Following is my column that appears in the current print edition of The Catholic Post.
The author and apologist C.S. Lewis is famous for saying that “a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story. The good ones last.”
That is definitely true of books, including the children’s books written by Lewis, chiefly the enduring Chronicles of Narnia series. But it’s also true of anything for children.
The things that last can be handed down lovingly from generation to generation— Legos (also known as “brick toys”), favorite movies (original Lord of the Rings movies, I’m looking at you), music, even favorite foods, are enjoyable for all ages, not just kids.
That’s why a new book that cleverly explains Catholic theology and Scripture stories entirely in Legos is both brilliant and entertaining. It’s also completely appropriate for everyone from very young kids to grandparents.
The Catechism of the Seven Sacraments is a passion project undertaken by Kevin and Mary O’Neill and their seven children. The O’Neills found themselves less than satisfied with the Lego-brick illustrated books related to religious topics that have been published over the years from a wide range of sources. But rather than just stay annoyed, they decided to jump in as a family and do something about it.
The introduction to The Catechism of the Seven Sacraments explains it perfectly: “As Catholics, we read the Bible in 3-D. This is because our faith comes alive through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.” The book combines “those same 3-D biblical teachings with fun 3-D images to help teach the beauty of the faith in a simple way.”
The Catechism of the Seven Sacraments follows a discussion between the book’s two Lego “narrators,” Fulton and Cynthia, who discuss in great detail—often with help from priests and others—the Catholic faith through the lens of the seven Sacraments, beginning with the Eucharist. The book’s underlying message is based on Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s teaching of “Theology of the Covenant,” a framework for interpreting Scripture centered on Christ throughout the entire Scripture, both Old & New.
The book is organized in a graphic novel format, with clever and marvelously staged photographs of scenes from the Bible and Catholic sacramental life. I find myself with more than a little awe for the time and patience that went into this effort.
The details of many of the photo illustrations are so charming, it’s hard to pick favorites. The book of Genesis, from the 7 “days” of creation in Genesis 1 to Noah & the Ark, are wonderful, as are the illustrations of baptisms from St. John the Baptist baptizing Jesus to modern celebration of the Sacrament.
More than just a family undertaking, the book is handsomely and sturdily published by StoryTel Press, a newly created division of StoryTel Foundation. StoryTel is a non-profit media foundation “on a mission to inspire people to restore the Sacred.” Until discovering the ONeills and their project to “Lego-illustrate” Catholic concepts, StoryTel chiefly worked in video. (Incidentally, the “book trailer” video for this book is amazing. You can watch it here).
The end of the book helpfully includes a glossary from Fr. John Hardon’s “Modern Catholic Dictionary.,” with explanations of Christian terms related to sacraments—everything from Abram/Abraham to vow.
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Another recent book for families, and the ways that they relate to each other, is Tuned In: The Power of Pressing Pause and Listening by Art & Laraine Bennett.
The Bennetts are the authors of the popular “Temperament” books, such as The Temperament God Gave You, and The Temperament God Gave Your Kids.
In Tuned In, the Bennetts argue for the vital importance of listening. Each chapter covers a different part of listening—the most important thing, listening to: others, your heart, criticism, wisdom, God, and listening “to accompany” (to be present for others in their joys and sorrows).
I found the chapter on “listening to criticism” extremely thought-provoking and helpful in its suggestions, from practical applications in listening to, giving, and receiving constructive criticism.
In general, I consider myself to be a decent listener, but if I’m honest I realize that I also love to talk, perhaps conflicting with my desire to be a good listener. This book helps me realize ways I can truly listen to those around me, especially those I love most.