Did Adam & Eve Have Bellybuttons?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers

by Matthew J. Pinto

This book is the #1 book teens turn to for answers on their Catholic Faith. It inspires, informs and challenges teens. With over 125,000 copies sold, Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons? is the top teen book in the Church, five straight years in a row. Each year, literally hundreds of parishes and schools use Did Adam & Eve? with their teens. It gets read and changes hearts!

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Christian

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Abby (Reader of Clean Books)]

I already knew a lot of the topics covered, but I still learned quite a bit. I was surprised that some of the questions needed to be asked. Quite a few of them I would think all young Catholics should know.

It did cover some more mature topics, so I would be careful with who should read this.

[Malvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to read before going to bed. It answer many tricky questions about profound topics in Christianity in a light-hearted and convincing way. Though the questions in the book were asked by teenagers, it is great food for thought for adults who want to learn more about Christianity as well.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for Catholic teenagers who want to learn more about their religion.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would not be using this book with my kids at Religious Education. It's intolerant and restrictive.

[Espresso · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is some good things in this book. Unfortunately, it does have some heretical content, but it is a modernist view and very close to fact in the area of creation. IF someone had not made close examination of what the church ALWAYS taught they may have missed the slight bait and switch, which is possible in the case of the author and even the bishops.

However, as soon as you say the church is not concerned with ANY aspect of creation you've spoken heresy, because God is concerned or it wouldn't exist.

Please see www.foundationsrestored.com.

[Mike Kilcoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could have just as easily been written today. It’s a little concerning the questions I had on my heart as a teen and today we’re also being asked 20 years ago, but at the same time encouraging to the universality of the Church. We’re all going through similar stuff and if only we actually sat down and had a dialogue together. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith with an open heart.

[Suellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars • Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons? answers 199 real questions from Catholic teens in a clear, concise Q&A format. Answers are faithful to Church teaching, backed by Scripture and the Catechism. Organized by themes like God, Jesus, the Church, morality, prayer, and more, it tackles doubts on topics such as evolution, abortion, contraception, other faiths, and Catholic practices.

#DidAdamAndEveHaveBellyButtons #MatthewJPinto #Bookish #suvataReads

[Melissa M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I promised myself I would read all the books I had to buy for my kids when they had assigned readings for Easter or Lent, and I finally got around to.....one. Written for teenagers, there are some really naive questions in here. Maybe they're real and I'm just extremely jaded.

[Maddie Boarman · Rating 1 out of 5]

One word: intense. As someone who’s been Catholic since birth, I wasn’t really surprised by most of these answers, but a few felt a little outrageous and really harsh. Overall, didn’t really resonate with me as most was already common knowledge for most Catholics.

[Catherine Couch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was the best educational book about faith that you can get out there. The author answered so many questions that I had about my faith, and I really enjoyed reading this book. 3/5

[Riley Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference book for teens who are not familiar with the faith. This should only be used for absolute beginners because it does not go into depth.

[Isamaro Belriese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know and have learned many of these truths already, but it is presented in a clear and easy to understand way in this book, which I really appreciate

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Summary:
This is a Q&A apologetics book aimed at teens. It is based on "questions" from teens regarding various "issues" and "teachings" of the Catholic Church. The questions are somewhat elementary, but the author does a good job of really answering the question and giving good Biblical and Catechism references. Although it is aimed at teens, I think it is somewhat elementary and definitely better used as a perusal book than any sort of reference.

Format:
Q&A apologetics book.
Broken up in chapters by "topic." This was done well, and there is a decent index in the book. What lacks is a broader range of topics, the Q&A function of the book hurt that a bit.

Readability:
The book is a very easy read. In fact, I might even argue that it is too easy, or too remedial. The answers are well written, and done in a fairly academic way. The problem is that the questions seem almost... canned or scripted. It isn't a matter of actual authenticity, but it is more in how they come off or appear. I think that the target group for this book is teens and the readability is definitely there for them.

Usefulness:
I think that this is definitely the kind of book you want to give to a young teen or questioning teen in the Catholic faith. Because it is broken up topically by "question" it might be hard for some folks to dive into it, especially younger readers who are often looking for specific questions. I can say though that it is well written, and for those looking for more of an overview apologetics type book for teens, this is a good book. Something about it seems a little lacking, but overall it is good at what it was intended to be. There is a good index and topic break-up so it definitely has thought put into it.

Overall:
I think this is one of those books you try and find used. I also think that its target audience is in the 12-15 range. Beyond that it might come off as a little patronizing. It definitely does a good job at taking regular teen-type questions and answering them in a well referenced and straight forward manner. Where the book lacks isn't due so much to the author or the writing but more to the format and target audience. I guess I was just expecting something either more on the fun and anecdotal side of things or more on the reference end of the spectrum. Still it is a worthwhile read, and I definitely gained a few points of knowledge from it. I didn't read the thing, word for word, cover to cover, but read about 80% of it in one sitting. The parts I skipped were questions and answers that I have read/heard before.
3 out of 5 stars.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I had originally had it as a resource for teaching Sunday School (many years ago), I just read it... really so I could read it and give it back to church. (yeah). Anyway, it covers a wide range of topics with real questions from teenagers, and with good Catholic answers. I would say the way the author answers the questions are faithful to the Catholic Church, but he doesn't go toooo in depth with any of the answers. I just think some topics do need answers with more depth. Overall, a good teaching resource for Catholic Sunday School teachers, or maybe a good book for your teenager if they have lots of questions.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great starting book for anyone young or old to really understand the Catholic faith. The author took questions from teenagers about the church and answered them in ways that they would understand. A very concise and user friendly book to be used as a reference or read straight through. Either way it will be enjoyed.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned how to better speak with teenagers about the Catholic faith, but I also learned that this is an excellent 1st Communion or Confirmation gift.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot BELIEVE this book is on goodreads. A must-have for every coffee table, at least if you want to go to heaven or want to learn why you will be going to hell. I love you Corinne.

[Emily Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great for me because I'm a Catholic Teen.

[Holly Paluck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good family resource book. Answers some simple and not-so-simple questions in a concise, easy to understand format.

[Yohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good book for atheist. :)

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved using this as a gift for the teens preparing for confirmation. They would sit down and read it as soon as they got it; never heard a room of teens so quiet.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book for teens and adults to read. Some of the questions asked by these teens were quite good.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book and thought that it was a good reading for people that are confused on the the Catholic Faith

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read, especially with your teenager! It is definitely Catholic based, but it upholds any Christian standards of moral living.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catholic teens ask questions, which are answered in this book. Some good answers, but I thought that a few were a bit patronizing.