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The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of the Social Order
Everyone seems to agree that Western Civilization is in trouble. The problem is that no one agrees on what has gone wrong or what to do about it. Some think we have too much government, some not enough; some think we have too much capitalism, some not enough; some think we have too much sexual freedom, some not enough.
But what if the problem is much more fundamental? What if the problem goes to the very foundations of who we are as human beings in relationship with God?
In The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of the Social Order, Scott Hahn makes the startling claim that our society’s ills and its cures are rooted in whether we reject or accept the divine graces made available through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Man, he argues, is social in his very nature. We were created for community. As it was in the beginning, so it remains today. The family, formed through the Sacrament of Matrimony, is the most basic building block of every society—whether we like it or not. We’ve corrupted marriage, and so we have a corrupt society. If we get marriage right, our society, through God’s grace, will flourish.
This is so because Matrimony, like all the sacraments, heals and elevates human nature. Without marriage, our ambitions toward a just social order will remain forever foolhardy. With it, the seemingly impossible, a truly peaceful and humane civilization, becomes possible.
But what if the problem is much more fundamental? What if the problem goes to the very foundations of who we are as human beings in relationship with God?
In The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of the Social Order, Scott Hahn makes the startling claim that our society’s ills and its cures are rooted in whether we reject or accept the divine graces made available through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Man, he argues, is social in his very nature. We were created for community. As it was in the beginning, so it remains today. The family, formed through the Sacrament of Matrimony, is the most basic building block of every society—whether we like it or not. We’ve corrupted marriage, and so we have a corrupt society. If we get marriage right, our society, through God’s grace, will flourish.
This is so because Matrimony, like all the sacraments, heals and elevates human nature. Without marriage, our ambitions toward a just social order will remain forever foolhardy. With it, the seemingly impossible, a truly peaceful and humane civilization, becomes possible.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2018
87 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Scott Hahn
415 books1,338 followersScott Hahn is a renowned Catholic theologian, apologist, speaker, and bestselling author whose work has had a profound impact on contemporary biblical theology and Catholic thought. A former Presbyterian minister, Hahn converted to Catholicism in 1986 after an intense personal and theological journey, which he details in his popular book Rome Sweet Home, co-written with his wife, Kimberly Hahn. Their story of conversion has inspired countless readers around the world and remains a landmark in modern Catholic apologetics.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
Hahn holds the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990. He is also the founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biblical literacy among the laity and biblical fluency among clergy. Through the Center, Hahn leads a wide range of initiatives, including publications, pilgrimages, Bible studies, and the scholarly journal Letter and Spirit.
Educated at Grove City College (B.A.), Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Marquette University (Ph.D. in Systematic Theology), Hahn brings a deep academic foundation to his work. His dissertation, Kinship by Covenant, was later published by Yale University Press and received praise for its theological insight and scholarly rigor.
Throughout his career, Hahn has emphasized the covenant as the key to understanding salvation history, showing how the biblical narrative reveals a divine plan that unites all of humanity into God's family. His works explore themes such as the Eucharist, the role of Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of the Church, often drawing on the writings of the early Church Fathers to bridge the ancient faith with modern understanding.
He is the author or editor of over forty books, including The Lamb’s Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, First Comes Love, Letter and Spirit, Swear to God, Reasons to Believe, The Creed, The Fourth Cup, and Holy Is His Name. Many of his books have become staples in Catholic households, study groups, and seminaries.
In addition to his writing, Hahn is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered thousands of lectures across the United States and abroad. He appears regularly on EWTN and has collaborated with Lighthouse Catholic Media to bring his teachings to an even broader audience.
Scott Hahn lives in Ohio with his wife Kimberly. They have six children and numerous grandchildren. Together, the Hahns continue to lead efforts in evangelization and Catholic education, embodying a lifelong commitment to deepening faith and understanding through Scripture and tradition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 25, 2018
Scott Hahn is a masterful writer. With every book I read I have a greater appreciation for his skill, as a wordsmith, for his faith, and for his ability to unpack topics and make them accessible to reader in the general public, or in other works for the staunchest academic. This book is written for the general public, but I hope it will grab hold in the halls of academia and theological schools, and for commentators on our culture.
In this book Scott Hahn looks at some of the problems in our society and to be honest in our church. He reflects deeply upon biblical truths. He presents some bleak stats on the state of marriage in society and the church. But his focus is not looking back on a golden age, in fact he clearly points out that there have been problems for a while. But it is also not fear mongering. It provides hope, and it provides a blueprint for change. Hahn states:
"If Catholics would simply live the Sacrament of Matrimony for one generation, we would witness a transformation of society and have a Christian culture."
But first let us jump back a bit. From the introduction Hahn states the purpose of this book:
"The challenge proposed in this book is to bring the superabundance of grace that bubbles forth from the sacramental life of the Church into our families, our communities, our society, and our civilization. The same power that can transform souls can transform the world. It's up to us to bring it to fruition"
And that is clearly the message in this book. We need to revitalize our families through the sacrament of marriage and through that we will be able to change society. The chapters in this volume are:
No Nostalgia
The First Society
A Marriage-Haunted Society
Marriage Is Impossible
The Perfect Marriage
A Tumultuous History
The Catholic Social Vision
Sex and the Common Good
Apocalypse and Society
The Personal Battle
Redeeming Marriage through Sacrament
Grace Perfects Nature
The Church's Unique Position
A Sacramental Society
Conclusion: Beyond Reach?
The vision for marriage presented in this book is not humanly possible. And that is the point. It is only through the sacramentality of marriage, and living the sacraments that we will transform our own lives, our marriages and our families. And that change that transformation will take work, and we might not even see the results, Hahn states:
"Surely nothing like the social vision laid out in this book will come to pass in our lifetime (barring a miraculous intervention by the Lord Himself). But rather than despair over this, let's sow some seeds-or at least prepare the soil. Let's start to lay a foundation-or at least clear the rubble."
And that might be all we achieve, but the message we will leave, and the impact it can have is worth all the risk. Further on he says:
"The sacramental society is impossible in the same way the first society of marriage is impossible and in the same way sainthood is impossible: all of these are ruled out by our fallen nature and, miraculously, brought within reach through surrender to the will and grace of God. Indeed, the Letter to the Hebrews describes Jesus Christ not just as perfect but as the "perfecter":"
Hahn in this book shows us where we are as a people of faith in a culture that no longer values that faith. But that is not the end of the story. If we respond to Jesus's call we can strive and work for the change that he can complete in us.
"How can we possibly respond with anything but awe at the magnificence of this truth and gratitude for the grace of God and the sacraments of the Church, which make this participation in the divine life possible? And then how, once we have embraced this awe and gratitude, can we do anything other than commit to ordering our lives on the terms of heaven-that is, around the grace-filled and covenantal reality of the sacraments?
When we do this-and only when we do this-can we begin to invoke, discern, and draw power from the heavenly reality for our work here on earth. Only then can the first society of humanity begin to approach the splendor of the last society of heaven. And only then can we begin to see a more just, more fulfilling, more perfect civilization emerge from the devastation of a culture scoured by secularism"
In the last 22 years since I started keeping track of what I read, I have read 30 books by C.S. Lewis and a dozen by Scott Hahn. And with each book by Hahn that I read I find that I am drawn more and more to his writings, and through those writings my faith is challenged, deepened, rooted, and that it grows. This is a book that every Catholic should read! Western Civilization is in trouble and much like Lewis with his Mere Christianity, and his Screwtape Letters Hahn is speaking truth into the situation and this book is a cornerstone of that truth. And when you combine the message of this work with the one in 'The Fourth Cup' you have the beginning of a very firm foundation indeed!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Scott Hahn.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
In this book Scott Hahn looks at some of the problems in our society and to be honest in our church. He reflects deeply upon biblical truths. He presents some bleak stats on the state of marriage in society and the church. But his focus is not looking back on a golden age, in fact he clearly points out that there have been problems for a while. But it is also not fear mongering. It provides hope, and it provides a blueprint for change. Hahn states:
"If Catholics would simply live the Sacrament of Matrimony for one generation, we would witness a transformation of society and have a Christian culture."
But first let us jump back a bit. From the introduction Hahn states the purpose of this book:
"The challenge proposed in this book is to bring the superabundance of grace that bubbles forth from the sacramental life of the Church into our families, our communities, our society, and our civilization. The same power that can transform souls can transform the world. It's up to us to bring it to fruition"
And that is clearly the message in this book. We need to revitalize our families through the sacrament of marriage and through that we will be able to change society. The chapters in this volume are:
No Nostalgia
The First Society
A Marriage-Haunted Society
Marriage Is Impossible
The Perfect Marriage
A Tumultuous History
The Catholic Social Vision
Sex and the Common Good
Apocalypse and Society
The Personal Battle
Redeeming Marriage through Sacrament
Grace Perfects Nature
The Church's Unique Position
A Sacramental Society
Conclusion: Beyond Reach?
The vision for marriage presented in this book is not humanly possible. And that is the point. It is only through the sacramentality of marriage, and living the sacraments that we will transform our own lives, our marriages and our families. And that change that transformation will take work, and we might not even see the results, Hahn states:
"Surely nothing like the social vision laid out in this book will come to pass in our lifetime (barring a miraculous intervention by the Lord Himself). But rather than despair over this, let's sow some seeds-or at least prepare the soil. Let's start to lay a foundation-or at least clear the rubble."
And that might be all we achieve, but the message we will leave, and the impact it can have is worth all the risk. Further on he says:
"The sacramental society is impossible in the same way the first society of marriage is impossible and in the same way sainthood is impossible: all of these are ruled out by our fallen nature and, miraculously, brought within reach through surrender to the will and grace of God. Indeed, the Letter to the Hebrews describes Jesus Christ not just as perfect but as the "perfecter":"
Hahn in this book shows us where we are as a people of faith in a culture that no longer values that faith. But that is not the end of the story. If we respond to Jesus's call we can strive and work for the change that he can complete in us.
"How can we possibly respond with anything but awe at the magnificence of this truth and gratitude for the grace of God and the sacraments of the Church, which make this participation in the divine life possible? And then how, once we have embraced this awe and gratitude, can we do anything other than commit to ordering our lives on the terms of heaven-that is, around the grace-filled and covenantal reality of the sacraments?
When we do this-and only when we do this-can we begin to invoke, discern, and draw power from the heavenly reality for our work here on earth. Only then can the first society of humanity begin to approach the splendor of the last society of heaven. And only then can we begin to see a more just, more fulfilling, more perfect civilization emerge from the devastation of a culture scoured by secularism"
In the last 22 years since I started keeping track of what I read, I have read 30 books by C.S. Lewis and a dozen by Scott Hahn. And with each book by Hahn that I read I find that I am drawn more and more to his writings, and through those writings my faith is challenged, deepened, rooted, and that it grows. This is a book that every Catholic should read! Western Civilization is in trouble and much like Lewis with his Mere Christianity, and his Screwtape Letters Hahn is speaking truth into the situation and this book is a cornerstone of that truth. And when you combine the message of this work with the one in 'The Fourth Cup' you have the beginning of a very firm foundation indeed!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Scott Hahn.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
May 10, 2018
We live in a society!
We ought live in an integral one.
We ought live in an integral one.
May 17, 2018
To be fair, this book is not what I was expecting at all and that's why I didn't enjoy it. What I was hoping for was a book with some solid biblical marriage advice with Bible analysis/theology about marriage, relationships etc. What I got was a book that is 95% political rants.
June 22, 2020
Extremely good, if brief, work. This is not so much a work helping with marriage, but advocating an approach to the current prime problem with western society: the destruction of marriage. The complaints are very typical: mass sexualisation of society and the young, misunderstanding of what marriage even is, and proliferation of pornography.
However, the solution is really good.
This is really not going to please somebody who isn't catholic. I think any secular people who found this work would probably panic. He's not joking when he says he's advocating a radical solution. He advocates for a thoroughly catholic restoration of sacramental marriage to the entire west.
Before I read this, I advocated for the restoration of natural marriage as a return point. This would entail no sacramental, but nonetheless strictly monogamous marriages. He makes an extremely good point that without the grace offered by the sacraments (let alone without a proper understanding of the fundamental good of the virtue of chastity) this is practically speaking impossible.
As a grandfather and an extremely smart man, he knows additionally from experience what I can understand from intuition.
Worth a read.
However, the solution is really good.
This is really not going to please somebody who isn't catholic. I think any secular people who found this work would probably panic. He's not joking when he says he's advocating a radical solution. He advocates for a thoroughly catholic restoration of sacramental marriage to the entire west.
Before I read this, I advocated for the restoration of natural marriage as a return point. This would entail no sacramental, but nonetheless strictly monogamous marriages. He makes an extremely good point that without the grace offered by the sacraments (let alone without a proper understanding of the fundamental good of the virtue of chastity) this is practically speaking impossible.
As a grandfather and an extremely smart man, he knows additionally from experience what I can understand from intuition.
Worth a read.
June 20, 2019
I loved this book for two reasons.
First, I'm getting married in a few months and the chapters talking about the nature of marriage were incredibly helpful. I was particularly struck by the Chapter 4, titled "Marriage is Impossible." Hahn does a great job of showing how Faith is imperative to a successful marriage.
The other reason I loved it is that it fit right in with my other interest in the culture war being fought today. I have read Archbishop Chaput's book *Strangers in a Strange Land*, as well as Dreher's *Benedict Option*. All 3 of these books come at the same problem in different ways. I think that Hahn's emphasis on strengthening marriage in response to the war against it is a good one.
First, I'm getting married in a few months and the chapters talking about the nature of marriage were incredibly helpful. I was particularly struck by the Chapter 4, titled "Marriage is Impossible." Hahn does a great job of showing how Faith is imperative to a successful marriage.
The other reason I loved it is that it fit right in with my other interest in the culture war being fought today. I have read Archbishop Chaput's book *Strangers in a Strange Land*, as well as Dreher's *Benedict Option*. All 3 of these books come at the same problem in different ways. I think that Hahn's emphasis on strengthening marriage in response to the war against it is a good one.
March 20, 2021
Scott Hahn always does a great job of breaking down topics related to Catholicism so they're easier to digest. The book clearly states why we need to work diligently to restore marriage as a sacrament in our society in this day and age. He did a great job with research and citing Bible passages, it got a little long, but it's worth the read.
January 15, 2022
This was great, honestly a great way to get hyped up regarding my duties as a father and husband.
July 12, 2021
This is a book very different from what I'm used to from Scott Hahn -- much more sociological than biblical. I grabbed it quickly when I learned that these were being distributed for just the cost of shipping and eagerly jumped in. Frankly, I had some trouble getting into it. I was expecting something different, maybe much more polemical, considering the state of the "marriage question" in our country and in our world.
Well, anyway, despite my initial disappointment, the ultimate payoff is incredible, particularly the second last chapter,"The Sacramental Society." Dr. Hahn is under no illusions that building a sacramental society, one in which Catholics live a thoroughly sacramental life in the public square as well as the private sphere, will likely take decades, even generations, but the call is out there to each of us to live it out starting today. In the Introduction, he sets the tone for the entire book by quoting Richard John Neuhaus: "If Catholics would simply live the Sacrament of Matrimony for one generation, we would witness a transformation of society and have a Christian culture."
We pray in the Lord's Prayer, "thy kingdom come." It seems to me that, if we take this instruction seriously, then we should be looking to build up the kingdom in every aspect of our daily lives, and certainly in The First Society: the family. We begin to transform the world by transforming ourselves and being a beacon of light for those in our sphere of influence. We are not to be like those who don't participate in the democratic process by saying, "What good is my lonely vote?", but, rather, we do what we can to be faithful to the mission to which each and every one of us is called. The benefits are eternal for us and might just change the world.
While the author does point out the problems in society, he ultimately delivers a positive message (which is much more effective than my expectation of polemics -- one can find that sort of thing very easily elsewhere); he calls it a "hope-filled book." It will take another reading or two for some of us to fully appreciate this thoughtful work, but it does serve to move forward the discussion of bringing back the social order from its increasing disorder.
Well, anyway, despite my initial disappointment, the ultimate payoff is incredible, particularly the second last chapter,"The Sacramental Society." Dr. Hahn is under no illusions that building a sacramental society, one in which Catholics live a thoroughly sacramental life in the public square as well as the private sphere, will likely take decades, even generations, but the call is out there to each of us to live it out starting today. In the Introduction, he sets the tone for the entire book by quoting Richard John Neuhaus: "If Catholics would simply live the Sacrament of Matrimony for one generation, we would witness a transformation of society and have a Christian culture."
We pray in the Lord's Prayer, "thy kingdom come." It seems to me that, if we take this instruction seriously, then we should be looking to build up the kingdom in every aspect of our daily lives, and certainly in The First Society: the family. We begin to transform the world by transforming ourselves and being a beacon of light for those in our sphere of influence. We are not to be like those who don't participate in the democratic process by saying, "What good is my lonely vote?", but, rather, we do what we can to be faithful to the mission to which each and every one of us is called. The benefits are eternal for us and might just change the world.
While the author does point out the problems in society, he ultimately delivers a positive message (which is much more effective than my expectation of polemics -- one can find that sort of thing very easily elsewhere); he calls it a "hope-filled book." It will take another reading or two for some of us to fully appreciate this thoughtful work, but it does serve to move forward the discussion of bringing back the social order from its increasing disorder.
August 16, 2018
This was a fine book, but I didn't find it earth-shattering. I hadn't read anything by Hahn in quite a long time, and a friend recommended that I check this out as Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Social Order are things that I'm particularly fond of.
Scott Hahn rightly calls out the clear corrosion of marriage and ultimately society and it's devastating impacts on Western civilization. Many things lead to that breakdown as Pope Paul VI calls out in his prophetic Humanae Vitae.
In this particular book, I would say it isn't so much a how-to guide, but more of looking deeper into the problems set in front of us. He offers some practcal guidelines but nothing in the way of step-by-step processes to move forward.
The focus here is holy matrimony. Hahn does a good job tying everything into the sacramentality of marriage designed to be such by God. There were times I was hoping to find more of a social teaching aspect to the book, but to be fair, I don't think that was intended in this book. I will say, though, and I think Hahn would agree, that, marraige is the fundamental society which then creates society at large. To see some more tying of the two I think would have been a little more enjoyable.
Overall, a great read with many irrefutable points outlining the tragic dismantling of holy matrimony.
Scott Hahn rightly calls out the clear corrosion of marriage and ultimately society and it's devastating impacts on Western civilization. Many things lead to that breakdown as Pope Paul VI calls out in his prophetic Humanae Vitae.
In this particular book, I would say it isn't so much a how-to guide, but more of looking deeper into the problems set in front of us. He offers some practcal guidelines but nothing in the way of step-by-step processes to move forward.
The focus here is holy matrimony. Hahn does a good job tying everything into the sacramentality of marriage designed to be such by God. There were times I was hoping to find more of a social teaching aspect to the book, but to be fair, I don't think that was intended in this book. I will say, though, and I think Hahn would agree, that, marraige is the fundamental society which then creates society at large. To see some more tying of the two I think would have been a little more enjoyable.
Overall, a great read with many irrefutable points outlining the tragic dismantling of holy matrimony.
May 21, 2024
Great that I got to finish reading this on my actual wedding anniversary!
I was not prepared for quite how political this book would be, but I'm absolutely down for it. Yes please analyze how having a hyper-egalitarian society has exacerbated the worst elements of capitalism for exploiting the most vulnerable of our society. Yes let's talk about distributive justice and universal destination of goods.
This is not a practical book by any means. There is no advocacy for particular political policies or actionable steps on such a scale. It establishes the rationale for the fundamental theory of society that Hahn is advocating for--that merely human efforts are never enough for a just human society or even for marriage. Life-long commitment to another human is heck of hard 🤣 let alone coordinating entire nations to work for the common good. Hahn argues only through surrender to God's grace that our marriages can flourish and, ultimately, strong marriages that strive for the good of the spouse will lead to strong families that strive for the good of each other, which has a ripple effect into broader society.
My biggest takeaway from this book is one of hope--I can't fix society but I can commit to my marriage, and prioritizing that will support not only our children but also the people that we interact with every day.
I was not prepared for quite how political this book would be, but I'm absolutely down for it. Yes please analyze how having a hyper-egalitarian society has exacerbated the worst elements of capitalism for exploiting the most vulnerable of our society. Yes let's talk about distributive justice and universal destination of goods.
This is not a practical book by any means. There is no advocacy for particular political policies or actionable steps on such a scale. It establishes the rationale for the fundamental theory of society that Hahn is advocating for--that merely human efforts are never enough for a just human society or even for marriage. Life-long commitment to another human is heck of hard 🤣 let alone coordinating entire nations to work for the common good. Hahn argues only through surrender to God's grace that our marriages can flourish and, ultimately, strong marriages that strive for the good of the spouse will lead to strong families that strive for the good of each other, which has a ripple effect into broader society.
My biggest takeaway from this book is one of hope--I can't fix society but I can commit to my marriage, and prioritizing that will support not only our children but also the people that we interact with every day.
February 12, 2019
I've read a few Scott Hahn books, and this is an unusual one. There's certainly some theology here, of course, and plenty of citations from the catechism as well as scripture, but I found the tone of this one to be much more actionable than educational, if that makes sense.
I enjoyed Hahn's treatment of marriage: he used several chapters to define it and provide evidence -- historical and sociological as well as theological -- of its central role in society. He pulled some interesting sources from popes and theologians, and laid out some rather beautiful descriptions of this sacrament, its importance, and its potential for holiness.
My one complaint here is that the book became rather political toward the end -- which Hahn acknowledged and defended as necessary, but still came off like a bit much to me. Though he urged the reader to live the sacrament well and encourage others to do the same, there were very few specific actions he suggested to accomplish "the restoration of the social order." I had wished for more suggestions on that front, especially given the tone of the book.
I enjoyed Hahn's treatment of marriage: he used several chapters to define it and provide evidence -- historical and sociological as well as theological -- of its central role in society. He pulled some interesting sources from popes and theologians, and laid out some rather beautiful descriptions of this sacrament, its importance, and its potential for holiness.
My one complaint here is that the book became rather political toward the end -- which Hahn acknowledged and defended as necessary, but still came off like a bit much to me. Though he urged the reader to live the sacrament well and encourage others to do the same, there were very few specific actions he suggested to accomplish "the restoration of the social order." I had wished for more suggestions on that front, especially given the tone of the book.
April 17, 2020
I'm so glad for the warning that this book will not be the same as his other books. I found the thesis difficult to read primarily because it is confronting my own beliefs, questioning what I have stood for (which is the opposite of Scott Hahn's teachings).
As always, the book was well written, organized, well researched using both tradition and scripture. I could go on and on in its praise.
However, I find myself wondering how I could summarize such a tome to discuss over the dinner table. How can I translate this to my friends and family so that they too can understand?
It's got four stars because it looks like I am going to have to reread this book. But since it really is a five star rating, I might as well make it five.
I <3 Scott and Kimberly Hahn.
As always, the book was well written, organized, well researched using both tradition and scripture. I could go on and on in its praise.
However, I find myself wondering how I could summarize such a tome to discuss over the dinner table. How can I translate this to my friends and family so that they too can understand?
It's got four stars because it looks like I am going to have to reread this book. But since it really is a five star rating, I might as well make it five.
I <3 Scott and Kimberly Hahn.
August 7, 2024
The author is right on when it comes to the family as the reflection of the first society and as the domestic church. This book explains why the family (or the domestic church) is a direct reflection or our triune God’s relationship.
Very well written book and highly recommended Catholic reading… especially for family life, engaged couples, and even struggling couples.
My only reservation is the chapter on politics (I have questions about God’s giving of free will and how Dr. Hahn would create his ideal society) and about Dr. Hahn’s seemingly pessimistic view of the future of the domestic church.
Very well written book and highly recommended Catholic reading… especially for family life, engaged couples, and even struggling couples.
My only reservation is the chapter on politics (I have questions about God’s giving of free will and how Dr. Hahn would create his ideal society) and about Dr. Hahn’s seemingly pessimistic view of the future of the domestic church.
April 21, 2018
Here, Scott Hahn has written a surprisingly deep and challenging book about why the western world needs a robust Catholic marriage culture if it is to survive.
He doesn't shy away from the fact that this vision is both radical, and unlikely to be achieved in our lifetime. But he does encourage each of us Christians to at least do what we can to plant the seeds necessary to bring this "perfect society" to fruition as best we can.
He doesn't shy away from the fact that this vision is both radical, and unlikely to be achieved in our lifetime. But he does encourage each of us Christians to at least do what we can to plant the seeds necessary to bring this "perfect society" to fruition as best we can.
September 24, 2024
The family is the building block of society. Marriage, properly understood in its sacramental fulfillment, is unfortunately a rarity today. Christians and Catholics must uphold the truest meaning of marriage in order to begin reversing a society nearing the brink. It is up to us to live out the sacrament in our homes and communities in order to heal a very wounded world.
Scott is always so wonderful to read and makes the loftiest concepts available to the everyday reader.
Scott is always so wonderful to read and makes the loftiest concepts available to the everyday reader.
March 31, 2018
This is a very interesting book. I explains marriage as the 1st society and supports it with scripture and events. There were some facts that made me a little sad at times regarding our current society but he did not dwell on those areas long. I especially liked the section on the sacraments. As usual an interesting Scott Hahn read.
April 20, 2018
Scott Hahn has done it again. The connection between Marriage and Society and Our Current Challenging World are interconnected biblically, not just from an opinionated but biblical proof. Very easy yet stimulating read, with practical applications for your own life, even single, to help this ailing planet. I definitely recommend this book to anyone.
June 26, 2018
This sums up the way to live a life faithful to God and supporting all of society. It seems as if all the other sacraments are a part of this way of life. Deep within us is our desire for God. Hahn shows if we can live in love and fidelity, we can reach our goal.
So much to contemplate in these pages.
Will reread.
So much to contemplate in these pages.
Will reread.
August 25, 2020
If you are into the philosophical and political questions regarding how the society is impacted by marriage, this book may suite you. However, if u are looking for Christian marriage advices, not this one then.
Tho in my opinion its worth reading as it at lease provides you a fundamental understanding of the big picture about politics and marriage
Tho in my opinion its worth reading as it at lease provides you a fundamental understanding of the big picture about politics and marriage
December 9, 2021
Great thoughts on living a Catholic Sacramental Marriage but also on the importance of marriage and the family within our society. A lot of the problems with society today are pointed out, and albeit we want to solve many of these problems, it starts at the family. It is incitement and has clear biblical sources for making these assertions.
August 3, 2018
In an age where marriage and people are considered disposable, it is reassuring to read that there is still some that believe in the holiness of marriage. Too bad more people can't or won't live their marriage vows. It would make a difference. There is always hope. This book is a great read.
February 18, 2019
A very good introduction to the sacramental society envisioned by the Catholic faith. It is a bit rambling and unfocused at times, and there is one particularly bad example of the Theology of the Body. But otherwise, great.
April 23, 2019
Is a about how the family is the first and most important society.
How its influence to the west and back to the east is part of the current way society behaves.
And how without the core of the family the world will be rotten.
#FamilyFirst
How its influence to the west and back to the east is part of the current way society behaves.
And how without the core of the family the world will be rotten.
#FamilyFirst
June 17, 2019
Hahn makes many thoughtful and interesting points before taking a turn into a call for what seemed to be a theocratic society. Despite my enjoyment of the first 75% of the book, I found myself skimming the rest in order to finish.
April 5, 2024
This was my first Scott Hahn book. I specifically picked “The First Society” due to the focus obviously being about culture and marriage. He’s a great writer and very easy to understand while talking about complex topics. The next book I’ll read of his will be “It Is Right and Just”. Cant wait to finish it!
October 17, 2024
Not what I was expecting at all. A good read. I was hoping for more expansion on some of the “down to earth” ideas about how this is actually lived out. I felt like each point he scratched the surface on, and he could’ve gone much deeper. Overall, good.
May 1, 2018
A rather utopian view of the perfect society. Perhaps not achievable in our lifetime, but a society we can begin today to build. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
May 28, 2018
It’s authored by Scott Hahn so that in itself is a no brained for me to buy it.
He is very thorough in his discussion on how Sacramental marriage (among others things) would save the world.
He is very thorough in his discussion on how Sacramental marriage (among others things) would save the world.
July 19, 2019
To sum it up in a few words..... "Get over yourself. It's not about you." Marriage is a Sacrament, a Vocation. Wanna change the world? Live your Vocation - completely and selflessly.
August 13, 2020
Really thought provoking. I can already tell it deserves a re-read.
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