don't feel like there are huge differences between myself and Catholics.