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Summary: Clear, enlightening and inspiring
Review: As a former evangelical Protestant, I can readily identify with Scott Hahn's admission that prior to becoming Catholic, he had little use for sacraments and ritual. As he writes, "I saw rituals as mechanical procedures people used to manipulate God." The problem with that perspective, Hahn explains, is that everyone relies on ritual, even if they're not aware of it. "I came to recognize," he continues, " that those who try to do away with the Church's sacraments inevitably end up replacing them with rituals of their own making." "Swear to God" is specifically concerned with explaining the covenantal nature and meaning of the seven sacraments. The essence of this accessible and often enlightening excursion into sacramental theology is captured in a quote from St. Augustine, referenced by Hahn: "There can be no religious society, whether the religion be true or false, without some sacrament or visible symbol to serve as a bond of union. The importance of the sacraments cannot be overstated, and only scoffers will treat them lightly." Drawing from a mixture of Scripture, well-selected quotes from Church Fathers and the Catechism, historical references and personal anecdotes, Hahn reveals the covenantal, familial and juridical dimensions of the sacraments. For those not familiar with the concept of the covenant, Hahn provides ample explanations in both the main text and in the endnotes. (Although written for a popular audience, it's got more than 30 pages of detailed citations and references.) Hahn's interest is in the reality of the sacrament as a sacred oath, and the key role it plays in God's plan of salvation, the work of Christ, and the mission of the Church. "Christianity is the only religion in all the world and in all of history in which God swears an oath on the part of mankind," Hahn writes. This vital truth is unpacked and connected to the need for Catholics to more deeply comprehend and experience the incarnational dimensions of the sacramental life. "Swear to God" explains this truth with clarity and passion. Readers will find many valuable and inspiring points in this excellent book.
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Summary: EXCELLENCE !
Review: As a recent convert to Catholicism, I can say that we needed a book like this, that explains the truth and power of the Holy Sacraments. It couldn't come at a better time ! Now, I can help my Protestant brethren understand another deep aspect of our Catholic Faith. Thanks to Dr. Scott Hahn for the work that he put into the book.
The book is excellent and precise. A great treasure of explanation on the Sacraments.
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Summary: Clear & compelling look at how God works through sacraments
Review: Dr. Hahn has done it once again: he has given us a crisp, clear and compelling look at the very essence of Catholic life, the sacraments. Simply put, Scott believes the sacraments really do work. And he believes that the sacraments are God's work for us, not our work for God.
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Summary: Exciting, informative and loaded with truth
Review: Dr. Hahn has once again ignited the page with theological genius and page-turning enjoyment. In an easy to read but well documented format, he portrays the importance of covenants and oaths in history in humanity's search for peace. More importantly though he depicts the sacramental oath God has sworn to us. Jesus becomes the cosigner to the Old Covenant and, "...instituted in His own body and blood the sacrament by which the New Covenant is instituted." The sacraments are our means of survival, and God's oaths made permanent-shaping and forming us. Anyone who doubts the Lord's presence in the sacraments in any way, should read and highlight this book.
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Summary: His Best Book Yet!
Review: Dr. Hahn has outdone himself yet again! Swear To God is a wonderful book that will transform your understanding of the sacraments (sacramentum) and oaths/covenants (sacramentum). This book shows, through Scripture, how sacraments are the physical signs that we enter in to, and renew our covenant with God through. It ties together a lot of Dr. Hahn's previous material on covenant. Ultimately you will come away from reading this book that much closer to understanding the "Big Picture". Dr. Hahn spends a good section of the book on the sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, and the Eucharist specifically. He makes the point to stress the fact that Marriage is indeed a sacrament and a covenant, not just a contract. The way he explained this in the book was extremely helpful for me because my father, as a Jewish man, claims that marriage is nothing more than a contract. By Dr. Hahn's guidance through Scripture, in this book, I have a much better understanding of marriage. Thus, I hope to have much more deep and productive discussions with my father over the sacrament of marriage in the future. Thank you for writing this book Dr. Hahn. It is your best one yet!
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Summary: What a great book!
Review: I am a recent convert to the Catholic Church from the Assemblies of God and a student at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where Dr. Hahn teaches. I am currently in the middle of reading "Swear to God". This book is great and really makes me appreciate the power of the Sacraments, just as "The Lamb's Supper" made me begin to appreciate what is truly happening in every single liturgy that I participate in.
Thank you Dr. Hahn for your work. It is greatly appreciated!
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Summary: Discover a deeper understanding of sacraments in Scripture
Review: In Swear to God, Dr. Scott Hahn provides his readers with a fresh, enthusiastic introduction to the theology of Sacraments. His readers will be rewarded not only with clear theological information but also with authentically Catholic inspiration. His pen continues to be a blessing for all who seek a deeper understanding of what the Lord has revealed.
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Summary: Profound, illuminating and easy to read
Review: This book, easy to read but profound in its implications, draws on the Bible, on Catholic teaching, patristic wisdom, and rabbinical learning to explain the meaning and importance of sacraments. What the author tells of his own discovery and experience of sacramental life is illuminating and heartwarming. It will help Catholics grasp better the wonder and necessity of sacraments in God's plan of salvation and allow other Christians to see their significance for the following of Christ.
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