Rating: 
Summary: A must read for Christians!
Review: A beautifully written book about God's awesome plan for marriage. Full of heartwarming stories, biblical references, and loving encouragement. God has chosen a beautiful person to write about this topic; Kimberly Hahn is a very graceful writer. I highly recommend reading this book, as my husband and I both found ourselves more prepared to stand up for what we believe in after reading our thoughts and emotions put into such eloquent words. Thank you, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, for not only being influential writers during our conversions to Catholicism, but also for reminding us that we're not alone, and that God's truth is in fact incredibly beautiful.
Rating:
Summary: This book will change the way you think forever!
Review: A splendid book packed full of heartfelt wisdom! Kimberly Hahn witnesses through her own experience as a mother and wife, and shares her knowledge on related subjects. Challenges the reader indirectly to rethink the value of life- children, child-rearing, marriage, and the role of women in society. Although I am not sure I could handle the same life path Kimberly took in rearing a large family, it has made me much more open to life overall and made me really reflect on how society views children, fertility and marriage. An absolute must read!
Rating:
Summary: This book will change the way you think forever!
Review: A splendid book packed full of heartfelt wisdom! Kimberly Hahn witnesses through her own experience as a mother and wife, and shares her knowledge on related subjects. Challenges the reader indirectly to rethink the value of life- children, child-rearing, marriage, and the role of women in society. Although I am not sure I could handle the same life path Kimberly took in rearing a large family, it has made me much more open to life overall and made me really reflect on how society views children, fertility and marriage. An absolute must read!
Rating: 
Summary: Authentic Marital Love
Review: After having read through Life-Giving Love, I would recommend Kimberly Hahn's new book to anyone who is seriously searching for the meaning and purpose of marriage and spousal love as God has intended it. Mrs. Hahn, in this extensive and thoroughly researched book, presents a directive for healthy and happy marriages in line with the wisdom and guidance of the Catholic Church. In today's society, and even amongst members of the Church itself, there is widespread confusion and ambiguity on so many of the major issues that are crucial to strong and stable marriages and families. These would include abortion, artificial contraception, sterilization, Natural Family Planing, etc. In this book Mrs. Hahn clarifies authentic Catholic teaching concerning these issues supplimented with many real life testamonies to the truth of the teachings of the Church in these issues. Mrs. Hahn has masterfully integrated Catholic teaching and the personal experiences of those who have followed these teachings and have found peace and happiness in their marital and family life.Throughout the text Kimberly Hahn builds off of the foundation of "love." This is highly important for it is only within the context of love that we can come to see the truth. She lays this foundation and continuously returns to it throughout her book, showing that authentic Catholic teaching is based on love and that it is not a hirarchical institiution of arbitrary "rules and regulations." Mrs. Hahn shows that it is authentic love that leads to healthy marriages and families. That is love in imitation of the self-sacrificing, life giving, incarnate Love--Jesus Christ. Mrs. Hahn deals with the issues that are an offense to love (abortion, artificial contraception, sterilization, etc.) in a straightforward, yet charitable, fashion. In Chapter 4 she shows why contraception is an affront to the mutual love that is required of spouses for each other. She also reveals the truth of the connection of the "contraceptive mentality" with abortion. In Chapter 5 she helps us to see the connection between the complete self donation of the maritial union with the self donation of Christ to the Church, and the Church's subsequent whole hearted response, in the Eucharist. In Chapter 6 Mrs. Hahn walks through some of the key aspects of Pope Paul VI's Encyclical, Humanae Vitae, which clarified and reminded the faithful that contraception is in direct opposition to the teaching of Jesus Christ and His Church. She then challenges us to live according to the teachings of the Pope with personal testamonies that bear witness to the Church's teaching. Chapter 8 is a beautiful expounding and explanation of Natural Family Planning, which is the method of regulating birth that is in accordance with authentic spousal love. In this chapter Mrs. Hahn clarifies many misunderstandings, showing that "NFP" is not "Catholic-contraception," but rather that it is a path of prayerfully and faithfully regulating birth that will allow for a couple to grow closer God and to each other. In Chapters 9 and 10 she discusses some of the difficulties that couples may face in attempting to conceive and have children (the possibilities of miscarriage, still birth and infertility). In these chapters Mrs. Hahn offers excellent advise, with deep compassion and empathy, to those who may be trying to cope with these pain filled dissappointments. Also included are many stories of others who have faced similar trials and and yet were able to overcome their grief through their faith in God and His love.
Rating: 
Summary: Maybe written for a different audience
Review: Confused about what the Catholic Church actually teaches about marriage, family and sex? Ever wish that you could explain to your sister, friend or spouse why the Church says birth control is wrong? Do you find yourself wondering how you should respond to snide comments made about your growing family by strangers, family members--or even clergy? Does your doctor and his nurses try to push sterilization and you feel pressured to say yes? What do you say to someone who has just lost a child? How can you encourage life in a culture so wrapped up in promoting death? If you are looking for answers to these difficult dilemmas (and many more!) on marriage, love, sexuality, and family - Kimberly Hahn has written a book that lays it all out in a clear and sensible fashion. In six well-researched chapters, Hahn deftly explains why God's design works best. Using Scripture, mystic theology, Papal Encyclicals, scientific research and numerous personal testimonies, she unfolds the Lord's blueprint through the teachings of the Church, and makes it understandable and realistic. This book covers a wide range of topics; the Trinity as family, the call to sacrificial living within marriage, Holy Communion and Intimate Union, NFP, contraception, pornography, abortion, childbirth, miscarriage, stillbirth, self image after pregnancy, infertility and sterilization, sin and repentance - among many others! Also included are many practical ideas and lists of resources that can be utilized to help families in difficult situations, such as a mother confined to bed during her pregnancy, the birth of a new baby, and supporting families that have lost babies in miscarriage or stillbirth. Each chapter compliments the next, although each can stand on its own. Many of the chapters repeat information and ideas, which would be a benefit for chapter-by-chapter discussions or if the book is referenced for a specific topic. This book could easily be used for Pre-Cana preparation, group discussion or to personally find complete and concise explanations of Church teaching. Beautiful personal testimonies are generously sprinkled throughout the text. It is most inspiring to read the stories of so many who are living their Faith, or repent of having done it `their way' first. At no time does Hahn gloss over the sometimes-painful, sacrificial nature of living God's plan. Rather than creating fear, however, she constantly encourages the reader to recognize the many Graces the Lord showers upon His People through obedience. This book is a powerful witness to the Truth of Catholic Teaching. -by Shana M Buck
Rating:
Summary: The Beauty of God's Design
Review: Confused about what the Catholic Church actually teaches about marriage, family and sex? Ever wish that you could explain to your sister, friend or spouse why the Church says birth control is wrong? Do you find yourself wondering how you should respond to snide comments made about your growing family by strangers, family members--or even clergy? Does your doctor and his nurses try to push sterilization and you feel pressured to say yes? What do you say to someone who has just lost a child? How can you encourage life in a culture so wrapped up in promoting death? If you are looking for answers to these difficult dilemmas (and many more!) on marriage, love, sexuality, and family - Kimberly Hahn has written a book that lays it all out in a clear and sensible fashion. In six well-researched chapters, Hahn deftly explains why God's design works best. Using Scripture, mystic theology, Papal Encyclicals, scientific research and numerous personal testimonies, she unfolds the Lord's blueprint through the teachings of the Church, and makes it understandable and realistic. This book covers a wide range of topics; the Trinity as family, the call to sacrificial living within marriage, Holy Communion and Intimate Union, NFP, contraception, pornography, abortion, childbirth, miscarriage, stillbirth, self image after pregnancy, infertility and sterilization, sin and repentance - among many others! Also included are many practical ideas and lists of resources that can be utilized to help families in difficult situations, such as a mother confined to bed during her pregnancy, the birth of a new baby, and supporting families that have lost babies in miscarriage or stillbirth. Each chapter compliments the next, although each can stand on its own. Many of the chapters repeat information and ideas, which would be a benefit for chapter-by-chapter discussions or if the book is referenced for a specific topic. This book could easily be used for Pre-Cana preparation, group discussion or to personally find complete and concise explanations of Church teaching. Beautiful personal testimonies are generously sprinkled throughout the text. It is most inspiring to read the stories of so many who are living their Faith, or repent of having done it 'their way' first. At no time does Hahn gloss over the sometimes-painful, sacrificial nature of living God's plan. Rather than creating fear, however, she constantly encourages the reader to recognize the many Graces the Lord showers upon His People through obedience. This book is a powerful witness to the Truth of Catholic Teaching. -by Shana M Buck
Rating:
Summary: Under Attack for Your Beliefs?
Review: How I wish I had Mrs. Hahn's book several years ago when in a serious relationship with a Protestant. I knew that Church teaching was correct--we should submit to God's will in all areas of our lives, including the intimacies of married life. But I lacked the words to prove Church teaching from the Bible, and when I cited teachings from the Hebrew Scriptures (aka the "old" testament) concerning the holiness and desireability of family life, he discounted those as being fulfilled in Christ. If you are having the same or a similar problem or if you simply want to know the ethos supporting Church teaching on family life, Mrs. Hahn's book is for you! She gleans from scripture, the Catechism, historical teachings, and anecdotal experience to weave a beautiful tapestry of Christ-centered family life that highlights the culture of life and the theology of the body promulgated by John Paul II. Highly recommended, especially for those contemplating a vocation to marriage.
Rating:
Summary: Authentic Marital Love
Review: I've been waiting years for someone to write this book -- a book that gently but irresistably makes the case for the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage and family life. Kimberly Hahn has made it worth the wait. I could call this book an encyclopedia of Catholic family life -- it's that complete! -- but that would give the wrong impression. This book makes its points, makes them clearly, and makes them with real-life stories that are far more vivid than any strings of quotations from Vatican documents could ever be. LGL's recurring message is this: living a faithful life may be difficult at times, but it makes for a happier marriage. This is my own experience. I've seen it borne out again and again in my friends' marriages. Mrs. Hahn captures this joy that's hard-won, but lasting: "it's not simply a command to be obeyed, but it's a truth to be lived." People like to gripe about Christ's teaching, especially in the area of sex, but it's the only teaching that's true, and so it's the only one that works. The alternatives are dreadful -- witness the epidemics of divorce, STDs, and broken hearts. I don't want to give the impression that this is yet another tome about sex. It's much more than that. It's a way of life. One remarkable appendix offers detailed lists of things we can do to help mothers, from early pregnancy through birth. Other lists suggest helps for "When Dad Travels," "After a Miscarriage," and "After Adoption." This is a powerful, practical guide to Christian friendship. Another useful and unique feature is Mrs. Hahn's chapter on infertility. As someone who suffered four years waiting for my first pregnancy, I can't thank the author enough for what she's done here. She gives a good list of things NOT to say to an infertile couple ("You must have all the time in the world to do the things you want!" "What's it like to shop alone?"). Her list is long, but I think I heard every line at least once. Still, she doesn't just issue "don'ts." She also sketches out conversation starters that can be genuinely comforting. So none of us ever need be at a loss for words. She does the same for miscarriage (another matter I know from experience). One last thought: Mrs. Hahn is, without a doubt, a true-blue Catholic; but, as a convert, she knows how to speak gently, persuasively to those who are unconvinced. In my volunteer work, I meet all sorts of women, who believe all sorts of things; but I can't think of too many who would be insulted by what's in this book. You can buy a copy for each and every skeptic in your life. For all the awkwardness she spares us -- and all the comfort she enables us to give to suffering friends -- Mrs. Hahn's book is worth at least three times its sticker price. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Rating:
Summary: Truth and Wisdom Without Bias
Review: In a society that is dominated by a secular humanist philosophy, it is refreshing to have the truth about family, life, sex, and love presented without bias or hidden agenda. Mrs. Kimberly Hahn effectively couples the wisdom of people's experiences with the teachings of the Church (especially Pope John Paul II). Priests, Ministers, Men, and Women can all benefit from this work, but most especially those in the field of Psychology who are a product of the liberal arts education that separated sex and family from the Author of Life: God.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book On The Church's Teaching On Contraception
Review: Kimberly Hahn has captured the essence of the Church's teaching on marriage and on contraception. If you've ever been perplexed by the Catholic Church's stance on birth control - THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. Easy to read (full of interesting stories). Theologically precise (an exceptional explanation of the theology of marriage; Hahn also shows how marriage can be understood in connection with other doctrines, e.g., the Trinity, the Eucharist, etc.). Rooted in Scripture. Full of profound insights. This book will profoundly affect your understanding of marital life and the importance of the family in God's plan. Pick it up today or for someone you know.
|
