Rebuilt Faith: A Handbook for Skeptical Catholics

by Michael White, Adam J. Parker (Foreword), Tom Corcoran

Do you question whether God really exists? Have you considered walking away from your faith because you’ve been hurt by someone in the Church or because you struggle with some of its teachings? Or maybe you’ve already left? Are you carrying around guilt for something you’ve done and don’t feel you are worthy of God’s love?

Rebuilt Faith, written by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—authors of the bestselling book Rebuilt—proposes five simple steps to learn (or relearn) more about your Catholic faith and deepen your relationship with God.

In Rebuilt Faith, you will learn that rebuilding and renewing your faith starts with a nagging feeling that you want something more—more connectedness, more community, and more purpose. That’s the spark that leads to a flame that burns brightly around Jesus, the foundation of living and growing in faith.

The steps in Rebuilt Faith can be done in just ten minutes a day over forty days during your morning coffee, at lunchtime, or when you are relaxing in the evening. Each one includes a quotation from a saint, a reflection, questions to ponder, a prayer, and a scripture verse.

White and Corcoran organize the book around five steps that build on different aspects of Catholicism and are meant to be

serve—serve others and develop a servant’s heart; give—giving reflects the character of God; engage in Christian community—we need friends of faith to become more like Jesus; practice prayer and the sacraments—by praying consistently and continually taking part in the sacraments, you will better connect with God; and share your faith—having a heart for people who do not know Jesus and helping them in their faith journey will strengthen your own faith.   White and Corcoran have watched thousands of people in their parish in Timonium, Maryland, take these five steps and grow from seeing God primarily as an abstract idea into knowing him as a deeply loved partner who provides a far greater sense of purpose for living than they had ever known before.

Invest in yourself by taking your faith to the next level and allowing God to help you come to know his grace, favor, and loving kindness in a new and personal way. Not only will you strengthen your own connection to God but also the connection between him and the entire Body of Christ.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2023

About the author

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Reviews

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been an excellent look at faith & in a small group!? It was meaningful 😌

[M. Laszlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very helpful. It begins with the obvious—the idea that a skeptical Catholic must revisit the Gospels and truly, deeply reflect on the very real person Jesus was. From that point on, the book is divided into S.T.E.P.S The first S is for serve. The T is for tithe. The E is for engage with community. The P is for prayer, and the last S is for share the faith. Throughout the book, the author encourages the reader to reflect on pertinent questions and to find the answer to skepticism within. At one point, Michael White asks: "Is there someone you are struggling to get along with right now? What would it look like to apply the Golden Rule to that relationship?" Those kinds of questions are crucial because by asking such questions, the author is constantly making the book interactive and encouraging the reader to confront his or her own doubts and/or bad experiences. The point is the author asks the right questions. They are the kinds of questions that make the reader think and really truly confront his or her own ignorance and/or misgivings. Anyway, there is much wisdom in this book.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors say "we have written this book for skeptical Catholics, those actively wondering, Is religious faith a thing I really need in my life? Does it really matter?"

I was brought up Catholic in a sectarian area and abandoned the faith when I escaped the place. The book is interesting and an easy read but I’m not sure it has changed my views any…

The layout is short passages and reflections over 40 days. Obviously, as to be expected, some resonated with me more than others. The sincerity of the writers is unquestionable and the passages are well chosen and cover many areas of confusion and conflict.

I think I will revisit the book at another time and although it didn’t make religion a thing I really need in my life, it did leave me wondering. So I’d say that’s a success.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

[Lexie Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my small group with the Church of Nativity. We worked through it a week ahead of time so that we can get the readings done before Easter. This was a very welcoming and information-packed on how we can improve ourselves this Lent. This book has also helped a lot with conversations within my small group. I recommend buying this book on Amazon!

[Kara Marziali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran have done it again...this dynamic duo writes in an approachable and understandable way. They don't preach; they offer a fresh, helpful perspective on religion and a relationship with God.

[Monica Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read; the book has helpful topics to explore one’s faith.