Letter and Spirit

From Written Text to Living Word in the Liturgy

By: Scott Hahn

Narrated by: Brian Keeler

Scott Hahn has inspired millions of readers with his perceptive and unique view of Catholic theology and worship, becoming one of the most looked-to contemporary authorities in these areas. In Letter and Spirit, Hahn extends the message he began in The Lamb's Supper, offering far-reaching and profound insights into what the Bible teaches us about living the spiritual life.

For both Christians and Jews, the texts of the Bible are not simply records of historical events. They are intended, through public recitations in churches and synagogues, to bring listeners and readers into the sweeping story of redemption as it unfolds in the Bible. Focusing on the Catholic Mass, Hahn describes how God's Word is meant to open our eyes to the life-giving power of the sacraments, and how the liturgy brings about the "actualization" of the saving truths of Scripture.

Letter and Spirit is a stunningly original contribution to the field of biblical studies and will help Hahn's many loyal and enthusiastic readers (and listeners) understand the relationship between the Bible and the Mass in a deeper way.

©2005 Scott Hahn (P)2006 Recorded Books

This could easily be a 5 star download

The only reason I have given this a 4 star, instead of a 5 star rating is that it's deeply technical. The only other Hahn book I have read was "The Lamb's Supper" and I found that book to be attainable for most anyone who had an interest in and grasp on scripture and a familiarity with the Mass. This book digs deeper and deals mostly in typologies. It is thick in quotations from other scholarly works and the Church Fathers, and is not an easy listen for the casual listener. If you are ready to kick up the level of your study, then you've found a book you can really dive deep into. If you are a casual listener looking for an enlightening but easy to stomach book then I'd hold off on this one for now.

great meaning

Truly appreciate his words and the depth of their meaning. I'll need to go over this reading again to enhance my Spiritual experience I felt.

Worth a second listen

What made the experience of listening to Letter and Spirit the most enjoyable?

Informative, told through the eyes of a very personable perspective. I enjoyed listening to it and will listen again (and maybe more)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but was not able to.

Any additional comments?

More scholrly than Hahn's other works, but certainly easy enough to grasp. Historically accurate.

History of gods word and the faith of his people

What did you love best about Letter and Spirit?

It was a historic look at the faith and the traditional practices given to the children of god through out the ages.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It was god, because he is the only king of man and his legacy handed down trough the ages.

Which character – as performed by Brian Keeler – was your favorite?

The lamb of god because

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not realey, the entire book was wonderful.

Profound

This is a very good read. Hahn's work lends itself to an audio format because he is so thorough in emphasizing his themes. Hahn demonstrates the connection between liturgy and the bible so strongly that the book is refreshing for those catholics who sit through Mass each week; perhaps losing sight of the splendor of the Mass. Hahn reminds us of the power of the Word in Liturgy and how it has a supernatural effect. Strongly recommend it for catholics or for those thinking of becoming catholic or finally for those who are interested in understanding catholic worship.

Accessible and Vital

Scott Hahn presents theology in a very accessible and entertaining manner. In Letter and Spirit, he demonstrates how Scripture was created for use in the Liturgy, and how vital it is to be immersed in both.

Christ is alive & well in the Catholic Liturgy!

Would you listen to Letter and Spirit again? Why?

Yes, I'll listen to it many times in the future. I read this book several years ago shortly after I reverted to the Catholic Church after 7 years in Bible only land. I didn't understand it then, so I took a chance on getting it for my drive to and from work. It was worth the risk. I understood it this time and was able to take much of it to heart. It will take additional listens to glean more & every emersion will be well worth it.

What did you like best about this story?

The two halves of the Liturgy were brought to life. The Word read leads to the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the consummation of the Word. The Eucharist was present and celebrated for many years in the early Church before the first letters of the NT were ever written. In fact in the New Testiment it never refers to itself as the New Testiment. Instead it reserved that title for the Eucharist. Come see what the early Church thought about it... I dare you!

Have you listened to any of Brian Keeler’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I thought it was well read. Sometimes, I forgot and thought that the author was reading the book because of the conviction and passion of the reader.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Goose bumps when new insights were garnered.

Any additional comments?

Loved it. Currently reading Scott Hahn's Consuming the Word. It's a continuation from the Lord's Supper with Letter & Spirit sandwiched in. It's more than a sandwich, it's a full coarse meal... dessert included!

take your time....

this book is for the person who wants to go deeper into scripture. for me this requires a 're_read butvthis so worth doing.

The "why" behind the Roman Catholic liturgy.

I listened to this book knowing I might not be able to comprehend all that it held, but came away with a more enriched appreciation of the Liturgy I experience each time I go to Mass.

Lecture

What disappointed you about Letter and Spirit?

This seems to be a series of lectures I tried to understand but it is meant for those studying in the seminary or ordained. I can appreciate the author's intent yet I could not follow it.

What was most disappointing about Scott Hahn’s story?

The idea it was not written for a group of average lay people hungry for the gospel's interpretation of the mass. WHERE DO I FIND SUCH A BOOK?

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It was written for those in the seminary or ordained priest. I do not have my masters in divinity but I do have a deep love of the Catholic faith and a love to know my faith.