Theology and Sanity

by Frank Sheed

Book Overview

Vatican II issued an urgent call for the laity to take a more active role in the life of the Church. What should the life of the Christian believer be like? How are average lay Christians called to help save the world? How does theology fit into the picture?

One of Frank Sheed's most popular books, this ideal volume for the layman shows the practical aspects of theology in the life of a Christian believer. Logic, clarity, and simplicity permeate...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898704707
• ISBN13: 9780898704709
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 471 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

The Catholic view of the universe: an exceptional work

Unlike the previous reviewer, Sheed never lost me, in the beginning or anywhere else. This is, admittedly, the Catholic view of the universe and I don't think Sheed intended it to be anything else. As such, it is much more an exposition and explanation of that view than a defense against various competing views, although there is some of that. So, if you are looking for defenses of the Catholic Christian faith against Buddhism, Islam, Judaism or even specifically contrasted to some Protestant beliefs, you won't find it done here explicitly. If you are a Catholic or are interested in learning more about how this magnificent religion views God and creation, there is no finer introductory work (although Sheed's Theology for Beginners is on the same par as Theology and Sanity, just shorter). I have now read four of Sheed's works and intend to read everything of his I can get my hands on. Two other points: 1. For the Catholic Church's thoughts on other religions, see the Catechism or the Pope's speech Dialogue with Great World Religions on May 19, 1999, or his Encyclical Fides et Ratio for starters, all available on-line. 2. For books on the Catholic argument for the teaching authority of the Church see Jesus, Peter, and the Keys, among many others.

theology and sanity

i have read and reread this book four times. Unfortunately i gave this book to a friend.I am reordering it again now. It has the clearest explanation of the Trinity that i have ever read.I guarantee that you will not be dissapointed with this purchase.

Powerful work by the streetcorner apologist

Sheed does a fine job here of concisely presenting the entire Catholic worldview in a single volume. His explanation of difficult philosophical and theological concepts (i.e. the Trinity) is done in a manner that can be easily understood by those with less expertise in these areas. This book is really a valuable piece, and should be on the bookshelves and in the minds of all Catholics.

Be ready to have a FIRE lite under you

Mr. Sheed proves once again that he is an educator and theologian par excellence. This work is a more detailed and in depth version of "Theology for Beginners" but a must read even for those who have read the "lighter" version. In fact start with "Theology for Beginners" and then read "Theology and Sanity."I have read innumerable books on theology with an emphasis, but not exclusivity, on christianity. And this book explains with clear and beautiful reasoning the christian faith. You will not find a clearer yet amazingly comprehensive explaination of the Holy Trinity. If you think the 'triangle analogy' is a good model, you will forever look back on it as a simple 2-dimensional representation, with usefullness to be sure, but without life. Mr. Sheed brings the Trinity to Life!Ever wondered how Christians have come to believe in Heaven, Hell, Angels and the Devil through scripture? Ever doubted that you could come to a rational belief of those concepts using logic, through combining philosophy and theology? Rejoice becuase Mr. Sheed reconciles both of those for you, beautifully and clearly.By the end of this book you will understand why viewing life without a belief in God is insanity and why believing in God is having clear and sane thought. Do yourself, your soul and your spirit a favor. Read this man's works.

A defense of reason applied to faith. A masterful apology

In an age where philosophy, academia, and society hold religious belief as subrational, Frank Sheed shines as a beacon for those who desire to begin the grave and joyous journey of reconciling faith with reason. His explainations of Catholic theology and the metaphysical realities it upholds prove to be some of the clearest of our time. His explaination of how those realities are translated into practical application,(morality), prove equally lucid. His embarkation into the mystery of the Holy Trinity leaves one with much to meditate upon. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to understand their Catholic faith. Only a minimum understanding of the Catholic faith is required to follow the author through some of the most complex teachings of the Church. Enjoy!