The Essential Catholic Survival Guide

I chose this book upon 're-centering my life on returning to the Catholic Church. I wanted to understand our faith more fully, to 're-learn the teachings and prayers and to digest the history and fullness of the Catholic Church.I believe my expectations were met. I could read this book again to help deepen my understanding of our faith and more fully appreciate all the things the Catholic faith offers me.

I came across this book at a Catholic conference and the minute I started reading it I knew it was a keepsake reference for our family. The authors of this book did a great job selecting the most highly debated topics about the Catholic Church. For example: "Why don't Catholics accept the doctrine of Sola Scriptura?" or "Why do Catholics believe that Mary (mother of Jesus) was sinless?". If you want a great reference, whether you are Protestant or Catholic start here. One of the main contributors Tim Staples, is a former Southern Baptist. The authors understand where Protestants are coming from (using terms that Protestants and people of other faiths besides Catholics can understand) and covers the main questions that are often asked. Other similar Catholic books are written by those that are raised Catholic (called cradle Catholics) and may be difficult for some Protestants or even Catholics to understand. Even if you are not Catholic or let's say you are anti-Catholic...I challenge you to go through this book and disprove it. What do you have to lose? You will grow stronger either way! As a different reviewer stated, many teachings/practices of the Catholic Church are widely misunderstood. This book gives you the scriptural reference (includes digging into Greek and Hebrew terms), historical evidence, and other resources you need to understand that the teachings of the Catholic Church do not contradict the Bible but actually compliment it quite simply. When you have an open mind when you read the Bible you can learn so much more. The format is easy to read and understand for the average reader.I wish the publisher would put this book on kindle so that I could take it in my purse on my Ipad so whenever someone asks me a question I have it on me for a reference. I am not great at memorizing all the necessary bible verses.God Bless!Erin

dismantles Protestantism. Period.

Excellent explanation and defense for the many lies and half-truths about Catholics.It explains the why, where and what are the things of our multi-millennial faith.Covers many subjects and biblical texts which demonstrate the reasons of the Catholic faith.Whether if you are curious or a Catholic looking to know more about the faith, this is the book.Well indexed, detailed and in one convenient book.Make it part of you theological library.

This book is a compendium of tracts and excerpts from writings of Catholic apologists (defenders of the Faith). It gives clear and concise explanations of the Catholic Faith, and answers objections that many non-Catholics hold in what the Church teaches. This book also traces the history of other religious groups, so that Catholics can understand where our brothers and sisters in Christ are "coming from". It should be right next to the Catechism of the Catholic Church on your bookshelf.

This is an updated edition of Karl Keating's pivotal work... wrapped up, updated and expanded and with new material. It's an indispensable guide for Catholics both in terms of apologetics and for responding to those who are even further outside of the Christian faith. 5-stars even though some of the chapters have repetitive explanations (it is, I assume, made up of Catholic Answers tracts, so that's to be expected I suppose).

Helpful for any renewed Catholic to rediscover and understand ones roots in Catholic tradition and ritual. Thank you. Highly recommended.

I own a lot of apologetic books, this one seems to have it all. Great reference guide to help answer questions!

For the average Catholic believer who wants to know more about their faith this is indeed a marvellous book.It is lengthy because it is thorough, but it is written in a very accessible style.It's only drawback is that it is in need of an update, particularly in terms of additional recommended resources. A number of superlative apologetics books have appeared since this book was published in the later 90s.

Es un libro con preguntas y respuestas a ciertas interrogantes de la fe católica. Se trata de una obra totalmente apologética, particularmente contra las objeciones protestantes, más que contra las ateas. Con algunas excepciones, todo el libro se fundamenta en la óptica católica a partir de la crítica protestante, es un constante "Los protestantes atacan a los católicos argumentando que.... pero esto es falso porque....." , todo es una comparativa o defensa contra los protestantes, y en esa defensa, uno termina por aprender bastante de la fe.Aunque el tono es bastante distinto, me recuerda muchísimo al libro "Para Salvarte" del Padre Loring, es decir, es una especie de catecismo que habla de la mayoría de los temas relevantes de la fe: la mariología, los sacramentos, la Biblia, la salvación (soteriología), los santos, etc... en lo personal, me parece mucho mejor el libro del Padre Loring para realmente conocer de la fe, este se me hace más como un manual para defenderse de las críticas protestantes, además, el Padre Loring realizó una mucho mejor y extensa labor de documentación.

Great find.

Very informative and to the point. It makes valid claim to the authenticity of catholic church as the universal and apostolic.

This is a great resource for any Catholic wanting to have a better understanding of the Catholic faith. The book gives a good background for the basis of our faith. As cradle Catholic it is easy to just take our faith for granted. I like how this book goes through many of the common questions that our Protestant brothers and sisters have about the Catholic faith. with this book you will be able to answer convincingly and truthfully.