Catholic Bible Dictionary

My first introduction to the writing of former protestant minister and Catholic convert author Scott Hahn was through his book on Mary during my research for my senior independent study for my Bachelor of Religious Studies. My three favorite religious writers that speak to my soul are C.S. Lewis, Henry Nouwen, and Scott Hahn. The way that details are used in Hahn's book create an understanding, but also a desire to continue a study on my own. My last study with his writings was The Lamb's Supper and Study Guide. Through The Lamb's Supper, Hahn goes in depth to not only the gospels, but also Revelations and many Old Testament and other scriptures in between. Now to discover that he has written an entire Catholic Bible Dictionary is very exciting for me!

When I saw the opportunity to review this dictionary, I automatically assumed it was a new release, however I discovered that it is actually a 2009 release and has more recently been released as an eBook version as well. This book is a hefty jacketed hardcover measuring at nearly 8x9.5” with over a thousand pages. Again, I assumed seeing the cover that this was going to be full of picture through out with the words interspersed, but I was wrong again. There is an 8-page full color insert, however, the whole of the book is black text. I came to realize this is a dictionary, and not an encyclopedia (in the title, right, silly me). Yet, this is not just a dictionary as in look up a word read a sentence... it is more along the lines of what you would find in an encyclopedia in the text. It is thorough and interconnecting on topics and over all educational and fascinating!

While I know I do not expound often on my faith beyond the obvious fact that I have a Christian faith, but my background in obtaining a religious studies bachelor's degree left me with a curiosity and fondness for the written parts of the Catholic Faith (I'll let you know if I ever find a physical church that lives the Faith I've read about, but then I do live in the countryside...). I was born and raised a United Methodist and that is where we currently attend due to availability and so on, but I digress. Part of my K5 child's education is with the Seton Home Study School and I'm teaching and learning more basics of the Catholic Faith as we go along and so far I agree with it. — Getting to the point! — The Catholic Bible Dictionary is a fabulous resource. Educational for my own studies, and perfect for further explanation in my daughters studies.

In the beginning of October, I started using this as a school resource and found: Today we contributed on our Religion lesson by looking up Angels. I've always enjoyed Hahn since my theological course days and I'm not surprised to find I enjoy his dialogue in this Catholic Bible Dictionary. It is much like an encyclopedia with the verbose content that I appreciate.

There was so much to learn and mentally absorb. While the world of type it in and search is prevalent, being able to physically pick up a book and sit with it in lap and we read more and discussed topics was the makings of a great school day. Teaching my children to be lifelong learners is an important component of our schooling and the Catholic Bible Dictionary is proving to be an important resource just worthy of that. While I still miss the idea of the photos that could be included, that would have made for an even larger book, and huge digital file that my person eReader couldn't hold, so perhaps that's for the best. But the concept sure is a delightful one.

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2014/10/25/catholic-bible-dictionary-scott-hahn/

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.