Letters to a Young Catholic

Most of my friends are Catholic, and most of them are devoted to their faith. But, sadly, few realize just how rich and rational our faith is.When I read this book, after having read a recommendation from This Rock magazine, I saw how this single volume detailed much of Catholic culture and history that my friends were oblivious to.I needed to share this book.Since then whenever conversation meanders to the topic of being Catholic, I mention this book. And if my friend shows any interest I offer to buy them a copy.This is the only book I’ve bought 13 times. Treat yourself to one, too.

I've been to Rome twice now and have yet to tour the Scavi. This book made me first hit myself then start saving my pennies to go to Rome a third time "videre Petrum" - to see St. Peter and check out the man's remains for real this time. A few chapters later, Weigel persuaded me that I also must travel to the Holy Land if to do nothing else but visit the place where our Lord rose from the dead and the Easter mass is celebrated every Sunday.The power of persuasion in this my now favorite of George Weigel's books lies in his development of the theme of the "grittiness" of Catholicism. The ability to touch, smell, feel, see and taste the relics of our faith which are both bound in time and space and beyond them add a crucial dimension to faith which makes faith more than intellectual assent to certain definitions.Certainly this is no innovation, just a good and sound development upon the theology of the Incarnation of Christ as laid out in St. John's prologue. I believe a firm grasp of this truth will deepen any Catholic's faith and hopefully serve to bring the ideologues on the far left and the far right back to the cross where they can make some real spiritual progress - maybe for the first time in their lives. I would recommend this book for anyone even if he hadn't quoted Flannery O'Connor which always wins an auotmatic recommendation from me.

Theologian George Weigel's new "Letters to a Young Catholic" is a remarkable peek into the Beauty of Catholicism. It should be required reading for all Catholics, Protestants -- and even non-Christians!There is perhaps nobody more suited to write a book like this than George Weigel. Mr. Weigel is the author of more than ten books, including "The Truth of Catholicism," "The Courage to Be Catholic," and, of course, the much-celebrated biography of Pope John Paul II, "Witness to Hope.""Letters to a Young Catholic" is very much a roadmap of modern Catholicism. Mr. Weigel takes readers on a literary tour of the Catholic world. We visit the most likely and unlikely of places -- from GK Chesterton's favorite pub to the Vatican's Sistine Chapel -- as Mr. Weigel demonstrates that the world and the Church are "the arena of God's action."He expounds on Catholicism's belief that God's presence can be experienced through art, history, literature, and even other people! As Weigel says, "we can touch the truth of our salvation" -- this life matters!! You'll never think of the Holy Catholic Church in the same way again!I have never been so struck by the sheer beauty of truth as I was when I read "Letters." In every destination Weigel takes us, he finds opportunities to expound on the Catholic understanding of the world -- and of reality.Weigel's writing is clear, concise, and convincing. I'd recommend the book to anyone and everyone. Catholics will rediscover the majesty of their Faith, and non-Catholics will be touched -- and challenged -- by the Beauty of Truth.

This book uplifted and explained the Catholic path in a variety of ways. Although I didn’t enjoy the descriptions of architecture, the philosophical and spiritual arguments are cohesive and convincing.

It took until last November to identify the best book that I read in 2014. This year, I'm pretty sure I have identified that book in September. I have serious doubts whether anything will rate higher than this newly updated (Aug. 11, 2015) version of George Weigel's Letters to a Young Catholic. Weigel, the biographer of multiple books on John Paul II, is probably at his best when discussing topics and events involving those places in Eastern Europe where he has spent so much time: Warsaw, Krakow, Lithuania, and Auschwitz (the location of death for two modern saints, Maximillian Kolbe and Edith Stein).Each chapter or "letter" in the book is based a location and topic relevant to Christians, Catholic, and really anyone alive today. You don't have to be a young Catholic, or even a Catholic at all to appreciate this book. A bit highbrow sometimes, but never dull. History, religion, current events all in one book.

Another delight. I am a revert to the Roman rite of the Catholic Church having returned this year after approximately 43 years away. I've been reading one George Weigel book after another and this one was another delight. Ephesians 1 and 3 contain prayers to know the fullness of Christ and Mr.Weigel's books have been helpful in pointing the way to greater fullness. As I have read multiple books, some of the same themes and places recur but Mr. Weigel seems to always provide new facets, new details, new insights, new substance to fill in gaps in understanding. Read and consider. Not everything is explicit so enjoy the subtleties. One of the purposes of the Bible's Book of Proverbs is to give subtlety to the simple along with wisdom, prudence, etc. Recommended: Come without expectations. Experience the writing for what it is and enjoy.

George Weigel awards us with this beautifully written book meant to be read by youngsters but in fact a piece for all ages. For those seeking more resources on the joy of following the Catholic Church, this is a recommended work.

A great read.

Gettin' really worried here about my credit card number being loose.. This is a great book, but I bought it for my daughter from Barnes & Noble years ago.

Extremely well written, informative and thought provoking.

Awesome introduction to Roman Catholicism for a Protestant. Highly recommended.