67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An encyclopedia of Catholic family life, April 28, 2002
This review is from: Life-Giving Love : Embracing God's Beautiful Design for Marriage (Paperback)
I've been waiting years for someone to write this book -- a book that gently but irresistably makes the case for the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage and family life. Kimberly Hahn has made it worth the wait. I could call this book an encyclopedia of Catholic family life -- it's that complete! -- but that would give the wrong impression. This book makes its points, makes them clearly, and makes them with real-life stories that are far more vivid than any strings of quotations from Vatican documents could ever be. LGL's recurring message is this: living a faithful life may be difficult at times, but it makes for a happier marriage. This is my own experience. I've seen it borne out again and again in my friends' marriages. Mrs. Hahn captures this joy that's hard-won, but lasting: "it's not simply a command to be obeyed, but it's a truth to be lived." People like to gripe about Christ's teaching, especially in the area of sex, but it's the only teaching that's true, and so it's the only one that works. The alternatives are dreadful -- witness the epidemics of divorce, STDs, and broken hearts.
I don't want to give the impression that this is yet another tome about sex. It's much more than that. It's a way of life. One remarkable appendix offers detailed lists of things we can do to help mothers, from early pregnancy through birth. Other lists suggest helps for "When Dad Travels," "After a Miscarriage," and "After Adoption." This is a powerful, practical guide to Christian friendship.
Another useful and unique feature is Mrs. Hahn's chapter on infertility. As someone who suffered four years waiting for my first pregnancy, I can't thank the author enough for what she's done here. She gives a good list of things NOT to say to an infertile couple ("You must have all the time in the world to do the things you want!" "What's it like to shop alone?"). Her list is long, but I think I heard every line at least once. Still, she doesn't just issue "don'ts." She also sketches out conversation starters that can be genuinely comforting. So none of us ever need be at a loss for words. She does the same for miscarriage (another matter I know from experience).
One last thought: Mrs. Hahn is, without a doubt, a true-blue Catholic; but, as a convert, she knows how to speak gently, persuasively to those who are unconvinced. In my volunteer work, I meet all sorts of women, who believe all sorts of things; but I can't think of too many who would be insulted by what's in this book. You can buy a copy for each and every skeptic in your life.
For all the awkwardness she spares us -- and all the comfort she enables us to give to suffering friends -- Mrs. Hahn's book is worth at least three times its sticker price.
I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Book On The Church's Teaching On Contraception, October 23, 2002
This review is from: Life-Giving Love : Embracing God's Beautiful Design for Marriage (Paperback)
Kimberly Hahn has captured the essence of the Church's teaching on marriage and on contraception. If you've ever been perplexed by the Catholic Church's stance on birth control - THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. Easy to read (full of interesting stories). Theologically precise (an exceptional explanation of the theology of marriage; Hahn also shows how marriage can be understood in connection with other doctrines, e.g., the Trinity, the Eucharist, etc.). Rooted in Scripture. Full of profound insights.
This book will profoundly affect your understanding of marital life and the importance of the family in God's plan. Pick it up today or for someone you know.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for Christians!, April 6, 2003
This review is from: Life-Giving Love : Embracing God's Beautiful Design for Marriage (Paperback)
A beautifully written book about God's awesome plan for marriage. Full of heartwarming stories, biblical references, and loving encouragement. God has chosen a beautiful person to write about this topic; Kimberly Hahn is a very graceful writer. I highly recommend reading this book, as my husband and I both found ourselves more prepared to stand up for what we believe in after reading our thoughts and emotions put into such eloquent words. Thank you, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, for not only being influential writers during our conversions to Catholicism, but also for reminding us that we're not alone, and that God's truth is in fact incredibly beautiful.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
