Signs of Life - by Scott Hahn (Hardcover)

About the Book

Hahn, the bestselling author of "The Lamb's Supper" and "Reasons to Believe," celebrates the touchstones of Catholic life, guiding readers to a deeper faith through the Church's rites, customs, and traditional prayers.

Book Synopsis

Scott Hahn, the bestselling author of The Lamb's Supper and Reasons to Believe, celebrates the touchstones of the Catholic life, guiding readers to a deeper faith through the Church's rites, customs, and traditional prayers.

Signs of Life is beloved author Scott Hahn's clear and comprehensive guide to the Biblical doctrines and historical traditions that underlie Catholic beliefs and practices. Devoting single chapters to each topic, the author takes the reader on a journey that illuminates the roots and significance of all things Catholic, including: the Sign of the Cross, the Mass, the Sacraments, praying with the saints, guardian angels, sacred images and relics, the celebration of Easter, Christmas, and other holidays, daily prayers, and much more.

In the appealing conversational tone that has won him millions of devoted readers, Hahn presents the basic tenets of Church teachings, clears up common misconceptions about specific rituals and traditions, and responds thoughtfully to the objections raised about them. Each chapter concludes with loving, good-natured, inspiring advice on applying the Church's wisdom to everyday life.

Review Quotes

"Lifelong Catholics realize that it usually takes a convert to help us appreciate and better understand the customs and practices we too often take for granted. Scott Hahn does just that in this immensely reable yet substantive loving look at Catholic prayer, devotions, and beliefs." -- Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York

"There is genius in Catholicism and once again Scott Hahn unveils it like the masterpiece that it is. Every chapter of Signs of Life is filled with insights and practices that will change the way you live your life and celebrate your faith."
-- Matthew Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Rediscovering Catholicism and The Rhythm of Life

"Things done for too long can become a habit -- and habits have a way of losing their meaning. In this long awaited treasure of a book, Scott Hahn reveals the historical and biblical roots of so many Catholic practices. Finally Catholics will not only know what to do, but why they do it." -- Raymond Arroyo, New York Times bestselling author and host of EWTN's The World Over Live

"Professor Hahn's purpose is both devotional and apologetic. In showing how Catholic popular piety is scripturally grounded, he explains practices that shape Catholic life and help us grow in grace. This is a book that will be helpful to individuals and to the Church as a whole." -- Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago

"For decades non-Catholics and even some perplexed Catholics have questioned a number of the beliefs and especially the devotional acts of the Catholic Church. Scott Hahn addresses these questions in Signs of Life, producing crystal-clear explanations of the Church's traditional practices. His own background as a convert makes him the perfect person to write this book." -- Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR

"Scott Hahn has given us a great contribution in connecting the scriptural and traditional foundations of Catholic devotions and practices. This book will enrich both the spiritual life and theological understanding of every reader." -- Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR, chancellor of Franciscan University of Steubenville and author of What Does God Want?

"One of the best ways to break free from spiritual dryness is to learn precisely why we do things. Dr. Hahn's discussion of 'why Catholics do what they do' is thoroughly researched and thoroughly enjoyable. It can help lifelong Catholics appreciate the treasures they've always had, and help non-Catholics appreciate what they may only have seen from afar. Read this book for your own enrichment, but buy one to give away and help someone discover the richness of the Catholic 'Signs of Life'." -- Marcus Grodi, host of EWTN's The Journey Home

"Scott Hahn gets me excited about my faith. He shares the biblical truth of our deep tradition in a simple way. Signs of Life gives us hope that all Christians can unite as ONE Catholic faith." -- Justin Fatica, author of Hard as Nails

"Learning more about our Catholic life and practices is always a joy. Professor Scott Hahn, in his new book Signs of Life, explains forty Catholic customs and practices as pathways to a richer spiritual life. He uses a unique approach, interweaving these familiar realities with the different stages of the life of a Catholic, highlighting their biblical roots. This handbook should prove very useful to both individuals and faith-sharing groups seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic devotion."
-- Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington

"In Signs of Life, Scott Hahn has provided a wonderful resource of Catholic belief and practice, as well as an excellent reference for Catholics who want to understand their Faith and its traditions more deeply. Once again, Dr. Hahn has masterfully used his great teaching skills to invite his readers to a richer understanding of Catholic faith, tradition and practice."
-- Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh

About the Author

Scott Hahn is founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology (SalvationHistory.com). A professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, he also holds the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is the author of many books, including The Lamb's Supper (Doubleday), Hail, Holy Queen (Doubleday), Kinship by Covenant (Yale), and A Pocket Guide to the Bible (Our Sunday Visitor). His academic work has appeared in Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Journal of Biblical Literature, and Currents in Biblical Research. Dr. Hahn is editor of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible and Letter & Spirit: A Catholic Journal of Biblical Theology. He lives in Steubenville, Ohio.