Disciples of Doubt A Journey with the Messiah’s Mother - Chris Stepien

Disciples of Doubt: 

A Journey with the Messiah’s Mother

Chris Stepien
Wellspring Publishing
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781635825497

eISBN 9781635825541

ASIN B0CTHQMLY7

I stated when I wrote my review of Stepien’s earlier book, Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah, “I am always a little leery of books that attempt to expand upon biblical events in a fictional way. It is so easy for them to go sideways.” But that first volume came with a recommendation from Matthew Kelly, and from a publisher that I trust. So even with my cautious approach to reading that book, I was greatly surprised. So when this new one was released I was very interested, it just took a while to filter to the top of my ‘To Be Read” pile. Once I started reading this I could hardly put it down. And before I had even finished it I was making recommendations to friends and family.

The description of this volume states:

“From the cross, Jesus gasped his final "Woman, behold, your son." Remarkably, Jesus was giving his mother, Mary, to his beloved disciple, John. Then, Jesus declared this to his dear "Behold, your mother." (John 19:26-27)

Immediately, this new holy family was thrust into the unknowable, along with the Messiah's closest followers. As they struggle through the vicious trauma of the Lord's crucifixion and death—and their own deep doubt in his resurrection—they soon come to discover dazzling new life in their risen Master.

This historical, biblical novel peers into the darkest drama of the Upper Room and the years to come. The sequel to Three The Search for the Boy Messiah journeys across time, from the three days of terror and confusion during Jesus' passion and death, to many years after the Lord's resurrection and ascension, intertwining Jesus' mysterious childhood with the perils of his adult life, family, and friends.

Rich with Hebrew traditions and history, Disciples of Doubt follows a grieving John on the day the Blessed Mother dies. It continues through her funeral procession and memorial, alongside Mary Magdalene and other disciples as they grow the fledgling church of Ephesus.

As hundreds of mourners gather, intimate accounts reveal Mary's life with Jesus, and later John. Who was the Mother of God and what did she encounter after the Lord ascended into heaven, leaving her with a broken, newfound son?”

This volume was an incredible read. It was like extended lectio divina. The text draws extensively from scriptures, and from both Christian and Jewish traditions. I have a religious studies degree with a focus on both Roman Catholic Thought and Jewish studies, this volume would be an excellent resource for a number of courses I took over the years. 

This volume is deeply moving. You will feel yourself transported to the home of John and Mary, and you will be walked through the entire life of Christ Jesus; and many events from the book of acts, but done so in a narrative and conversational format. The book brought me to tears on a few occasions. And close to tears on others. You will experience so many events in the gospels on such a deep level. You will feel yourself transported back to not only the conversations between John and Marry, but the events they remember and retell. You will also experience the early church remembering both Jesus and Mary and the impact they had on their lives. 

This book was a deeply moving read. I found myself transported back and immersed into the events. I already play to return to it and give it a read again later in the year. Maybe slowly over advent or lent. It is an excellent volume that I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Chris Stepien:
Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah

Dying to Be Happy: Discovering the Truth about Life

Disciples of Doubt: A Journey with the Messiah’s Mother

…

Ask Him ... - Jane Trufant Harvey - Simple Words to Jumpstart Your Conversation with God

Ask Him: 

Simple Words to Jumpstart Your Conversation with God

Jane Trufant Harvey

Matthew Kelly (Introduction)

Wellspring

ISBN 9781635821574

eISBN 9781635821581

ASIN B08NFLZKJL

 

I picked this up after it was given a plug by Matthew Kelly. I have read and reviewed several books by Matthew Kelly over the last few years and benefited from them all. And I had high expectations based on his recommendation. In this new edition from Wellspring Matthew even writes the introduction. The beginning of that introduction states:

“I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU. The book you have in your hands will change your life. If you let it. How can I be so sure? It changed my life—and I have recommended it to so many other people who have also had their lives transformed by it.”

Matthew Kelly also says:

“Over the years, I have realized that there are no words for some situations. It wouldn’t matter if you were Shakespeare or Wordsworth, Shelley or Byron, there are simply no words to comfort a mother who has lost her child. This is just one of many situations that leave us speechless for a reason. They leave us speechless because these moments are not the right time or place for words. In these moments all we can do is be with each other or give grief its space. All we can do is honor the wishes of the one who is suffering and be with them or not (according to their need and preference).”

And later he indicates:

“One of the most difficult things in this life is to learn how to speak to God as a friend. There is genius in these pages, because with each page, Jane prompts us to have a conversation with God.”

I had high expectations even before I began reading the book. And once I read the introduction by Kelly those expectations were even higher. And the book absolutely loved up to those expectations. This volume contains 270 points. Some are a few words, and some are a few sentences. They all begin with Ask Him … and then the request. My first read through I highlighted 11 of them. And wrote them out in my journal. When I highlighted 2 of the 11 really stood out and were highlighted in a different color. As a sample from the volume here are the 11, I highlighted:

1. Ask Him... to surround you with His protection and peace.

4. Ask Him... to forgive you when your humanness overrides your faith.

8. Ask Him... to remind you that prayer will sustain you through the most difficult times in your life.

13. Ask Him... to bless you abundantly with the richness of good, Godly people who will challenge you to be the person He Created you to be.

58. Ask Him... to never let you forget: Life is not about competition, it is about striving to reach another level of achievement in being a better you.

70. Ask Him... to help you rejoice when you feel empty, since He can’t pour His spirit into something that is already full.

87. Ask Him... to help you remember that with every decision you make and every action you take, you’re being an example to someone else—good and bad.

101. Ask Him... for patience when your day starts out bad and ends up worse . . . and to remind you that He affectionately calls this “Character Building 101.”

118. Ask Him... for more teachable moments.

134. Ask Him... to remind you that it is not always your words—but the tone of them—that can wound the soul.

170. Ask Him... to pour out His protection and abundant blessings to the men and women who fight for your freedom.

This book can easily be read through in an afternoon. But like Matthew Kelly I feel this is a book I will be returning to again and again. The next time I read it a completely different set of points might be the ones that have an impact on me. It is a great little volume to spark your prayer, and even just help you reflect and think on like differently. 

It is an excellent book that anyone would benefit from reading. It is a great book that will spark anew your prayer life.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Jane Trufant Harvey:

Ask Him for Courage With Cancer

Ask Him for Encouragement: A Start for Those Who Need a Starting Place

Ask Him for Hope: Profound Glimpses Into the Heart of God

Ask Him: Simple Words to Jumpstart Your Conversation with God

Saints Alive!

Thank Him: Living Life with an Attitude of Gratitude

…

Good Night, Jesus - Matthew Kelly and Josh Nash

Good Night, Jesus
Matthew Kelly
Josh Nash (Illustrator)
Wellspring Publishing
formerly
Beacon Publishing for
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781929266869


My children and I have read Why Am I Here?, by Matthew Kelly countless times. They will often ask to read it, we have lent it to our school, and purchased a copy for the teachers resource section. And this is a book we have wanted to read for years. The day it arrived, as soon as they were home from school my children wanted to read it. First my youngest read it to me, and then later my middle child read it to me. And we have decided to give it to friends who are expecting their first child.

This is a wonderful little board book on prayer. And specifically on ending the day in prayer. There are 16 pages. Some are prayer, some are prayer prompts , and some are suggestions of things to pray for. Both children loved the … where they could fill in their own prayers.

The illustrations in this volume are wonderful. Both children though well beyond board books loved this volume and especially the illustrations. A softer pastel pallet is used, but there is also great details in the art work.

It is an excellent early prayer book for children. If we had this when our three were younger it would have been read hundreds of not thousands of times by now. This is a wonderful little volume. That is a book we will want to keep copies of on hand to be able to give away when young children visit and for friends who have new children.

Another amazing read from Matthew Kelly.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Matthew Kelly:
I Know Jesus
The Long View
Decision Point: The Workbook
Decision Point: The Leader Guide
The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic
The One Thing
Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction
Why Am I Here?
Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness
Perfectly Yourself Discovering God's Dream For You
Building Better Families: A Practical Guide to Raising Amazing Children
The Dream Manager
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
Building Better Families - 5 Practical Ways to Build Family Spirituality
The Book of Courage
The Shepherd: A Modern Parable about Our Search for Happiness
Mustard Is Persecution, Matthew Kelly Foundation
A Call to Joy - Living in the Presence of God
The Rhythm of Life: An Antidote For Our Busy Age
Words from God
Resisting Happiness
The Narrow Path
Our Father
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
Why I Love Being Catholic
Good Night, Jesus
In a world where you can be anything ...

Coach: 365 Days of Inspiration for Coaches and Players 

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's 

Life is Messy

Difficult Teachings

The Rocking Chair Prophet

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory

Best Christmas Ever - Worst Christmas Ever

The Three Ordinary Voices of God

Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy

33 Days to Divine Mercy

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory for Kids

The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality 

The Forgotten Way 

33 Days of Miracles, Wonders and Grace 

...

Beautiful ... Series:

Beautiful Hope
Beautiful Mercy

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Rediscover Books by Matthew Kelly:
Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose
Rediscover Advent
Rediscover Lent
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation
Rediscover the Rosary: The Modern Power of an Ancient Prayer
Rediscover the Saints

Audio by Matthew Kelly from Lighthouse Media:
Becoming The Best Version Of Yourself
The Best Way To Live
Don't Just Try, Train
Faith At Work & The Holy Moment
The Four Signs Of A Dynamic Catholic - Excerpt
The Jesus Question
My Spiritual Journey
Our Lives Change When Our Habits Change
Raising Amazing Children
The Seven Levels Of Intimacy
The Seven Pillars Of Catholic Spirituality

The Advent of Christmas - Matt Maher and Mercè Tous

The Advent of Christmas
Matt Maher
Mercè Tous (Illustrator)
Wellspring
ISBN 9781635820515


My children and I have been big fans of Matt Maher’s music for years now. My youngest goes to sleep every night with ‘Lord I Need You’ Playing on repeat. And my son goes to bed with the Advent of Christmas album playing. And both are currently learning to plan songs from the album either on piano or ukulele. Their eyes popped when they saw this book sitting on the kitchen table when they came in from school. They were so excited. They could not wait to read it. So I read it to them whole they had a snack, and then my youngest read it to me.

This book was an instant family favorite. In fact, there was some debate over ownership as the boy wanted to keep it in his room, and the girls wanted to keep it in theirs. For now, it sits on the bookshelf in the living room. But I will likely pick up some more copies, one to donate to our school library and one so they can each have it in their rooms.

This book is wonderfully done. The illustrations by Mercè Tous are excellent. The pictures are stunning. Some are full two pages spreads with text over the artwork. Others are one page with a facing page of text. A few of them would make wonderful posters or prints for the children’s room. I particularly like the ones of the nativity and ancient scenes. My youngest loves the modern ones, the families, the crowds, and the holiday decorations.

The story goes back and forth, between a family celebrating advent now, and the first advent scenes. I was expecting something more lyrical from Matt Maher. But maybe it is much better that it does not read as a song put into a book.

This is a wonderful book that will be treasured by our family, and I am certain yours for years and years to come. A wonderful addition to our advent traditions.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

How to Make Great Decisions - Father Mike Schmitz

How to Make Great Decisions
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Wellspring Publishing
ISBN 9781635820669
eISBN 9781635820805
ASIN B07WDS11GV


I have been a fan of Father Mike’s videos through Ascension Presents for a few years now. And I enjoyed his contributions to Beautiful Hope and Beautiful Mercy. And have been waiting for a book by him. And it was worth the wait. I had this book on my wish list from the movement it appeared. And I picked up the eBook the day it released. I read the book slowly over three days. Each of those three days I attended mass and at some point, later in the day read two of the chapters. The sections in this book are:

The Cure For Expressive Individualism
Three Levels Of Vocation
Decisions And Discernment
Three Questions
The Door
Questions And Answers

And it was so worth the wait. I highlighted 37 passages in this volume the first time I read it through. There is so much valuable advice in this book. It is one of those books I will read over and over again. I will likely reread this book each year for at least the next few years. And it is a book I would love to see put in the hands of every Catholic High School graduate. This is a book I would have benefit greatly from reading in my teens, 20’s, and even 30’s. And as I approach 50 I still consider the lessons valuable and life changing. The first passage I highlighted was:

“Now, that word my is a really interesting word. It implies some sense of ownership. But in a deeper Christian sense, even my life is not really mine.”

Right from the beginning of this second paragraph of the book I knew it was not only going to meet expectations but exceed them. I will share some of the passages I highlighted to give you a feel for some of the knowledge and wisdom in this volume.

“True discernment is more than just thinking about something. Discernment involves action. It also involves a decision. And the very first decision is whether it’s about my life and my vocation or whether it’s about God’s will for my life and my vocation.”

“Vocation means that we are called out of ourselves. We’re living our life, and at some point, God steps in and says, “Okay, I’m calling you out of yourself. Calling you out of your life. I’m calling you to participate in my life. I’m calling you to look up from yourself and look at others.””

“The point is, no matter what God calls us to, there will be sacrifices. I always say that the vocation of marriage and family is where bad people go to die. Marriage is the vocation where bad people go to die to themselves out of love for their spouse and their kids.”

“That’s what your vocation is, and that’s also what holiness is. St. Maximilian Kolbe explained holiness this way to the novices in his community. On a chalkboard he would write this equation:

w (your will) + W (God’s will) = S (Sanctity)

Sanctity is when my will conforms to God’s will. That’s sanctity; that’s holiness. That’s it. That’s the whole thing. Holiness is not a matter of not sleeping because you’re praying all night. It’s not a matter of fasting all day. It’s never a matter of serving this way or that way or the other way. It’s all about your will conforming to God’s will. That’s holiness. That’s sanctity. That’s what it is to be a saint. That’s what your vocation is about. There’s nothing less and nothing more than that.”

The Three Levels of Holiness:

“When it comes to vocation, there are three levels. The first is the universal call to holiness—your will conformed to God’s will. Every human being on the planet is called to be a saint.”

“The second level of vocation is what we typically think of when we think of vocation: the call to the priesthood, to married life, to consecrated single life, to religious life.”

“The third level of vocation is: What is God calling me to today? What task has he given me today? What is the season he’s placed me in today? How is he calling me to say yes on a moment-by-moment, day-to-day basis? This sense of vocation changes a lot over the course of our lives.”

“The point is when we are discerning our vocation, what we’re really discerning is the primary relationship God is calling us to focus on. This kind of vocation might change once or twice in our lifetime.”

“That’s why this is a secondary vocation. Your primary vocation is to be a saint. Knowing that, where is God leading you right now? What will lead you closer to that? That’s what we discern. That’s why we get to make decisions.”

The two truths and three questions sections are amazing. And ones I will come back to frequently. Father Schmitz states:

“If you make it a habit to ask these three questions, I can absolutely guarantee you will never, ever, ever miss your vocation. You’ll never ever miss God’s call for your life. The channels will be open and connected to him. You’ll say yes on a regular basis. And by giving him at least twenty minutes every day, you’ll be giving him time to say, “Hey knucklehead, wake up—here’s what you need to do.” You will never, ever miss out on discerning God’s will for your life.”

This is an incredible read. And no matter what stage of life you are in you will benefit from reading it. And while you are at it pick up a few extra copies to be able to give away to friends and family.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books By Father Mike Schmitz:

Made for Love: Same-Sex Attraction and the Catholic Church

How to Make Great Decisions

Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike

Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike Volume II

A World Undone: Finding God When Life Doesn't Make Sense

The Bible in a Year Companion, Volume I

The Bible in a Year Companion, Volume II

The Bible in a Year Companion, Volume III

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume I

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume II

The Catechism in a Year Companion, Volume III

Theology of the Body Crash Course and Manual

Walking with God in the Unimpressive Seasons of Life

When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV's Early Days 

- Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Fr. Josh Johnson, and Katie Prejean McGrady

…

The Sunday Homilies:

Are You Saved? The Catholic Understanding of Salvation

Ordinary Time: Finding Holiness in Everyday Life

Untroubled by the Unknown: Trusting God in Every Moment

It's Personal: Cultivating Your Relationship with God

What's Next? Surrendering Your Plans to Jesus

Come to the Altar: Worshiping God with Your Whole Heart

Growing Through the Motions: Living Your Faith with Intention

Set Apart: Living for Heaven Here on Earth

…

Contributed to:

Beautiful Hope

Beautiful Mercy

Beautiful Eucharist

Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry: Five Steps to Discerning God's Will

Don't Be Afraid to Say Yes to God! Pope Francis Speaks to Young People

…

Audio Talks by Father Mike Schmitz:

Living Life by Design, Not by Default

Love - Sacrifice - Trust He Showed Us the Way

From Love, By Love, For Love

True Worship

The Four Last Things

Jesus Is …

Changed Forever - The Sacrament of Baptism

We Must Go Out - The Sacrament of Confirmation

…

 

Why I Love Being Catholic - Matthew Kelly - Dynamic Catholic Ambassadors Share Their Hopes and Dreams for the Future

Why I Love Being Catholic: 
Dynamic Catholic Ambassadors Share Their Hopes and Dreams for the Future
Matthew Kelly (Forward)
Wellspring Publishing
for Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781635820454
eISBN 9781635820638
ASIN B07GXN8ZRH

This book is part of an ever-growing genre of books about why people are catholic. I have read a few books along this line over the last year. Titles such as:

Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too) by Brandon Vogt
Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love by Trent Horn
Forty Reasons I Am a Catholic by Peter Kreeft

And a slew of other books I have not considered reading yet. And yet this book is something very different from those three and the others in the genre at large. For this book is a collection from numerous contributors. There is no index, so I am not sure f some of the contributors offered answers in more than one section. But overall this book is an interesting read. There are moments that will make you smile, a few that might pull tears, and a lot that are inspiring. The book is broken into three sections:

Foreword 
One Why Do You Love Being Catholic? 
Two What Is Your Favorite Memory as a Catholic? 
Three As a Catholic, What Are Your Hopes for the Future?

The answers rand from a single sentence, to several paragraphs. And the answers as a diverse as you would expect from asking a hundred people such open-ended questions. It was a great book to read through, at times I felt inspired, at times encouraged and at times just empathy for the story being shared. 

I could see this book being used in the recruitment of Dynamic Catholic Ambassadors. I could also see it as a bathroom reader, just pick it up every time you are there and randomly read a story or two. Or keep it by your bed site table or prayer corner for when you need a little inspiration or motivation. This is a book I could not see myself reading through from beginning to end again but could see my self flipping through and reading a story from time to time. Overall a good read but definitely a niche market.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Matthew Kelly:
I Know Jesus
The Long View
Decision Point: The Workbook
Decision Point: The Leader Guide
The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic
The One Thing
Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction
Why Am I Here?
Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness
Perfectly Yourself Discovering God's Dream For You
Building Better Families: A Practical Guide to Raising Amazing Children
The Dream Manager
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
Building Better Families - 5 Practical Ways to Build Family Spirituality
The Book of Courage
The Shepherd: A Modern Parable about Our Search for Happiness
Mustard Is Persecution, Matthew Kelly Foundation
A Call to Joy - Living in the Presence of God
The Rhythm of Life: An Antidote For Our Busy Age
Words from God
Resisting Happiness
The Narrow Path
Our Father
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
Why I Love Being Catholic
Good Night, Jesus
In a world where you can be anything ...

Coach: 365 Days of Inspiration for Coaches and Players 

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's 

Life is Messy

Difficult Teachings

The Rocking Chair Prophet

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory

Best Christmas Ever - Worst Christmas Ever

The Three Ordinary Voices of God

Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy

33 Days to Divine Mercy

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory for Kids

The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality 

The Forgotten Way 

33 Days of Miracles, Wonders and Grace 

...

Beautiful ... Series:

Beautiful Hope
Beautiful Mercy

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Rediscover Books by Matthew Kelly:
Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose
Rediscover Advent
Rediscover Lent
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation
Rediscover the Rosary: The Modern Power of an Ancient Prayer
Rediscover the Saints

Audio by Matthew Kelly from Lighthouse Media:
Becoming The Best Version Of Yourself
The Best Way To Live
Don't Just Try, Train
Faith At Work & The Holy Moment
The Four Signs Of A Dynamic Catholic - Excerpt
The Jesus Question
My Spiritual Journey
Our Lives Change When Our Habits Change
Raising Amazing Children
The Seven Levels Of Intimacy
The Seven Pillars Of Catholic Spirituality

Theology of the Body for Beginners - Christopher West - Rediscovering the Meaning of Life, Love, Sex and Gender

Theology of the Body for Beginners: 
Rediscovering the Meaning of Life, Love, Sex and Gender
Saint John Paul II Edition
Christopher West
Wellspring Publishing
formerly
Beacon Publishing for
Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781635820072
eISBN 9781929266456
ASIN B07B8WT4KJ


This book is the third revision of this text. And is in some ways a culmination of almost two decades work on this topic by Christopher West. Previously I have only read one book by Christopher West, Love Is Patient, But I'm Not: Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist, and it was an amazing read. And I doubt you could find a Catholic that has not heard about Saint Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. So it was about time that I dove into this topic myself. This book was first published in 2002, revised in 2009 and this third edition was released in 2018. I have the eBook of the second edition, and it has been sitting in my 'to be read pile' for a long time, but when I read about this new edition I picked it up and devoured it. The chapters in this book are:

Introduction
One: What Is the Theology of the Body?
Two: The Creation of the Body
Three: The Redemption of the Body
Four: The Resurrection of the Body
Five: Celibacy for the Kingdom
Six: Marriage as a Divine Gift
Seven: Marriage as a Human Sign of Divine Love
Eight: Theology in the Bedroom
Conclusion

The beginning of the description of this book is:

"Divorce. Broken families. Sexual abuse. Addiction. Pornography. Same-sex marriage. Gender issues. Everywhere we look, we find more and more confusion about the most fundamental truths of human life. As we lose our basic understanding of the meanings of man, woman, marriage, and sex, the question becomes ever more urgent: What does it mean to be a human being? The human race seems unable to answer this question."

If we look at secular culture today we can see the world turning itself over to every kind of identity issue. The sexual revolution has run amok and we have the #me2 movement and the clergy abuse scandal of 2018 that highlight the opposite ends of those failures. In this book Christopher West gives an introduction, and summary of Saint Pope John Paul II's teachings on the theology of the body. He delves into questions on the meaning of life. How do we fulfil our deepest desires? Questions around God having created us male and female, and what that means to us as individuals and as societies.  And he draws us to conclusions around finding true happiness on earth and eternal life through finding God's will and pursuing it.

In many ways this book is a crash course or 'Coles Notes' on decades of writings from Pope Saint John Paul II. It is an easily accessible read, and would be good for high school students, university students and adults beginning their study of this subject. Looking back on my own life and my years away from the Catholic church a book like this would have caused me much less hurt, and helped me to hurt others less. 

This book is thoroughly Catholic. It clearly and concisely explains many aspects of the Catholic world view around sex, sexuality, and intimacy. I know that Christians of other denominations have used this book for study, but if you are not Christian there is likely much in this book that would be opposite your world view. It was an excellent read and I wish I had read it earlier. And I give this new edition top marks.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Christopher West:

Love Is Patient, But I'm Not: Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist

Good News About Sex & Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching

Theology of the Body for Beginners: Rediscovering the Meaning of Life, Love, Sex and Gender

Heaven's Song

At the Heart of the Gospel: Reclaiming the Body for the New Evangelization

The Love That Satisfies: Reflections on Eros & Agape

…

The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity - Matthew Kelly - How the Modern Culture Is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness

The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How the Modern Culture Is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness
Matthew Kelly
Wellspring Publishing
for Dynamic Catholic
ISBN 9781635820409
eISBN 9781635820614
ASIN B07FCS6TTQ


I have been a fan of the works of Matthew Kelly since I first read one of his books late in 2015. Since that time, I have read a book by him a total of 18 times. I have been bouncing around his different titles randomly pickling what to read next. This book is his most recent publication, at the time of writing this review. This book has a densely packed 15 chapters:

1. Life Is A Puzzle 
2. Your Happiness Project 
3. The False Promises And Lies Of This World 
4. I've Been Lying To Myself 
5. So Many Lies About Christianity 
6. The Biggest Lie 
7. Prove It! 
8. One Beautiful Truth 
9. The World Needs Changing 
10. It's Been Done Before 
11. History Is Presenting Christianity 
      With A New Opportunity 
12. Everyday Miracles 
13. Live An Intriguing Life 
14. Our Dirty Little Secret 
15. Now Is Your Time! 

After the last book I reviewed by Matthew Kelly a reader reached out to me and asked if Kelly was just a Catholic version of Max Lucado. I thought about that for a while, when I was involved with non-denomination campus ministries I read a lot of Lucado. Eventually I stopped because it all felt the same. It came to feel like Lucado just continued to present variations on a theme without having much real new content. And I feel the same way about Mark Batterson. But with Matthew Kelly I have not felt that at all yet. Yes Kelly writes with a great deal of passion, and he does sometimes use the same illustrations. And his catch phrase: 'Becoming the best version of yourself' appears often in his writings. But even with all of that with each new book by Kelly that I read I have a renewed interest in reading more of his works. Every time I finish one I go and pick one I have not read and add it to my to be read pile. 

In this book Kelly states:

"Transforming people one at a time is at the heart of God's plan for the world. It is also essential to developing dynamic marriages, loving families, vibrant Christian communities, thriving businesses and economies, and extraordinary schools and nations. If you get the man right (or the woman, of course), you get the world right."

and

"The thing is, our deep yearning isn't for momentary pleasures; it is for lasting
happiness in a changing world. The world is always changing; we cannot control every situation. Situational happiness is easy. It is easy to be happy lying on an exotic tropical beach all day for a week. But so much of this happiness is dependent on the situation. What we are really hungry for is a happiness that is independent of the situation."

Matthew also shares with us form his personal experience. He states:

"Through my own quest for happiness, there are a few things I
have learned:

 Happiness and pleasure are not the same thing.
 Getting what I want doesn't make me happy.
 Focusing on myself almost never leads to happiness.
 I am never happy when I pretend to be someone I am not.
 Too much of the happiness I experience is dependent on unsustainable circumstances or situations.
 The more I help others in their quest for lasting happiness, the happier I seem to be.
 Lying never makes me happy.
 Happiness is always found by embracing the present moment.
 It is impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time.
 Anything that helps me become a-better-version-of-myself makes me happy, even if it is difficult or painful.
 Happiness is contagious."

And he shows us that the way we find true happiness is by pursuing answers to four questions. 

"Who am I?
What am I here for?
What matters most?
What matters least?"

He also shares with us that:

"It is this fact-that we lie to ourselves-that is of particular importance
here. Humanity's ability to deceive itself knows no limits."

Or

"Whenever and wherever Christians have taken the idea that holiness is possible seriously, Christianity has thrived. Whenever and wherever the biggest lie in the history of Christianity has prevailed and everyday holiness has been set aside, Christianity has fumbled along clumsily with limited impact or become stagnant."

"I don't like alarm clocks. Just the name disturbs me. Who wants to start the day alarmed? But when you check into a hotel, they often ask you if you would like a wakeup call. I like that. We all need a wakeup call from time to time. I needed one last year. Maybe you need one right now. It is just so easy to fall into the mode of sleepwalking through life."

I hope that those few quotes will help you appreciate some of the message that is in this wonderful book. Of all the books I have read by Kelly this is the best so far. I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Matthew Kelly:
I Know Jesus
The Long View
Decision Point: The Workbook
Decision Point: The Leader Guide
The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic
The One Thing
Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction
Why Am I Here?
Perfectly Yourself: 9 Lessons for Enduring Happiness
Perfectly Yourself Discovering God's Dream For You
Building Better Families: A Practical Guide to Raising Amazing Children
The Dream Manager
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
Building Better Families - 5 Practical Ways to Build Family Spirituality
The Book of Courage
The Shepherd: A Modern Parable about Our Search for Happiness
Mustard Is Persecution, Matthew Kelly Foundation
A Call to Joy - Living in the Presence of God
The Rhythm of Life: An Antidote For Our Busy Age
Words from God
Resisting Happiness
The Narrow Path
Our Father
The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
Why I Love Being Catholic
Good Night, Jesus
In a world where you can be anything ...

Coach: 365 Days of Inspiration for Coaches and Players 

I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life's 

Life is Messy

Difficult Teachings

The Rocking Chair Prophet

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory

Best Christmas Ever - Worst Christmas Ever

The Three Ordinary Voices of God

Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy

33 Days to Divine Mercy

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory for Kids

The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality 

The Forgotten Way 

33 Days of Miracles, Wonders and Grace 

...

Beautiful ... Series:

Beautiful Hope
Beautiful Mercy

Beautiful Eucharist

...

Rediscover Books by Matthew Kelly:
Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose
Rediscover Advent
Rediscover Lent
Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation
Rediscover the Rosary: The Modern Power of an Ancient Prayer
Rediscover the Saints

Audio by Matthew Kelly from Lighthouse Media:
Becoming The Best Version Of Yourself
The Best Way To Live
Don't Just Try, Train
Faith At Work & The Holy Moment
The Four Signs Of A Dynamic Catholic - Excerpt
The Jesus Question
My Spiritual Journey
Our Lives Change When Our Habits Change
Raising Amazing Children
The Seven Levels Of Intimacy
The Seven Pillars Of Catholic Spirituality