Theology for Beginners

by Frank Sheed

Overview

The acclaimed Catholic writer and apologist Frank Sheed presents one of the most clear and outstanding explanations of the central doctrines of the Christian faith ever written. He starts with a compelling case of good reasons for anyone to study theology, and the wonderful rewards that accompany such a pursuit.

After explaining how God is Spirit, Sheed examines God's infinity and man's creation from nothing. He then covers in depth such key doctrines as the Trinity, the Fall, the Incarnation and Redemption, the Mystical Body, Grace and the Sacraments, and the Last Things. For those to whom these doctrines seem formidable, Sheed brings a fresh approach with lucid and carefully reasoned prose. His beautiful insights and clear explanations will help stir our minds to the inspiring truth of the spiritual realities at the center of human existence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781621641193
Publisher:	Ignatius Press
Publication date:	06/28/2017
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	197
Sales rank:	99,537
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Frank Sheed was one of the best -known Catholic writers and apologists of the 20th century. He founded the Catholic publishing house of Sheed & Ward. His many books include To Know Christ Jesus, A Map of Life, Theology and Sanity, Society and Sanity, and Saints Are Not Sad, all published by Ignatius Press.

Table of Contents

I Why Study Theology? 11

II Spirit 16

Spirit Knows, Loves, Is Powerful 16

Spirit Produces What Matter Cannot 17

Spirit Is Not in Space 19

Spirit Is Always Itself 21

III The Infinite Spirit 24

God Is Infinite Spirit 24

God Is Omnipresent and Eternal 26

God's Knowledge, Love, Power 28

IV The Blessed Trinity 31

Three Persons 31

The Doctrine Outlined 33

Mystery, Not Contradiction 36

V The Three Persons 39

Father and Son 39

Holy Spirit 41

Equality in Majesty 43

Appropriation 46

VI The Human Mind and the Doctrine of the Trinity 49

Mystery 49

Making the Doctrine Our Own 51

God Is Love 53

VII Creation 56

All Things of Nothing 57

Without God All Is Meaningless 58

Matter, Angels, Men 60

How God Created 63

VIII The Nature of Man 66

Soul and Body 66

God's Law and Freedom 69

IX The Supernatural Life 73

A Goal above Our Nature 73

Sanctifying Grace 75

Faith, Hope, Charity 78

Supernatural Habits 81

X The Fall 83

Fall of Angels 83

Fall of Adam 85

Results of Adam's Fall 88

How to Restore a Fallen Race? 90

XI The Redeemer 93

God Became Man 93

Our Lord as We Meet Him 96

Christ: God and Man 98

The Manhood 103

XII Redemption 108

Suffering and Death 108

Passion, Resurrection and Ascension 110

Truth, Life, Union 113

XIII The Visible Church 116

The Structure of the Church 116

The Church Is Catholic and Apostolic 118

The Church Is One 121

The Church Is Holy 123

The Teaching of Truth 128

XIV The Mystical Body of Christ 131

XV The Mother of God 136

The Son Who Chose His Mother 136

Immaculate Conception and Assumption 138

Our Mother 140

XVI Grace, Virtues, Gifts 143

The Moral Virtues 144

Actual Grace 145

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit 147

How Grace Is Lost 149

XVII The Sacraments 151

The Sacramental System 151

The Minister 153

How Administered 154

What the Sacraments Do 155

Forgiveness of Sin 157

XVIII Eucharist and Mass 162

The Real Presence 162

Transubstantiation 165

Communion in One Kind 167

The Sacrifice of the Mass 168

XIX The Next Life 172

Death 172

Hell 174

Purgatory 177

Heaven 180

XX The End of the World 184

Epilogue 187

The Layman in the Church 187

Editorial Reviews

"Frank Sheed never composed an incoherent sentence. He proved so capable an apologist because he was such a clear writer. Through his crystalline words the reader sees the Catholic Faith as a whole and as something not just true but desirable. I return to Sheed again and again. I might think of one or two who were his equal in apologetics. I can think of no one who was his superior."
— Karl Keating, Author, Catholicism and Fundamentalism

"Preaching on the streets of London is a school all it's own — the hammer and anvil that forged Frank Sheed&'s ability to explain the Catholic Faith even to the most unsophisticated listener, even in the context of verbal conflict and debate. Sheed has done what very few can—bring the lofty mysteries of God down to the simplest of ears. A must read for those who think theology is boring or over their heads. Sheed will surprise you!"
— Steve Ray, Author, Crossing the Tiber

From the Publisher