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A Fé Explicada
Crer com inteligência e pensar e agir à luz das verdades cristãs - estes são os dois objetivos deste livro do sacerdote norte-americano Leo Trese, autor de obras sobre a doutrina e a espiritualidade católica.
Dividido em três capítulos principais - O Credo, Os Mandamentos, Os Sacramentos e a Oração -, o livro mostra os pontos essenciais da fé cristã de um modo extremamente didático, amável e claro, o que facilita não só a compreensão do leitor mas também o trabalho de quem depois precisa transmitir o seu conteúdo aos outros, seja numa aula de catequese, seja ao conversar com os amigos.
A exposição das verdades da fé é sempre acompanhada de exemplos e de imagens que as ilustram e tornam mais facilmente compreensíveis para o homem comum, que raramente tem à sua disposição os conhecimentos teológicos especializados que o ajudem a tirar delas todo o seu significado.
Por ouro lado, os principais argumentos contrários à fé, tanto recentes como históricos, são expostos com serenidade e respondidos com precisão e firmeza, de forma a resolver as principais dúvidas com que qualquer cristão de nível superior se defronta, quer em si, quer nos outros.
O aspecto mais atrativo desta obra são as inúmeras aplicações e conselhos práticos que o autor sugere, e que são uma ajuda poderosa para viver a fé, para encarná-la nas realidades do dia a dia.
Esta edição foi inteiramente revista e atualizada pelo novo Catecismo da Igreja Católica e pelo Código de Direito Canônico vigente. Possibilita, assim, uma ampla visão dos últimos aprofundamentos que a inteligência cristã tem feito sobre o riquíssimo depósito da fé cristã.
Leo J. Trese nasceu em Port Huron, Michigan, em 1902. Depois de ter cursado o seminário de Mt. St. Mary em Norwood, Ohio, ordenou-se em 1927, e no ano seguinte graduou-se como Master of Arts pela Universidade de Detroit. Foi pároco em Detroit até 1950, tornando-se depois capelão de uma escola de religiosas. Doutorou-se em Psicologia Infantil em 1957. De estilo fluido e agradável, foi por muitos anos editor de uma revista e correspondente de inúmeras outras, e suas obras sobre doutrina e espiritualidade têm sido publicadas no mundo todo. Faleceu em 1970
Dividido em três capítulos principais - O Credo, Os Mandamentos, Os Sacramentos e a Oração -, o livro mostra os pontos essenciais da fé cristã de um modo extremamente didático, amável e claro, o que facilita não só a compreensão do leitor mas também o trabalho de quem depois precisa transmitir o seu conteúdo aos outros, seja numa aula de catequese, seja ao conversar com os amigos.
A exposição das verdades da fé é sempre acompanhada de exemplos e de imagens que as ilustram e tornam mais facilmente compreensíveis para o homem comum, que raramente tem à sua disposição os conhecimentos teológicos especializados que o ajudem a tirar delas todo o seu significado.
Por ouro lado, os principais argumentos contrários à fé, tanto recentes como históricos, são expostos com serenidade e respondidos com precisão e firmeza, de forma a resolver as principais dúvidas com que qualquer cristão de nível superior se defronta, quer em si, quer nos outros.
O aspecto mais atrativo desta obra são as inúmeras aplicações e conselhos práticos que o autor sugere, e que são uma ajuda poderosa para viver a fé, para encarná-la nas realidades do dia a dia.
Esta edição foi inteiramente revista e atualizada pelo novo Catecismo da Igreja Católica e pelo Código de Direito Canônico vigente. Possibilita, assim, uma ampla visão dos últimos aprofundamentos que a inteligência cristã tem feito sobre o riquíssimo depósito da fé cristã.
Leo J. Trese nasceu em Port Huron, Michigan, em 1902. Depois de ter cursado o seminário de Mt. St. Mary em Norwood, Ohio, ordenou-se em 1927, e no ano seguinte graduou-se como Master of Arts pela Universidade de Detroit. Foi pároco em Detroit até 1950, tornando-se depois capelão de uma escola de religiosas. Doutorou-se em Psicologia Infantil em 1957. De estilo fluido e agradável, foi por muitos anos editor de uma revista e correspondente de inúmeras outras, e suas obras sobre doutrina e espiritualidade têm sido publicadas no mundo todo. Faleceu em 1970
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1959
266 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 22, 2009
What i learnt from this book? Everything about my faith!!! All the doctrine I have and know is from Fr. Leo and thank God I found him before it was too late. Language is simple and easy to follow with enough examples for you to grasp what he's alking about.
Every Catholic and anti-Catholic ought to read this book; walking round ignorant is not too fashionable...
Every Catholic and anti-Catholic ought to read this book; walking round ignorant is not too fashionable...
September 28, 2024
This book is a highly recommendable catechetical masterpiece, though many readers leave it unfinished. To navigate this work without getting lost, one must keep its structure in mind—always being aware of where you are and where you are heading.
It is essentially the Catechism of the Catholic Church elucidated through wonderfully didactic and often striking examples. More recent editions have judiciously updated some synchronic phrases and incorporated quotations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church from 1992, which was unavailable to the author in the late 1950s. These adaptations, typically distinguished by a change in font size, seamlessly integrate with the original text, as the doctrinal spirit remains consistent throughout.
The structure follows the traditional catechetical format: the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, and the life of prayer. Once again, readers should be mindful of their progress through these sections, which are often highlighted in the table of contents at the end of the book.
The explanations are exquisitely didactic and quite complete. In the multiple readings and re-readings that led me to finish the book, I always discovered new things, especially in the chapter on grace. The examples are brief but memorable, like the soldier falling in love with a girl he learned about through a war newspaper, the varied but equally deep pleasure people with different artistic educations find in listening to a symphony, or a mother caring for her child despite fatigue. All these illustrate man's relationship with God, the joy of the "lumen gloriae," and the will's motion in defining love.
The explanations are both exquisitely didactic and comprehensive—in my multiple readings that finally led me to complete the book, I discovered new insights each time I revisited the chapter on "grace." Trese employs brief yet memorable examples to illustrate complex theological concepts. These include a soldier falling in love with a girl he reads about in a wartime newspaper, the varying degrees of pleasure experienced by people with different levels of musical education when listening to a symphony, and a tired mother caring for her child at dawn—all serving to vividly illustrate man's relationship with God, the full joy of the "lumen gloriae," and the motion of the will that defines love.
Some reviewers feel compelled to mention the book's reference to "limbo" as a theological caveat. However, whether in its original form or adapted in recent editions, this mention is perfectly sensible and aligns with current theological discourse on the subject, even serving as a useful background for its "status quaestionis."
In conclusion, "The Faith Explained" offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of Catholic doctrine, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
It is essentially the Catechism of the Catholic Church elucidated through wonderfully didactic and often striking examples. More recent editions have judiciously updated some synchronic phrases and incorporated quotations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church from 1992, which was unavailable to the author in the late 1950s. These adaptations, typically distinguished by a change in font size, seamlessly integrate with the original text, as the doctrinal spirit remains consistent throughout.
The structure follows the traditional catechetical format: the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, and the life of prayer. Once again, readers should be mindful of their progress through these sections, which are often highlighted in the table of contents at the end of the book.
The explanations are exquisitely didactic and quite complete. In the multiple readings and re-readings that led me to finish the book, I always discovered new things, especially in the chapter on grace. The examples are brief but memorable, like the soldier falling in love with a girl he learned about through a war newspaper, the varied but equally deep pleasure people with different artistic educations find in listening to a symphony, or a mother caring for her child despite fatigue. All these illustrate man's relationship with God, the joy of the "lumen gloriae," and the will's motion in defining love.
The explanations are both exquisitely didactic and comprehensive—in my multiple readings that finally led me to complete the book, I discovered new insights each time I revisited the chapter on "grace." Trese employs brief yet memorable examples to illustrate complex theological concepts. These include a soldier falling in love with a girl he reads about in a wartime newspaper, the varying degrees of pleasure experienced by people with different levels of musical education when listening to a symphony, and a tired mother caring for her child at dawn—all serving to vividly illustrate man's relationship with God, the full joy of the "lumen gloriae," and the motion of the will that defines love.
Some reviewers feel compelled to mention the book's reference to "limbo" as a theological caveat. However, whether in its original form or adapted in recent editions, this mention is perfectly sensible and aligns with current theological discourse on the subject, even serving as a useful background for its "status quaestionis."
In conclusion, "The Faith Explained" offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of Catholic doctrine, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
July 19, 2008
So, I am not a religious fanatic. I think faith is a personal decision and I am never going to try to convert anyone. I spent a long time searching for what worked for me, and I found it. This book helped me find the answers to some of the questions I had without getting all preachy on me. So, if this is what you are looking for, go for it!
January 2, 2018
Years ago a good friend of mine gave me this book at a time when my knowledge of the faith was very weak. Reading this book helped me start on a journey of growth and learning and helped me grow into the man I am today. If there is a book that I would recommend for those who want to start learning about the Catholic faith, this is it.
The copy was gifted to me on the condition that I pass it on to someone else. Since then I have lost track of how many copies I have given away.
The copy was gifted to me on the condition that I pass it on to someone else. Since then I have lost track of how many copies I have given away.
July 11, 2020
Este livro é um verdadeiro compêndio de tudo o que representa a fé católica. Ao lê-lo pude redescobrir e aclarar pontos que muitas vezes, por falta de profundidade, por ataques negativos de quem não concorda com a verdadeira doutrina de Deus e por um mundo cada vez mais secularizado a maioria dos católicos desconhece.
A obra é uma verdadeira renovação catequética, e deve ser mantida ao alcance das mãos daqueles que desejam consultar e ampliar a base racional da sua fé.
A obra é uma verdadeira renovação catequética, e deve ser mantida ao alcance das mãos daqueles que desejam consultar e ampliar a base racional da sua fé.
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October 22, 2023foi um livro bem útil para estabelecer uma base e sanar dúvidas (e também criar dúvidas muito além do que eu imaginava que teria). foi importante separar o que era fato do que era opinião do autor, ainda mais por se tratar de um livro escrito nos anos 1950.
quanto às dúvidas sanadas: eba! quanto às criadas, terei paciência e construirei fé para que possa entender melhor sempre :) tem sido uma jornada bem interessante.
quanto às dúvidas sanadas: eba! quanto às criadas, terei paciência e construirei fé para que possa entender melhor sempre :) tem sido uma jornada bem interessante.
Want to read
April 24, 2008My friend Kay suggested this one. I'm looking forward to reading it. :)
October 3, 2022
This book, despite being some decades old and a little (I hope, anyway) on the old-fashioned side on certain matters, serves as just about the perfect primer for anyone wanting to understanding Catholicism in all its complexities and nuances. Better for actual practicing Catholics, no doubt, but still highly informative for anyone else who really wanted an in-depth look at what traditional Catholicism holds. Rather than just a reworded and extended version of the Catechism, this book packs a solid amount apologetics, theology, history, Christian living, and also an encyclopaedic insight into many (if not all) facets of the Catholic faith. A brilliant book, entirely accessible and engaging to read, however much it might prove scary in its confrontational tendency to make you realise what a lousy Christian you probably are. That's the takeaway I was unable to avoid anyway. Not a pleasant one, all things told. But a necessary truth I cannot continue running away from.
July 4, 2019
Excelente! Um claríssimo comentário ao catecismo da Santa Igreja Católica. Padre Leo J. Trese explica com doutrina, exemplos e admoestações os principais pontos do catecismo. Um livro de leitura acessível e fluída que, ao educar o católico para a vida reta, não desvia-se a um tradicionalismo embotado e muito menos perde-se no "tudo vale" de alguns teólogos modernos.
Recomendo a todos que necessitam de um reforço, seja para a fé ou para os conhecimentos da sã doutrina.
Recomendo a todos que necessitam de um reforço, seja para a fé ou para os conhecimentos da sã doutrina.
January 3, 2014
The Catechism of the Catholic Church in very readable format.
The author, Fr. Leo, will walk you through the entire Catechism through beautiful analogies, simple stories, and marvelous accounts from the lives of the Saint.
The author, Fr. Leo, will walk you through the entire Catechism through beautiful analogies, simple stories, and marvelous accounts from the lives of the Saint.
January 7, 2008
This is the catechism I read aloud to my kids, age 10 and up. The teens and twenties have lots to contribute to its thoughtful approach.
September 10, 2012
À great book!
December 29, 2013
This book was required by a class that I participated in, but it has some serious misinformation. I cannot trust the information in this.
April 25, 2013
Worthwile
July 17, 2024
This is the best book I've ever read who's purpose is to explain the Catholic faith. It is structured like the catechism but is a much older book being updated over time to stay relevant. Where the catechism can be challenging this book is simple and easy to understand. While the catechism may be more rich this book gives an easy way to live the faith day to day and to understand the workings and logical extremes of what we believe. Despite thinking I know a lot I learned a good amount of new information from this book and will forever treasure it for that. I will be recommending this book for people who want to learn more about their faith and get back to the basics who also don't mind reading almost 600 pages.
March 30, 2022
Love it. This book enlightened me regarding my Catholic faith. Even if I had my schooling in Catholic schools since young until my graduate school years, I was still amazed about how there is still so much to learn in my religion. It made me feel more purposeful in life, realized how good and amazing God is. How I wish most people of our generation would also seek to learn more about the religion they are in. Somehow, by reading this book, made me feel like I'm also embarking in a reality-fantasy type of genre. But not just because it has passed for years and years, doesn't mean it isn't real.
January 10, 2022
Years ago when we first started homeschooling I purchased this book. However it did not appeal to my kids or myself so I got rid of it (duh). I was a newbie who thought only the books that the kids love should be in our home, with limited space and all that. I have since changed my mind on this. Fortunately a friend gifted me with one several years ago, and I finally just finished it today. The lucky youngest kid to be homeschooled will have the benefit of this great resource. Thinking of adding it as well to gift list for loved ones.
May 7, 2025
I just finished The Faith Explained by Leo Trese, and it’s honestly one of the best books I’ve read about the Catholic faith. It breaks down big topics like the Apostles’ Creed and the sacraments in a way that’s super clear and easy to understand—like talking to a wise friend who just gets it.
What I loved most is how practical it feels. Trese doesn’t just explain what we believe, but also why it matters in real life. The part about confession really opened my eyes. If you want a deeper, clearer view of your faith without getting overwhelmed, this book is a gem.
What I loved most is how practical it feels. Trese doesn’t just explain what we believe, but also why it matters in real life. The part about confession really opened my eyes. If you want a deeper, clearer view of your faith without getting overwhelmed, this book is a gem.
August 3, 2017
Excellent resource
I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, and it did not disappoint. For all of us who grew up with poor instruction, this books teaches it all. It has a great overview of prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Church, the Sacraments, etc. I found myself highlighting a lot, and stopping to pray and ponder. Some of the commentary is a bit dated, but that only added to the charm of it for me.
I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, and it did not disappoint. For all of us who grew up with poor instruction, this books teaches it all. It has a great overview of prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Church, the Sacraments, etc. I found myself highlighting a lot, and stopping to pray and ponder. Some of the commentary is a bit dated, but that only added to the charm of it for me.
December 29, 2024
I received The Faith Explained as a birthday gift and I approached it with the expectation that it would provide clear, and somehow rational explanations of the Catholic faith—insights that could resonate with someone like me, who does not share the author's beliefs but is seeking to understand them better. Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations.
Rather than offering reasoned arguments or thorough explanations, Trese presents the doctrines of Catholicism largely as assertions. These may be meaningful and satisfying for readers who already accept the premises of the faith, but they lack the depth or justification needed to engage a skeptical or inquisitive audience. For someone outside the faith, the book feels more like a catechism aimed at believers than an exploration or defense of the underlying principles of belief.
While Trese's tone is approachable and his intentions clearly pastoral, The Faith Explained does not live up to its title for those seeking intellectual engagement with the "why" behind the faith. Instead, it assumes agreement with the "what," leaving little room for critical exploration or dialogue.
This might be a worthwhile read for devout Catholics seeking reinforcement of their beliefs, but for non-believers or seekers, it does little to bridge the gap of understanding.
Rather than offering reasoned arguments or thorough explanations, Trese presents the doctrines of Catholicism largely as assertions. These may be meaningful and satisfying for readers who already accept the premises of the faith, but they lack the depth or justification needed to engage a skeptical or inquisitive audience. For someone outside the faith, the book feels more like a catechism aimed at believers than an exploration or defense of the underlying principles of belief.
While Trese's tone is approachable and his intentions clearly pastoral, The Faith Explained does not live up to its title for those seeking intellectual engagement with the "why" behind the faith. Instead, it assumes agreement with the "what," leaving little room for critical exploration or dialogue.
This might be a worthwhile read for devout Catholics seeking reinforcement of their beliefs, but for non-believers or seekers, it does little to bridge the gap of understanding.
July 22, 2018
Leo Trese is a chaplain of a university in the U.S. The Faith Explained is a good beginner's book on learning about the faith. It provides explanations of the central aspects of the Christian belief in a way that is easy to understand, thanks to the excellent illustrations and examples the author provides.
http://newasymptotes.blogspot.com/201...
http://newasymptotes.blogspot.com/201...
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July 6, 2019Síntesis amplia de la doctrina cristiana siguiendo el orden usual de los catecismos: credo, mandamientos, sacramentos. Estilo muy ameno, con ejemplos y anécdotas. A pesar de su extensión (la edición castellana de Rialp tiene unas 500 pp.), es adecuado a personas con poco hábito de lectura. Libro muy útil para adquirir una formación básica.
September 12, 2025
Lo consulté muchas veces, pero nunca lo había leido de corrido.
La fe es hermosa. A veces me cuesta entender lo que suena autoritario, imponente, pero este libro fue mi asidero, mi recordatorio al estilo ruso de Dios en mi vida.
Sería genial si hubiera una versión postconcilio.
Tomé notas prácticas y probablemente lo consultaré en el futuro muchas veces.
La fe es hermosa. A veces me cuesta entender lo que suena autoritario, imponente, pero este libro fue mi asidero, mi recordatorio al estilo ruso de Dios en mi vida.
Sería genial si hubiera una versión postconcilio.
Tomé notas prácticas y probablemente lo consultaré en el futuro muchas veces.
July 14, 2018
Um bom livro para um católico não iniciante. Leo Trese aborda assuntos fundamentais da fé católica, como os sacramentos embora não se aprofunde demais, como no catecismo.
Tirei uma estrela pelo estatismo infundado, em que ele não justifica suas assertivas de modo algum.
Tirei uma estrela pelo estatismo infundado, em que ele não justifica suas assertivas de modo algum.
May 4, 2019
Le comenté a mi madre: "mamá, no conozco mi religión. Dame algo que pueda leer para entenderla mejor y ser un buen católico". Con mucho, el mejor regalo que he recibido en mi vida. Gracias Dios, por esa madre que me diste (me refiero a mi mamá, pues)
February 7, 2025
Parece un manual o una guía con la que no perderse nada y conocer cosas nuevas que no sabemos. Muy muy recomendable. Impresionante. Imprescindible para todo católico y sobre todo para nuevos conversos.
April 19, 2025
Great introduction to the whole overall Catholic faith. Although written originally in the 1960s many things have not changed. Recommended to me by our priest as an intro to the faith. Great for anyone going through OCIA class or just wondering about all things Catholic.
September 11, 2025
A comprehensive explanation
A solid guide, especially for those new to the faith. Originally authored in 1959, some of the verbiage feels dated, but other passages are updated and the overall explanations are clear.
A solid guide, especially for those new to the faith. Originally authored in 1959, some of the verbiage feels dated, but other passages are updated and the overall explanations are clear.
November 27, 2018
Putting aside for the time being.
June 16, 2019
Perfect for a catechism crash course
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews