Letters to a young Catholic Essay Example for Free

Letters to a young Catholic Essay The book â€Å"Letters to a Young Catholic† is an inquisition on the foundations of Catholic faith. It is a comprehensive introduction to Catholic theology as a different way of looking at things. Through these letters, George Weigel tackles the issue on what it really means to be a Catholic through insights about the religions roots and traditions, also touching on such areas as literature and music. Weigel gives a tour on some famous Catholic landmarks, taking into account people who have made significant contributions in shaping the authors beliefs. It is a testament to the belief in the doctrine of the Catholic Church that the author deems all-encompassing and universal. As the title implies, it was written for young Catholics; and whether they are want to reinforce their beliefs or are doubters who are looking for answers, this book is a relevant guide that teaches Catholicisms core beliefs, as well as the Catholic world view, in a refreshing manner. The discussion of Catholic world view is especially important as it gives an insight on how that world view differs from all other religious or secular perspectives (even that of Christianity). This odyssey consists of fourteen letters that the Weigel considers as integral to a young Catholics indoctrination and understanding of the Catholic perspective. It weaves all real and convincing Catholic teachings such as sacraments, discipleship, and the life of Christ in an interesting narrative. It starts off with the authors own childhood experiences in Baltimore, a predominantly Catholic community where he had come to acquire a understanding of the Catholic sacraments, doctrines, and parish life. He introduces the concept of Catholicism as a an essential aspect of living and viewing the world. He uses different settings to enlighten the reader about the the beliefs that form the cornerstone of the Catholic faith. The first of which is a depiction of the Scavi in St. Peters Basilica which houses the bones of St. Peter. Here, Weigel lays down the idea of the reality of the foundation of the Catholic Church. He tells the readers that the Bible is not merely a story, but a historical account about real places and people. The next chapter deals with a story about the early experiences of Pope John Paul II during the Nazi occupation. It show shows how the young Pope had undergone his ministry training living in secret in underground catacomb. The Popes vocational plight was also featured in the letter on â€Å"How Vocations Can Change History. † In the letter about â€Å"Mary and Discipleship†, the author tackles commitment issues among the young in the light of Marys own struggles. He also cited The Olde Cheshire Cheese, a pub where Christian thinkers such as G. K. Chester, and the Christian politician Hilaire Belloc frequented. The chapter also discussed how those people lived in a world full of anti-Catholic sentiments. In another letter that highlights St. Marys Catholic Church in Greenville, Weigel delves into the story of Father Jay Scott Newman. It teaches how and why prayer is important to the development of a community. In chapter twelve, his depiction of Chartres Cathedral in France evokes thought about the role of the human beauty for beauty in its magnificent construction. In other chapters, he presents new ways of understanding the Catholic world view with a journey through the Catholic landmarks such as the Oratory in Birmingham, Castle Howard in Yorkshire, the Sistine Chapel and North American College Mausoleum in Rome, the Old Cathedral in Baltimore, and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Krakow. Weigel also talks about the stories of other important Christian figures such as Jerzy Popieuszko, Edith Stein, Mother Teresa, Cardinal John Henry Newman, Flannery O Connor, Fra Angelico, and even Michaelangelo, who have been exemplary in living according to Jesuss path.