Did Adam and Eve have Belly Buttons?

questions: Who is god? Why be a catholic? what is the meaning of life? can catholics have abortions? will god accept you if you're gay? why go to church? are people ever reincarnated? is pre-marital sex a sin? is dating ok? are angels male, female, both, or neither? why aren't women allowed to be priests? how do you explain about mary and praying to mary to a non catholic? if god forgives you always, why go for confession? how does one become a saint?

Recognise these questions? have you ever asked or considered these questions? curious to know the answers? yes?? then this book is for you! Did Adam & Eve have Belly Buttons? by Matthew J. Pinto addresses these questions and many more about the catholic faith. you know what? these questions are real questions asked by real teens. Pinto's answers are simple, straightforward and easy to understand. it doesn't meander into deep philosophies.

i know, some people just can't stand reading more than a few pages of any book. good news for you!! this book is not a novel style, academic textbook on catholicism. it's divided into 12 chapters, each dealing with questions on a single issue eg. jesus christ, or catholic beliefs and practices. for those who still aren't convinced... the back of the book has an index of questions and lists alphabetically the various topics dealt with. use this to find specific topics and questions you're curious about.

i wish i could say that i've instantly become enlightened and wise after reading this book. i didn't. BUT what the book did was to clarify my understanding and consolidate my knowledge of my faith. what's important is that it makes me question my beliefs. question that are just so duh eg 'why does jesus love us so much?' and the title 'did adam and eve have belly buttons?' are actually so thought-provoking. i would never have thought about the issue of belly buttons and i've taken for granted that jesus loves us so much because he just does and the bible says so. i've never really looked deeper into it. but i have now.

to conclude, i'll put in critics comments (to look sophisticated) "It will give your teenagers a clear guide in this age of confusion and uncertainty. it brings complex catholic teachings down to a level that teens can understand","Matt pinto has written the most comprehensive question and answer book on the catholic faith i've ever seen...A to Z, it's all in here!"

little crosses people, it's verena's book but i'm currently holding it to pass around. can also get it at the (erm...can't remember) catholic book shop somewhere? (ask verena) yups. hope this review has inspired you to read the book.