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Real Religion: How to Avoid False Faith and Worship God in Spirit and Truth
According to divine command and simple justice alike, we should give God worship. But how do we know if we’re doing it right? After all, the world is hardly in full agreement on this question. Is religion really just about bowing and kneeling in a big church? Maybe we should worship God by communing with nature instead, or by loving our neighbor. Or maybe, since God dwells within us, true worship simply means becoming the best version of ourselves. In Real Religion, How to Avoid False Faith and Worship God in Spirit and Truth, popular preacher and professor Fr. Jeffrey Kirby cuts through misguided modern notions—idols, really—about God and religion and takes you back to the foundation for true God’s revelation about himself. There’s no secret formula; God has laid out all the answers for us. From his very first contact with his chosen people in the Old Testament, to his loving guidance throughout salvation history, to the culmination of his revelation in Jesus Christ, God shows us what religion is supposed to be like—and how to make the practice of it a lifelong virtue in our lives. In doing so, we not only render justice to God but perfect our souls, putting us on a path to achieving real religion’s peace in this world and eternal happiness with him in the next.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2021
9 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Kirby
31 books20 followersFather Jeff Kirby is the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina (gracewepray.org). He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Father Kirby serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College and Pontifex University. He has authored several books, including "Lord, Teach Us to Pray," "Kingdom of Happiness: Living the Beatitudes in Everyday Life," "God's Search for Us," and most recently, "Be Not Troubled: A 6-Day Personal Retreat with Fr. Jean-Pierre DeCaussade."
In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state.
Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the award-winning program "Doors of Mercy" and was one of the co-instructors of the programs, "Luke: The Gospel of Mercy" and "Jesus Revealed."
Father Kirby is a weekly Senior Contributor for the news site Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse.
In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state.
Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the award-winning program "Doors of Mercy" and was one of the co-instructors of the programs, "Luke: The Gospel of Mercy" and "Jesus Revealed."
Father Kirby is a weekly Senior Contributor for the news site Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 23, 2021
Thought Provoking
A thought provoking book by Father that details some of the misconceptions that we, as worshipers of Christ view the mass. Instead of allowing God to take the driver seat, we tend to tell him to move over and start steering on our own in every direction except along the true path of worship. We need to be more Theo-centered than ego-centered as followers of Christ. This book explains how, and provides scripture, prayers, and other useful tools to avoid false faith and guide us toward the true worship of God. An excellent addition to any library of those faithful who want to love and serve God rightly.
A thought provoking book by Father that details some of the misconceptions that we, as worshipers of Christ view the mass. Instead of allowing God to take the driver seat, we tend to tell him to move over and start steering on our own in every direction except along the true path of worship. We need to be more Theo-centered than ego-centered as followers of Christ. This book explains how, and provides scripture, prayers, and other useful tools to avoid false faith and guide us toward the true worship of God. An excellent addition to any library of those faithful who want to love and serve God rightly.
April 8, 2021
First in a Series, Please?
It would be a great blessing if this thorough, plain-English, explanation of the virtue of religion would be the first in a series of books on the virtues. Fr. Kirby explores "religion" beyond the common meaning of the word to examine our relationship with God and our neighbor. He provides a guide for applying this virtue in practical ways that help us live in holiness, in spirit and truth. You'll be blessed by a new depth and breadth to your understanding of "Real Religion."
It would be a great blessing if this thorough, plain-English, explanation of the virtue of religion would be the first in a series of books on the virtues. Fr. Kirby explores "religion" beyond the common meaning of the word to examine our relationship with God and our neighbor. He provides a guide for applying this virtue in practical ways that help us live in holiness, in spirit and truth. You'll be blessed by a new depth and breadth to your understanding of "Real Religion."
May 3, 2021
One of the best books on the issues we face Catholics today
I have listened to Father Kirby any times and find that he explains the church as good as anyone. I was hoping the book would as great as his preaching and he didn’t disappoint.I highly recommend it.
I have listened to Father Kirby any times and find that he explains the church as good as anyone. I was hoping the book would as great as his preaching and he didn’t disappoint.I highly recommend it.
October 7, 2025
This has been my spiritual reading, trying to refocus after the death of my beloved Father. I loved how its a very short read, but one full of so much information and wisdom, that it took me much longer to read and ponder upon, than I thought it would.
Its message is simple, God - the Holy Trinity must be at the centre of your life and worship each day. To always give thanks, and praise. But, also to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and change your heart. With so much earthly distractions today, its hard focusing on one's worship towards at loving God. But, its all about placing our thoughts, actions and prayers towards God, before our own needs. Its usually a difficult task, but that's when our Faith and church community assists us with. We all come to pray and worship together.
A must read for all catholics, or those starting on there faith journey.
Its message is simple, God - the Holy Trinity must be at the centre of your life and worship each day. To always give thanks, and praise. But, also to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and change your heart. With so much earthly distractions today, its hard focusing on one's worship towards at loving God. But, its all about placing our thoughts, actions and prayers towards God, before our own needs. Its usually a difficult task, but that's when our Faith and church community assists us with. We all come to pray and worship together.
A must read for all catholics, or those starting on there faith journey.
June 28, 2022
Very good book. The author describes the virtue of religion and emphasizes the eternal value of truly worshipping God. He discusses mistaken ways we try to do this when religion becomes a sentiment, self-help, a commodity, or social activism. So easy to fall into any of these today. He also gives practical tips at the end of every chapter. There are so many people I wish would read this.
May 28, 2022
Superb Read!
A wonderful assessment of the modern barriers to faith and right worship of God. A great read for developing fundamental spirituality and entering more fully and with right understanding into the Eucharist.
A wonderful assessment of the modern barriers to faith and right worship of God. A great read for developing fundamental spirituality and entering more fully and with right understanding into the Eucharist.
October 14, 2022
An excellent book that thoroughly convicted me about the ways in which I worship God. I hope to read it again at some point in the future to see how I’ve changed. I also love that he provides biblical support for his points.
June 19, 2023
Convicting
October 21, 2024
Every chapter has an anecdote illustrating his point, every chapter has applications and prayers for introspection. This book seeks to answer, what is worship? It’s short but it packs a punch.
March 8, 2023
I really like this book. It’s clear and rather… blunt? for a religious read and the author walks you through common obstacles. The central theme that God has shown and given us way He wants you to worship Him. This is refreshing and clean among most ideas today. Stings a lil too.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews