Reasons to Believe

Publisher's Summary

In Reasons to Believe, Scott Hahn, a convert to Catholicism, explains the "how and why" of the Catholic faith - drawing from Scripture, his own struggles, and those of other converts, as well as from everyday life and even natural science. Hahn shows that reason and revelation, as well as nature and the supernatural, are not opposed to one another; rather, they offer complementary evidence that God exists. He is someone, and He has a personality, a personal style, that is discernable and knowable.

Hahn leads readers to see that God created the universe with a purpose and a form - a form that can be found in the Book of Genesis and that is there when we view the natural world through a microscope, through a telescope, or through our contact lenses.

At the heart of the book is Hahn's examination of the 10 "keys to the kingdom" - the characteristics of the Church clearly evident in the Scriptures. As the story of creation discloses, the world is a house that has a Father, a palace where the king is really present. God created the cosmos to be a kingdom, and that kingdom is the universal Church, fully revealed by Jesus Christ.

©2007 Scott Hahn (P)2010 christianaudio.com

Amazing person, Scott Hahn

Scott is a man with a big commitment and an intellect to get to the depth of things. He is no halfhearted person. Good reader for this book is Grove Gardner.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

A Catholic for convition and tradition

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Even though I was confirmed when I was a little boy, now as as a husband and father of 4 kids, I have re-discover the abundant riches of my Catholic faith. I'm not afraid, nor embarrased to proclaim that Jesus is present in his Church, who He is constantly invigorating and renewing through his sacraments and inspiring us with the merits and virtous lives of the saints.

Scott Hahn explains how in the Economy of God, the natural (the Creation) and supernatural (the Revelation) are completed in the death, resurrection of Jesus and in the institution of the Church, his bride and sacrament of salvation for the world.

I listened it completely when I downloaded it and now I am studying it, following the cited verses the Catholic Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

I would recommend it to anyone who is seriouly searching for the roots of their Christian faith. "Reasons to Believe" unbiased and scientific approach with lead you to discover and help you embrace the Church the Scott and I are proud to profess.

What did you like best about this story?

The authenticity and tenacity of the author to conduct a deep research.

Which scene was your favorite?

When his colleagues brought out to discussion if the baptism of infants was unbiblical, to which he questioned: is re-baptizing biblical? Jesus said "Let the children come to me..." Mat. 19, 14. In Pentecost, Peter testimony converted many asking them to "repent and be baptized all of you..." Acts 2, 38-39.

Scott found out that indeed the baptism of infants was an ancient custom in the Church.

After all, if God welcomed newborns into Israel by means of circumcision rituals, for 2000 years, why would he suddenly close the kingdom to babies because they could not understand ritual baptism? And if he had intended doing such a radical change, wouldn’t he said so explicitly?

Baptize into Christ, we are partakers fo the divine nature. Whe share in the divine sonship of Christ. This is the esence of salvation and the substance of Catholicism.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, when he compares the Church as one big family:

We have the Father, we have our Mother, Mary, our brother and Saviour, Jesus, our brothers and sisters in faith, and gathered at Table to receive the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world".

Any additional comments?

becoming a Christian is more than a feeling or belonging to a new evangelical movement, even when the worship services might be electriying, singing with much exaltation, and the pastor's preaching very energetic...

It about belonging to the only Church Jesus founded, the one he calls "my Bride" and has all the means for sanctification and the fullness of truth.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

A Profitable Use of My Time

Where does Reasons to Believe rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed this and profited from Scott Hahn's accessible and easy going style. Don't shy away if you are not Catholic--about 2/3's is not Catholic-specific and would be an excellent review of common sense Christianity for just about anyone. Well worth my time!

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Deepening ones faith

I have known this author from many years back when my late husband introduced to me a video on Scott Hahn's conversion to the Catholic faith. Listening to him then was a great gift especially for one who has been a Catholic from the cradle. This audio book is giving me a deeper sense and understanding of my faith not only as a member of the Universal church but as a child of the One God who is Love and Provider of all my needs in joy, sorrow, success, difficulties and challenges of daily life. I highly recommend this book especially to those who have difficulties of staying awake while reading but wanting to know more.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Worth hearing several times

So deep and rich you do not want it to end. Worth hearing several times, you will find things you missed the first time around.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Fantastic and thought provoking

Well thought well presented. Very powerful, thank you. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a rational explanation of the Catholic Faith.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This will help you grow in faith.

Would you consider the audio edition of Reasons to Believe to be better than the print version?

Both are good , the audio is like having a teacher in class ,like being in school its great Scott Hahn is one of the best teachers of the Catholic faith a great of Scripture teacher knows what hes talking about . You will learn how to talk about faith : How to study the Catechism : How to listen and talk to those who walked away from the faith : How to study and use apologetic methods which is important today for all Christians : you will never stop listening to this one its one you will get back to over and over again : His other work A Father who keeps His Promise is great you can get this in audio as and yes I highly recommend it and it will help you grow in your faith.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

How to explain Catholicism? Good place to start.

This is a great introductory book on how Catholics can explain to others of all faith backgrounds why we worship and practice certain aspects of our tradition.

What I liked the most about this work is that the vast majority of evidence is heavily based in Scripture. This guy really knows his research. I doubt laypersons will be able to recite or memorize his specific arguments, but returning to this text and recognizing the Catholic aspects of the Bible can definitely help. The chapter on the Mass and how saturated in the Word was really eye opening and inspiring for me :)

This definitely doesn't explain everything, and the monotonous narration took some getting used to, but I did find this useful.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Thorough and understandable by the least educated

An excellent unfolding of Truth that makes learning fun, enjoyable and unforgettable. Truth will be planted deep in the sincere of heart and will take root for the journey of the soul desiring Eternal Life and Heaven on earth.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A must read/listen for all Christians

As a layman in Christianity and Catholicism not minding that I have been one since birth it made explained the Mass and Catholicism clearer.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

Amazingly clear descriptions and explanations of all aspects of the Roman Catholic faith.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

A great book

This book will give you a coherent and logical understanding of the holy Catholic Church as God's marvellous plan . It is sure to help you to give reasons for belief in this One Holy Church .

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Clarity

Such clarity in explaining the catholic faith to both Catholics and non Catholics. Chapel and verse literally from the Old and New Testament.
It has helped me understand the faith I have professed for so long but had difficulty in explaining to others.