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102 of 107 people found the following review helpful: Excellent (as I've come to expect from this author), May 12, 2007 By  Brandon Hale (Mississippi Gulf Coast) - See all my reviews    I was fortunate enough to pick up a signed copy of Dr. Hahn's latest book at the Franciscan U. bookstore while traveling to the Steubenville area on business. I read the book on the way home and heartily recommend it to all Catholics. It is a concise, easily-digested volume that will shore up your faith so you will be prepared to give an explanation for the hope that is in you. I've read many books on Catholic apologetics, and this one may be the best (although, as a previous reviewer noted, it does have a few typos). I especially enjoyed Hahn's treatment of natural law, which is perhaps the best apologetics approach to take with non-Christians (as they will often not recognize the authority of supernatural revelation (e.g. the bible)). I also appreciated Hahn's synthesis of old and new testament covenant theology. He clearly demonstrates that the eucharistic Church is the "Kingdom of Heaven" toward which the old and new testaments tend. Finally, I thought Hahn's appeal to humility and gentleness when engaging in apologetics was especially prescient; while one may argue logically and correctly, if we lack love, we're like a resounding, futile gong...  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

89 of 93 people found the following review helpful: A Banquet Serving Up Three Courses for the Student, May 20, 2007 By  Carson Weber "CarsonWeber.org" (Brenham, Texas) - See all my reviews    In this book, Scott Hahn writes three separate topical essays, which are further divided into chapters. In this online review, I'll [ap]praise each section. The first subdivision is titled "Natural Reasons," which introduces the reader to natural theology: knowledge of God ascertained from reason and creation (or, natural revelation) without the aid of divine revelation. Hahn demonstrates that natural faith (faith in objects other than "God") is a common phenomenon, which we all exercise on a regular basis, often without realizing it. Not only that, but faith is necessary and therefore consistently applied in many instances, especially in the scientific field. In addition to this form of faith, the author proves the parallel case with morality in very clear and brief terms (Bravo!). I especially enjoyed this brief excerpt: "Or they say, 'You should never impose your morality on other people' - which is itself a moral prescription! In rejecting morality, people must paradoxically embrace a morality that is opposite and equally imposing" (p. 41). Upon making a case for natural theology and natural law - with abundant references and suggestions for further reading in the endnotes - Hahn explains how this exercise cannot bring one into the realm of divine faith and the subsequent Christian way of life because reason has its limits, yet points to divine faith, and is then elevated by that faith. The middle theme of the book surveys and summarizes a Biblical defense of Catholic 'distinctives' in the realm of Christianity for those uninitiated in Catholic apologetic works designed for those who engage in discussions with Protestant Christians. This is a very charitable, well-worded, and concise treatment of the common objections non-Catholic Christians raise; these particular "reasons to believe" should become common knowledge among Catholics who move in today's multi-denominational culture. They will strengthen your faith as a Catholic Christian and give you a means to - lovingly - explain the prevailing objections on the street. For those who have read books such as Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on "Romanism" by "Bible Christians", Catholic for a Reason: Scripture and the Mystery of the Family of God (Catholic for a Reason), or Where Is That In the Bible?, this section will bore you. But don't let that deter you from adding this text to your library... why you ask? The answer lies in the Tertia Pars (third part)! The third and final essay of this book, "Royal Reasons," is a summarized treatment of how the Catholic Faith and Church is the divine culmination of Israel's history in the Old Testament. Dr. Hahn focuses upon the theme of the Davidic Kingdom, which is absolutely central to the way the Gospels speak of Jesus and his Church - for Jesus came to renew, fulfill, and transform the latest and greatest covenant God made with Israel: the Davidic Covenant (See 2 Samuel 7)! The reader - if unfamiliar with the dense and valuable information packed in these chapters - should carefully read and re-read pages 141-197. In my own experience, a clear presentation of these points has done more to advance my own personal understanding of the New Testament than the study of any other paradigm. The original authors of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) presumed their audiences to have been familiar with what Hahn unpacks in (or one could say, packs into) Chapters 11-15 of "Reasons to Believe." You will feel as if you're engaging in the sweet course at the end of a meal as you devour the royal reasons. Finally, as in all of Hahn's books, the endnotes are jam-packed with great insights as to what to read to go deeper, and deeper is where you'll want to dive when you finally put down this book. As a parish director of adult formation, I am going to purchase a number of copies and give them to those Catholics on the fringes that are searching. I believe this book is the answer they are looking for, and I pray it will both deepen the laity's resolve to embrace the Faith wholeheartedly and instill a desire to engage in [and aid] the primary mission of the Church on earth: evangelization.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful: Reading Between (and Beneath) the Lines... (a note to "serious readers"), May 27, 2007 By  Christopher Cuddy "Author, I Choose God: Stor... (PA, USA) - See all my reviews    Review of Scott Hahn's Reasons to Believe Scott Hahn is a surprising theologian, and REASONS TO BELIEVE is a surprising book. One would not have expected a scholar with his roots (evangelical Protestantism) to be writing about this topic (apologetics) with as much Catholic maturity and adroitness. Yes, Hahn is a "Catholic convert." It is true. But it's time to stop viewing his work through "convert lenses." While most of the "Catholic converts" began their literary careers penning autobio-apologetical accounts of the events and issues surrounding their journeys to Rome, it is interesting that Hahn has waited twenty-one years to write a book on apologetics. What is even more interesting is that Hahn's book on apologetics is unlike any other apologetic text on the Catholic market. Hahn's been doing a lot of work in those twenty-one years. And it shows. In an article published in the May 2007 edition of FIRST THINGS, R.R. Reno proffers a stimulating account of contemporary Catholic theology. In summary fashion, he recounts the narrative of theological work and debate of Catholic thinkers working before (and immediately following) the Second Vatican Council. While acknowledging certain insights gleamed during this period of what he calls the "Heroic Generation" (read the article for greater clarity), Reno notes that their work also resulted in certain weaknesses and gaps in the contemporary theological structure. He argues that theological "creativity," "innovation," and "exploration" are ultimately sterile without a foundational "standard theology." In short, one cannot fully understand or appreciate theological innovation unless he first understands the theological foundation. One cannot grasp the value of a reaction (albeit perhaps valid) until he first understands what is being reacted to. Unfortunately, one could argue that we've lost sight of such a systematic theological foundation. Hence, one could further argue that there is a need in the contemporary theological scene for an intelligible, standard theological system with a consistent framework and terminology. Such a system would be more about renewal, explanation, and clarification than about innovation. This is the value of Hahn's work. REASONS TO BELIEVE is an extremely significant book, though perhaps for reasons not apparent to the casual reader. This is a Catholic book, not a "Catholic-convert book." It deals with topics characterized by polemics in the most unpolemical manner. Its philosophical foundation is profoundly rational, without succumbing to rationalism. Its approach to Scripture is Biblical-theological rather than "proof-textual." REASONS TO BELIEVE offers the careful reader a glimpse into something far deeper than popular Catholic apologetics. It reveals a theological depth and a Catholic maturity that lies hidden beneath the facile prose and "pun-ishingly" humorous subheadings. As with all of Hahn's books, there is a foundational theological system at work which is often missed and underappreciated. In a unique--though, thoroughly unoriginal--synthesis of Thomism, liturgy, and biblical theology, Hahn has been offering his readers a reliable theological system ever since the release of A FATHER WHO KEEPS HIS PROMISES: GOD'S COVENANT LOVE IN SCRIPTURE and THE LAMB'S SUPPER: THE MASS AS HEAVEN ON EARTH. With each subsequent title from Hahn, we've witnessed the same fundamental theological system being applied to various aspects of Catholic theology and practice. Different readers will gleam different things from REASONS TO BELIEVE. The casual reader will find an enjoyable writing style that is entertaining as well as informative. The more serious reader, however, may gleam something more: a holistic approach to Catholic theology that incorporates Fundamental, Biblical, and Dogmatic Theology in an intelligible synthesis (see the NOTES at the end of the book). All would do well to pay attention to Scott Hahn's work in general and REASONS TO BELIEVE in particular. It will be most interesting to see what he produces next...  Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)