How would you like to attend a theology class taught by Thomas Aquinas, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and Peter Kreeft? Well, you can’t. They are not available. How about the next best thing? What about learning the fundamentals of the Catholic faith from a far lesser servant who is guided by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, with insights gleaned from Aquinas, Chesterton, Lewis and Kreeft along the way? If your answer is no, please deposit this text in the nearest fire; it will warm your body. If your answer is yes, please deposit this text directly in front of your eyes; it will inform your mind. At least, that is my sincere hope. Cross Training is a brief introduction to theology in a question and answer format. Call it what you will – PSR Playbook, Mere Catholicity, Clear Christianity, Beginner Theology… prose by any other name. It is intended for adults, teenagers and very smart five-year olds. Caution: You are about to enter the ultimate spin zone. This book takes all things real and spins them toward their Creator – that is the essence of theology. Cross Training is divided into four “books,” four fundamental categories. Starting with what it means to be human, we move to what it means to be religious, to be Christian, and finally, what it means to be Catholic – from human to God, from God to Christ, from Christ to His Body, the Church. Think of these four as four levels in a pyramid; think of them as four interlocking concentric circles; but most importantly, think of them. That’s the purpose of this book.
Editorial Reviews
"Mr. Hogan gives us an introductory book on how we can be both traditional and thoroughly modern Catholics." --James Skerl, Theology Teacher SIHS
"Just as Shakespeare would limit himself to the requirement of the sonnet in order to give fuller expression to his poetic talents, Jim Hogan shows his mastery of religious education by imposing on himself a limited amount of space to answer important questions about God and life." --Martin Dybicz, Theology Teacher SIHS
About the Author
James Hogan is a Catholic theology teacher at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the author of Crossways: Forming Ourselves in the Mind of Christ from Alba House and Reel Parables: Life Lessons from Popular Films from Paulist Press. In addition to writing and speaking, James is the moderator of the Pez Club and a self-described expert regarding Batman. His greatest claim to fame is his beautiful wife Colleen and their five amazing children: Clare, Kate, Erin, Thomas and Meg.
