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Theology of Home: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday
Home. It is an elegant word, at once both simple and far-reaching. Home is a place to live in and feel comfortable, but it is much more than that.
Home is where we are nurtured, where we live, and where we love. The language of Home is universal. It is where we find the eternal in the everyday.
But the Home has been neglected. To millions of women today, there is nothing worse than being a “homemaker.” If only they knew the supreme value (and reward) of giving loved ones a place to call Home.
Written by two wives and mothers, Theology of Home is a simple guide to help reorient all of us toward our true home, allowing us to think purposefully about how to make our own homes on earth better equipped to get all those living in them to the Father’s house. Featuring more than 100 beautiful (and inspiring) photographs from homes around the country, profound words from the saints and other literary figures, and in-depth commentary on the theological and spiritual underpinnings of our love for Home, Theology of Home offers readers a tour of both the Home and the human heart.
Whether you live in a sprawling estate or a humble dwelling, whether alone or with a crowd, this is far more than a book of beautiful photos and great décor ideas. You will also learn how to create a deeper sense of the divine Discover how beauty and order can bring the eternal to your every day, and help create a path to heaven for those you love most dearly.
Home is where we are nurtured, where we live, and where we love. The language of Home is universal. It is where we find the eternal in the everyday.
But the Home has been neglected. To millions of women today, there is nothing worse than being a “homemaker.” If only they knew the supreme value (and reward) of giving loved ones a place to call Home.
Written by two wives and mothers, Theology of Home is a simple guide to help reorient all of us toward our true home, allowing us to think purposefully about how to make our own homes on earth better equipped to get all those living in them to the Father’s house. Featuring more than 100 beautiful (and inspiring) photographs from homes around the country, profound words from the saints and other literary figures, and in-depth commentary on the theological and spiritual underpinnings of our love for Home, Theology of Home offers readers a tour of both the Home and the human heart.
Whether you live in a sprawling estate or a humble dwelling, whether alone or with a crowd, this is far more than a book of beautiful photos and great décor ideas. You will also learn how to create a deeper sense of the divine Discover how beauty and order can bring the eternal to your every day, and help create a path to heaven for those you love most dearly.
235 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
138 people are currently reading
2398 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Gress
16 books196 followersCarrie Gress is a Fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based think-tank, Ethics and Public Policy Center and a Scholar at the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America.
Carrie Gress has a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America and was the Rome bureau chief of Zenit's English edition. She is the co-author with George Weigel of City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II s Krakow and the author of Nudging Conversions, published by Beacon Publishing in 2015.
A mother of four, she and her family live in Virginia.
Carrie Gress has a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America and was the Rome bureau chief of Zenit's English edition. She is the co-author with George Weigel of City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II s Krakow and the author of Nudging Conversions, published by Beacon Publishing in 2015.
A mother of four, she and her family live in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
December 11, 2019
Closer to 3.5 stars. The writing and message are beautiful. I loved reading the lovely insights into how important home in all forms is to our lives. What fell flat were the accompanying images. The cover photo and title led me to expect images that would show much more of the sacred incorporated into the everyday, into our homes, into our lives. The words certainly achieve this. The pictures, for the most part, could have been clipped from any trendy decorating publication. Not until the chapter on Mary did there seem to be more imagery with sacramentals or activity related to our faith, but the rest of the book with the occasional statue or image here and there wasn't sufficient for a book that seems to want to not only paint a picture with its words but show you what they mean with images as well. I recommend the book to read, but most of the pictures aren't anything unique.
December 5, 2021
Savored every page. While I do not practice Catholicism, the authors’ worldview closely adheres to my own, and therefore the values represented (and beautifully photographed) resonate deeply. A powerful and appealing call to cultivate a beautiful and loving home in order to cultivate the souls that cross its doorstep. A stunning reflection on the longing for a perfect and eternal home—I am looking forward to rereading.
February 3, 2020
This is not an interior design book. It is much more abstract and philosophical. It is very beautiful and anecdotal, which makes it such a peaceful and easy read.
March 7, 2021
This was a beautifully aesthetic look at creating a welcoming and grace-filled Christian (and specifically Catholic) home! Its focus was mostly looking at the various parts of what makes home homey and why a homey home is important, but I did wish the authors had included more practical tips, etc.
(And the answer to why I, a seventeen-year-old living at home, am reading this, the answer is: I have always stollen my mom's books. I started reading parenting books when I was...probably eight. Because they were there, for pete's sake, why would I not read them? I still have not broken myself of that habit. XD)
So...probably 3.5 stars? Just for the overall vagueness that I would have liked to be a bit more concrete.
(And the answer to why I, a seventeen-year-old living at home, am reading this, the answer is: I have always stollen my mom's books. I started reading parenting books when I was...probably eight. Because they were there, for pete's sake, why would I not read them? I still have not broken myself of that habit. XD)
So...probably 3.5 stars? Just for the overall vagueness that I would have liked to be a bit more concrete.
July 25, 2020
So I enjoyed the book but there were a few things that I didn’t like. First, I was under the impression it was going to give tips of decorating your home to reflect your beliefs. It really didn’t. Secondly, I wish different types of families would have been represented. It was the same type of family...white mom and dad, many kids, and from what I guess most home were in California. It would have been nice to see families of color and homes in different area of the U.S. or even world! The photographer did do a wonderful job and the pictures were gorgeous. The last Chapter on Mary was my favorite part of the book.
February 23, 2022
A gift from another home-loving friend full of beautiful photographs and truths about the importance of place. Some of the heavily Catholic lingo was lost on me as a Protestant, but the message as a whole was relevant to anyone who wants to cultivate a beautiful home on earth while hoping for our eternal home.
September 18, 2023
This really is a theology of home. It is not a book about how to decorate your house. It really is about finding the eternal in the everyday. I appreciate its thoughtfulness and grounded-ness. It’s about creating an environment with intentionality and forethought—an environment that expresses our beliefs.
I guess I don’t know much about present day Catholicism. Especially not enough to know about the range of Catholics amongst it. But something I love and wish that we Baptists had more of, is the true and real presence of Christ and the divine in every corner of the house, and in everything done in the home. Maybe this is more present in Presbyterian families and homes. I don’t know. But from what I have observed of Baptists—Church and Home are often very separate. I know many Baptist’s who would agree with the basic premises of this book—but I also know that hardly any of them pull it off. I know most baptists pray before meals and before bed, and often sing hymns with their kids and memorize verses and talk with them about Christ. But none of that is the same as what these ladies are talking about in this book—they seem to be seeing clearly something much deeper and more fundamental about how our faith in Christ should and does change our lives—down to the littlest things. Maybe it’s just that Catholics are so much better at remembering than we Baptists are—they seem to be connected to the past (and the future) in a way that we are not. The nature of their liturgy is such that the Catholic Church (and its individual members) have a collective memory that is far stronger than anything we baptists have. Baptists, or maybe the current day evangelicals I’ve been around, seem to be very individualistic—not only in their everyday lives and churches, but also in their separation from a true knowledge and appreciation of the history of the church. There is no collective memory. In some ways, no collective tie. I am by no means an articulate, or very knowledgeable person when it comes to religion—I feel distinctly how shaky the ground is beneath me. So all that I’m writing is mostly made of impressions and wonderings. I’m not knowledgeable enough to put my finger on anything as accurately as I wish. But most Baptists I know think that all they need is a Bible. While technically true, they fail to seek guidance from history or from saints and church fathers of the past. They lose so much in doing so.
“A life seeking God above all else is a reflection of a deeper, more profound order within the soul, an order that frees us of distractions and attachment so that we might strive with constancy for God. In giving us a desire to live beautifully—in the humble garden clippings adorning our tables, in items in a shelf arranged with care and consideration—even in these quiet ways, he invites us to closely participate in his very essence which is beauty itself.”
I guess I don’t know much about present day Catholicism. Especially not enough to know about the range of Catholics amongst it. But something I love and wish that we Baptists had more of, is the true and real presence of Christ and the divine in every corner of the house, and in everything done in the home. Maybe this is more present in Presbyterian families and homes. I don’t know. But from what I have observed of Baptists—Church and Home are often very separate. I know many Baptist’s who would agree with the basic premises of this book—but I also know that hardly any of them pull it off. I know most baptists pray before meals and before bed, and often sing hymns with their kids and memorize verses and talk with them about Christ. But none of that is the same as what these ladies are talking about in this book—they seem to be seeing clearly something much deeper and more fundamental about how our faith in Christ should and does change our lives—down to the littlest things. Maybe it’s just that Catholics are so much better at remembering than we Baptists are—they seem to be connected to the past (and the future) in a way that we are not. The nature of their liturgy is such that the Catholic Church (and its individual members) have a collective memory that is far stronger than anything we baptists have. Baptists, or maybe the current day evangelicals I’ve been around, seem to be very individualistic—not only in their everyday lives and churches, but also in their separation from a true knowledge and appreciation of the history of the church. There is no collective memory. In some ways, no collective tie. I am by no means an articulate, or very knowledgeable person when it comes to religion—I feel distinctly how shaky the ground is beneath me. So all that I’m writing is mostly made of impressions and wonderings. I’m not knowledgeable enough to put my finger on anything as accurately as I wish. But most Baptists I know think that all they need is a Bible. While technically true, they fail to seek guidance from history or from saints and church fathers of the past. They lose so much in doing so.
“A life seeking God above all else is a reflection of a deeper, more profound order within the soul, an order that frees us of distractions and attachment so that we might strive with constancy for God. In giving us a desire to live beautifully—in the humble garden clippings adorning our tables, in items in a shelf arranged with care and consideration—even in these quiet ways, he invites us to closely participate in his very essence which is beauty itself.”
November 10, 2022
The cover is a bit misleading because it looks like it's going to contain pictures of beautifully decorated homes. Instead (and for the better) you get pictures of very normal families doing very normal things. (Beautifully photographed, but nothing like the stuff you see on Instagram that makes you feel guilty about not having a perfect home.) In between photos is gentle wisdom about the importance of creating homes that nourish people's souls as well as their bodies.
Because I am not Catholic, some of the emphasis on Mariology was off-putting, but I appreciated the book overall.
Because I am not Catholic, some of the emphasis on Mariology was off-putting, but I appreciated the book overall.
February 23, 2021
Beautiful and thoughtful. I’m not a Catholic but one of the things I appreciate about their doctrine the most is their approach to sacramental living. As a Protestant Evangelical I find the emphasis on liturgy, spiritual discipline, and the sacred approach to the mundane refreshing. One worth reading despite your faith: inspiring. And some excellent quotes from the saints throughout.
December 17, 2020
Beautifully done. I have thoroughly enjoying slowly perusing this book and allowing the ideas and imagery to speak to my soul. With a recent move to a new state underway, I am rethinking what home means to me and my family.
December 4, 2019
Used this as a springboard for time with God in November. Loved, loved.
December 13, 2024
Not the book for me. I love creating beauty and an atmosphere for my family because I love them. I felt, in my opinion, the message was too rule based and stiff.
June 19, 2025
A beautiful coffee table book for Catholic women but also people should actually read it. It is so much more than a trendy book to have on your shelf. There are beautiful pieces of advice and stories that inspire you to create traditions and and make your home a yearning and reminder for heaven.
March 9, 2025
It was a pretty good read. Less practical than I was expecting but some pretty good home making insights
October 25, 2023
A lovely little reflection on how the home can situate and cultivate our theology.
March 3, 2020
This book was such an enlightening, fun, quick read! I just loved opening it up!
Nowadays, we see a lot of people using their homes as a stopping place only to recharge before they head back out into their busy lives. But that seems to just leave us feeling lost and uncomfortable.
The authors of Theology of Home do such an excellent job of reminding us how important it is to make our house a home and to really embrace what 'home' means and how it makes us feel.
The book itself is beautifully put together with incredible photos, and short sections. Definitely an awesome coffee table book or gift for new homeowners!
If you are feeling empty in your house, then let this book fill you up!
Nowadays, we see a lot of people using their homes as a stopping place only to recharge before they head back out into their busy lives. But that seems to just leave us feeling lost and uncomfortable.
The authors of Theology of Home do such an excellent job of reminding us how important it is to make our house a home and to really embrace what 'home' means and how it makes us feel.
The book itself is beautifully put together with incredible photos, and short sections. Definitely an awesome coffee table book or gift for new homeowners!
If you are feeling empty in your house, then let this book fill you up!
October 27, 2020
This book is part Christian-mom-blog and part coffee table book. I was expecting something that was either meatier in theology or more informative regarding home décor. It's the sort of thing one can find on mommy blogs all over the internet with a nugget of goodness here and there. As a Protestant, I particularly appreciated learning more about where we agree in terms of the significance of the home and where we disagree, such as the Catholic perspective on Mary. Glad I read it, but doubt I will pick up the second book.
February 17, 2022
I didn’t exactly “finish” the book, I definitely didn’t read it all, but I thumbed through the pages. If I were of a higher class this book may have inspired me.... but then again, I think Sally Clarkson’s writings on Home are much deeper and can apply more broadly than this. The pictures are nice, but are of homes and families that I could never imagine living in. And honestly, it was just a bunch of little excerpts on the aspects of the Christian Home.
It wouldn’t be a horrible introduction to the idea of the importance of the home, but it didn’t carry much weight for me.
It wouldn’t be a horrible introduction to the idea of the importance of the home, but it didn’t carry much weight for me.
December 3, 2020
Loved this reminder that it’s about intent and family rather than a beautifully designed space that makes a home.
I know that I’ll be reaching for this one whenever I’m feeling antsy about my interior design skills.
I know that I’ll be reaching for this one whenever I’m feeling antsy about my interior design skills.
March 17, 2020
The perfect book to read while quarantined at home! Really a wonderful and important read for everyone for any time. Highly recommend.
December 12, 2020
Absolutely beautiful book great theology and gorgeous photos. Great to put out on your coffee table when finished.
February 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It’s beautiful enough to be a coffee table book but not all fluff. Make me truly think about being intentional in decorating and making our house home!
September 6, 2023
I enjoyed every page of this book!
February 3, 2026
In the moments of monotonous tasks and feelings of overwhelm, this book reminds us that it is a great gift to create a home which points towards Christ.
“Try to put in the hearts of your children a love for home. Make them long to be with their families. So much sin could be avoided if our people really loved their homes.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
"If we cannot find Christ in our work where we are now, we will have a hard time finding him anywhere else."
"Carefully curated rooms and meticulously manicured yards are wonderful, but there is great wisdom in knowing that our houses don't have to be lavish or even conventionally comfortable for them to be perfect."
“Try to put in the hearts of your children a love for home. Make them long to be with their families. So much sin could be avoided if our people really loved their homes.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
"If we cannot find Christ in our work where we are now, we will have a hard time finding him anywhere else."
"Carefully curated rooms and meticulously manicured yards are wonderful, but there is great wisdom in knowing that our houses don't have to be lavish or even conventionally comfortable for them to be perfect."
December 19, 2021
Not bad but not life changing. I didn't get the passion from this book that I could sense in worthy of wearing, and there're hardly any practical tips in this one. The photos were also not varied enough and some were pretty blurry. But like the information isn't bad, but it didn't inspire me how I thought it would.
July 20, 2024
I would not recommend this book. I listened to the audio and didn’t read it so maybe I missed out on some of it. It breaks my heart to read about the blatant worship and idolatry of Mary. She is not our redeemer nor our queen. Christ is our King and redeemer alone. I wish a Protestant would write a book like this from an actual biblical perspective.
February 12, 2023
A beautiful and inspiring testament to the vocation of motherhood and making your home a refuge for your family, written in the light of the Catholic faith. I loved every single second of reading this book.
May 12, 2020
Beautiful reflections on faith, home and family. I loved it.
January 19, 2022
Extraordinary. Every newlywed couple should have this book for their home.
November 9, 2022
A beautiful and peaceful book to read. Good thoughts to help a homemaker focus on the truly important.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews