Scott Hahn is an exellent resource for finding the truth and developing your spiritual life! He's a wealth of information!

The term "apologetics" is often viewed negatively. Because of its etymological roots, many people view the word synonymously with "apology" in the common sense -- a labored defense of something done wrong, or a justification of that which cannot be justified. As practiced by certain individuals of disingenuous character, where beliefs are attacked either based on a false presentation of facts or upon personal bias against matters in question, this connotation is completely understandable.

More properly, apologetics is (as is described in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary) the systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine), or a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity. Done properly, and accepted in the spirit of seeking truth, apologetics is the highest of the theological sciences.

Scott Hahn, Professor of Theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, is an apologist of the highest order. A convert to Catholicism, former Presbyterian minister, and gifted writer, Professor Hahn has written a series of books on the Catholic faith. The books include such spiritual works as THE LAMB'S SUPPER: THE MASS AS HEAVEN ON EARTH, HAIL HOLY QUEEN: THE MOTHER OF GOD IN THE WORD OF GOD, and his journey to Catholicism, ROME SWEET ROME: OUR JOURNEY TO CATHOLICISM, co-authored with his wife, Kimberly Hahn.

REASONS TO BELIEVE: HOW TO UNDERSTAND, EXPLAIN, AND DEFEND THE CATHOLIC FAITH, is a book of Catholic Apologetics in the finest sense of the tradition. Using his skills as a teacher, Professor Hahn offers a well-written, engaging, and reasoned look at the Catholic faith, using extensive scriptural sources, logic, and facts to present his defense of the Church. Unlike other so-called apologists (the pamphlet under the windshield), he does not hide behind personal rancor and invective. Instead, he presents his arguments for the Catholic faith in a thoughtful loving manner -- as one would expect or demand of a Christian. In its scant 240 pages, REASONS TO BELIEVE is not a substitute for Sacred Scripture, or Catholic Catechism. Rather it draws upon the complementary sources of Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium to justify the faith. He presents powerful arguments indeed in simple prose, articulating divinely inspired truths in words that are comprehensible to the average reader.

Reason and revelation are not incompatible. Natural and divine order are not compatible. The essentials of faith can be expressed intellectually and rationally. It is true theology -- faith seeking understanding.

By far the most complete apologetic book I have ever read. Dr. Hahn enables his reader the ability to provide solid defense of one's faith in the Church against agnostics to pagans to Protestants. I bought two additional books to give as gifts for my siblings. The reading is not easy, but then again, in such an important subject, there is no way the reading can be "easy." Highly recommend for RCIA teachers, Catholic adults, and anybody curious about why somebody would want to be called a Catholic.

Scott Hahn is an extremely careful writer, who has been very patient to choose the wording for his arguments. The book is well written, easy to read and fulfilled my expectations.
Speaking from his heart, the author gives an honest report on his view of the protestant faith he once embraced and the Catholic faith he now pursues.
Having St. Thomas on the cover is a testimony of his intellectual honesty by admitting it is not easy to find the path to belief and salvation.

I ordered this book because we are going to have a study class in Oct but I have not had a chance to sit down with it. I have other Scott Hahn books and all have been very good.

This book is a worthwhile read. It will take your basic apologetics skills one level deeper. The author really envelops the reader in the Old Testement in a way that is refreshing. Instead of looking soley at the teachings of Christ, the author includes how the Church today is a fullfilment of prophesy and in accordance with the whole book. The beginning of the book is helpful in dealing with other than Christian faiths, atheists and agnostics.

Dr. Hahn has not just "done it again" as this book far exceeds what he's done in the past. As aptly summarized by other reviewers, the book is partitioned into three sections, each forming an eloquently persuasive apologetic appropriate for different groups: first, for unbelievers; second, for non-Catholic Christians; third, for Catholics themselves - though each of the book's sections has broad appeal and would prove beneficial to anyone reading them.

For instance, in one of the most surprising and impressive passages of the first part of the book, Hahn makes readily understandable the traditional proof for God's existence from motion (sic!). Though Aquinas calls this proof "the most evident," lately, various factors militate to render it "most obscure." Using the metaphor of a train with no engine, Hahn deftly shows that, no matter how long - no matter how many cars are added, the train will not move unless there is a "first mover" (namely, the engine or, with regard to motion in the universe, God).

I highly recommend this book for just about anyone - even high schoolers can benefit from it. It is useful for personal enrichment, for a course (in secondary or post-secondary school) on faith and reason, for an intro to Catholicism course, for parish adult-education programs, to give as a gift to friends and family members, and so on.

This is, by far, one of Dr. Hahn's best works - and that's saying much, since his other books are full of profound insights and fresh, helpful explanations of otherwise difficult doctrines.

This book is ok if you are either not a Catholic and curious, or a Catholic who is absolutely clueless about why we believe what we do. I bought this book thinking it would help me in the field of apologetics (should I come across a protestant who attacks Catholic doctrine: perpetual virginity, the Eucharist, etc). What I found, about fifty pages in, was that this was really an intro (and a watered-down intro at that) into the beliefs of the Church. One would be much better off with Karl Keating's "Catholicism and Fundamentalism." Or, if you are really hardcore, either Henry Denzinger's "The Sources of Catholic Dogma," or Jurgens' "The Faith of the Early Fathers" in three volumes. Both Denzinger and Jurgens provide excellent, the best I've come across so far, historical content, while Keating will teach you how to argue what you believe (mostly by presenting Protestant arguments and defeating them with the Catholic). This combination of books will prove very helpful for the Catholic who wishes to defend his faith against vicious anti-Catholic Protestanism--not attack the latter. You may also wish to supplement this with "The New Jerome Biblical Commentary" by Raymond Brown et al.

All that being said, if you have never read anything at all about why Catholics believe what they do, this is NOT BAD. However, you can do better.

For any Catholic who desires to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the faith, this is the book for you.

Dr. Hahn demonstrates his oft-cited debt to Dr. RC Sproul in this little introduction to Christian apologetics. Despite the Catholic/Protestant difference, the influence of Dr. Sproul on Dr. Hahn is evident in this work. Including, I think, a misunderstanding of presuppositional apologetics as a form of fideism. That mild criticism aside, this is a fine work and a solid introduction that could be equally useful for personal or group study.

Dr. Hahn provides the introduction by way of the common ground of natural philosophy and theology that all men share in common. With a basic understanding of the laws of logic, Dr. Hahn provides deep insight into the logic and reasoning tools for apologetics. In the second part, Dr. Hahn focuses on the areas of distinction that separate Catholic and Protestant and in the process provides the biblical tools needed to defend the Catholic faith with scripture. In the final portion of the book, Dr. Hahn returns to a theme familiar to any who have read his other works, the importance of covenant theology in understanding salvation history which reveals God at work in our lives and in the life of his kingdom, the church.

The text is easy to read and well organized as is common for Dr. Hahn's work. Like his mentor, Dr. Sproul, he has a gift for sharing complex issues in a way that makes them seem almost common sense. Always an enjoyable and rewarding study, Dr. Hahn has once again given us much food for thought on how we can more effectively share our faith.

Hahn is interested only in the $ and attention he has garnered. He speaks of the Holy Spirit as SHE - wake up people!

I was mailed two books instead of one. Also we ordered a program for typing and we got two programs instead of one. If this happens again then I will not order anything else from amazon.

It's a very good book for enriching your faith, and for sharing with your family.

There are other good reviews here that do an excellent job of summarizing the content and organization of this well-written book. "Reasons to Believe" was not exactly what I was expecting, but was both informative and satisfying. Hahn is a theologian, not a lay apologist, and in this book he writes for the reader interested in the theology of this topic. "Reasons to Believe" is informative and satisfying, because it goes into the underlying theology of apologetics, and that is essential to the serious student. Because I earned minors in both theology and philosophy in college, I was able to digest this material quickly. However, for the person with no formal theological background, the book might feel like a little bit of a stretch at first. Having said that, Dr. Hahn is an outstanding writer. He is always clear, logical and understandable. Stay with the book and you will learn quite a bit. However, you probably won't fly through this book. It is worthwhile to take in a little bit each time, and give it some thought before going on. This book can get you to think on a very deep level. It's one I will probably re-read several times over the next few years.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in apologetics. Scott Hahn has a way with words that makes the concepts of Augustine and Aquinas very readable.

I would recommend this text for teaching adults and high school students.

Best book I have read on the subject.

Frank G.

This book is really three things in one. The first part of the book is a straightforward defense of the faith, where Mr. Hahn briefly answers many of the common misconceptions about Catholicism with rational argument, and then through Biblical analysis. This segment seems to be written mainly for Protestant inquirers and Catholics who want to be better equipped to defend the faith. While very well written, there are many other sources of apologetics that treat these subjects in far more detail (Hahn mentions a number of them himself).

The second part of the book is a high level interpretation of the Catholic Church considering the Bible - Old Testament and New - as an epic story about a kingdom. Hahn starts with the first words of Genesis and wraps up 40 or 50 pages later in Revelation. His view casts the Catholic Church in a new light, and a fuller one than I had ever imagined. Hahn, a Biblical scholar, is able to connect the dots between the ancient meaning of the Biblical texts and what we experience today of Christianity and the Church. In presenting his case, Hahn does much more than defend the faith - he puts the Bible in a clear perspective, transforming it from a collection of seemingly unconnected parts into a unified whole. This has value for readers of every stripe.

The third part of the book is an extremely lengthy list of recommended reading. Actually it is more than a list. Hahn takes the trouble to explain what the books are about and why they are important, and there are enough of them to last a lifetime. I'd say the list alone is worth the price of the book.

Good summary, for laymen (and women!). Good jumping off point for undestanding how to defend the true faith.

I enjoyed this book. I think it should have been a little more comprehensive. I had a problem understanding his theological jargon a little bit. I think he sometimes forgets that we are not his University students when he is writing his books. he needs to clarify a little more and pretend he is writing to 8th graders. ;)

If you don't know the Bible well, I think, you will get a lot out of Natural Reason (pages 3 to 63), less out of Biblical Reasons (pages 67 to 140) and perhaps lose your focus, as I did, trying to follow the reasoning in Royal Reasons (pages 143 to 197). But then you may not be as ignorant about the Bible as I am. The professor should have created an index for a book like this that is so full of many different items. I subtract one star for the lack of an index and another for my ignorance.

Having read this on retreat and realizing that it helped deepen my prayer those days, I've found this book to be the answer to the questions stirred up (for me and others) in Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism, which tells the story of the Hahns' conversion from Protestant Christian to Catholic. Reasons to Believe begins with the expectation that the reader is genuinely seeking. Hahn takes the position of messenger and doesn't expect you to take his word. In the first half, there's a sense of having a conversation with him as he hands you his favorite books to read and synthesizes the material so that you can make conclusions for yourself. In the second half, he takes you where he left off with A Father Who Keeps His Promises: God's Covenant Love in Scripture--which first helped me realize what it meant to be Catholic. Aside from being a good book that's understandable for the average reader, it is an important work, and perhaps his best.

He writes 'We cannot have an infinite regress in causes, so we must posit an uncaused first cause. And that first cause is what we call God' but doesn't explain why this first cause must be 'intelligent'.
And if he posits an 'uncaused first cause' why not posit an uncaused 2nd cause and so on?
He says 'Even in Darwinism nature observes a process of selection. The fittest survive. All of this implies purpose,order, standards,and ends.'
That is incorrect. No purpose or end is implied by Darwinism.
He writes "A watch requires a watchmaker. In a similar way an ordered universe requires the existence of an intelligent creator." But he doesn't show that ours is an ordered universe. Why can't it be a purely natural phenomenon?
These are the dubious foundations upon which Mr. Hahn spins his fantasies of god.

He writes 'We cannot have an infinite regress in causes, so we must posit an uncaused first cause. And that first cause is what we call God' but doesn't explain why this first cause must be 'intelligent'.
And if he posits an 'uncaused first cause' why not posit an uncaused 2nd cause and so on?
He says 'Even in Darwinism nature observes a process of selection. The fittest survive. All of this implies purpose,order, standards,and ends.'
That is incorrect. No purpose or end is implied by Darwinism.
He writes "A watch requires a watchmaker. In a similar way an ordered universe requires the existence of an intelligent creator." But he doesn't show that ours is an ordered universe. Why can't it be a purely natural phenomenon?
These are just some basic issues which religious authors like to gloss over to satisfy their readers need for simple, emotionally satisfying answers.

Don't get scared off by the term "apologetics." Besides being useful to explain the Faith to others, Scott Hahn's new book is useful to reinforce for ourselves why we believe. The Scriptural secection is especially strong, but for people still wondering about such basics as the existance of God, the Logic section is very clear as well.

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...

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 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.

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.

I purchased the Hahn source because of my interests in apologetics in the post-Christendom era that is now present in the United States. The defense of the Christian faith is now more important than ever because the Baby Boomer generation and Gen X generation is now being pushed on by the Y generation. I have read a few of the great apologist such as Saint Thomas and Saint Augustine, Pascal and C.S. Lewis with interest in their approach to the culture of their time. By many accounts the youngest generation, Y's, are interested in Jesus and not Christian organized religion per say because of Christianity's less than desirable history, public image and failings.

The author's review and identification of apologetic and philosophical arguments towards a person with no faith in God was sound. I was able to glean some very practical arguments for the proof of God in Hahn's first section - Natural Reasons. I think that this section is applicable to the Gen X's and Generation Y's although many of the younger generation do not think linear. Natural theology, I think appeals to any generation with a love for the cosmic and its surroundings. I also thought that Hahn's arguments on a universal moral theology were written well.

The second section - Biblical Reasons - is an exegesis of the biblical text similar to that of Protestant Sermonizing or proof texting directed towards a Protestant person by a Catholic person. This section is an apologetic for the Catholic faith tradition. I use the wording "faith tradition" because I have attended many Protestant denominations worship services, a messianic Christian gathering and a several Catholic Masses and all include in their public gatherings a liturgy that has been based on the biblical text and historical traditions within their Christian organizations. My many experiences with Protestant worship services have also included expository preaching where the biblical text selected is used in its full context.

I think that Christians should unite together regardless of their organizational structure because they all agree on about 95% of the same things but only disagree on how to baptize, who to ask for intercessory prayer, who is going to be the leader and the methodology for the Eucharist or Communion. Given the historical Church-State, State-Church and American Democracy forms of government it is difficult to believe that the Body of Christ in the United States would unite under any one leader other than Jesus the Christ and His Body the Church.

Royal Reasons - this final section presents a good analysis of the Davidic Kingdom ending in Jesus with the Kingdom now in the present. The covenants are also presented in a whole Bible approach to theology. Hahn does not apply dispensational theology to these key building blocks of the Christian faith.

I am thankful that I found this book in my search for an apologetic for the current culture. I was able to look up some passages in my New International Version© (NIV) Holy Bible to gain a greater understanding of the Catholic faith tradition. I recommend Hahn's source to Protestant Christians to compare the terminology between the various Protestant Christian faith traditions and the Catholic faith tradition. I think that Catholics and Protestants really believe in the same broad theology but are using different words for the same concepts. Peace.

First, it should be noted that this book is by no means exhaustive and Scott Hahn repeats this several times. Hahn's latest book was clearly not written for the benefit of non-believers. "Reasons to Believe" conveys a very basic overview of the best arguments for several Catholic doctrines. The third part of the book, which deals with the Kingdom of God, is by far the best and is by itself worth the price.

Although this book is not a classic, it is a fun read for people interested in apologetics. I recommend Peter Kreeft's works for a more exhaustive treatment of Christian apologetics. For deeper dives into Catholic apologetics, try Hahn's "The Lamb's Supper" (which IS a classic) or my own book, "Dear Brother" - especially if you are looking for more biblical and patristic references.

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...

Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith by Scott Hahn released just a few days ago is another fine book. His latest book is more in the line of general apologetics than his previous books that mainly pertained to a specific topic.

What I liked about this as an apologetics work is that it started out by addressing reason and natural theology. Natural theology being defined as what we can no about God with revelation from him. He specifically talks about reason and how to talk to atheists and agnostics, something left out of many apologetics works. The first four chapters deal specifically with this and there is a lot of good information contained. It is of course not an exhaustive treatment of this, but a good solid introduction to the subject. He references books like Handbook Of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreft and Fr. Tacelli which is an excellent deeper reference. His coverage of Aquinas "five ways of knowing God: as he puts it is succinct and easy to follow.

Later chapters deal with apologetics and working with other Christians via the Bible and offers good advice on how to do it and not get into proof text wars. These following chapters covers standard Catholic apologetics fare such as the Communion of Saints, Mary, the Mass, and the Pope. He notes these are not meant to be exhaustive and that whole books can be written on nuances of these subjects (as he has done in the past), but he does pack a lot of information to go over in these chapters. If you have read a lot of apologetics there is no real fresh ground here, but it is a good reference. But he does offer some good advice for those like myself who have read much on this subject and start to find it boring and that is to go deeper into theology.

Concluding chapters deal with the Kingdom of God and the book really shines here. No surprise that when Scott Hahn talks on Covenantal Theology and how the Old Testament applies to the New Testament and specifically the Davidic Kingdom it becomes really interesting. At first I was lost to how this was applying to the previous more straightforward apologetics chapters, but he does wrap up some important points on the Queenship of Mary, the Papacy, and especially the Kingdom of God and how it relates to the Church.

As is usually the case Scott Hahn's sub chapter titles are full of puns. Some people are put off by punning subtitles in a serious work, but I like them. I share Scott's puns are always intentional attitude. Though his straight writing is fun also. His love of these various subjects shines through in his work and you never feel he is writing over your head, but that he is writing to you. So if you are looking for a solid apologetics work then I can highly recommend this one.

A couple of minor things though need to be fixed in any subsequent reprinting of this book. The introduction mentions many in the field of apologetics by name. I am pretty sure there is no Father Mitch Pacina S.J. More then likely this refers to Fr. Mitch Pacwa S.J. He might also want to change the reference to James Akin to Jimmy Akin as this is his preference.