Signs of Life

40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots

By: Scott Hahn

Narrated by: Scott Hahn

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the appealing conversational tone that has won him millions of devoted readers, Hahn presents the basic tenets of Church teachings, clears up common misconceptions about specific rituals and traditions, and responds thoughtfully to the objections raised about them. Each chapter concludes with loving, good-natured, inspiring advice on applying the Church's wisdom to everyday life.

©2009 Scott Hahn (P)2009 Random House

Critic Reviews

"Lifelong Catholics realize that it usually takes a convert to help us appreciate and better understand the customs and practices we too often take for granted. Scott Hahn does just that in this immensely reable yet substantive loving look at Catholic prayer, devotions, and beliefs." (Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York)

Wonderful "Listening"

Scott Hahn does have an extraordinary gift for upacking complex Catholicsm teachings into understandable parts. I have read most of his books and I am pleasantly surprise to note that he does the same here with his Audiobook. He does a fine task of narrating his own book.

On the book itself, I personally believe it is a must have book for all Catholics. The chapters are short and at the end of each chapter there is a reflection quote posed with the author. There are all together 40 chapters covering a wide range of church customs and practices, from Baptism up to the sign of the Cross. Wonderful stuff that every catholic is bound to benefit from!

Great introduction to Catholism

What did you love best about Signs of Life?

Scott Hahns clear explications of the Faith.

What did you like best about this story?

The discussion of the Mass.

Which scene was your favorite?

Again the section about the Mass.

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

His discussion about Lent.

Any additional comments?

This I would recommend to new Catholics (like me) as well as those just cerious about the Church.

Great insight into Catholicism

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed many of Scott Hahn's books. This one was no exception. This book provides some great insight as to why Catholics do and believe what they do. There were a few times where I felt Hahn we t a little off topic and ventured more into "how to be a better Catholic" which I felt would be better served in another book. The title and intro to the book indicates a more factual based story.

Buy This BOOK!

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

If you want to learn about “Catholic” customs..buy this book. You will find that none of the things we do are “wrong” or “extra-biblical” as some of our protestant friends suggest. You will deepen your Faith and will love our “customs” more as they are steeped in pious religious tradition. You will also learn more about the Faith...BUY THIS BOOK!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Sign of the Cross!

Enlightening for any and all Catholics

This work gives the average Catholic the biblical references they need to defend their Faith. This is a MUST READ!

A Richer, Fuller Understanding

Short chapters packed with facts and reflections make this book a model for the 17th Catholic custom it discusses, spiritual reading:

“Our reading should be regular…It should never be burdensome. We should limit the time we dedicate to the task—say, 10 or 20 minutes—and keep ourselves within those constraints. It’s better for us to devote 10 minutes a day to spiritual reading over the course of 30 days than to glut ourselves on 5 hours in a single day.”

And so, like St Augustine’s Confessions or Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ, this book is broken up into digestible, 10 to 12- minute, contemplation-friendly chunks. Though not as deep as those classics, Hahn expresses the hope that these “meditations” will be “a time of purification, transformation and renewal” leading to “a richer and fuller understanding of the Catholic life”. As always, he delivers that in spades.

My one quibble is with Hahn’s preface. Based on the Biblical precedent of 40, Hahn explains that there’s “nothing canonical” about the customs he chose and “nothing definitive” about his reflections on them. “They’re mine” he explains, “and I hope as you grow in devotion, you make a list that’s your own”.

All well and good. Yet some of the customs listed are hardly optional—reverence for the True Presence, for example. For others, like spiritual reading, we are told, “Without regular reading, ‘there is no possibility of advancing in the spiritual life.’”; hardly a choice, this ruling leaves the less studious among us at something of a loose end. It’s an odd inconsistency in an otherwise rich and valuable book. As always, Hahn is the best reader of his own writing.

Fantastic!

loved it. great to have the author narrating. Scott provides great explanations of key concepts. will definitely look into more of his books.

Amazing!

To learn so deeply my Catholic faith from such one as Scott Hahn, is indeed an honor. every Catholic should read this book and have it in their home library for reference.

Love the audiobook

Very well details about the Catholic faith and it’s meaning, very originated and explained with scripture and examples

Loved it!

Another great book by Dr. Hahn. Do not let anyone tell you the Catholic faith is not biblical.