Catholic Company Book Review: Jesus: What Catholics Believe

Jesus:  What Catholics Believe

About the Book:

What do Catholics really believe about Jesus? Dr. Alan Schreck offers a thorough answer to this question. Jesus is central to everything the Church believes and teaches, yet few of us really understand the significance of who Jesus is in our own lives. Dr. Schreck explains when and how Jesus lived, what he taught, his human and divine nature, and how he continues to act today in the sacraments, through the Holy Spirit, and in the lives of believers. Written in an engaging, straightforward style, this is a book for anyone wanting to know more about Jesus. Alan Schreck is a professor at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. Jesus - What Catholics Believe addresses the historical Jesus, his mission on earth, how he saves through the mystery of the cross, the hope of resurrection, a defense of his claim to be the Son of God, and Jesus in Catholic tradition. Makes a great gift for a catechumen coming through RCIA, or for anyone who would like to learn more about Jesus from Church tradition.

My Comments:

This book, which extensively quotes both Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, along with other Church documents, tries to give the Catholic Church's answer to that ancient question "Who do you say that I am?".  Alan Schreck first looks at the sources we have for information about Jesus and how the Church understands and uses those sources.  Next, he compares and contrasts "Christology from Above" and "Christology from below".  The mission of Jesus is the next topic he tackles which then leads to the challenge of discipleship for us. The mystery of the cross leads to the hope of the resurrection.  Finally Schreck looks at both the humanity and divinity of Christ.  

In a relatively short easy-to-reRead book Schreck helps us not only learn what the Church believes about Jesus but why, and what difference it makes.  Grade:  B+

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Jesus: What Catholics Believe. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.