The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism [Paperback]

Michael J. Himes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 2004

In his familiar, conversational style, Father Himes invites the reader to consider ten basic truths of Catholicism. Beginning with discussions of Trinity, Grace, the Incarnation and Salvation, Himes moves into an exploration of Church as the continuting presence of Jesus Christ in the world today. After discussing what Baptism and the baptismal commitment really involves, he focuses on Eucharist, showing the importance of the sacrament for personal growth and for the building of community. After discussing the Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders, Himes explores the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation in the Christian community, and concludes with a discussion of the great gift to the church that we know as tradition.

Based on Father Himes popular video series, The Mystery of Faith, this book includes questions for reflection and discussion at the conclusion of each chapter. An excellent resource for small groups or parish learning communities seeking to revitalize and deepen their understanding of basic Catholic beliefs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

REV. MICHAEL HIMES holds a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago. He has taught at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception (Huntington, New York) and the University of Notre Dame. Currently he is on the faculty of Boston College.

From AudioFile

Drawn from a video production based on the author's book of the same name, this audio is like an undergraduate course--intellectually rich, dry, and sometimes funny. The author/narrator is a self-contained, experienced cleric who delivers his reflections sometimes as an offering, sometimes as a gentle admonition, and always with the tone of someone with full authority over his teachings. The 10 current issues he covers are the Trinity, grace, incarnation, salvation, church, baptism, the Eucharist, sacraments of vocation, reconciliation, and tradition. Useful to all thinking people, these concise lessons are all satisfying and grounded in the Church's tradition of thinking and reflection. T.W. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: St. Anthony Messenger Press (January 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867165790
• ISBN-13: 978-0867165791
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #78,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reflections on some central topics of Catholicism, February 14, 2005

By 

Lisa M. Hendey "Mom, Blogger, Podcaster, Author" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism (Paperback)

As Rev. Michael Himes reflects in his introduction to this book, it is essentially a synopsis of a series of videotapes compiled as a "Mystery of Faith" lecture series.

The book contains ten concise chapters covering the following topics: Trinity, Grace, Incarnation, Salvation, Church, Baptism, Eucharist, Sacraments of Vocation, Reconciliation and Tradition.

Each of the ten chapters concludes with a series of insightful questions for reflection. Whether for use by a group or for personal study and reflection, this book contains many interesting insights. Although the subtitle indicates that the book is an "introduction to Catholicism", I would recommend the book to anyone interested in a further examination of the faith.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It does not get much better or more concise than this!, June 10, 2006

By 

D. Horan "Franciscan Friar" (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism (Paperback)

Nothing I write will come close to the appropriate praise that this little book deserves. Michael Himes, a professor of theology at Boston College, known for his excellent video series from which this book was derived, does an amazing job at summarizing the essential elements of what it means to be part of the Catholic Christian community.

This is as fun a book to read as it is informative. Having looked at many "Introductions to Catholicism" in order to better recommend particular books to inquirers, I would not hesitate to endorse this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fresh Look, September 18, 2005

By 

A. H. Plourde - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism (Paperback)

Michael Himes provides a very different approach to understanding the basics of Catholicism. A provocative and nontraditional approach yet faithful to the Tradition. The style is conversational which makes it easy to read. The author intertwines Scripture, classic literature and human experiences as he probes the mysteries of the Catholic faith. The reader is plunged into the meaning of the mystery of God, the Incarnation and Salvation,the Church,the Sacraments and Tradition. A stimulating resource for readers who would like to revisit these fundamental topics. And an interesting first look to introduce a reader to the basics of Catholicism.