Product Description

The best ever explanation of the Catholic doctrine of the communion of saints written for a popular audience. Patrick Madrid explains in a clear, easy-to-follow style why Catholics pray to and honor Mary and the saints. Using the Bible and the testimony of the early Church Fathers, he provides a concise overview of the biblical and historical foundations of this often misunderstood Catholic doctrine. He also walks you through the standard anti-Catholic arguments against praying to Mary and the saints and demonstrates from the Bible why these arguments are themselves unbiblical.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #515947 in Books
• Published on: 1996-08-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 126 pages

About the Author
Patrick Madrid is the editor-in-chief of Envoy Magazine. For over 10 years, he has been active in the full-time apostolate of Catholic apologetics. His other books include Surprised by Truth and Pope Fiction: Answers to 30 Myths and Misconceptions About the Papacy.

Customer Reviews

Wow! Was that easy!
Not only did this book explain some questions I've always had about Catholic devotion to saints, but it was a delight to read. Not intimidating, as many books about the faith can be in their presentation. The writing is clear and to the point, but not dry or lacking in character. Many of the questions I had about the why's of praying to the saints have transformed into lucid and concrete answers that increase my faith in God and the church, and help me discuss the issue intelligently with others. I highly recommend the book to anyone.

a great introduction
Madrid provides a needed service with this book. He addresses the following subjects: 1) What is the Communion of Saints? 2)Classical Protestant Objections 3)"Me nad Jesus" Christianity Isn't Biblical 4)The "One Mediator" Argument and Other Objections 5)Praying for the Souls in Purgatory 6)The Testamony of the Early Church 7)The Veneration of Relics 8)Statues and Images 9)Does Honoring Mary and the Saints Offend God? 10)Epilogue 11)Appendix: Council of Trent Decree Concerning the Invocation, Veneration, and Relics of Saints and Sacred Images

This book has been given to many Protestant friends and has clarified a great deal for them. It is also very useful for Eastern Orthodox Christians, with the exception of the chapter on purgatory (Orthodox have a different understanding of the matter).

Other books of interest may include: Discovering the Rich Heritage of Orthodoxy, by Bell; Lossky's, Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church; The Experience of God, by Staniloae; The Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, ed. Ferguson. For a detailed account of Icons and their usage see, The Resurrection and the Icon, by Quenot. Enjoy!

Great book, great explanations.
"Any Friend of God's" gives the best, clearest explanation of the Catholic doctrine of the communion of saints I've ever seen. The biblical evidence shown in this book for honoring and praying to Mary and the saints is impressive, especially in the way it thoroughly refutes many standard Protestant arguments. Great book to give to non-Catholics who want to understand Catholic teaching about praying to saints.