Customer Reviews

The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I have found this small book to provide a wonderful introduction to Catholicism for my RCIA group here at Cornell University. It offers a broad and easily understandable look at Catholicism and leaves our students hungry for more. The questions at the end of each chapter are particularly helpful.

I am only halfway through this book and I am so in love with it that I called it up on Amazon to purchase it for a few people I know would love it, too. It's a brief, concise discussion about some basic philosophical tenets which have grown to be included in the religion of Catholicism. As a recent student of Fr. Himes, I would like to address a previous reviewer who is made uncomfortable by language like "God emptied Godself." This is the way the man speaks. He uses all of the phrases written in that book. He says, in his lectures at Boston College, "I would suggest to you..." as if his point might be something you would like to consider. It is a wonderful, inclusive manner of speaking/writing. And, as a side note, if something philosophical/theological makes one feel initially uncomfortable, I would suggest that one give it a little more mulling over in the heart; perhaps there is growth and learning just around the corner...?

Michael Himes writes just as he speaks, that is to say, in a deeply theological yet easy to read and clear style, avoiding theological jargon. The book is based on his excellent video series of the same title. The ten chapters of 7-9 pages each cover the essential foundations of Catholicism, including concise presentations on Trinity, Grace, Incarnation, Church and the sacraments. The book also includes a topical and scriptural index.

Although cleverly written and interesting to read, I would not recommend this book for a person who is not already well grounded in their knowledge of the faith. I found myself growing in disquiet with every chapter I read. While not directly espousing error, it came sufficiently close to be disturbing. I will give some examples to illustrate:
1) Chapter 3 on the Incarnation discusses how the Incarnation shows the essential dignity of man and even quotes Pope John Paul II on this point. Yet the way the point is made comes close to idolizing man - going as far as saying: "From all eternity God has wanted to be exactly like you and me" and that this was God's "secret ambition". To me, that comes uncomfortably close to saying that God wants to be in our image whereas the bible tells us that we are the ones created in God's image! This is accentuated in Chapter 4 on Salvation when it frames the original sin as the refusal to believe in the goodness of being human. Yes, arguments can be made to explain what the author really means but the risk of misleading the uninitiated is too great in an introductory book!
2) Chapter 7 on the Eucharist, goes to great lengths to discuss how the Eucharist brings about the unity of believers who share in the Eucharistic banquet. While this is true, the first and most important aspect of the Eucharist is that it is the re-presentation of Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary. Unfortunately, this essential element is not mentioned. This emphasis on the communion aspect at the expense of the sacrifice aspect drains the Eucharist of its meaning and value.

I could have given other examples but these should be enough to make the point. If this is truly your introduction to Catholicism, all I can say is BEWARE. BTW, an irritating trait is the use of 'inclusive language' resulting in ridiculuos sounding expressions like "God emptied Godself".