Theology of Home III: At the Sea

by Carrie Gress, Noelle Mering

In this third installment of the Theology of Home series, Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering turn their attention to the role of the sea in our memories and imaginations. Drawing from literature, mythology, and scripture,  At the Sea  pulls out the rich connections between the sea and mystery, recreation, yearning, and joyful reunions.
With themes of home and womanhood woven throughout, it is a voyage that With reflections from other writers who join Gress and Mering, At the Sea serves as a love letter to the time we spend on the beach with our families, romping in the waves, toes in the sand, eyes lingering on the pink sunsets beyond the horizon. All are invited to bring the salty balm of the sea into their home—indeed, into their souls—with this title that enkindles in us a new awareness and appreciation for the majesty and splendor of God and his creation.    
This edition of Theology of Home includes the characteristically beautiful photography readers have come to know and appreciate from the series that captures home life, nature, family, and of course, the sea. 
 

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Religion

144 pages, Hardcover

Published July 19, 2022

About the author

Carrie 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.

Reviews

[Makenna Karnosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So incredibly lovely. This work ties together the beautiful way in which the feminine is both “ordinary” and “mystery” at the same time.

[Maya Vansuch Wurth · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite of the Theology of Home books. There were some pleasant reflections and beautiful pictures, and it did, indeed, make me wish I was at the seaside! The book waxes poetic, but despite the lofty language, it lacked substance to me. It strays from being theology of the home and private life and morphs into “I’d like to write some super deep reflections about the ocean, so let’s put it in our Theology of Home series.” Maybe that’s harsh but overall I found it slow and hard to get through, but simultaneously unsubstantial and sort of floating around a topic, i.e. the ocean. Not heinous but not super inspiring.

ALSO on the very last page there is a touching reflection of a ship’s crew and captain who prayed to Mary and made it safely home. Lovely story…except it was Christopher Columbus and his crew 🤢 I absolutely cannot take the spiritual life of such a horrendous person - murderer and rapist - seriously. Why would they pick this as their closing reflection when they quoted actual people of faith and saints throughout??? Left a horrible taste in my mouth, and bumped it down another star. No thank you.

[Faith Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. These authors have a way of summing up daily life with beautiful words.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just sat down and read this cover to cover because it's so beautiful, I couldn't stop myself. It's like vintage Kinfolk meets educated, nurturing mothers talking about home. Lovely, meaningful reflections throughout, all themed around water, as well as Catholicism. Despite not being Catholic, as in Theology of the Home II, I found so much to love and am absolutely delighted by the women who wrote this collection of reflections. I just took what resonated with me.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another Theology of Home masterpiece! I absolutely loved reading about all the different themes and connections between Catholicism, Mary, and the Sea. The authors bring so much depth and richness into their writings, which leaves the reader with much to gracefully ponder on, as well as develop a deeper appreciation for the Sea. This book is a gem that I hope to come back to year after year - to enjoy it and savor it over and over again.

[Jessica Jenkins]

As someone who feels the magnetic pull of the water and the ability to unite myself in God's peace there, it was wonderful to get additional stories on how the sea is united to the divine. The pictures add a feast for the senses that immerse you in God's creation of beauty. The book is an active experience that transports you to that magical place infused with the sound of crashing waves, sea salt filled air, and holy ground.

[Abby Glann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read in some places, but didn't keep my interest or attention nearly as much as II. Maybe because I'm not big on the sea? It felt a little contrived in places? I feel like I'm being too harsh, but it just didn't work as well for me as book 2 did.

[Maria Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding work

I found this book of seaside reflections to be an outstanding work. The text is breathtakingly beautiful and the photos are stunning. This book can lift your spirits on the dreariest of days.

[Mary Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Love theology of home. Totally legitimized my love of the sea

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leer este libro en la casa que crecí, a tan sólo unos metros del mar, era indispensable. Todo lo escrito cobra sentido al unirse a cientos de recuerdos atados a este orilla.

[Evelyn Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these books for how they recall the beauty and grandeur of home life and motherhood. That said, this one wasn’t my favorite. It felt like it could be a single chapter instead of a whole book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! I have always loved the ocean and the peace it brought me, but this book increased my appreciation of the water.

[Katie Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was beautifully written, but I don’t feel like I got as much from it as the first two Theology of Home books. I don’t live near the sea, but I tried to think of my ancestors who did.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all 3 of these now and still don't really get what they are trying to say but some nice reflections on Catholicism and the sea, to which I didn't know there was a connection.