Customer Reviews

Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots

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What a phenomenal book! I tend to rubber stamp just about anything from Hahn. But with this particular book I had to question, as a lifleong Catholic and as a catechist, whether or not I was really going to get anything out of it. Considering the current price cut, I said, "What the heck?" and figured I'd just hand it on to someone else if it turned out to be a sleeper for me. Well, I've read about 15 of the 40 chapters thus far and I think I've learned something new in every single chapter!! The book is educational but it's also "devotional" too, both in terms of the style of Hahn's writing and the brief reflection he places at the end of the chapter, after the text. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or completely new to the faith in some way, consider it as a daily chapter-by-chapter read for this coming Lent!

This book is very interesting, historically correct, and easy to read. Should be read by anyone who criticizes the Customs of the Roman Catholic Church and other liturgical churches.

For many, sacraments and sacramentals seem little more than superstitious baggage of the middle ages easily discarded by the modern enlightened Christian. Dr. Hahn lets us know what rich blessings we forgo with such an attitude. In place of misunderstanding that leads to indifference (or even hostility) toward these disciplines, Dr. Hahn provides biblical and historical/traditional roots to the disciplines and in the process gives us a renewed sense of devotion to their practice. Practiced in their proper context, these devotional disciplines can lead to a closer communion with Jesus.

In the introduction to this work Dr. Hahn provides a brief definition of sacraments and sacramentals in order that the reader understands the difference and the significance of both. The work is then divided into phases of life that remind us of these disciplines: birth, life progresses in time, each day in the life of the Christian, disciplines through the entirety of life, significant stages in life, enjoyment of life, the abundant life, devotions to the saints we love, and the end of life. Each phase provides brief descriptions of one or more devotional practices describing their biblical and historical roots in the Church. On my own spiritual journey, I was amazed at the number of these practices already forming in the first and second century. Dr. Hahn has found the same continuity with the Apostles and with scripture.

To his credit, Dr. Hahn does not shrink from such difficult topics as indulgences. And, he does not describe the practices in such a generic manner as to lose the context of the Church as their proper home. The discerning reader wishing special depth on a particular topic will want to look elsewhere for that detail. What Dr. Hahn has provided here is not depth but breadth of understanding that gives us the big picture view we need in order to see these devotions as not just tacked on niceties but as living and essential elements in the Church. If you are looking for the greater depth, the author's journal of theological studies under the title of _Letter & Spirit_ is very highly recommended.

If you want to renew the passion in your devotion to Christ, this is a good place to find some tools to help you renew that passion. Very well done.

I have read almost all of Scotts' books and this is one of his best. Have taught RCIA for a number of years and would recommend this book to one and all. Have given a number of them as gifts this year and the feed back has been great. This book is loved by all who read it. It explains Catholic Customs and where they came from better then any book written todate and it is simple and easy to read. Pick it up and you will not put it down until finished.

I like all Scott Hahn's books - but this one is a different style! In short pithy chapters he fleshes out - with his usual wit and choice of words - the history and meaning of these customs lived in the Catholic Church - most of them for many centuries.

Why is the Sign of the Cross so extraordinarily meaningful? - You will never want to be distracted again!
And Holy Water: my grandmother always had a little font with holy water on the second floor - now I really appreciate why and I make sure to use it each day! His brief explanations of the Mass, Holy Communion and the benefits of confession are masterpieces of brevity and depth.

I strongly recommend this book to everyone - but particularly for those just entering the Church (it shows a wonderful way to live out one's faith in deeds) and those who really don't remember much of what older people used to do and wonder what these customs are all about. Yes they have been missing out: these customs are well worth knowing about.

A book every Catholic should own and study. If you're looking to enrich your faith this is it. Scott Hahn stuns us again with his biblical insights.

I don't know who would benefit most from this book: cradle Catholics who have become stagnant in their worship practices or non-Catholics seeking to understand why Catholics do what they do. No matter which group you might fit into, there's plenty of enriching information
for everyone in this book.

Hahn is able to take 40 of the most common Catholic traditions and explain the Biblical foundation for the practice. He also includes information from leading theologians and first-hand accounts from his own experience. More than that, however, he concludes each chapter with a "Ponder in Your Heart" section which is great food for thought for the rest of your day. Because of this format, the book lends itself beautifully to a chapter-a-day meditation for Lent or any other 40 day period.

As a life-long Catholic and participant in numerous Catechism classes and Bible studies, I thought I knew it all. But Hahn opened my eyes and heart to the symbols of my Faith in ways I had never considered.

The customs he discusses are: Holy Water, the Sign of the Cross, Baptism, the Mass, Guardian Angels, the Liturgical Calendar, Lent and Easter, Advent and Christmas, Novenas, posture, Morning Offering, Prayers of Aspiration, the Angelus, Grace at Meals, Examination of Conscience, Bible Study, Spiritual Reading, Retreat, Confirmation, Marriage, Priesthood, Anointing of the Sick, Incense, Candles, Sacred Images, Relics, Fasting, Confession, Indulgences, Intercession of the Saints, Pilgrimages, the Presence of God, Almsgiving, The Trinity, the Rosary, Scapulars and Medals, Mental Prayer, the Tabernacle, Preparation for Death, and Prayers for the Dead.

Truly, this is a mind-opening book for anyone who wants to understand the Catholic faith more completely.

For cradle Catholics this is a nice resource for finding the Scriptural basis for many of our customs. For the novice or curious non-Catholic, it's a great insight into Catholic rituals and practice that are rooted in Scripture and Tradition.

Scott Hahn's work is allways facinating to me but sometimes hard for me to understand. This book is written to take in little bites and ponder each 'sign'.
Cris

Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots

An excellent primer/ refresher about Catholicism.