How God Hauled Me Kicking and Screaming Into the Catholic Church Paperback – May 24, 2016

*****I loved this short, entertaining, and clear story of the author's journey into the Roman Catholic Church! The author is the son of a Presbyterian minister, and not a particularly committed Christian as a young person. He never expected, however, given his background, to be compelled to turn to the Catholic Church...there is till so much prejudice, ignorance and bigotry among some Christians of other denominations and the author was someone full of these sentiments. It is a fun read, not dry or instructive at all.The first half of the book is the author's testimony and the second half is entitled: "Turning Stumbling Blocks Into Stepping-Stones--or How All Those Weird Things About Catholicism Turn Out to Make Sense and Actually Bring You Closer to God". The author is frank and honest as you can see by this title. He covers eight stumbling blocks: the Eucharist, Confession, the Mystical Body of Christ, Mary, Faith vs. Works, Authority, the Church's Imperfections, and the hardest stumbling block of all: the witness of Catholics who don't know or appreciate their faith, their Church, or Jesus! These stumbling blocks are explained in short chapters that are very non-techical, that anyone could understand!I think this book would be wonderful for anyone, really, but especially those with misconceptions about the Catholic Church. It's a great, easy read!Highly recommended.*****

This book was absolutely amazing and life-changing. I am a cradle-Catholic, so I knew something about the Church going into it, but what I found through Kevin's story and insights was a deeper understanding and a renewed sense of my faith and what I believe. I even had to get the highlighter out within the prologue and keep it with me! His understanding of the Church and the way he explains it is so well-written and so easy to understand. Plus, he does it with a sense of humor that I absolutely appreciate! It is a quick read because it is so easy to get into. This is by far one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read and I am so grateful to Kevin for writing it! He has renewed my commitment to my faith through his words and I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Anyone contemplating joining the Catholic Church would be interested in it. As a lifelong Catholic I was refreshed by his story of discovering the truths I grew up with. Made me appreciate them more.

I received this book from Amazon yesterday, and finished reading it this morning. It's a quick read, and well worth it.I have read plenty of Catholic conversion stories, and one could easily ask what this book could possibly add to the well known formula of: "I was once very opposed to becoming Catholic, but by the grace of God, I finally found the fullness of the truth in the Catholic Church." The answer to this question is, I think, that one never tires of love stories, of romance stories, told well. Christ's call to us is always a call to romance and adventure. And Kevin Lowry's story of how Christ called him, is a story is told well.Kevin Lowry's courage and transparency in publicly disclosing unflattering portions of his life makes the book compelling in a way that would be more difficult for a purely theological treatise. It is the story of one man's journey. But I think it is a story that could have a significant impact on the lives of many. I highly recommend it.

As an RCIA Director, I am always scouting for great gifts and also for good reads for our candidates and Catechumens. This kills two birds with one stone! Engaging, funny, poignant, and informative, the book is perfect for the New Evangelization. Lowry's joy is catchy and teaders will be delighted to ride along on his circuitous journey into the Church.

This book was a lot fun to read starting from the author's (non Catholic at the time) partying days at a Catholic university all the way through the "magical" keys to his conversion story: the gradual overcoming of 8 major stumbling blocks into the Catholic Church. Speaking of "magical" there's a great ride on a "magic time machine" that Mr. Lowry's fictional Martin Luther takes to the 21st century - you don't want to miss this as the take away alone will help you in your own conversations with friends and family regarding our own modern day Christian mission seeking unity. For those Christians engaged in daily prayer, filling your own spiritual reservoir, and listening for the response of the Holy Spirit - this rewarding book is one for your summer reading list; expect new and fresh consolations of understanding to delight your soul and inspire your own conversations.

I love conversion stories, being a revert myself, I enjoy hearing how people from other Christian denominations or religions come to the full truth of the Catholic Church. The title of the book says it all, entertaining, funny and honest - great read!

Very readable and informative. Answers all of your questions about the Catholic Church in a clear, understandable way. I'm a cradle Catholic and found much to ruminate on and learn. Highly recommended. I see in the acknowledgements that Kevin has many, many people to thank, but except for Scott Hahn, I don't see people in the book who helped him along. There must have been some who took him under their wing and answered his questions and mentored him.

Good story