Book Reviews and More: 20 Answers Apparitions & Revelations - Michael O'Neill

20 Answers Apparitions & Revelations
20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers
Michael O'Neill
Catholic Answers Press
ISBN 9781683570363
eISBN 9781683570370
eISBN 9781683570387
ASIN B0759ZCK6Y

As of the writing of this review there are currently 29 books in the 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers. The original 20, and over the last two years there are been 3 more sets of three released. Of the 26 books I have read I given 5/5tars to 22 of them and the other 4 received 4/5. To say that this is a great series would be a huge understatement. This is the only book by Michael O'Neill to date. I read this book last year and did not get around to reviewing it. I have reread it in order to be able to write this review.

This is one of the books in the series that all Catholic’s should read. There are so many Catholics I have encountered that could benefit from reading books from this series, and specifically this book. As this volume covers topics that often cause such contention and misunderstanding with other Christians.

The Questions answered in this volume are:
1. What is private revelation?
2. Why would God work in this way?
3. What does Scripture teach us about private revelation?
4. What are some examples of private revelation in history?
5. Aren’t stories of private revelations merely remnants of a more credulous, unscientific age?
6. How should we approach claims of private revelation?
7. How does the Church judge claims of private revelation?
8. What are some of the characteristics of authentic private revelations?
9. Do we have to believe in approved private revelations?
10. What are Marian apparitions?
11. How many times has Mary appeared?
12. What are the common themes and messages of Marian apparitions?
13. What is the Miraculous Medal?
14. What happened at Guadalupe?
15. What happened at Lourdes?
16. What happened at Fatima?
17. What happened at Zeitun?
18. Are private revelations happening in the world today?
19. What is happening in Medjugorje?
20. How can approved private revelations help me grow closer to God?

I doubt you could find a Catholic who is not familiar at least with the names Fatima, Lourdes, Guadalupe. And in fact, many non-Catholic Christians are familiar with those names. But what about Zeitum, Medjugorje and others? There is so much information packed into this little volume.

I was specifically appreciative of O’Neill’s handling of Medjugorje. He begins with stating:

“The most controversial alleged apparition of the Virgin Mary in the history of the Church comes from the small town of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Mary—the Gospa, as she’s affectionately known there—allegedly promised ten secrets to the six seers who were children when they claimed to have begun receiving daily visions in 1981. They have continued to report them on a less frequent basis since 1989, depending on whether they had already received the full set of secrets.”

In the final question answered he states:

“For all the dangers that looking for private revelation may involve—ranging from engaging with something that is contrary to the teachings of the Church to simply being distracted from a healthy practice of faith centered on Jesus Christ—these special instances of God’s benevolent interference in our world can be a great jumping-off point for strengthening our faith.

For those times when we have spiritual doubts, or simply need that extra push toward God, miraculous events can quench a deep and authentic thirst to know what is good and true. Miracles remind us that God is truly there, looking out as a father for the well-being and protection of his children.”

This book is another excellent volume in this incredible series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

#20AnswersChallenge

20 Answers: Relics & Sacramentals - Shaun McAfee

20 Answers: The Communion of Saints - Karlo Broussard

20 Answers Eastern Catholicism - Father Daniel Dozier

20 Answers Anti-Catholic Myths - Jimmy Akin

20 Answers The End Times - Jimmy Akin

20 Answers The Rosary - Tom Nash

20 Answers Seasons & Feasts – Michelle Arnold

20 Answers New Age - Michelle Arnold

20 Answers Catholic Social Teaching – Mark Brumley

20 Answers Prayer – Hugh Barbour O. Praem and Sebastian Walshe O. Praem

20 Answers Faith & Reason – Christopher Kaczor

20 Answers The New Testament – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Protestantism – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Marriage & Sex – Todd Aglialoro

20 Answers The Early Church – Jim Blackburn

20 Answers The Old Testament – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Judaism – Michelle Arnold

20 Answers The Sacraments – Father Mike Driscoll

20 Answers St Thomas Aquinas - Dr. Kevin Vost

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A Daily Defense: Apologetics Lessons for Every Day - Jimmy Akin
The Apostasy That Wasn't: The Extraordinary Story of the Unbreakable Early Church - Rod Bennett
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The Protestant's Dilemma: How the Reformation's Shocking Consequences Point to the Truth of Catholicism - Devin Rose
Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines - Tim Staples
Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians - James L. Papandrea
Demons, Deliverance, Discernment: Separating Fact from Fiction about the Spirit World - Fr. Mike Driscoll
Navigating the Tiber: How to Help Your Friends and Family Journey Toward the Catholic Faith - Devin Rose
100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura - Dave Armstrong
The Drama of Salvation: How God Rescues You from Your Sins and Brings You to Eternal Life - Jimmy Akin
The Truth is Out There (Brendan and Erc in Exile Book 1 - Brother Amadeus and Amadeus
...Memorize the Reasons! Defending the Faith with the Catholic Art of Memory - Kevin Vost
Marching Orders: A Tactical Plan for Converting the World to Christ - Dan McGuire
The Fathers Know Best - Jimmy Akin
Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love - Trent Horn
The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did - Eric Sammons
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