Beginning Apologetics 1: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith [Paperback]

Frank Chacon (Author), Jim Burnham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2010

This book gives clear, biblical answers to the most common questions Catholics get about their faith.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Do you dread the knock of door-to-door evangelizers? Do you get tongue-tied when a non-Catholic asks, "Why do you Catholics believe ...?" Then this user-friendly handbook is for you. It will give you the knowledge and confidence to defend your faith. Readers will discover how easy it is to show the biblical basis for the most commonly misunderstood Catholic beliefs, including the Eucharist, the Papacy, Mary, Purgatory, Confession, and prayer to the saints. Clear, concise, and very practical.

About the Author

Father Chacon was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico on May 13, 1989, by Bishop Jerome Hastrich. While a newly ordained priest, Father recognized the critical need for good, basic Catholic apologetics. He and Jim Burnham decided to collaborate and produce user-friendly Catholic apologetics materials.

Jim Burnham is director of the New Mexico Roman Catholic apologetics group, San Juan Catholic Seminars. He gives seminars on defending the Catholic faith throughout the country. Jim co-authored the book, Christian Fatherhood, with Steve Wood. He is a member of Catholic Answers' Speakers Bureau and appears regularly on Catholic Answers Radio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: San Juan Catholic Seminar; 2010 Revised edition (September 8, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930084005
• ISBN-13: 978-1930084001
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Theology > Apologetics
  • #36 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Catholicism > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Have read the book, have heard the author, November 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Beginning Apologetics 1: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith (Paperback)

Not only have I read "How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith," I had the privilege of hearing 12 weeks of classes by Jim Burnham explaining the content of this short book. My husband was thinking about becoming Catholic at that time, and Jim convinced him, beyond any shadow of a doubt, of the authenticity of the Catholic Church and the truth of her teachings. I teach RCIA at my church, and this book has helped me immensely in explaning and defending the Church's teachings. This is a must-read for anyone who is considering becoming Catholic or anyone who wants to defend the Catholic faith.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for small groups, May 2, 2001

By 

Tim Drake "Author and Journalist" (Saint Joseph, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beginning Apologetics 1: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith (Paperback)

I've used this concise booklet in two men's small groups and have found it to be an excellent place for individuals to begin answering the questions that Catholics are commonly asked.

-Why do Catholics believe in purgatory when the word "purgatory" isn't even in the Bible?

-Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints when the Bible says Jesus is the "one mediator between God and man"?

This easy-to-use booklet is perfect for answering such questions. Using the Bible, the authors help those using this book to be able to explain and defend their faith.

The book answers the most common objections to the faith, including Mary, purgatory, the Eucharist, confession, and many other Catholic doctrines.

If we do not know our faith, how can we defend it? This book is a great resource for helping people to know their faith and defend it. It is the first book in a three-part series on Catholic apologetics. I highly recommend it, especially for small groups. It's inexpensive enough that each group member can purchase their own copy.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Apologetics 1 and series--the best yet, May 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beginning Apologetics 1: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith (Paperback)

I spent one day engulfed in the first of the series--so renewed in my own beliefs--with references for explanation to others. This is a necessary companion for those of us in a mixed denominational family/world.