If you are familiar with my writing then you know how much I enjoy a good book. I have collected quite the library that ranging from scholarly theological works to daily devotionals. However Hearts Burning Within Us is unique as there is nothing like it that I have read. It is an important book for our time that answers questions that real college students have about the faith.
The Hearts Burning Within Us Concept
Bill Snyder, the founder of Patchwork Heart Ministry and one of the authors, thought of the concept of a question and answer book some time ago. He wrote the intro and as things picked up with his ministry it was put on the shelf for a later time.
in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic hit and it presented some never before seen challenges in our society. Bill decided it was time to get this book out. He teamed up with three other authors Anne DeSantis, Magdalene Riggins, and Jennifer Southerton.
The four authors regularly met with five real college students via Zoom to have real conversations about questions that these college students had and would hear around campus.
Real Questions And Real Answers
The questions are real, relevant, the answers real, and not superficial. They are answered with clarity and in a way easily understood. Some of the questions asked and answered include questions about scripture interpretation, the problem of evil, LGBTQ issues, underage drinking, and hypocrisy in the church.
As I have said, the questions are real and the authors do a great job in charitably answering these questions without watering down or compromising church teaching. Though the questions are from college students, these are also questions that those in high school have as well.
Is Hearts Burning Within Us Recommended?
The book is broken down into 42 short chapters that answer 42 unique questions. Coming in at 109 pages it is a quick read for the college student in your life. It is also a good refresher for anyone who is serious about answering questions about how the faith interacts with the popular issues of the day.
I highly recommend this book for your catholic student and as a refresher for anyone serious about learning the faith.
You can purchase the book here.
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by the authors in exchange for an honest review.]
Interview With Bill Snyder About The Book
Saint Quotes
Blessed the one who loves truth continually and has not lent his mouth as an instrument of impiety by lying, for he fears the commandment about idle speech. -St. Ephrem of Syria
‘If you love charity, endeavor to be affable and meek to all. Meekness is the characteristic virtue of the lamb; it is the beloved virtue of Jesus Christ, who through a love of meekness took the appellation of Lamb. -St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
My tongue, while I am speaking of my neighbor, shall be in my mouth like a knife in the hand of a surgeon that would cut between the sinews and tendons. The blow I shall give shall be neither more nor less than the truth. -St. Francis de Sales
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