Signs of Life

Scott Hahn, a former Presbyterian minister who converted to Roman Catholicism after years of study, research and quest for the one, holy apostolic and catholic church, has written a tremendously helpful book which looks at 40 Catholic customs and their biblical roots. These 40 customs are: holy water, the sign of the cross, baptism, the Mass, guardian angels, the church's calendar, Lent and Easter, Advent and Christmas, Novenas, posture, morning offering, prayers of aspiration, the Angelus, grace at meals, examination of conscience, bible study, spiritual reading, retreat, confirmation, marriage, priesthood, anointing of the sick, incense, candles, sacred images, relics, fasting and mortification, confession, indulgences, intercession of the saints, pilgrimage, the presence of God, almsgiving, devotion to the Trinity, the Rosary, scapulars and medals, mental prayer, reverence for the Tabernacle, preparation for death, and prayers for the dead. Reading this book has helped me to understand the Roman Catholic tradition better and also cleared up misconceptions and myths which have been propagated by anti-Catholic Fundamentalists. There is much that Protestantism and Catholicism share in common if we go back to the roots - to the Bible and to early church history (Tradition) and there is a need for more dialogue. This book is highly recommended for both Catholics and non-Catholic Christians as it will help them to understand Roman Catholicism better.