"The popes stand for continuity, and they stand for certitude."

[Jonathan Aquino]

The popes stand for continuity, and they stand for certitude. What they teach is in all essentials what they taught in the first century A.D., when they were hunted men living in the catacombs. That, to most believers, is the central attraction of the Catholic Church, and the chief virtue of the papacy which rules it.

– Paul Johnson, quoted in Triumph, p. 426

Just finished Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church.. A rousing book, and a tour of 2,000 years of history.

Next up for me will probably be The Penguin History of the World.

What books are on your list of essential Catholic reading?

[Johan Cyprich]

Every Catholic needs to read Karl Keating's book, Catholicism and Fundamentalism. The reason for this is that most Catholics really don't know their faith. How many can say what papal infallibility means, define the doctrine of Purgatory, or explain the meaning of the Eucharist?

Being Catholic, people will ask questions on what we believe and why we believe them and very few Catholics are knowledgeable enough to answer basic questions let alone the more complex ones. Apologetics is an important field to study because you will be equipped with knowledge to defend and explain your faith.

Keating's book targets Protestant Fundamentalists, but it can be used against any anti-Catholic attack. The critics typically use the same arguments against the Church and the book is a thorough defense of the major Catholic doctrines.

If you only read one Catholic book, this book should be it.

[Jonathan Aquino]

I'll need to check that one out, Johan!

I also recommend the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A bit dry, but contains direct answers to basic questions about the faith. Also, much slimmer than the full Catechism.

[Bill McDonald]

Theology of the Body - Bonus: a higher understanding of the Eucharist.
CS Lewis - The Pilgrims Regress

[Jonathan Aquino]

Nice!