I started this list in three different groupings: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. As I thought about it, I decided that this didn’t really work well. Instead, I’ve decided to list these in reading order – at least the reading order that I would suggest. Start with the top and work your way down.
This is not intended to be comprehensive. There are loads of other books out there, and many of them are fine works indeed. Instead, these selections give a solid introduction to the Catholic faith, are easy to read, and don’t represent a huge investment in either time or money. It would take many lifetimes to read everything, and it would be pointless to have someone start with the likes of Summa Theologica.
This is not to be considered a finished list either. As time wears on, I’ll add a few others, I’m sure. When that happens, I’ll note it on the blog. I've created a section on the sidebar to hold this post and any changes that come along with it.
Theology for Beginners by Frank J. Sheed
Sheed has a great knack for distilling complicated ideas into simple paragraphs. This is a great little book for those beginning to explore what Catholicism is all about. It's compact and easy to read. Sheed is superceded in some places by Vatican II, but overall this is an excellent book. Frank Sheed is my hero! Would that I could be more like him in my apologetics... Click Here
Hail Holy Queen by Scott Hahn
This is an excelent introduction to Mary and her place in the Church. One thing about Hahn and his books; they're all good. And as an added feature, they're also available in many libraries around the country. Hahn is a former Calvinist minister, so conversion is a known factor to him. Click here
By What Authority by Mark P. Shea
No book better describes Sacred Tradition than this one. Shea chronicles his own discovery of Tradition as an evangelical trying to defeat it, but is in the end is converted by it. Shea often takes a bum rap for the contentious nature of his blog, but his printed stuff is quite good, and this is a top notch book. Click Here
Credo by Hans Urs von Balthasar
This is a set of meditations, but gives a newcomer to the faith a very good – and very detailed – examination of the Apostles Creed. Von Balthasar is one of the foremost theologians of the 20th Century. He can be daunting, but this book is easily accessible. Click Here
Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
This covers the basics of the Catechism in a way that is also accessible. It’s often best used as a reference, but it’s quite a good thing to have on your bookcase. Click Here
Mark, what did you think of Father Hardon's Catholic Reading Plan? I just received it from my mom but haven't dug into it too much yet.
Elena,
I'm drawing a blank. Father Hardon's name is familiar, but I can't think why. Not enough coffee yet...
Mark,
May I suggest another?
Crossing the Tiber: Evangelican Protestants Discover the Historical Church by Stephen Ray. We are currently wading through this book. It is jam packed throughout with footnotes of references to scripture and other writings of the early church fathers. I really can't say enough good things about this book.
Thanks for the list! I already own most of them and am reading Mark Shea's book now.
Thanks also the part one of the IC post. Looking forward to reading more.
Oh you would have loved Father Hardon! He passed a few years ago. He wrote a catechism as well, and perhaps that is why his name is familiar to you.