Stephen J. Binz - Scripture: God’s Handbook for Evangelizing Catholics

Endorsements for
Scripture Gods Handbook for Evangelizing Catholics

Catholics seeking confidence and the skills to be effective witnesses to the Gospel will find Scripture Gods Handbook for Evangelizing Catholics a welcome and inspiring tool for reading the Gospel with the mind of the church and learning how to listen, reflect, and respond to Gods Word. This book is tailor-made for those who are looking for a way to accept the challenge of the New Evangelization.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington

Pope Francis has called the New Evangelization a witness of joy. This book explores this witness of joy by tapping the long and rich tradition of the Catholic Church, which over the centuries has celebrated heroes of evangelization to be learned from and imitated. Stephen Binz imparts this confident joy in a very engaging and readable fashion.

Joseph E. Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

In this book, Stephen Binz brings together the themes of the past two general synods of bishops, the Word of God and the New Evangelization, in a wonderfully creative and life-giving way that opens new horizons for the church. This is required reading for all those who are concerned with the future of our Church and its mission to bring the Good News to all.

Paul-Andr Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Stephen Binz provides a most welcome contribution to the New Evangelization. He convincingly and effectively shows that because the New Evangelization is about encountering the person of Jesus, its necessary foundation resides in the Scriptures as the Word of God. For anyone looking for an easily accessible text that demonstrates the essential connection between Scripture and the New Evangelization, this is for them.

Blase J. Cupich, Bishop of Spokane

This imminently practical and accessible book from Stephen Binz makes an important contribution to the area of Scripture and the New Evangelization. Introducing readers to the sacred art of lectio divina, the principle that those who learn to listen to the word of God will learn to witness to the word of God is explored through the Scriptures, the lives of the saints, and the Blessed Mother.

David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay

In this book, Stephen Binz has provided a new perspective on both the exercise of lectio divina and the goal of New Evangelization. To the traditional four steps of lectio, he adds witness faithful living in Christ. The many years he has been engaged in and written about lectio divina have been brought to fruition in this book.

Dianne Bergant, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago

This book is a compelling demonstration of the link between Scripture and the New Evangelization. Through biblical examples and the lives of the saints, Stephen Binz shows how Catholics can become effective witnesses to the Word by first being prayerful hearers of the Word. A great tool for forming evangelical Catholics of the third millennium.

Mary Healy, Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, coeditor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture

Stephen Binz helps the reader to put the Gospel at the center of the New Evangelization, which is good news indeed! Rooted in Scripture, guided by history, and directed by the prayer of lectio divina, this book offers the church a resource and firm foundation for thinking about evangelization in the twenty-first century.

Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., Franciscan friar, Holy Name Province, author

Scripture is a privileged place to encounter God. Yet for some Catholics the Bible remains confusing, overwhelming, or even off-limits the province of other Christian denominations. But with this marvelous invitation to unlock the riches of the Old and New Testaments, Stephen J. Binz shows us what it means for Catholics to read the Bible expectantly, secure in the knowledge that this is where God desires to encounter us. A terrific resource for anyone who wishes to experience or invite others to experience the Living Word.

James Martin, S.J., author, The Colbert Report chaplain, and editor at America magazine

Stephen Binz draws on his deep knowledge of Scripture and the Catholic Tradition to give us an inspiring and helpful guide for the new evangelization. Solid. Recommended.

Ralph Martin, Director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Archdiocese of Detroit

Stephen Binz masterfully weaves Scripture with themes from the New Evangelization and makes a very significant contribution to the churchs evangelizing and catechizing efforts. This work is an inspiring and an engaging resource for encountering Jesus afresh. It is sure to renew spirits, transform lives, and set hearts on fire with the Gospel story and commitment to share the Good News.

Sr. Edith Prendergast, Director of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

As Catholics, we are all called to participate in the New Evangelization, but that can be somewhat intimidating for even the most devoted among us. Now, thanks to Stephen Binz, we have a much-needed guide to show us the way. Using examples of saints, spiritual traditions, and the ancient practice of lectio divina, he teaches us how to go from Word to witness by allowing sacred Scripture to serve as both anchor and compass.

Mary DeTurris Poust, columnist, journalist, and author

Stephen Binz writes fine books for an audience hungry for spiritual meaning based on solid Catholic teaching, principles, and practice. This book is unique in that it blends Scripture with the lives of the saints, the call for a new evangelization, and the ancient form of prayer known as lectio divina.

Brian Schmisek, Director of the Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago

With all the hallmarks of an experienced writer whose work is geared toward the person in the pew, Stephen Binz has produced a lovely guide to both encourage and equip Catholics to be effective bearers of Gods Word. At the heart of this work is a belief I also share, The more we become biblical Catholics, the more we will become evangelizing Catholics. Renewing Gods people and inviting others to experience Christ is a lifelong call and mission that is embodied in the lives of those who populate the pages of our Bible and the generations of our history as a people. This volume will help us all to appreciate our place in the continuing evolution of salvation history.

Catherine Upchurch, Director of Little Rock Scripture Study

According to the recent Synod on the New Evangelization, the Bible should permeate homilies, catechesis, and every effort to pass on the faith. Its the ground of effective evangelization, as Stephen Binz knows. For decades hes helped Catholics to read and love the Bible. In his newest and most important book, though, he unlocks its evangelizing power. Youll discover how reading Scripture equips you to share its message and how saints throughout history evangelized with the Bible. Read this book and youll become a potent evangelist yourself.

Brandon Vogt, Content Director at Word on Fire

In this inviting and accessible text, Stephen Binz urges readers to move toward more meaningful contemplation of and commitment to the Word. He offers the tools and encouragement needed not only to grow in relationship with Christ but to more fully engage with the world as people of God.