Has anyone read Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

onjac · #1 Jun 12, '12, 8:58 pm

At Sunday Mass, my priest gave a homily on evangelization and announced that everybody should pick up a free copy of Rediscover Catholicism before they left- which I did. I never knew my Church had a reading club.

Has anybody read it? From what I heard, the author published a book on prayer when he was only 19 years old. My spiritual life has been kinda low lately and I'm only a new covert. I've been thumbing it through to look for some advice. The writing is simple but I like it do far. He started off with a short story to illustrate Christ's dying on the Cross for the salvation of the world and I found it rather moving.

NeedsMercy · #2 Jun 12, '12, 9:52 pm

I read it last December. Just gobbled it up. I'm not the greatest Catholic in the world, so the book shook me enough to re-introduce myself to the basics of my faith. I liked the challenge of the book: each one of us is called to sainthood. I might try reading Kelly's other books, too.

SaintPatrick333 · #3 Jun 12, '12, 11:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by onjac

At Sunday Mass, my priest gave a homily on evangelization and announced that everybody should pick up a free copy of Rediscover Catholicism before they left- which I did. I never knew my Church had a reading club.

Has anybody read it? From what I heard, the author published a book on prayer when he was only 19 years old. My spiritual life has been kinda low lately and I'm only a new covert. I've been thumbing it through to look for some advice. The writing is simple but I like it do far. He started off with a short story to illustrate Christ's dying on the Cross for the salvation of the world and I found it rather moving.

My Parish Deacon (also my Godfather) gave me a copy of this to read and I went out and bought it right away. It is paramount to me (along with many others) in what I pray to be my formation period leading up to the Seminary. I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy if it is available to you. It is a fantastic read and will fire you up for the Church again if you feel your spiritual life slacking.

Canuck000 · #4 Jun 13, '12, 2:12 am

This is interesting. I have been reading, researching everything Catholic this past year or so. I had finally made my decision to pray for answers. This is all in regards to becoming Catholic. My husband is Catholic. I made the choice at last, announced this to my husband, whom is totally thrilled. I finally made the call to attend inquiry at the local basilica. Feeling very much relieved and continuing to pray for guidance now. I went to the hairdresser a week or so after my decision, and we discussed my decision, and prayed together. Then she went to her bag and pulled out this book and gave it to me. I have read it and reread it. It makes so much sense. My husband has ordered several copies also. I am so studying and reading everything I can now, but this was the first Catholic book given to me.

**JRKH** · #5 Jun 13, '12, 4:00 am

It is a very fine book. As you say it is "simply" written.
This is not a "deep" study of Catholicism. Rather, it is a book of common sense and encouragement written for "the average person in the pew."

Peace
James

Catholic1954 · #6 Jun 13, '12, 11:31 am

My husband is reading it now and really likes it. He is a convert and it is giving him a new perspective of being Catholic. A VERY generous parishoner donated enough copies to the parish for each family to take one home for free. I plan on passing it on when we are done with it.

InternetWoman · #7 Jun 15, '12, 5:00 pm

As folks have said this is a simple straightforward boo. I read it and liked it.

However! I have one nit. Mr. Kelly's main thesis is "God wants you to be the very best version of yourself that you can be."

Nope. God wants me to be the very best version of JESUS that I can be!

But maybe that refinement is for later books...

Indiana Girl · #8 Jun 19, '12, 9:20 am

I've read it a few times and it's a great book. The best part to me was about confession and how so many people don't appreciate the beauty of the sacrament. This book is what has given me a love and appreciation for confession.

InternetWoman, I have to clarify one thing on the book: in one of his other books, he talks about the "best version of yourself" concept and states that a lot of people can't wrap their heads around the "best" (i.e., when have I become "the best"?), so he kind of refines it toward the "better" version.

Joannm · #9 Jun 19, '12, 11:17 am

We gave it out free to all in our parish during Lent. It went over very well. The priests even spoke about it in their homilies. We also gave it to our RCIA candidates. Can't recommend it enough.

InternetWoman · #10 Jun 22, '12, 3:57 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indiana Girl

InternetWoman, I have to clarify one thing on the book: in one of his other books, he talks about the "best version of yourself" concept and states that a lot of people can't wrap their heads around the "best" (i.e., when have I become "the best"?), so he kind of refines it toward the "better" version.

Best or better I still say our focus should be on emulating JESUS.

TheRealJuliane · #11 Dec 19, '12, 1:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by InternetWoman

As folks have said this is a simple straightforward boo. I read it and liked it.

However! I have one nit. Mr. Kelly's main thesis is "God wants you to be the very best version of yourself that you can be."

Nope. God wants me to be the very best version of JESUS that I can be!

But maybe that refinement is for later books...

Maybe he was trying too hard to appeal to the Joel Osteen crowd? I like your re-statement much better!

Gigglin4God · #12 Jan 29, '13, 11:43 pm

After reading the reviews of this book, I think I've done the right thing by not reading it. I suffer with depression & anxiety as well as agoraphobia & Scrupulosity Addiction. From the sounds of it, this book would have made things worse for me. Glad I took the time to read this. Thank you to the person that started this thread.

hulga · #13 Feb 5, '13, 9:56 am

I agree, we should emulate Jesus , I agree w/internet woman. good book but doesn't really make me want to go to church more, I don't idolize Jesus or the saints, I merely seek to emulate them and that means following Jesus' and their example...But it was worth the read...inspiring and i am grateful to read something the author believes in so much. Now if only we could follow our passions as much as he does, that much that would have fantastic results in our life

Augusta1990 · #14 Feb 5, '13, 10:35 am

I've read parts of it. It's good! It doesn't have to be read linearly, either.

7 Sorrows · #15 Feb 6, '13, 1:03 pm

i did read this book and liked it. i would recommend reading it.