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Angels and saints. Catholics tend to think of them as different from the rest of us. They're cast in plaster or simpering on a holy card, performing miracles with superhero strength, or playing a harp in highest heaven. Yet they are very near to us in every way. In this lively book, Scott Hahn dispels the false notions and urban legends people use to keep the saints at a safe distance. The truth is that Jesus Christ has united heaven and earth in a close communion. Drawing deeply from Scripture, Dr. Hahn shows that the hosts of heaven surround the earthly Church as a "great cloud of witnesses." The martyrs cry out from heaven's altar begging for justice on the earth. The prayers of the saints and angels rise to God, in the Book of Revelation, like the sweet aroma of incense. Dr. Hahn tells the stories of several saints (and several angels too) in a way that's fresh and new. The saints are spiritual giants but with flesh-and-blood reality. They have strong, holy ambitions--and powerful temptations and opposition that must be overcome. Their stories are amazing and yet familiar enough to motivate us to live more beautiful lives. In this telling of their story, the saints are neither otherworldly nor this-worldly. They exemplify the integrated life that every Christian is called to live. Still, their lives are as different from one another as human lives can be. Dr. Hahn shows the heavenly Church in all its kaleidoscopic diversity--from Moses to Mary, Augustine to Therese, and the first century to the last century. Only saints will live in heaven. We need to be more like the saints if we want to live in heaven someday. Dr. Hahn shows us that our heavenly life can begin now. It must.… (more)
User reviews
Catholics will enjoy this book’s explanations of things we’re often challenged on. No, we don’t worship idols. But yes, we do put up pictures and statues of those in our family (the family of God) who’ve been much loved and have wonderfully influenced our lives. No, we don’t confuse Mary with God (read the book to see why not). And yes, we do have Biblical reasons to speak of Guardian Angels.
Meanwhile, Protestant Christians (as a mongrel, I belong to both groups) will delight in a Biblical account of holiness, followed by a profoundly fascinating history of faith from the time of Christ, to the times of those who walked with those who walked and talked with him, all the way to the present day. It’s a history of holy people, and it’s filled with thought-provoking theology, unwavering adherence to God’s word in the Bible, and unswerving love for God’s family on earth.
Want to know what Gnosticism means? Meet those who opposed it. Want to know how a Polish Catholic became a saint? Ever wondered if the Old Testament had saints too? Read this book – it’s really easy to read – and find out for yourself.
Disclosure: Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.