The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism

by Michael J. Himes

In his familiar, conversational style, Father Himes invites the reader to consider ten basic truths of Catholicism. Beginning with discussions of Trinity, Grace, the Incarnation and Salvation, Himes moves into an exploration of Church as the continuting presence of Jesus Christ in the world today. After discussing what Baptism and the baptismal commitment really involves, he focuses on Eucharist, showing the importance of the sacrament for personal growth and for the building of community. After discussing the Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders, Himes explores the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation in the Christian community, and concludes with a discussion of the great gift to the church that we know as tradition.

Based on Father Himes' popular video series, The Mystery of Faith , this book includes questions for reflection and discussion at the conclusion of each chapter. An excellent resource for small groups or parish learning communities seeking to revitalize and deepen their understanding of basic Catholic beliefs.

The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homes does a beautiful job of brief contemplations on several basic subjects of the Catholic Faith. What I appreciate is that in every chapter he approaches a familiar topic with insights and a unique perspective that help to distill these faith concepts to their essential qualities. This book was first a video series to aid in Catholic education, turned written form. While maybe intended as an introduction to the faith, it can serve well as a re-introduction for those already initiated who want to look with fresh eyes.

[Toni Marcheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a protestant a lot of the chapters surprised me a lot more than I expected. Really interesting read.

[Mark Mossa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, thoughtful, and original introduction to the Catholic faith. Though a theologian, Himes offers an introduction that's more about grace than dogma.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for a religious studies course during my Freshman year of college. When I first saw it I was not at all impressed, but hey don't judge a book by its cover right? Now I'm a Christian but I've always had trouble following certain aspects. I was raised Roman Catholic and as I got older I started to not agree with certain things that kept being drilled into our minds at school. The things I wasn't agreeing with weren't major things such as reincarnation, I believe in that, they were things such as annulments and minor rules that the Catholic Church has, and after years of learning Catholicism I never found any answer to my questions. What I love so much about this book is that it does what no religious teacher was able to do during 12 years of schooling, which is answer many of my questions. Although I still have some disagreements this book was able to help me find answers to many of the problems I had. Now putting what it did for me personally aside, this is still a fantastic read. I would highly recommend this to anyone no matter what religion because 1) it helps explain many of the things that people question about the Catholic Church; 2) it is a short read that could be read in a day; and 3) one could skip over certain chapters and just go to specific ones they wish to see. If you are religious read this book. If you are not and are looking for answers for questions on the Catholic Church that others have trouble answering themselves, then read this book.

[Rudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Fr. Himes who is a professor of theology at Boston College discusses some very difficult ideas in his introduction to the Catholic faith, but he does so in such an accessible way! Not only is this a great book for people wanting to learn more about the faith, it is a must read for any catechist or teacher of religion and/or theology! To me one of the great challenges of studying theology is that topics are often presented in isolation with the premise that the subject is connected to the faith operating in the background even though that connection is often not explicitly explored. In this book you clearly see the theme of the goodness and rightness of God's creation weaving through the individual chapters. The connection is quite clear which greatly aids in understanding. If only all theologians wrote as clearly! Bravo!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some of the best meditations on the Incarnation that I have ever read. Anywhere. Ever. While this is not a deep scholarly work, it is not shallow by any means. It will likely challenge you to examine what you think about faith in a significant and life-changing way. While the author is Catholic and the book says it is an introduction to Catholicism, it is not by any means just for Catholics. I think every Christian would find something worth further prayer and meditation in these pages.

[James Tomasino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun little book covers some of the biggest topics in Catholicism in a very brief, but interesting way. The chapters are concise (cleaned up transcriptions of video-tape presentations), clear, and offer decent scriptural examples. It might not be the most thorough review, but I would recommend it as an introductory book.

[Cody Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a catechist I use this material to introduce adults to the "adult" view of Catholicism. Once we refresh memories on what they covered, or should have covered, in youth CCE I start them on this journey. One cannot be a mature Catholic without having some exposure to this level of thought on the central mysteries of the Church. This book (along with the videos!) is my go-to introduction.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Himes breaks down several important components of the Catholic faith, and even as a Catholic I learned things I never knew. He goes into the theology behind things like the sacraments, Tradition, the Trinity, Church, etc... It's a thin book making it a valuable but quick read.

[Ben Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for theology class. A great book to explain what it means to be catholic and what it means to love another person. What did I learn? THE WAY TO LOVE GOD IS BY LOVING OTHERS. We hear this often but do we really understand it? So many other great things in here too and a quick read.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic little book of overview of some of the major doctrines of the Catholic Church. While short, none of the material is "dumb-downed" - it's been distilled to its essentials.

[Konrad]

fuck you
bitch
21

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for school.

[Cappy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in the context of helping an adolescent student prepare for his baptism, and in that context it worked exceptionally well.