Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Fé explicada, A

Rate this book
Crer com inteligência e pensar e agir à luz das verdades cristã estes são os dois objetivos deste livro. Dividido em três partes – O Credo, Os Mandamentos, e Os Sacramentos e a Oração –, o livro mostra os pontos essenciais da fé cristã de um modo extremamente didático, amável e claro, o que facilita não só a compreensão do leitor mas também o trabalho de quem depois precisa transmitir o seu conteúdo aos outros, seja numa aula de catequese, seja ao conversar com os amigos. A exposição das verdades da fé é sempre acompanhada de exemplos e imagens que as ilustram e tornam mais facilmente compreensíveis para o cristão comum, que raramente tem à sua disposição os conhecimentos teológicos especializados que o ajudem a tirar delas todo o seu significado. Por outro lado, os principais argumentos contrários à fé, tanto recentes como históricos, são expostos com serenidade e respondidos com precisão e firmeza, de forma a resolver as principais dúvidas com que qualquer cristão se defronta, quer em si, quer nos outros. O aspecto mais atrativo desta obra são as inúmeras aplicações e conselhos práticos que o autor sugere, e que são uma ajuda poderosa para viver a fé, para encarná-la nas realidades do dia a dia. Inteiramente revista e atualizada de acordo com o Catecismo da Igreja Católica e o Código de Direito Canônico vigente, esta edição possibilita uma ampla visão dos últimos aprofundamentos que a inteligência cristã tem feito sobre o riquíssimo depósito da fé.    

    Editora ‏ : ‎ Quadrante Ed

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1959

250 people are currently reading
657 people want to read

About the author

Leo Trese

13 books

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
311 (74%)
4 stars
81 (19%)
3 stars
18 (4%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Wangũi.
82 reviews30 followers
June 22, 2009
What i learnt from this book? Everything about my faith!!! All the doctrine I have and know is from Fr. Leo and thank God I found him before it was too late. Language is simple and easy to follow with enough examples for you to grasp what he's alking about.
Every Catholic and anti-Catholic ought to read this book; walking round ignorant is not too fashionable...
Profile Image for Leonardo Oliveira.
24 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2024
This book is a highly recommendable catechetical masterpiece, though many readers leave it unfinished. To navigate this work without getting lost, one must keep its structure in mind—always being aware of where you are and where you are heading.

It is essentially the Catechism of the Catholic Church elucidated through wonderfully didactic and often striking examples. More recent editions have judiciously updated some synchronic phrases and incorporated quotations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church from 1992, which was unavailable to the author in the late 1950s. These adaptations, typically distinguished by a change in font size, seamlessly integrate with the original text, as the doctrinal spirit remains consistent throughout.

The structure follows the traditional catechetical format: the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, and the life of prayer. Once again, readers should be mindful of their progress through these sections, which are often highlighted in the table of contents at the end of the book.

The explanations are exquisitely didactic and quite complete. In the multiple readings and re-readings that led me to finish the book, I always discovered new things, especially in the chapter on grace. The examples are brief but memorable, like the soldier falling in love with a girl he learned about through a war newspaper, the varied but equally deep pleasure people with different artistic educations find in listening to a symphony, or a mother caring for her child despite fatigue. All these illustrate man's relationship with God, the joy of the "lumen gloriae," and the will's motion in defining love.

The explanations are both exquisitely didactic and comprehensive—in my multiple readings that finally led me to complete the book, I discovered new insights each time I revisited the chapter on "grace." Trese employs brief yet memorable examples to illustrate complex theological concepts. These include a soldier falling in love with a girl he reads about in a wartime newspaper, the varying degrees of pleasure experienced by people with different levels of musical education when listening to a symphony, and a tired mother caring for her child at dawn—all serving to vividly illustrate man's relationship with God, the full joy of the "lumen gloriae," and the motion of the will that defines love.

Some reviewers feel compelled to mention the book's reference to "limbo" as a theological caveat. However, whether in its original form or adapted in recent editions, this mention is perfectly sensible and aligns with current theological discourse on the subject, even serving as a useful background for its "status quaestionis."

In conclusion, "The Faith Explained" offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of Catholic doctrine, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
Profile Image for Missa.
267 reviews14 followers
July 19, 2008
So, I am not a religious fanatic. I think faith is a personal decision and I am never going to try to convert anyone. I spent a long time searching for what worked for me, and I found it. This book helped me find the answers to some of the questions I had without getting all preachy on me. So, if this is what you are looking for, go for it!
Profile Image for Raymond Antonios.
8 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2018
Years ago a good friend of mine gave me this book at a time when my knowledge of the faith was very weak. Reading this book helped me start on a journey of growth and learning and helped me grow into the man I am today. If there is a book that I would recommend for those who want to start learning about the Catholic faith, this is it.

The copy was gifted to me on the condition that I pass it on to someone else. Since then I have lost track of how many copies I have given away.
11 reviews
Want to read
April 24, 2008
My friend Kay suggested this one. I'm looking forward to reading it. :)
Profile Image for Benjamin Stahl.
2,264 reviews69 followers
October 3, 2022
This book, despite being some decades old and a little (I hope, anyway) on the old-fashioned side on certain matters, serves as just about the perfect primer for anyone wanting to understanding Catholicism in all its complexities and nuances. Better for actual practicing Catholics, no doubt, but still highly informative for anyone else who really wanted an in-depth look at what traditional Catholicism holds. Rather than just a reworded and extended version of the Catechism, this book packs a solid amount apologetics, theology, history, Christian living, and also an encyclopaedic insight into many (if not all) facets of the Catholic faith. A brilliant book, entirely accessible and engaging to read, however much it might prove scary in its confrontational tendency to make you realise what a lousy Christian you probably are. That's the takeaway I was unable to avoid anyway. Not a pleasant one, all things told. But a necessary truth I cannot continue running away from.
Profile Image for Denis Coelho.
3 reviews
July 11, 2020
Este livro é um verdadeiro compêndio de tudo o que representa a fé católica. Ao lê-lo pude redescobrir e aclarar pontos que muitas vezes, por falta de profundidade, por ataques negativos de quem não concorda com a verdadeira doutrina de Deus e por um mundo cada vez mais secularizado a maioria dos católicos desconhece.

A obra é uma verdadeira renovação catequética, e deve ser mantida ao alcance das mãos daqueles que desejam consultar e ampliar a base racional da sua fé.
Profile Image for gabriele.
147 reviews1 follower
Read
October 22, 2023
foi um livro bem útil para estabelecer uma base e sanar dúvidas (e também criar dúvidas muito além do que eu imaginava que teria). foi importante separar o que era fato do que era opinião do autor, ainda mais por se tratar de um livro escrito nos anos 1950.

quanto às dúvidas sanadas: eba! quanto às criadas, terei paciência e construirei fé para que possa entender melhor sempre :) tem sido uma jornada bem interessante.
3 reviews
January 3, 2014
The Catechism of the Catholic Church in very readable format.

The author, Fr. Leo, will walk you through the entire Catechism through beautiful analogies, simple stories, and marvelous accounts from the lives of the Saint.
142 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2008
This is the catechism I read aloud to my kids, age 10 and up. The teens and twenties have lots to contribute to its thoughtful approach.
3 reviews20 followers
December 29, 2013
This book was required by a class that I participated in, but it has some serious misinformation. I cannot trust the information in this.
55 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2024
This is the best book I've ever read who's purpose is to explain the Catholic faith. It is structured like the catechism but is a much older book being updated over time to stay relevant. Where the catechism can be challenging this book is simple and easy to understand. While the catechism may be more rich this book gives an easy way to live the faith day to day and to understand the workings and logical extremes of what we believe. Despite thinking I know a lot I learned a good amount of new information from this book and will forever treasure it for that. I will be recommending this book for people who want to learn more about their faith and get back to the basics who also don't mind reading almost 600 pages.
4 reviews
March 30, 2022
Love it. This book enlightened me regarding my Catholic faith. Even if I had my schooling in Catholic schools since young until my graduate school years, I was still amazed about how there is still so much to learn in my religion. It made me feel more purposeful in life, realized how good and amazing God is. How I wish most people of our generation would also seek to learn more about the religion they are in. Somehow, by reading this book, made me feel like I'm also embarking in a reality-fantasy type of genre. But not just because it has passed for years and years, doesn't mean it isn't real.
Profile Image for Stef.
181 reviews6 followers
January 10, 2022
Years ago when we first started homeschooling I purchased this book. However it did not appeal to my kids or myself so I got rid of it (duh). I was a newbie who thought only the books that the kids love should be in our home, with limited space and all that. I have since changed my mind on this. Fortunately a friend gifted me with one several years ago, and I finally just finished it today. The lucky youngest kid to be homeschooled will have the benefit of this great resource. Thinking of adding it as well to gift list for loved ones.
Profile Image for Aiman Adlawan.
123 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2025
I just finished The Faith Explained by Leo Trese, and it’s honestly one of the best books I’ve read about the Catholic faith. It breaks down big topics like the Apostles’ Creed and the sacraments in a way that’s super clear and easy to understand—like talking to a wise friend who just gets it.

What I loved most is how practical it feels. Trese doesn’t just explain what we believe, but also why it matters in real life. The part about confession really opened my eyes. If you want a deeper, clearer view of your faith without getting overwhelmed, this book is a gem.
Profile Image for Ann-Marie.
368 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2017
Excellent resource

I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, and it did not disappoint. For all of us who grew up with poor instruction, this books teaches it all. It has a great overview of prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Church, the Sacraments, etc. I found myself highlighting a lot, and stopping to pray and ponder. Some of the commentary is a bit dated, but that only added to the charm of it for me.
Profile Image for Marcelo Tempes.
133 reviews
July 4, 2019
Excelente! Um claríssimo comentário ao catecismo da Santa Igreja Católica. Padre Leo J. Trese explica com doutrina, exemplos e admoestações os principais pontos do catecismo. Um livro de leitura acessível e fluída que, ao educar o católico para a vida reta, não desvia-se a um tradicionalismo embotado e muito menos perde-se no "tudo vale" de alguns teólogos modernos.

Recomendo a todos que necessitam de um reforço, seja para a fé ou para os conhecimentos da sã doutrina.
Profile Image for Federico Bitonte.
Author 8 books3 followers
December 29, 2024
I received The Faith Explained as a birthday gift and I approached it with the expectation that it would provide clear, and somehow rational explanations of the Catholic faith—insights that could resonate with someone like me, who does not share the author's beliefs but is seeking to understand them better. Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations.

Rather than offering reasoned arguments or thorough explanations, Trese presents the doctrines of Catholicism largely as assertions. These may be meaningful and satisfying for readers who already accept the premises of the faith, but they lack the depth or justification needed to engage a skeptical or inquisitive audience. For someone outside the faith, the book feels more like a catechism aimed at believers than an exploration or defense of the underlying principles of belief.

While Trese's tone is approachable and his intentions clearly pastoral, The Faith Explained does not live up to its title for those seeking intellectual engagement with the "why" behind the faith. Instead, it assumes agreement with the "what," leaving little room for critical exploration or dialogue.

This might be a worthwhile read for devout Catholics seeking reinforcement of their beliefs, but for non-believers or seekers, it does little to bridge the gap of understanding.
6 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2018
Leo Trese is a chaplain of a university in the U.S. The Faith Explained is a good beginner's book on learning about the faith. It provides explanations of the central aspects of the Christian belief in a way that is easy to understand, thanks to the excellent illustrations and examples the author provides.

http://newasymptotes.blogspot.com/201...
130 reviews6 followers
Read
July 6, 2019
Síntesis amplia de la doctrina cristiana siguiendo el orden usual de los catecismos: credo, mandamientos, sacramentos. Estilo muy ameno, con ejemplos y anécdotas. A pesar de su extensión (la edición castellana de Rialp tiene unas 500 pp.), es adecuado a personas con poco hábito de lectura. Libro muy útil para adquirir una formación básica.
Profile Image for Andrea L.
142 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2025
Lo consulté muchas veces, pero nunca lo había leido de corrido.

La fe es hermosa. A veces me cuesta entender lo que suena autoritario, imponente, pero este libro fue mi asidero, mi recordatorio al estilo ruso de Dios en mi vida.

Sería genial si hubiera una versión postconcilio.

Tomé notas prácticas y probablemente lo consultaré en el futuro muchas veces.
Profile Image for Jairo Fraga.
345 reviews28 followers
July 14, 2018
Um bom livro para um católico não iniciante. Leo Trese aborda assuntos fundamentais da fé católica, como os sacramentos embora não se aprofunde demais, como no catecismo.
Tirei uma estrela pelo estatismo infundado, em que ele não justifica suas assertivas de modo algum.
Profile Image for Guy Miguel.
5 reviews10 followers
May 4, 2019
Le comenté a mi madre: "mamá, no conozco mi religión. Dame algo que pueda leer para entenderla mejor y ser un buen católico". Con mucho, el mejor regalo que he recibido en mi vida. Gracias Dios, por esa madre que me diste (me refiero a mi mamá, pues)
107 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2025
Parece un manual o una guía con la que no perderse nada y conocer cosas nuevas que no sabemos. Muy muy recomendable. Impresionante. Imprescindible para todo católico y sobre todo para nuevos conversos.
Profile Image for Jocelyn Carvlin.
17 reviews
April 19, 2025
Great introduction to the whole overall Catholic faith. Although written originally in the 1960s many things have not changed. Recommended to me by our priest as an intro to the faith. Great for anyone going through OCIA class or just wondering about all things Catholic.
2 reviews
September 11, 2025
A comprehensive explanation

A solid guide, especially for those new to the faith. Originally authored in 1959, some of the verbiage feels dated, but other passages are updated and the overall explanations are clear.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.