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Theology for Beginners
…a brilliant book of immense practical usefulness. —Our Sunday Visitor
A Modern Classic
"The joy and excitement of theological knowledge is like the joy and excitement of any other love." —From Chapter One
Clear, precise and inspiring, Theology for Beginners has been acclaimed as one of the outstanding modern introductions to theology. More than a compendium of the central doctrines of Catholicism, however, the book is designed to equip you with the information you need to understand key doctrines and to explain them to others. Along the way, you will find yourself falling more deeply in love with your faith and more confident of your ability to bring healing and hope to what Frank Sheed called "a society that is losing contact with God."
Theology for Beginners will help bring the truth to life in your soul.
Doctrines discussed:
The Trinity • Creation • The Nature of Man • The Fall • Sin • Redemption • The Incarnation • Grace • Christ's Death • The Resurrection • The Kingdom • Mary • The Holy Spirit • The Sacraments • The Eucharist • Baptism • The Second Coming
Theology for Beginners has been acclaimed as one of the outstanding modern introductions to theology. It is a clear, precise, and inspiring compendium of the central doctrines of the Christian faith. Frank Sheed makes the profound truths of theology not only understandable but exciting reading for the Catholic layman. A Servant Book.
A Modern Classic
"The joy and excitement of theological knowledge is like the joy and excitement of any other love." —From Chapter One
Clear, precise and inspiring, Theology for Beginners has been acclaimed as one of the outstanding modern introductions to theology. More than a compendium of the central doctrines of Catholicism, however, the book is designed to equip you with the information you need to understand key doctrines and to explain them to others. Along the way, you will find yourself falling more deeply in love with your faith and more confident of your ability to bring healing and hope to what Frank Sheed called "a society that is losing contact with God."
Theology for Beginners will help bring the truth to life in your soul.
Doctrines discussed:
The Trinity • Creation • The Nature of Man • The Fall • Sin • Redemption • The Incarnation • Grace • Christ's Death • The Resurrection • The Kingdom • Mary • The Holy Spirit • The Sacraments • The Eucharist • Baptism • The Second Coming
Theology for Beginners has been acclaimed as one of the outstanding modern introductions to theology. It is a clear, precise, and inspiring compendium of the central doctrines of the Christian faith. Frank Sheed makes the profound truths of theology not only understandable but exciting reading for the Catholic layman. A Servant Book.
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
537 people are currently reading
2675 people want to read
About the author
Frank Sheed
70 books122 followersFrancis Joseph Sheed was an Australian-born lawyer, Catholic writer, publisher, speaker, and lay theologian. He and his wife Maisie Ward were famous in their day as the names behind the imprint Sheed & Ward and as forceful public lecturers in the Catholic Evidence Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 14, 2016
August 3-November 14, 2016: Have read this at least twice before. This time my reading was very disjointed and frequently interrupted by other activities and required reading (for classes I'm conducting) so I lost the flow of the author's ideas more than I followed them. I'll just leave my rating from last time and try to come back to it again when I can concentrate on this better.
Dec 22, 2008: This is my second reading of Theology For Beginners -- mostly because I can barely remember the first. What I do remember was at the time (probably sometime between '02-'04) it didn't seem a book 'for beginners'. This time, perhaps due to the reading I've done in the interim, it was much easier to understand. It's still very theoretical. Theology, after all, being 'the study of' God -- the most impenetrable mystery of all time -- it now amazes me Mr. Sheed has made this book as accessible as he has.
There were many things I liked about this book including the explanation of spirit/soul/body and their relationship(s) to each other. The whole spirit-soul 'thing' actually made sense after reading this explanation, spirit being not only a key word, but the key word. It 'is the element in us by which we know and love, by which we therefore decide.' Souls, on the other hand are marvellous and they animate the bodies, the life-principles, of all living things including plants and animals. So my cat has soul, but not a spirit, if I understand Mr. Sheed correctly. However, the human soul not only animates the body, it has powers of its own, powers utterly outside the possibilities of matter. (p. 62)
And then there were other pearls of Wisdom scattered throughout which I tried to collect (highlight) and add to memory, such as:
- . . . evolution and creation. These are answers to two totally different questions. Creation answers the question why does anything exist, why isn't there nothing? Evolution is a theory as to how the universe did develop once it existed. Upon how it came to exist, evolution sheds no light whatever. (p. 58)
- We are born without sanctifying grace. That is what is meant by being born in original sin, which is not to be thought of as a stain on the soul, but as the absence of that grace without which we cannot . . . reach the goal for which God destined man. (p. 80)
- It is by the saints, and not by the mediocre . . . that the Church is to be judged. A medicine must be judged not by those who buy it but by those who actually take it. (p. 116)
Theology For Beginners is really very basic theology. For some it will just whet the appetite. For others, it will saturate. Whichever is the case, as Mr Sheed says in his Foreword, 'you cannot love someone you do not know. You cannot love God well if you know Him poorly.'
"While it is obvious that an ignorant man can be virtuous, it is equally obvious that ignorance is no virtue." ~~Frank Sheed
Dec 22, 2008: This is my second reading of Theology For Beginners -- mostly because I can barely remember the first. What I do remember was at the time (probably sometime between '02-'04) it didn't seem a book 'for beginners'. This time, perhaps due to the reading I've done in the interim, it was much easier to understand. It's still very theoretical. Theology, after all, being 'the study of' God -- the most impenetrable mystery of all time -- it now amazes me Mr. Sheed has made this book as accessible as he has.
There were many things I liked about this book including the explanation of spirit/soul/body and their relationship(s) to each other. The whole spirit-soul 'thing' actually made sense after reading this explanation, spirit being not only a key word, but the key word. It 'is the element in us by which we know and love, by which we therefore decide.' Souls, on the other hand are marvellous and they animate the bodies, the life-principles, of all living things including plants and animals. So my cat has soul, but not a spirit, if I understand Mr. Sheed correctly. However, the human soul not only animates the body, it has powers of its own, powers utterly outside the possibilities of matter. (p. 62)
And then there were other pearls of Wisdom scattered throughout which I tried to collect (highlight) and add to memory, such as:
- . . . evolution and creation. These are answers to two totally different questions. Creation answers the question why does anything exist, why isn't there nothing? Evolution is a theory as to how the universe did develop once it existed. Upon how it came to exist, evolution sheds no light whatever. (p. 58)
- We are born without sanctifying grace. That is what is meant by being born in original sin, which is not to be thought of as a stain on the soul, but as the absence of that grace without which we cannot . . . reach the goal for which God destined man. (p. 80)
- It is by the saints, and not by the mediocre . . . that the Church is to be judged. A medicine must be judged not by those who buy it but by those who actually take it. (p. 116)
Theology For Beginners is really very basic theology. For some it will just whet the appetite. For others, it will saturate. Whichever is the case, as Mr Sheed says in his Foreword, 'you cannot love someone you do not know. You cannot love God well if you know Him poorly.'
"While it is obvious that an ignorant man can be virtuous, it is equally obvious that ignorance is no virtue." ~~Frank Sheed
August 12, 2016
As Frank Sheed points out, many Catholics love and practice their religion, but most are illiterate when it comes to understanding some of the basic tenets of the Faith. Theology for Beginners addresses this problem.
Every Catholic should reacquaint themselves with the Faith: the Persons of the Trinity; the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception; Heaven, Hell and Purgatory; the Sacraments, etc. Everything relevant to being a Catholic is mentioned in this short book.
What I enjoyed most about Theology for Beginners was the informal style, the dry British wit, and the hope that Mr. Sheed has for each and every serious reader to pursue these issues at a deeper level.
This book is a wonderful introduction to Catholic dogma, and it should be read by everyone, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, interested in learning what the Catholic Church truly believes and teaches.
Although the book does not claim to be about Catholic apologetics (arguing against other religious doctrines with the aim of convincing non-Catholics to join our religion), Mr. Sheed sees the twofold need for a proper understanding of the doctrines of the Faith as a necessary component of practicing our faith more devoutly, as well as being part of the apostolic mission we have been called to live.
Every Catholic should reacquaint themselves with the Faith: the Persons of the Trinity; the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception; Heaven, Hell and Purgatory; the Sacraments, etc. Everything relevant to being a Catholic is mentioned in this short book.
What I enjoyed most about Theology for Beginners was the informal style, the dry British wit, and the hope that Mr. Sheed has for each and every serious reader to pursue these issues at a deeper level.
This book is a wonderful introduction to Catholic dogma, and it should be read by everyone, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, interested in learning what the Catholic Church truly believes and teaches.
Although the book does not claim to be about Catholic apologetics (arguing against other religious doctrines with the aim of convincing non-Catholics to join our religion), Mr. Sheed sees the twofold need for a proper understanding of the doctrines of the Faith as a necessary component of practicing our faith more devoutly, as well as being part of the apostolic mission we have been called to live.
January 18, 2019
This book was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed Sheed's style of writing and he covered a topic I believe everyone should be familiar with; theology. This book is great for beginners and also those who might need a brush up on Christianity and what we believe in. I think that all RCIA classes should cover this book or touch on some of its major topics at the least.
"For many, most of us perhaps, the first reaction to a straight-forward statement of this sort about Heaven is a feeling that there seem to be a lot of earthly pleasures we shall miss rather badly. We imagine ourselves sometimes looking back to the dear dead days before we were raised to eternal bliss.
Two immediate considerations follow this. The more obvious is that we have no awareness of what the pleasure of life in heaven will be. There is no way of realizing a pleasure until one has enjoyed it. The most eloquent analysis will not tell one with no experience of it. You cannot convey the delight of color to a blind man. There are a host of adult joys that cannot be conveyed to children. In Heaven the blindness of earth will be gone; we shall at last be grown-up.
The other consideration is that we have taken pleasure in things or happenings in this life either for the reality in them or for what we delude ourselves into imagining that they possess. The second sort will cease in Heaven, for there is not place for the delusion or illusion there But the first sort we shall have in greater measure, because whatever reality is in any created thing is there by the gift of God. It is therefore, in infinite perfection, in God Himself, and with Him we shall be in living contact."
I think the second consideration speaks on what The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times speaks on with all God created is good. We can choose things we think are of the utmost good and be tricked 'into imagining that they possess' the greatest good. When what sanity tells us once we come to terms with our creator is that spending eternity with infinite perfection itself is the greatest good. God willing, we can make it there by the actions our Lord and Savior on Calvary.
"For many, most of us perhaps, the first reaction to a straight-forward statement of this sort about Heaven is a feeling that there seem to be a lot of earthly pleasures we shall miss rather badly. We imagine ourselves sometimes looking back to the dear dead days before we were raised to eternal bliss.
Two immediate considerations follow this. The more obvious is that we have no awareness of what the pleasure of life in heaven will be. There is no way of realizing a pleasure until one has enjoyed it. The most eloquent analysis will not tell one with no experience of it. You cannot convey the delight of color to a blind man. There are a host of adult joys that cannot be conveyed to children. In Heaven the blindness of earth will be gone; we shall at last be grown-up.
The other consideration is that we have taken pleasure in things or happenings in this life either for the reality in them or for what we delude ourselves into imagining that they possess. The second sort will cease in Heaven, for there is not place for the delusion or illusion there But the first sort we shall have in greater measure, because whatever reality is in any created thing is there by the gift of God. It is therefore, in infinite perfection, in God Himself, and with Him we shall be in living contact."
I think the second consideration speaks on what The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times speaks on with all God created is good. We can choose things we think are of the utmost good and be tricked 'into imagining that they possess' the greatest good. When what sanity tells us once we come to terms with our creator is that spending eternity with infinite perfection itself is the greatest good. God willing, we can make it there by the actions our Lord and Savior on Calvary.
September 19, 2016
Deeply profound, brilliant, and insightful. It is a definitive volume that should be included on every bookshelf devoted to the subject. The writing is clear, yet eloquent and filled with Truth. It is paradoxical in that it is complex, yet simple, in approach and content. Then again, the greatest paradoxes often contain the most beauty and truth.
A cursory glance at the table of contents may lead the reader to believe that he is sufficiently knowledgeable about the subjects under discussion. But I urge you against passing it up due to such an assumption. Despite prior knowledge, I found that I grew in understanding because of the philosophical bent of the material. It provides, therefore, a deeper understanding of that which we may already "know". Theology is the greatest and truest form of philosophy, and this is a wonderful example of it.
A cursory glance at the table of contents may lead the reader to believe that he is sufficiently knowledgeable about the subjects under discussion. But I urge you against passing it up due to such an assumption. Despite prior knowledge, I found that I grew in understanding because of the philosophical bent of the material. It provides, therefore, a deeper understanding of that which we may already "know". Theology is the greatest and truest form of philosophy, and this is a wonderful example of it.
April 28, 2022
My second reading. This is well worth revisiting from time to time. Clear and readable, though far from simplistic, it sets out the basic doctrine as taught by the Catholic church. In an ever changing world this little book increases in value for readers like me. I know where the church stands when I read this and that is more than helpful. First published in 1958 it has aged well. To re-read again..
January 30, 2018
I was lamenting the other day that there are no "middle-ground" Catholic books. There are thousands of beginner level books that tend to blend together after a while, and there are hundreds of advanced level books that are great for the professors and theology majors. But where are the "middle-ground books" for people who feel they have progressed past the introductory level books? Then, I thought some more and realized I was being arrogant to think I was past the introductory stage and decided to tackle a classic Frank Sheed book called Theology for Beginners.
Theology for Beginners is a 200 page book originally published in 1957. Ignatius Press re-released it for the 60th anniversary. The book is divided into twenty chapters which were originally part of a diocesan weeklies column. The book begins with a chapter on why we should study theology, and to summarize Sheed, it is because the truth is food for us and light for us. We are then treated to lessons on the Trinity, Creation, the Nature of Man, Redemption, the Redeemer, Mary, the Sacraments, the Eucharist, and the Next Life.
One of the most interesting chapters in this book dealt with the Fall. In this chapter, Sheed looks at both the Fall of the Angels and the Fall of Adam. He talks of some angels choosing self over God. This sin of pride resulted in a rejection of God and His love. With Adam's fall that resulted from Satan's temptation, man had broken his union with God and he was supernaturally dead. All future men (and women) would now be born with original sin. Additionally, our imagination and passions (two things which were good before the Fall) have been distorted and disordered and now can consume us in a very negative way. We can now become slaves to them and let them rule us, if we allow ourselves. This leads us to the truths about Hell. It exists. It exists because of Satan and the angels Fall. It is a place of suffering. It is eternal. It is important to remember that God doesn't send people to Hell. Man sends himself there by choosing self-love over love of God. Thankfully, Hell is not our only possible destination. If we love God, but have minor sins, we can go to Purgatory and receiving sanctifying purification to eventually get to the ultimate destination of Heaven!
This book is an excellent guide to theology that has stood the test of time. The writing style is concise and succinct, getting the message across without overly complicating matters. It was also a very humbling read, because it showed me that even in beginner level theology, there is still much to be learned. I highly recommend this book!
Theology for Beginners is a 200 page book originally published in 1957. Ignatius Press re-released it for the 60th anniversary. The book is divided into twenty chapters which were originally part of a diocesan weeklies column. The book begins with a chapter on why we should study theology, and to summarize Sheed, it is because the truth is food for us and light for us. We are then treated to lessons on the Trinity, Creation, the Nature of Man, Redemption, the Redeemer, Mary, the Sacraments, the Eucharist, and the Next Life.
One of the most interesting chapters in this book dealt with the Fall. In this chapter, Sheed looks at both the Fall of the Angels and the Fall of Adam. He talks of some angels choosing self over God. This sin of pride resulted in a rejection of God and His love. With Adam's fall that resulted from Satan's temptation, man had broken his union with God and he was supernaturally dead. All future men (and women) would now be born with original sin. Additionally, our imagination and passions (two things which were good before the Fall) have been distorted and disordered and now can consume us in a very negative way. We can now become slaves to them and let them rule us, if we allow ourselves. This leads us to the truths about Hell. It exists. It exists because of Satan and the angels Fall. It is a place of suffering. It is eternal. It is important to remember that God doesn't send people to Hell. Man sends himself there by choosing self-love over love of God. Thankfully, Hell is not our only possible destination. If we love God, but have minor sins, we can go to Purgatory and receiving sanctifying purification to eventually get to the ultimate destination of Heaven!
This book is an excellent guide to theology that has stood the test of time. The writing style is concise and succinct, getting the message across without overly complicating matters. It was also a very humbling read, because it showed me that even in beginner level theology, there is still much to be learned. I highly recommend this book!
April 28, 2022
This book was absolutely phenomenal. I think it's worth reading for several reasons. For Catholics it's a good introduction and overview of Catholic theology. Several times this book explained something in a way that made me think about it in a new light than I had before. The discussion on the Trinity was worth it by itself even. I think this book is even worth reading for non Catholics as it introduces what Catholics believe and why while doing so in a fairly straightforward and understandable format (and it's pretty short).
April 13, 2022
An excellent theology book, though it was more involved than the title might suggest. Sheed has a beautiful way of putting things in an understandable wayd, while encouraging the reader to actively ponder difficult concepts such as the Trinity.
His elucidation on the difference between persons and natures struck me especially.
His elucidation on the difference between persons and natures struck me especially.
September 30, 2011
This book was a great introduction. It is short, 186 pages, but don't be misled; read them slowly. He does an excellent job of marking off the geography to be covered by Theology but does not delve too deeply into any single topic. The book is filled with facts and observations which will cause you to stop and really think.
I would recommend reading this book prior to taking on the catechism of the Catholic Church; it will give the reader the necessary hooks on which to hang the concepts from the much larger volume.
I would recommend reading this book prior to taking on the catechism of the Catholic Church; it will give the reader the necessary hooks on which to hang the concepts from the much larger volume.
June 23, 2025
From the Epilogue:
“It is not strictly necessary, we say defensively, for the laity to know theology. Only love is essential. But how can one love God and not want to know all one can about him? Love desires knowledge, and knowledge serves love. Each truth that we learn about God is a new reason for loving him.”
A somewhat easy read with complicated truths. Sheed does a good job of trying to explain as much as possible without confusing people while also giving enough to encourage people to learn more. Obviously aspects like the Trinity and God’s features will need a much deeper explanation, but this book gave plenty food for thought and a good stepping off point to deeper study.
“It is not strictly necessary, we say defensively, for the laity to know theology. Only love is essential. But how can one love God and not want to know all one can about him? Love desires knowledge, and knowledge serves love. Each truth that we learn about God is a new reason for loving him.”
A somewhat easy read with complicated truths. Sheed does a good job of trying to explain as much as possible without confusing people while also giving enough to encourage people to learn more. Obviously aspects like the Trinity and God’s features will need a much deeper explanation, but this book gave plenty food for thought and a good stepping off point to deeper study.
April 18, 2019
What a great and accessible introduction to theology and context for our faith. An important read for people at any point in their faith journey.
March 28, 2022
Mind blown. La teología es extensa y este es un buen libro para empezar. Me recordó muchas cosas, resolvió muchas dudas y genero otras preguntas. Recomendado para tener buenas bases.
July 25, 2010
A short but powerful book. In just 186 pages Frank Sheed takes complex theology and boils it down to its essence, and presents it in a way that's easy to digest. This book could be easily read in a week or so, but you could also linger over it's contents for months. It is that unique combination of being concise, practical, easily understood, but also with depth that can be pondered endlessly. For some, this could be the beginning of a life long study of theology. For others it could be the only theology book they ever need. For all it will deepen their awareness of who God is and what he has done and continues to do for the human race--from creation to the second coming. Sheed calls for all Christians to become better informed about their faith, and this book is his offering to assist them. The uninstructed Christian, says Sheed, is "stumbling along in the dark not even aware that it is dark, half-fed and not even hungry for more..." If you are "hungry for more" this book will feed your soul.
July 31, 2017
The title of this book says it all. Sheed has created the perfect introduction to Roman Catholic Theology for the average layman. Using logic, reason and excellent analogies, Sheed explains to the reader the basics on everything from Original Sin to the Eucharist. This book is the perfect prequel to his more lengthy volume, 'Theology and Sanity.' For anyone interested in doing an independent study of the Roman Catholic Faith, this book is the absolute best place to start.
February 4, 2016
loved it!
March 6, 2024
Reading Frank Sheed makes me regret ever giving anyone else 5 stars. He is in a league all his own, he breaks the scale. Everyone needs to read this book, and then make everyone else they know read it, too.
October 23, 2025
This book took me quite a while to get through, as many of its chapters are dense and require time to digest. As the title suggests, it does an excellent job introducing most—if not all—of the key theological concepts central to Catholicism. Sheed explores the core ideas that drive Christianity, particularly the Catholic faith, including the nature of the spirit, the Blessed Trinity, the Mystical Body of Christ, the sacraments, the afterlife, and much more.
Admittedly, some topics required multiple readings to fully grasp, and I still question how much I truly understand. But this in itself was a valuable realization: such a profound subject cannot be contained within a single 241-page book. The author acknowledges this as well, encouraging readers to study Scripture alongside his explanations to connect the theological dots more deeply.
As an introduction to theology, this was both educational and enlightening, and it inspired me to continue studying further. The book also works well as a reference, as each chapter stands on its own and can be revisited for a quick refresher. I’ll certainly be returning to it in the future and highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.
Admittedly, some topics required multiple readings to fully grasp, and I still question how much I truly understand. But this in itself was a valuable realization: such a profound subject cannot be contained within a single 241-page book. The author acknowledges this as well, encouraging readers to study Scripture alongside his explanations to connect the theological dots more deeply.
As an introduction to theology, this was both educational and enlightening, and it inspired me to continue studying further. The book also works well as a reference, as each chapter stands on its own and can be revisited for a quick refresher. I’ll certainly be returning to it in the future and highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.
February 2, 2021
Great introduction into theology that didn’t go too over my head. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into these concepts and reading more of the author’s books.
June 10, 2021
Good, liked it very much as a general introduction to the scope of theology--read it in order to see if i could pass it on to a friend, and I did. Good perspective on how the theology of the trinity relates to the rest of theology.
September 29, 2018
My first Frank Sheed. It will not be my last. This man has an incredible gift for distilling the truth. I learned so much. Now I need to reread it!
Read
July 2, 2022Myślę, że to dobra książka dla każdego, kto chce poznać fundamenty doktryny katolickiej. Autor podaje je w na prawdę "ludzki" sposób, nie korzystając z teologicznego slangu.
Dobra też dla teologów, choćby po to, by zobaczyli, że o trudnych prawdach, da się mówić prostym językiem.
Dobra też dla teologów, choćby po to, by zobaczyli, że o trudnych prawdach, da się mówić prostym językiem.
January 22, 2022
Read for a theology class I'm taking. Very informative.
March 2, 2018
An excellent primer in theology for a Catholic layman. I feel more equipped to deal with tricky questions having read it. It is not too heavy either.
January 2, 2018
This is a good introductory text to the general beliefs of the Catholic faith. While accessibly written, the text tends towards a density and dryness that can make it difficult to digest. I found myself needing to reread paragraphs, and even chapters at times to get the ideas to fully sink in. That having been said, I cannot fully imagine how the ideas could have been better conveyed. Theology is a very tough subject, and so far this is the most accessible book I've been able to find on it, at least in terms of the Catholic faith.
The book is helpfully arranged into individual chapters that build off of one another to ease the transition into deeper topics. A whole chapter, for instance, is dedicated to better defining what precisely the spirit is. Other chapters include one on the concept of the Trinity, on what happens after death, how to read the Bible, and why in general one should familiarize themselves with theology and its tenets.
All in all, this is a difficult but rather good book for anyone interested in the subject. I'm glad I had a chance to read it, even though it took me forever to finish.
The book is helpfully arranged into individual chapters that build off of one another to ease the transition into deeper topics. A whole chapter, for instance, is dedicated to better defining what precisely the spirit is. Other chapters include one on the concept of the Trinity, on what happens after death, how to read the Bible, and why in general one should familiarize themselves with theology and its tenets.
All in all, this is a difficult but rather good book for anyone interested in the subject. I'm glad I had a chance to read it, even though it took me forever to finish.
November 25, 2013
This is an excellent starting point for delving into Catholic thought. It is not an easy read, but only because the subject matter is hard. It is clearly and readably written, it's phrasing is carefully considered for accuracy, and, while it doesn't go into great depth on things, it doesn't dumb them down, either. When I first read this book, there were elements that I didn't quite understand, and claims that I did not necessarily accept. It, however, gave me the grounding (and the questions) to explore a number of theological issues more deeply, and for several years after reading it I found myself realizing what Sheed meant by the things that he said, or why things that I hadn't quite embraced were, in fact, correct. If you're looking to start investigating Catholic theology and are frustrated to find that everything you read is either beyond your current knowledge level or is dumbed down too much to get you anywhere, this book just might be what you're looking for.
December 29, 2012
This should be required reading for all Catholics. Sheed explains things I never knew needed explaining! This was a challenging read for me and was glad to have two friends read it with me as I may have just put it back on the shelf, left to my own devices. I needed clarification from my spiritual director on some things. Did you know that trees have a soul? It sounds new agey, but they do!
Here's a quote: "Man is made by God of nothing, is held in existence from moment to moment simply by God's will to hold him there. God's will is the reason for man's existence; so God's will must be the law of his existence. To disobey the law is sin; to think we can gain by disobeying it is insanity."
Here's a quote: "Man is made by God of nothing, is held in existence from moment to moment simply by God's will to hold him there. God's will is the reason for man's existence; so God's will must be the law of his existence. To disobey the law is sin; to think we can gain by disobeying it is insanity."
November 7, 2025
Most Catholics are “secularly literate and religiously illiterate”.
That line sums up how I felt by the end of the book. How can I expect to go and profess my faith and the truths of Christianity if I don’t fully understand them myself. I say I believe but do I really know what I believe in.
I felt initially that it started off a bit dry, but it’s a very dense book. Sheed explained in depth where it was required and in other areas, he explained without going to deep. As the book progressed, it definitely started to make sense. Will have to read it again!!!
That line sums up how I felt by the end of the book. How can I expect to go and profess my faith and the truths of Christianity if I don’t fully understand them myself. I say I believe but do I really know what I believe in.
I felt initially that it started off a bit dry, but it’s a very dense book. Sheed explained in depth where it was required and in other areas, he explained without going to deep. As the book progressed, it definitely started to make sense. Will have to read it again!!!
January 19, 2013
Sheed accomplishes just what he intends to do: convince the layman of the necessity of understanding fundamental Christian doctrines and set them forth with clarity and freshness of description. I really appreciate how much Sheed has reflected on the different topics. He has internalized them to make them more personal and express them more clearly. A bit dry toward the middle but overall thought provoking. I could see this as a good tool for group study and discussion.
March 9, 2013
A good introduction to the great mysteries of the Christian faith. Within these short 186 pages Frank Sheed brings light to many of the harder things to understand about our faith: the Trinity, Nature vs Person, the Soul, the Sacraments to name a few. Starting from who God is and ending with our final destination, Sheed walks us through the outline of what we need to know to be effective Christians.
April 5, 2013
This book proved to be helpful in my getting a more in depth look at the Catholic religion. It was an enlightenment is many aspects.
However, although it was printed in 2011, there were some faulty statements in the book. In one case, it was explained that only the priest celebrant could receive Holy Eucharist in both species, that is bread and wine. According to the book, all other could receive the host only. It seems the proofreading was in need of a second proofreader.
However, although it was printed in 2011, there were some faulty statements in the book. In one case, it was explained that only the priest celebrant could receive Holy Eucharist in both species, that is bread and wine. According to the book, all other could receive the host only. It seems the proofreading was in need of a second proofreader.
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