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Waking Up Catholic: A Guide to Catholic Beliefs for Converts, Reverts, and Anyone Becoming Catholic
Are you new to Catholicism and become a recent Catholic convert? Did you grow up Catholic and return as a Catholic revert? Are you interested in becoming Catholic for the first time?
If you want to learn more about basic Catholic beliefs, Waking Up Catholic: A Guide to Catholic Beliefs for Converts, Reverts, and Anyone Becoming Catholic is the book for you.
The depth of Catholic theology is one of its greatest beauties, but understanding it can be one of its greatest challenges.
You have questions. Waking Up Catholic has answers. Learn about:
-How does Catholic Tradition fit in with Scripture?
-Why do we have a pope?
-Do Catholics really worship Mary?
-Why do Catholics pray to saints?
-Is Holy Communion just a symbol of Christ?
-What is the purpose of Confession?
-Do repetitious Catholic prayers really work?
-And more...
Waking Up Catholic answers these questions, and more, from the perspective of someone who converted to Catholicism himself.
Waking Up Catholic may be the first Catholic book you've ever read, but after you're done, it won't be the last.
If you want to learn more about basic Catholic beliefs, Waking Up Catholic: A Guide to Catholic Beliefs for Converts, Reverts, and Anyone Becoming Catholic is the book for you.
The depth of Catholic theology is one of its greatest beauties, but understanding it can be one of its greatest challenges.
You have questions. Waking Up Catholic has answers. Learn about:
-How does Catholic Tradition fit in with Scripture?
-Why do we have a pope?
-Do Catholics really worship Mary?
-Why do Catholics pray to saints?
-Is Holy Communion just a symbol of Christ?
-What is the purpose of Confession?
-Do repetitious Catholic prayers really work?
-And more...
Waking Up Catholic answers these questions, and more, from the perspective of someone who converted to Catholicism himself.
Waking Up Catholic may be the first Catholic book you've ever read, but after you're done, it won't be the last.
156 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2013
613 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Chad R. Torgerson
4 books24 followersAssisi Media focuses on bringing creative products to the market, and Chad is the driving force behind that. He is the author of Assisi Media’s first release, Waking Up Catholic, and is in charge of managing the creative side of the business. From creating products himself to acquiring new products, Chad’s primary objective is to bring quality materials to the Catholic public.
With his background in information technology, Chad also develops the technology used by Assisi Media. He creates websites, eBooks, layouts for traditional books, videos, and other digital content. He also manages their social media presence. Using his skills, Chad ensures that Assisi Media uses all avenues of new media to bring the message of Christ to a fallen world.
With his background in information technology, Chad also develops the technology used by Assisi Media. He creates websites, eBooks, layouts for traditional books, videos, and other digital content. He also manages their social media presence. Using his skills, Chad ensures that Assisi Media uses all avenues of new media to bring the message of Christ to a fallen world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 18, 2019
Chad Torgerson seems like a nice guy, and this is a nice book.
It's structured like, and intended to be, a guide to Catholicism - each chapter addresses some aspect of the faith that people might find difficult or confusing. But really, it's the story of Chad's conversion to RC, and is (in the nicest possible way) a guide best suited to other Chads. There's a constant refrain of, 'Don't worry if you're confused. I was confused too!' But the things that bothered Chad don't bother me at all - and the answers that persuaded him are apt to confuse me further! His previous faith was non-denominational. At first I thought this meant that he didn't belong to a church, but it became clear that, in an American context, non-denominational means attending enormous mega-churches in a Protestant style. This leads to Chad defending Catholicism in ways that it would never occur to me a faith needed to be defended.
As an example - Chad spends a lot of time worrying that people might be put off Catholicism because it has priests in long robes instead of pastors in blue jeans. I don't know why anyone would be attracted to a religion because its clergy wears jeans but this is clearly something preying on Chad's mind. On the other hand I don't know why anyone would be put off by a priest in a robe - it's just his uniform, no stranger than nurses, police officers, firefighters, janitors - but Chad is speaking to the reader who needs to be persuaded that robes are not deeply sinister.
Protestants put a lot of emphasis on the Bible - sola scriptura - which means a lot of words spent on why tradition is as good as scripture. I daresay this is very useful for persuading a Protestant, but to me it seems obvious that tradition is better than scripture! Words are all well and good, but meaning is slippery and gets more slippery and less relevant over time. But tradition has the advantage of being able to hold onto the spirit while changing the form. Likewise, because Prots are persuaded by Bible quotes, Chad relies heavily on them to explain why RC traditions are not heretical - a topic of no interest to anyone outside this particular Christian infight.
Even stranger (to my mind) is the time spent on defending formal and formulaic prayer, like the 'Our Father' or 'Hail Mary'. Before reading this book, I didn't even know that some Protestants eschew the 'Our Father' in favour of emotional outpourings in conversation with God. I found myself in the unexpected position of suddenly wanting to know more about the weird sect that Chad had come from. How does that work? It's so odd that this book doesn't seem to realise that almost every religion has set prayers and mantras and it's the Prots who are the odd-one-out and ought to be defending their peculiar habits!
And after all this, there's not much space left to go into depth on actual RC beliefs. Papal infallibility and transubstantiation get somewhat short shrift and unsatisfying answers, as does the Trinity. Although in fairness to Chad, I've never been able to wrap my head around the Trinity. I just don't get why there should be three persons, and how they can be one and yet three, or what the difference is between a person or a mode or a face. The holy spirit always makes me pagan - if the holy spirit can be God then why not Shiva or Pan?
Anyway, that's beside the point, which is, in summary: a very good introduction to Roman Catholicism for American from the more extreme end of Protestantism, but not necessarily for anyone else.
It's structured like, and intended to be, a guide to Catholicism - each chapter addresses some aspect of the faith that people might find difficult or confusing. But really, it's the story of Chad's conversion to RC, and is (in the nicest possible way) a guide best suited to other Chads. There's a constant refrain of, 'Don't worry if you're confused. I was confused too!' But the things that bothered Chad don't bother me at all - and the answers that persuaded him are apt to confuse me further! His previous faith was non-denominational. At first I thought this meant that he didn't belong to a church, but it became clear that, in an American context, non-denominational means attending enormous mega-churches in a Protestant style. This leads to Chad defending Catholicism in ways that it would never occur to me a faith needed to be defended.
As an example - Chad spends a lot of time worrying that people might be put off Catholicism because it has priests in long robes instead of pastors in blue jeans. I don't know why anyone would be attracted to a religion because its clergy wears jeans but this is clearly something preying on Chad's mind. On the other hand I don't know why anyone would be put off by a priest in a robe - it's just his uniform, no stranger than nurses, police officers, firefighters, janitors - but Chad is speaking to the reader who needs to be persuaded that robes are not deeply sinister.
Protestants put a lot of emphasis on the Bible - sola scriptura - which means a lot of words spent on why tradition is as good as scripture. I daresay this is very useful for persuading a Protestant, but to me it seems obvious that tradition is better than scripture! Words are all well and good, but meaning is slippery and gets more slippery and less relevant over time. But tradition has the advantage of being able to hold onto the spirit while changing the form. Likewise, because Prots are persuaded by Bible quotes, Chad relies heavily on them to explain why RC traditions are not heretical - a topic of no interest to anyone outside this particular Christian infight.
Even stranger (to my mind) is the time spent on defending formal and formulaic prayer, like the 'Our Father' or 'Hail Mary'. Before reading this book, I didn't even know that some Protestants eschew the 'Our Father' in favour of emotional outpourings in conversation with God. I found myself in the unexpected position of suddenly wanting to know more about the weird sect that Chad had come from. How does that work? It's so odd that this book doesn't seem to realise that almost every religion has set prayers and mantras and it's the Prots who are the odd-one-out and ought to be defending their peculiar habits!
And after all this, there's not much space left to go into depth on actual RC beliefs. Papal infallibility and transubstantiation get somewhat short shrift and unsatisfying answers, as does the Trinity. Although in fairness to Chad, I've never been able to wrap my head around the Trinity. I just don't get why there should be three persons, and how they can be one and yet three, or what the difference is between a person or a mode or a face. The holy spirit always makes me pagan - if the holy spirit can be God then why not Shiva or Pan?
Anyway, that's beside the point, which is, in summary: a very good introduction to Roman Catholicism for American from the more extreme end of Protestantism, but not necessarily for anyone else.
October 28, 2013
About a week ago, I was surfing through my plethora of emails and social media sites when I came across a posting which intrigued me. Being Catholic, and having a dickens of time getting my novel reviewed by all those famous fellow Catholics who review books (and you know who you are), I felt an instant kinship with this struggling author. The fact that he was writing about his conversion to Catholicism, and that he wanted to help those traversing the thorny trail toward entering the Church, was more than inviting, it was a put-up or shut-up moment for me. I agreed to do it.
One of the best parts of his premise, was that he wanted to explain why all those crazy Catholics do this and that, and why they believe that weird idea, in a simple this is what I found, straight from the heart way. He made my heart flutter with recognition. Almost thirty years ago, my husband and I, including our children, took the same path. I had stumbled across another fellow convert. Not just one of those who converts because they are marrying someone who is Catholic, but a knocked-down, crazy-in-love, finally-feeling-at-home, honest-to-God, fresh Catholic.
He sent me a copy for review: Waking Up Catholic: A Guide to Catholic Beliefs for Converts, Reverts, and Anyone Becoming Catholic by, Chad R. Torgerson. It's a quick read. Although, I would want more scriptural references and a deeper discussion about the continuity of Judaism into the Catholic Church, because, oftentimes, that's why the Church does this or that, this book definitely has its place. It works because it's from the heart. He speaks throughout the book about his conversion process, and the influence his brother-in-law had on him in those first tentative steps on his journey into the Church, without sounding preachy. He avoids that tone and exercises his frustration even with fellow Catholics, primarily because they don't participate as thoroughly as they should. I'm definitely with him there. He has all the ear-marks of a convert, though. He's sold-out. He sees the beauty when many Catholics sit and yawn. His eyes are open to the incomparable teachings, while many of his fellow pew-sitters snore through the Mass.
I believe this should be a book to give to an Evangelical. They should specifically read the chapter about the Trinity. It's true that Evangelicals can personalize their relationship with Jesus, but they can't tell you Who God is without spouting some Jehovah this or that, or How God can be Three Persons in One. He uses the classic Saint Patrick shamrock that has worked for hundreds of years because it's simple and true.
I recommend this book, not because it's well-written or because it's theologically accurate, or went through a perfect editing process, but because it came from his heart. I don't care about the English or the style, or the redundancy, because he wrote it in the belief he could reach someone, just as his brother-in-law reached him. For that, I applaud you Chad. I know there are a lot of people out there who will get what they need from this. And, for all you nominal Catholics, WAKE UP!
July 8, 2013
Waking Up Catholic, by Chad Torgerson, is the story of one man's journey to Catholicism and the MANY objections he had to the Catholic faith along the way. However, his story is not unique to him. Many people, myself included, had these same objections and misconceptions before we finally made our way to Rome. Chad just had the good sense and spiritual gift to write about these points and help others along their journey.
In this book, one will find some of the major stumbling blocks people have with the Roman Catholic Church, including, Tradition, Mary, the Saints, the Eucharist, etc. Each chapter follows a specific pattern. Chad mentions a subject that was a stumbling block for him. Next, he talks about his feelings on the subject before he was Catholic. He then explains the actual Catholic teaching on the particular subject using Scripture and the Catechism. Lastly, he explains his new viewpoint and appreciation of the matter at hand. This definitely was like re-living my conversion as I went through practically these same steps on each such subject.
On face value, this books comes off as an introduction to Catholic Apologetics. Depending on your point of view, it is either a nice defense of your core beliefs or a reinforcement of them. However, the author wants us to not only know our faith; he wants us to live it too. He mentions the 80-20 rule, which says that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. In reality, and according to Matthew Kelly in "The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic," 7% is a more accurate approximation of the number of people who are active in their parish. ("Active" means more than just showing up to Mass once a week.) Chad designed this book to be a call to evangelization, particularly the New Evangelization. The first step in the New Evangelization is learning and growing in our faith, with which this book definitely helps.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's easy to read, but that doesn't mean that the truths of our Faith have been dumbed down. My one regret with this book is that it wasn't around when I was embarking on my journey toward Catholicism. This is the perfect book for those considering becoming Catholic, already in an RCIA class, those looking to come back to the Church, or just someone who wants to understand what they believe better.
In this book, one will find some of the major stumbling blocks people have with the Roman Catholic Church, including, Tradition, Mary, the Saints, the Eucharist, etc. Each chapter follows a specific pattern. Chad mentions a subject that was a stumbling block for him. Next, he talks about his feelings on the subject before he was Catholic. He then explains the actual Catholic teaching on the particular subject using Scripture and the Catechism. Lastly, he explains his new viewpoint and appreciation of the matter at hand. This definitely was like re-living my conversion as I went through practically these same steps on each such subject.
On face value, this books comes off as an introduction to Catholic Apologetics. Depending on your point of view, it is either a nice defense of your core beliefs or a reinforcement of them. However, the author wants us to not only know our faith; he wants us to live it too. He mentions the 80-20 rule, which says that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. In reality, and according to Matthew Kelly in "The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic," 7% is a more accurate approximation of the number of people who are active in their parish. ("Active" means more than just showing up to Mass once a week.) Chad designed this book to be a call to evangelization, particularly the New Evangelization. The first step in the New Evangelization is learning and growing in our faith, with which this book definitely helps.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's easy to read, but that doesn't mean that the truths of our Faith have been dumbed down. My one regret with this book is that it wasn't around when I was embarking on my journey toward Catholicism. This is the perfect book for those considering becoming Catholic, already in an RCIA class, those looking to come back to the Church, or just someone who wants to understand what they believe better.
July 17, 2013
Opening your soul to faith (or re-opening your soul) can be a little scary. You might have objections, reservations, hesitations and misunderstandings. And not everyone is the type to tackle the Summa Theologica.
Chad Torgerson has been there, done that, and he’s written the book on how to handle just this situation. He skillfully interweaves his own journey into Catholicism with concise explanations of just what this all means. If you’re exploring the Church for the first time, rebuilding the faith of your childhood or just looking for an excellent review tool, Waking Up Catholic covers all the bases.
Topics covered in this 156-page book (MUCH less intimidating than the Summa) include:
Tradition with a Capital T
Guardians of the Faith
Shepherds of the Flock
The Trinity: Central Mystery of Our Faith
Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church
The Communion of Saints
More Than Bread and Wine
Reconciled
Becoming Catholic
Heavenly Conversations
Everyday Catholic
The Next Step
I found this book to be easy to read without being an insult to the reader’s intelligence. It challenged the reader to reflect and pray and consider what the truths discussed in the book mean to them. Torgerson’s honest account of his struggles with certain aspects of the faith and how (and where) he sought for answers drives home his explanations of the “basics” of the faith so that both the reader’s mind and heart are engaged in learning and exploring.
Who should read this book? I’d recommend it to:
people considering becoming Catholic
people in the RCIA program who seek full Communion with the Church
ALL teachers in faith-formation programs (for children, teens and adults)
parents of children who are preparing to receive Sacraments
anyone who wants to learn more about the Faith
Most of the people on my list above are already Catholic. But that doesn’t mean that any of us are experts. We can all benefit from the opportunity to refresh our knowledge and to have our faith refreshed. Chad Torgerson achieves both these goals in his simply-written yet deeply compelling book.
Chad Torgerson has been there, done that, and he’s written the book on how to handle just this situation. He skillfully interweaves his own journey into Catholicism with concise explanations of just what this all means. If you’re exploring the Church for the first time, rebuilding the faith of your childhood or just looking for an excellent review tool, Waking Up Catholic covers all the bases.
Topics covered in this 156-page book (MUCH less intimidating than the Summa) include:
Tradition with a Capital T
Guardians of the Faith
Shepherds of the Flock
The Trinity: Central Mystery of Our Faith
Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church
The Communion of Saints
More Than Bread and Wine
Reconciled
Becoming Catholic
Heavenly Conversations
Everyday Catholic
The Next Step
I found this book to be easy to read without being an insult to the reader’s intelligence. It challenged the reader to reflect and pray and consider what the truths discussed in the book mean to them. Torgerson’s honest account of his struggles with certain aspects of the faith and how (and where) he sought for answers drives home his explanations of the “basics” of the faith so that both the reader’s mind and heart are engaged in learning and exploring.
Who should read this book? I’d recommend it to:
people considering becoming Catholic
people in the RCIA program who seek full Communion with the Church
ALL teachers in faith-formation programs (for children, teens and adults)
parents of children who are preparing to receive Sacraments
anyone who wants to learn more about the Faith
Most of the people on my list above are already Catholic. But that doesn’t mean that any of us are experts. We can all benefit from the opportunity to refresh our knowledge and to have our faith refreshed. Chad Torgerson achieves both these goals in his simply-written yet deeply compelling book.
July 22, 2013
The premise behind Chad Torgerson's new release, Waking Up Catholic: A Guide to Catholic Beliefs for Converts, Reverts, and Anyone Becoming Catholic, isn't a new one.
He wants to help people understand what the Catholic Church teaches. It's a laudable goal.
What's different about this book than what I expected from another Catholic guide can be found, in part, in the fact that Torgerson isn't a professional apologist. He's a programmer, a writer, and a husband and father. He's a normal guy, and he approaches the topic that way.
You feel, as you read it, as though you're having a conversation with a friend, one who's there to explain things and not necessarily sell you on anything. He doesn't shy away from explaining things clearly, but there's no "you HAVE to believe this" sledgehammer.
Torgerson's authentic and honest. He shares his struggles and the solutions he found in Church teaching.
This is a good, straightforward book. It’s a quick read and well-done. I wouldn’t have any hesitations in sharing it with nearly anyone who expressed interested in Catholicism and maybe even some of those who haven't but have questions.
Highly recommended.
He wants to help people understand what the Catholic Church teaches. It's a laudable goal.
What's different about this book than what I expected from another Catholic guide can be found, in part, in the fact that Torgerson isn't a professional apologist. He's a programmer, a writer, and a husband and father. He's a normal guy, and he approaches the topic that way.
You feel, as you read it, as though you're having a conversation with a friend, one who's there to explain things and not necessarily sell you on anything. He doesn't shy away from explaining things clearly, but there's no "you HAVE to believe this" sledgehammer.
Torgerson's authentic and honest. He shares his struggles and the solutions he found in Church teaching.
This is a good, straightforward book. It’s a quick read and well-done. I wouldn’t have any hesitations in sharing it with nearly anyone who expressed interested in Catholicism and maybe even some of those who haven't but have questions.
Highly recommended.
October 23, 2017
This subtitle says to be for converts (or those returning to the Church), but I'll argue it's for everyone. It's for Catholics who don't know how to explain their faith. It's for non-Catholics who don't know what Catholics believe. It's for Catholic friends of converts who want to understand the church from where their companions once hailed.
The information is presented in a simple, no-nonsense fashion, but there's nothing simple about this information. Right off the bat, we're discussing Traditions and why to join any church at all. (As a former non-denomiational, the latter part kicked me in the butt.) Each chapter builds upon the last, leaving us at the end with a duty to evangelize. It's not enough to simply understand the faith; we're instructed to live it. And to share it with others.
I may not be the world's most outspoken evangelist (speaking in front of people? Why would I want to do that?), but I can recommend this book, and it does a much better job than I ever could.
The information is presented in a simple, no-nonsense fashion, but there's nothing simple about this information. Right off the bat, we're discussing Traditions and why to join any church at all. (As a former non-denomiational, the latter part kicked me in the butt.) Each chapter builds upon the last, leaving us at the end with a duty to evangelize. It's not enough to simply understand the faith; we're instructed to live it. And to share it with others.
I may not be the world's most outspoken evangelist (speaking in front of people? Why would I want to do that?), but I can recommend this book, and it does a much better job than I ever could.
February 25, 2015
I haven't lost my faith, I just misplaced it.
I left the Catholic church 20years ago. The priest that baptized my newborn son told me that my marriage was a sin. I married a divorced Catholic man 25years ago. Still very much in love and happy, children grown, what's missing? I want to "go home" This book taught me about forgiveness, and where to find it. God. I will attend RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) and except God into my heart and soul. I will be grateful the day that I complete my confirmation. Thank you so much for writing this book.
I left the Catholic church 20years ago. The priest that baptized my newborn son told me that my marriage was a sin. I married a divorced Catholic man 25years ago. Still very much in love and happy, children grown, what's missing? I want to "go home" This book taught me about forgiveness, and where to find it. God. I will attend RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) and except God into my heart and soul. I will be grateful the day that I complete my confirmation. Thank you so much for writing this book.
February 27, 2014
I converted in 2011, and I am sponsoring someone in RCIA right now. I think this book would be great for anyone going through RCIA or considering converting.
January 13, 2023
Chad Torgerson has written a heartfelt spiritual memoir of his journey from atheist to nondenominational Christian to Catholic.
In Chapter 12, he summarizes his book:
"This book started out as a learning process, but now we've reached it's true goal: action. You learned why to trust and follow the teachings of the Church and its leaders. We cleared up some misconceptions about the Catholic faith. We spent time in prayer and re-devoted ourselves to weekly Mass. Now, in the final step, we must take action: living out our faith daily and spreading the Word."
This final step is called evangelization and is, for me, the hardest step of all.
Torgerson's book has definitely given me pause. At 74 years of age, what is the 'final step' for me?
4 stars
I am sad to report that the book is out of print and the Kindle, which I read, is no longer available.
In Chapter 12, he summarizes his book:
"This book started out as a learning process, but now we've reached it's true goal: action. You learned why to trust and follow the teachings of the Church and its leaders. We cleared up some misconceptions about the Catholic faith. We spent time in prayer and re-devoted ourselves to weekly Mass. Now, in the final step, we must take action: living out our faith daily and spreading the Word."
This final step is called evangelization and is, for me, the hardest step of all.
Torgerson's book has definitely given me pause. At 74 years of age, what is the 'final step' for me?
4 stars
I am sad to report that the book is out of print and the Kindle, which I read, is no longer available.
March 20, 2018
I greatly enjoyed reading Mr. Torgerson's book, and following his faith journey. His writing was clear, persuasive, and inspirational. I especially enjoyed his honesty in sharing his struggles with understanding the Catholic church's teachings on some of the most challenging doctrines such as the Real Presence of the Holy Eucharist, and the Biblical support for the Hail Mary prayer. His book would be a good source for anyone who has a sincere interest in learning more about the true beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Mr Torgerson's book reminded all Christians that we have a moral obligation to learn as much as we possibly can about of Christian faith, and in particular our Catholic faith, and to be ready to evangelize anyone and everyone who we meet along our journey. This was truly a wonderful experience reading this book, and I highly recommend it.
February 11, 2016
I have a soft spot for converts, so I was excited to read this book. It had a lot of good information in it despite a few typos and inaccuracies typical of first editions. Chad's story has some twists in it that I haven't come across before, and I liked his approach to the basics of Catholicism. It wouldn't be great for active Catholics, but for the groups to which he recommends it in the subtitle, it would be ideal. It's not too dense or sensationalist; it's like the third bowl of porridge (just right).
Read my full review at Austin CNM.
Read my full review at Austin CNM.
July 31, 2014
If you've taken college or even high school theology, you'll find this overly simplistic. For example, the issue of papal infallibility is discussed with no mention of speaking ex cathedra. I read this with a summer faith group and it did provoke some interesting discussions. The author stayed far away from the more controversial issues currently dividing the Church.
December 28, 2021
Excellent
Loved this book! I am a Baptist but feel God is leading me to the Catholic beliefs. I never realized how scripture is showing that they are more on track......I was brought up believing that they were just about rules and everything so formal. I thought confession to a priest was way out there. I can't wait to go and convert. God has been leading me this way after years of asking God which Church do u want me in. God which religion is the correct one with all the different sets of beliefs. Everyone thinks their way is the right way. I said God someone is wrong n some one is right....please I want your way. Please Lord direct me in the right path. I have read several books that God keeps putting me in touch with. Everyone in Christ should read this book. If nothing else you will realize how strong the Catholic Church is n it was built on what Jesus wanted all those years ago. At it is still standing n nothing even the depths of hell will not prevail against it. You all know the correct verse. Only thing I dread is getting my family to see this as clearly as I do. Please pray that I will succeed! With Gods help nothing is impossible even converting at the age of 62 to Catholicism.
Loved this book! I am a Baptist but feel God is leading me to the Catholic beliefs. I never realized how scripture is showing that they are more on track......I was brought up believing that they were just about rules and everything so formal. I thought confession to a priest was way out there. I can't wait to go and convert. God has been leading me this way after years of asking God which Church do u want me in. God which religion is the correct one with all the different sets of beliefs. Everyone thinks their way is the right way. I said God someone is wrong n some one is right....please I want your way. Please Lord direct me in the right path. I have read several books that God keeps putting me in touch with. Everyone in Christ should read this book. If nothing else you will realize how strong the Catholic Church is n it was built on what Jesus wanted all those years ago. At it is still standing n nothing even the depths of hell will not prevail against it. You all know the correct verse. Only thing I dread is getting my family to see this as clearly as I do. Please pray that I will succeed! With Gods help nothing is impossible even converting at the age of 62 to Catholicism.
March 21, 2019
Amazing
Like the author, I woke up one day and went to my local parish and signed up for RCIA. I was initially skeptical, but I fell in love with Catholicism in RCIA. I wish I had this book back then, but it is still a great reminder of the beauty of our great Faith and the unique paths that led some of us to RCIA. Torgerson's passion for educating and motivating will have anyone approaching the Faith for the first time or the first time in a long time falling head over heels with Catholicism.
Like the author, I woke up one day and went to my local parish and signed up for RCIA. I was initially skeptical, but I fell in love with Catholicism in RCIA. I wish I had this book back then, but it is still a great reminder of the beauty of our great Faith and the unique paths that led some of us to RCIA. Torgerson's passion for educating and motivating will have anyone approaching the Faith for the first time or the first time in a long time falling head over heels with Catholicism.
November 27, 2022
This book mostly annoyed me. I know it was a discussion of one man’s journey, but it felt very self-serving and a bit shallow. He certainly discussed some of the questions/concerns I have had about the faith, yet I felt the explanations were very surface level and that he expected me to just take him at his word. The book provided a good introduction to many important topics in the Catholic faith, but I’m looking for a book that truly deepens my understanding of each aspect of the faith. This was not that.
May 12, 2017
An excellent guide for a returning Catholic.
This book may not be official Catholic doctrine, but it combined many of the basic tenants of Catholicism with a very truthful journey of one man from non belief to an evangelical Catholic.
If you are considering looking at Catholicism more closely, this is an outstanding beginning course. I was/am very impressed and have found a great church and mentor to help me back to a loving/forgiving God and belief system.
This book may not be official Catholic doctrine, but it combined many of the basic tenants of Catholicism with a very truthful journey of one man from non belief to an evangelical Catholic.
If you are considering looking at Catholicism more closely, this is an outstanding beginning course. I was/am very impressed and have found a great church and mentor to help me back to a loving/forgiving God and belief system.
June 28, 2018
More Information on Sharing Your Faith
I am a Catholic for almost 40 years. Once, I tried to discuss Catholicism with a Baptist going door to door, that was a mistake. But I would try again, it is worth being a Catholic. Too many non-denomination evangelicals should learn the truth of Catholicism. But more people in the church should find their way home, especially the Democrats like Nancy
Pelosi.
I am a Catholic for almost 40 years. Once, I tried to discuss Catholicism with a Baptist going door to door, that was a mistake. But I would try again, it is worth being a Catholic. Too many non-denomination evangelicals should learn the truth of Catholicism. But more people in the church should find their way home, especially the Democrats like Nancy
Pelosi.
December 11, 2020
Excellent guide for converts
Mr Torgerson's conversion was almost exactly like mine which was done 50 years ago. But it was not until about 10 years ago that I realized the truth of which he writes . He even uncovered more than I did and made me realize more clearly that I was right to convert
Mr Torgerson's conversion was almost exactly like mine which was done 50 years ago. But it was not until about 10 years ago that I realized the truth of which he writes . He even uncovered more than I did and made me realize more clearly that I was right to convert
May 7, 2022
Great book for all Christians contemplating or deciding to convert to the Catholic faith. I once read somewhere that if you decide to become a Catholic, you will be an even better Christian. The Catholic Church was the first church created by Jesus and the Apostles and to this day maintains most of the traditions past. Good insight on basics of the faith.
January 24, 2019
Excellent book!
This book is very easy to follow, a quick read. Many things I had forgotten from my past, came back to remind me of what I have missed being Catholic. I would highly recommend this book to all!
This book is very easy to follow, a quick read. Many things I had forgotten from my past, came back to remind me of what I have missed being Catholic. I would highly recommend this book to all!
November 25, 2019
Very good introductory text on the faith.
This book helped me gain understanding of some areas of the Catholic faith that I had been given misinformation about. I can incorporate some of this in my own journey of faith.
This book helped me gain understanding of some areas of the Catholic faith that I had been given misinformation about. I can incorporate some of this in my own journey of faith.
May 8, 2017
Explains Catholic religion.
Love how author shows how her other religions did not quite get her to where she felt she needed to be .
Love how author shows how her other religions did not quite get her to where she felt she needed to be .
March 29, 2019
Strikes me as a great gift for an RCIA candidate but is otherwise a little light on detail.
December 27, 2019
Explores basic Catholic Beliefs others skip over
Great book for the reasons behind a variety of Catholic belief. Help explain questions I had. Overall would highly recommend.
Great book for the reasons behind a variety of Catholic belief. Help explain questions I had. Overall would highly recommend.
May 28, 2020
Excellent Book
This is an excellent introduction to the Catholic faith and religion. I recommend it to both new Catholics and old ones .
This is an excellent introduction to the Catholic faith and religion. I recommend it to both new Catholics and old ones .
January 24, 2021
Another great book
I really enjoyed this book, and I pray that others will come to read and enjoy it as I have
I really enjoyed this book, and I pray that others will come to read and enjoy it as I have
February 19, 2021
Woke up Catholic
I have a story about how I became Catholic that is similar. I had a lot of the same questions and came to the same conclusion.
I have a story about how I became Catholic that is similar. I had a lot of the same questions and came to the same conclusion.
March 30, 2021
Detailed yet understandable
The most common questions are answered as well as the ones I did not consider. Plenty of derails without being overwhelmed or brow beaten.
The most common questions are answered as well as the ones I did not consider. Plenty of derails without being overwhelmed or brow beaten.
October 11, 2021
It may read that this is for converts/reverts and such but it also serves as a reminder of why we are Catholic. This is a decent and quick read for any well catechized adult.
November 5, 2021
Informative, great read
I enjoyed this book very much. The writer is very informative on Catholicism and explains step by step. I learned a lot, as I am new to catholicism.
I enjoyed this book very much. The writer is very informative on Catholicism and explains step by step. I learned a lot, as I am new to catholicism.
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