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20 Answers: Relics & Sacramentals
Aren’t relics and sacramentals just “Catholic superstition”?What are some biblical reasons for revering sacred objects and using them in prayer?How does the Church know that body parts of saints and other holy objects are authentic?Are there any rules for keeping relics and sacramentals at home, giving them to others, and disposing of them if necessary?The use of holy objects in worship is one of the best-known hallmarks of Catholicism—and one of the most misunderstood. Whether it’s venerating the corporal remains or personal belongings of saints (relics) or praying with the help of tangible items in liturgy and individual devotion (sacramentals), such practices often puzzle Catholic, Protestant, and nonbeliever alike. 20 Relics and Sacramentals clears up the misconceptions and shows you how Christianity is truly an incarnational religion that involves the whole person, body and soul, and the physical world that Jesus came to redeem.The 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers offers hard facts, powerful arguments, and clear explanations of the most important topics facing the Church and the world—all in a compact, easy-to-read package. Check out dozens of other topics in the 20 Answers Series of booklets published by Catholic Answers Press
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Published June 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 6, 2021
This is the sixth volume from the Pen of Shawn McAfee that I have read and I have read over 30 in the 20 Answers series. A few years ago I started with the 20 Answers Challenge when there were just 20 books in the series, at the time. I have benefited from each that I have read in the series, and have recommended many to friends and family. And each one has been educational, informative and has encouraged my faith. I have a Religious Studies Degree with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought. I would have loved to have had these books as resources back then. They are great reads, and this is an excellent offering from Shaun McAfee. Part of the description of the volume is:
“Aren’t relics and sacramentals just “Catholic superstition”?
What are some biblical reasons for revering sacred objects and using them in prayer?
How does the Church know that body parts of saints and other holy objects are authentic?
Are there any rules for keeping relics and sacramentals at home, giving them to others, and disposing of them if necessary?
The use of holy objects in worship is one of the best-known hallmarks of Catholicism—and one of the most misunderstood. Whether it’s venerating the corporal remains or personal belongings of saints (relics) or praying with the help of tangible items in liturgy and individual devotion (sacramentals), such practices often puzzle Catholic, Protestant, and nonbeliever alike. 20 Answers: Relics and Sacramentals clears up the misconceptions and shows you how Christianity is truly an incarnational religion that involves the whole person, body and soul, and the physical world that Jesus came to redeem.”
The questions answered in this volume are:
1. What is a sacramental?
2. Is there a biblical or historical basis for sacramentals?
3. What do sacramentals do?
4. What is holy water, and what is it used for?
5. What is a scapular?
6. What are some other everyday sacramentals we encounter as Catholics?
7. What is the sign of the cross?
8. What are some examples of holy medals?
9. Don’t sacramentals like the crucifix break the First Commandment?
10. What is the proper way to treat a sacramental or dispose of it?
11. How can I use sacramentals to grow closer to God?
12. What is a relic?
13. When did the veneration of relics begin?
14. What are the different ways that relics are used in the Church?
15. How do we know that relics are genuine?
16. What are the relics of the Passion?
17. What is the Shroud of Turin?
18. Isn’t it idolatrous to worship relics?
19. Hasn’t the Church abused relics by buying and selling them?
20. How should I treat and protect relics?
The beginning of the introduction to this volume states:
“I recall the first time a non-Catholic friend asked me, “Why is Jesus still hanging on your cross? Shouldn’t the cross be a sign of victory?” The same person told me bluntly, “Your priests bow to and kiss relics, but mine worship God with their whole heart.”
Catholics have always had to defend sacramentals and relics from attacks on the Church. History tells that pagan kings would use sacred relics as items of mockery if they overthrew a Christian city. In the Middle Ages, con artists would counterfeit saints’ blessed vestments and other relics for profit. The Protestant Reformation attacked many of the Church’s sacraments, eroding people’s respect for and recognition of sacramentals in the process. The modern Church, too, has to defend sacred relics against the “religion” of science, whose adherents dismiss as superstition whatever they can’t measure to their satisfaction in the here and now.
It doesn’t help that at times, the same people who should have safeguarded the Church’s store of sacred relics instead gravely abused them. Catholics today have to work harder than ever to defend common sacramentals— the crucifix, holy water, pieces of the True Cross, and all the rest.”
Many of the subjects covered in this volume have entire books dedicated to them. For example Holy Water and its Significance for Catholics by Henry Theiler. But this book and this series is not intended as deep theological or spiritual works. They are quick and clean questions and answers on specific topics. And this one covering Relics & Sacramentals is a little more nebulous than some of the other volumes. An yet McAfee has done an excellent job in this book.
When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This book and this series is along those lines. You can easily work through this book in a couple of short sessions. And you could work through it a few times. And solidify the teaching in your own mind and heart. And thus be able to answer questions from non-Christians, non-Catholics and even other Catholics.
I have benefited from all the books in this series that I have read. But to date, other than the volumes on Mary or the Papacy this is now my favourite volume. McAfee has done a wonderful job on these topics.
Another excellent volume from McAfee and a great read in a wonderful series!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
“Aren’t relics and sacramentals just “Catholic superstition”?
What are some biblical reasons for revering sacred objects and using them in prayer?
How does the Church know that body parts of saints and other holy objects are authentic?
Are there any rules for keeping relics and sacramentals at home, giving them to others, and disposing of them if necessary?
The use of holy objects in worship is one of the best-known hallmarks of Catholicism—and one of the most misunderstood. Whether it’s venerating the corporal remains or personal belongings of saints (relics) or praying with the help of tangible items in liturgy and individual devotion (sacramentals), such practices often puzzle Catholic, Protestant, and nonbeliever alike. 20 Answers: Relics and Sacramentals clears up the misconceptions and shows you how Christianity is truly an incarnational religion that involves the whole person, body and soul, and the physical world that Jesus came to redeem.”
The questions answered in this volume are:
1. What is a sacramental?
2. Is there a biblical or historical basis for sacramentals?
3. What do sacramentals do?
4. What is holy water, and what is it used for?
5. What is a scapular?
6. What are some other everyday sacramentals we encounter as Catholics?
7. What is the sign of the cross?
8. What are some examples of holy medals?
9. Don’t sacramentals like the crucifix break the First Commandment?
10. What is the proper way to treat a sacramental or dispose of it?
11. How can I use sacramentals to grow closer to God?
12. What is a relic?
13. When did the veneration of relics begin?
14. What are the different ways that relics are used in the Church?
15. How do we know that relics are genuine?
16. What are the relics of the Passion?
17. What is the Shroud of Turin?
18. Isn’t it idolatrous to worship relics?
19. Hasn’t the Church abused relics by buying and selling them?
20. How should I treat and protect relics?
The beginning of the introduction to this volume states:
“I recall the first time a non-Catholic friend asked me, “Why is Jesus still hanging on your cross? Shouldn’t the cross be a sign of victory?” The same person told me bluntly, “Your priests bow to and kiss relics, but mine worship God with their whole heart.”
Catholics have always had to defend sacramentals and relics from attacks on the Church. History tells that pagan kings would use sacred relics as items of mockery if they overthrew a Christian city. In the Middle Ages, con artists would counterfeit saints’ blessed vestments and other relics for profit. The Protestant Reformation attacked many of the Church’s sacraments, eroding people’s respect for and recognition of sacramentals in the process. The modern Church, too, has to defend sacred relics against the “religion” of science, whose adherents dismiss as superstition whatever they can’t measure to their satisfaction in the here and now.
It doesn’t help that at times, the same people who should have safeguarded the Church’s store of sacred relics instead gravely abused them. Catholics today have to work harder than ever to defend common sacramentals— the crucifix, holy water, pieces of the True Cross, and all the rest.”
Many of the subjects covered in this volume have entire books dedicated to them. For example Holy Water and its Significance for Catholics by Henry Theiler. But this book and this series is not intended as deep theological or spiritual works. They are quick and clean questions and answers on specific topics. And this one covering Relics & Sacramentals is a little more nebulous than some of the other volumes. An yet McAfee has done an excellent job in this book.
When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This book and this series is along those lines. You can easily work through this book in a couple of short sessions. And you could work through it a few times. And solidify the teaching in your own mind and heart. And thus be able to answer questions from non-Christians, non-Catholics and even other Catholics.
I have benefited from all the books in this series that I have read. But to date, other than the volumes on Mary or the Papacy this is now my favourite volume. McAfee has done a wonderful job on these topics.
Another excellent volume from McAfee and a great read in a wonderful series!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
June 14, 2025
a nice introduction
the book was highly informative without miring the language with unnecessary in-house jargon. this is written for a layman. he doesn’t go beyond the basics, so do not expect an intense theological treatise on the doctrine. this is truly for those wanting to learn more on their own. he assumes the Roman Catholic view and doesn’t not play devil’s advocate. it’s pretty straight forward.
the book was highly informative without miring the language with unnecessary in-house jargon. this is written for a layman. he doesn’t go beyond the basics, so do not expect an intense theological treatise on the doctrine. this is truly for those wanting to learn more on their own. he assumes the Roman Catholic view and doesn’t not play devil’s advocate. it’s pretty straight forward.
August 3, 2021
Stellar as always
October 17, 2021
A very practical and light 20 Answers on a very important but perhaps misunderstood topic. There's certainly more that could be said, but as an introduction, it does it's job well.
May 28, 2023
This was great! Learned so much and went and had all my rosary blessed after reading.
October 15, 2025
I really enjoy these books from the Catholic Answers Collection, they are to the point and answer common questions/arguments heard from protestants. Very eye opening!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews