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Review Summary: A study for the Serious Bible-Study Group |
Date: 2008-11-21 |
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Details: I agree with the Customer Reviews, especially the comment "Fr. Pacwa respects the intelligence of his readers, and doesn't hesitate to introduce deep theological points and insights".
However, we have a Bible Study Group that is finding Father Pacwa's book to be difficult. In my opinion, before tackling Father Pacwa's Bible Study, our Bible-Study Group would have benefitted from a more chronological study of St Paul's life and his letters FIRST. (Bible-Study is not new to our group--our group has been meeting for 2 years.)
In my opinion, in order for a group to really comprehend the SOLID FOOD that Fr Pacwa introduces via St Paul's Scriptural passages, it might make better sense to really understand the MILK first.
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Review Summary: St. Paul comes alive for Catholics! |
Date: 2008-11-18 |
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Details: I have to admit - I originally thought this small book (only 96 pages) would be light on helpful details and lacking in depth. I was completely wrong. Fr. Pacwa really packs a punch in "St. Paul: A Bible Study for Catholics," including a lot of useful information in a very readable fashion.
The book is perfectly titled: this is a book for Catholics who wish to understand St. Paul better. Scott Hahn once said that for Catholics the Gospels are a "home game," but the writings of St. Paul are an "away game" - we might win a few, but we can't wait to get back home to the Gospels. But this common perception shows a misunderstanding of Paul's writings, due mostly to 400 years of misinterpretation of the great Apostle starting with Martin Luther. St. Paul is an eminently Catholic saint, and his writings, properly understood, form the foundation for so much of Catholic practice and belief. This book goes a long way towards recapturing that truth.
Fr. Pacwa structures the book around the sacraments (he excludes the anointing of the sick since Paul doesn't refer to that sacrament in his canonical letters). This allows a Catholic to see how Paul's writings address the very practical life of the typical believer. By revealing the underlying scriptural roots of the sacraments, Fr. Pacwa allows the Catholic to see the sacraments not as some "add-on" to the faith, but part of its very foundations traced back to the first century. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Holy Orders, as Fr. Pacwa gives a clear explanation of the biblical basis for the sacrificial nature of the Christian priesthood.
This is a perfect book for the Jubilee Year of St. Paul, and for anyone at any time wishing to dig deeper into the writings of this great Saint.
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Review Summary: St. Paul Bible Study recommended |
Date: 2008-11-02 |
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Details: I highly recommend this St. Paul Bible Study for fellow Catholics--and for any and all fellow Christians. |
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Review Summary: St. Paul study Guide Great! |
Date: 2008-10-27 |
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Details: Knowing Fr. Mitch Pacwa from EWTN I figured this would be a good study guide...but I was wrong. IT'S AN AWESOME STUDY GUIDE! In fact, it became such a good resource that we've ordered 25 books for the prayer and Bible study group at my Church. It's the perfect study guide for use with your Bible in class and for home study. If you're looking for a good resource that's concise and easy to use, yet sophisticated for study groups, then this is the book to buy! Fr. Mitch Pacwa, this here is a winner and perfect guide for use with the dedication of the Year of St. Paul. |
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Review Summary: St. Paul and the Sacraments of the Catholic Church |
Date: 2008-10-10 |
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Details: Father Mitch Pacwa, Jesuit priest and popular host of programs on EWTN television, invites you to immerse yourself in the writings of St. Paul and discover their relevance nearly two thousand years later. Fr. Pacwa explores the central teachings of the Catholic Church, most specifically those associated with six of the seven sacraments, in this easy-to-follow book.
The format is exceptionally inviting whether you are reading alone or as part of a Bible Study group. In each of the six chapters, the reader is given points to consider, related Biblical references to investigate, several pages of easy-to-read yet scholarly information, discussion questions, and a goal to practice as a conscious effort to live the type of life St. Paul did, bold and creative in today's challenging society.
I was fortunate to be able to attend six sessions, one on each chapter, given by Father Pacwa himself. It was a tremendous blessing to be able to hear him expound on the many Pauline themes he outlined in the book, all guideposts for personal growth through the writings of the apostle Paul.
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out of 9 Reviews
