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Mother Angelica's Answers, Not Promises: Straightforward Solutions to Life's Puzzling Problems
The popular spiritual advisor gives straightforward advice on such issues as loneliness, fear, love, guilt, death, and sex
275 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1987
98 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Mother Angelica
32 books60 followersMother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA (born Rita Antoinette Rizzo; April 20, 1923 – March 27, 2016), usually known as Mother Angelica, was an American Franciscan nun best known as a television personality and the founder of both the internationally-broadcast cable television network Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and the radio network WEWN.
In 1981, Mother Angelica started broadcasting religious programs from a converted garage in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the next twenty years, she developed a media network that included radio, TV, and internet channels as well as printed media.
Mother Angelica hosted shows on EWTN until she had a stroke in 2001. She continued to live in the cloistered monastery in Hanceville until her death at age 92 on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday.
In 2009, Mother Angelica was a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award granted by Pope Benedict XVI for services to the Catholic Church.
In 1981, Mother Angelica started broadcasting religious programs from a converted garage in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the next twenty years, she developed a media network that included radio, TV, and internet channels as well as printed media.
Mother Angelica hosted shows on EWTN until she had a stroke in 2001. She continued to live in the cloistered monastery in Hanceville until her death at age 92 on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday.
In 2009, Mother Angelica was a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award granted by Pope Benedict XVI for services to the Catholic Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 1, 2009
I LOVE this little nun! She just tells it like it is... and she is so wise on spot on! Her answers still resonate with me.
September 7, 2016
Mother Angelica's writings are inspirational and incredibly helpful to learn about God. This particular book was published 30 years ago and was re published after her death this year. Even 30 years later this book still holds relevance and importance now.
Mother Angelica in the introduction recommended to look for the chapter in spiritual life you struggle in and read it carefully... I had read that particular chapter twice. Then to read the book slowly which I did. I read each night a chapter or two a day. This book helped me grow closer to our Lord and helped me examine my spiritual life in a better way. It is written with Mother Angelica's straightforwardness and tenacity. If you are Christian, Catholic or a non believer I believe Answers not Promises will answer your questions, but it will hit you with truth and not fluffy false pretenses this world can often give us. 5/5 STARS
Mother Angelica in the introduction recommended to look for the chapter in spiritual life you struggle in and read it carefully... I had read that particular chapter twice. Then to read the book slowly which I did. I read each night a chapter or two a day. This book helped me grow closer to our Lord and helped me examine my spiritual life in a better way. It is written with Mother Angelica's straightforwardness and tenacity. If you are Christian, Catholic or a non believer I believe Answers not Promises will answer your questions, but it will hit you with truth and not fluffy false pretenses this world can often give us. 5/5 STARS
April 14, 2021
This book is very good to read, especially for someone who has questions about Catholicism, or struggling with truths of the Faith, or anyone who wants to learn more about being Catholic in general. Mother Angelica never ceases to amaze, and every chapter was very mind-capturing. I would really recommend this, especially for Lent!
April 16, 2012
Wow! Mother Angelica's spiritual prowess is inspiring. She's witty and feisty and gives the answers, not the promises. This book tickled my spiritual side and gave me a lot to meditate on. It challenged my intellectual side, and it was a joy to spend time reading this book over the course of a few months. I anticipate referencing this book frequently in the future. This won't be the last book I read by Mother Angelica, either. God bless her!
February 22, 2009
This is one plucky little nun whose dead-pan humor and practical spirituality makes a holy life seem plausible for us all.
November 11, 2019
To put it mildly: AWESOME! Incredibly helpful and deeply insightful from cover to cover. If your Catholic, Protestant, or not even a Christian, this book will help you get a better idea of God.
I'm looking forward to Mother Angelica being canonized!
I'm looking forward to Mother Angelica being canonized!
October 15, 2018
I first read this around 2003 when I was a fairly new Catholic and Mother Angelica's sturdy common sense and faith were good instruction and inspiration.
Recently, after passing along a favorite quote from this book, I wondered if it would be good to recommend to new Catholics. It had been so long that I had only a hazy memory of the contents so I picked it up again. It turns out that it is good not only for new Catholics but for those who've practiced the faith for a while. It was good to read Mother Angelica's steady advice and instruction. Examples from her life and those of people asking for advice alternate to give us real life examples we can relate to. She never discounts the realities of living daily joys, sorrows, and struggles, but also reminds us of the less tangible realities of loving God and of our ultimate goal of getting to heaven. I found it a good reminder of all those realities, a help on my journey, and inspirational overall.
Recommended for everyone.
Recently, after passing along a favorite quote from this book, I wondered if it would be good to recommend to new Catholics. It had been so long that I had only a hazy memory of the contents so I picked it up again. It turns out that it is good not only for new Catholics but for those who've practiced the faith for a while. It was good to read Mother Angelica's steady advice and instruction. Examples from her life and those of people asking for advice alternate to give us real life examples we can relate to. She never discounts the realities of living daily joys, sorrows, and struggles, but also reminds us of the less tangible realities of loving God and of our ultimate goal of getting to heaven. I found it a good reminder of all those realities, a help on my journey, and inspirational overall.
Recommended for everyone.
February 6, 2008
I put this down for a time but will pick it up again. I am always on a spiritual quest and I agree with many of the things she says.
April 11, 2017
Mother Angelica was a wise nun.
May 26, 2019
The cover of my book was newer looking than this one and the snails pace was not due to the content. For awhile I lost the book and read magazines instead. Then it resurfaced and I got through it- having seen her on EWTN - I could picture her saying certain things in the book and that was fun.
April 20, 2018
Timeless advice from Mother Angelica. When suffering, uncertainty, discomfort, shame, ect... enters your life, this book is what you need to pick up. I was the Catholic who thought that if I said the right prayers, said them long enough and lived the 12 commandments, my life would go as planned. Mother has a way of explaining that life is full of suffering and that God isn't ignoring your prayers or getting back at you. It's life and everyone suffers. Some more than others, but we all suffer. This book goes everywhere with me. When I am having a bad day and am in need of God's love, I turn to this book often. Mother Angelica reminds me that God is always, always with me. During the good and bad. It's the reminder that I need most when I am suffering or uncertain.
November 4, 2017
Mother Angelica became a Franciscan nun at the age of 21. After becoming a cloistered nun based in Birmingham, Alabama, she went on to become one of the founders of EWTN (Eternal World Television Network), a television channel dedicated to broadcasting Catholic-themed programming. EWTN's home base was initially set up right on the grounds of Mother Angelica's convent and the non-profit channel was run solely on donations. Programming reached viewers worldwide, leading Mother Angelica to get mountains of letters each week, letters that asked for requests and posed deep life questions. In this book, she takes some of the most common topics / concerns people seemed to consistently lay at her feet and answers them to the best of her ability.
For starters, Mother Angelica breaks down the different types of suffering a person can experience -- we're talking about Catholicism so you know we gotta hit upon suffering lol -- and offers possible positive take-aways in each situation:
Preventative Suffering = God blocking you from a bad choice because something better is in the works for you. You won't necessarily be protected from experiencing pain, but the experience will likely teach you courage during times of adversity, and possibly how to find peace and acceptance later on down the road. It's during this section that she also gets into Permitting Will vs Ordaining Will and what she calls Supernatural Hope:
Mother Angelica also mentions Supernatural Love -- kind of along the same lines as Supernatural Hope, but with the love variety she says:
Can I just interject here and say that as beautiful and inspiring as I found this passage, Lord forgive me but I could help but hear the song "Electric Love" from Bob's Burgers in my head right after. X-D I know! I'M SORRY. (but kinda not really)
Corrective Suffering = The damage from the problem has already been done, but you're meant to go through it because the experience of the suffering is put forth to correct something undesirable within your soul, help you see the error of going further down that path, etc (think maybe losing people / jobs because of anger issues, drug / alcohol addiction, something like that).
Repentant Suffering = basically, a painful experience that is meant to humble you if you're "getting too big for yer' britches" as the country folk in my family say ;-)
She also touches upon the idea of "false martyrdom". As she says, "Suffering in itself doesn't make you holy."
I picked up this book as a secondhand books shopping find shortly after my mother's passing. Naturally, I had her on my mind and seeing this book made it even more so as I come from a largely Irish Catholic family and my mom often spoke of how she seriously considered joining a convent and living the nun life prior to meeting my father. I'd never heard of this nun before and had only vaguely remembered seeing EWTN on my cable menu listing, but I was curious to see if she had anything to offer my mind during my time of mourning.
To be honest, I brushed over a lot of it. There was a bunch here that was similar to ideas I was already raised with, other ideas I didn't entirely agree with. Some of her opinions definitely didn't mesh with my beliefs at all. While I appreciated her sassy, fun delivery, I was bothered by the way she knocks the gay community as well as couples who choose to live together and engage in pre-marital sex. Again, Catholic nun, shouldn't really be all that surprised that she disagrees with these practices, it was just her tone on these topics that I didn't particularly like. She had this way of dismissing people making grown decisions for themselves that feel right for them and their lives: "Feelings are not evil, but they are not reliable either." Maybe not, but you gotta let people live for themselves. She also slams the idea of positive thinking, but the examples she uses to illustrate where it's at fault tells me she doesn't entirely understand the concept.
Also, I gotta say, Mother Angelica's vision of heaven sounds just AWFUL to me! An eternity of nonstop praying, no pets, and being satisfied with just being with God and letting his presence complete you?! Sorry girl, but you lost me at NO PETS.
Some good bits here and there but not a keeper collection for me. It was worth a try!
For starters, Mother Angelica breaks down the different types of suffering a person can experience -- we're talking about Catholicism so you know we gotta hit upon suffering lol -- and offers possible positive take-aways in each situation:
Preventative Suffering = God blocking you from a bad choice because something better is in the works for you. You won't necessarily be protected from experiencing pain, but the experience will likely teach you courage during times of adversity, and possibly how to find peace and acceptance later on down the road. It's during this section that she also gets into Permitting Will vs Ordaining Will and what she calls Supernatural Hope:
"Supernatural Hope is the balance between expecting a miracle and accepting God's Will even if it results in pain or death. There is a certain serenity that comes from Supernatural Hope... hope tells us to move along, that it's all right... Hope gives us joy in sorrow and peace amidst the turmoil of daily life. In certain ways, I think it is the virtue we need most of all."
Mother Angelica also mentions Supernatural Love -- kind of along the same lines as Supernatural Hope, but with the love variety she says:
"The person who posesses Supernatural Love is able to keep loving when reason says it's time to give up. It's what makes us able to forgive, and to keep forgiving, when what we really want to do is throw in the towel and be forever angry at the person who keeps hurting us....Supernatural Love is what enables you to keep loving your spouse or your children or your best friend when at the moment you are hard pressed to find anything lovable about them. It allows you to keep in mind that everyday annoyances that can drive you crazy are small items in the overall scope of things. How? By making you aware that love is a decision, not just a feeling, and that you can decide to love as God loves -- freely and endlessly. Supernatural Love is the kind of love that keeps marriages vibrant, families solid, friendships strong... Supernatural Love doesn't judge or ask questions. It simply gives."
Can I just interject here and say that as beautiful and inspiring as I found this passage, Lord forgive me but I could help but hear the song "Electric Love" from Bob's Burgers in my head right after. X-D I know! I'M SORRY. (but kinda not really)
Corrective Suffering = The damage from the problem has already been done, but you're meant to go through it because the experience of the suffering is put forth to correct something undesirable within your soul, help you see the error of going further down that path, etc (think maybe losing people / jobs because of anger issues, drug / alcohol addiction, something like that).
Repentant Suffering = basically, a painful experience that is meant to humble you if you're "getting too big for yer' britches" as the country folk in my family say ;-)
She also touches upon the idea of "false martyrdom". As she says, "Suffering in itself doesn't make you holy."
I picked up this book as a secondhand books shopping find shortly after my mother's passing. Naturally, I had her on my mind and seeing this book made it even more so as I come from a largely Irish Catholic family and my mom often spoke of how she seriously considered joining a convent and living the nun life prior to meeting my father. I'd never heard of this nun before and had only vaguely remembered seeing EWTN on my cable menu listing, but I was curious to see if she had anything to offer my mind during my time of mourning.
To be honest, I brushed over a lot of it. There was a bunch here that was similar to ideas I was already raised with, other ideas I didn't entirely agree with. Some of her opinions definitely didn't mesh with my beliefs at all. While I appreciated her sassy, fun delivery, I was bothered by the way she knocks the gay community as well as couples who choose to live together and engage in pre-marital sex. Again, Catholic nun, shouldn't really be all that surprised that she disagrees with these practices, it was just her tone on these topics that I didn't particularly like. She had this way of dismissing people making grown decisions for themselves that feel right for them and their lives: "Feelings are not evil, but they are not reliable either." Maybe not, but you gotta let people live for themselves. She also slams the idea of positive thinking, but the examples she uses to illustrate where it's at fault tells me she doesn't entirely understand the concept.
Also, I gotta say, Mother Angelica's vision of heaven sounds just AWFUL to me! An eternity of nonstop praying, no pets, and being satisfied with just being with God and letting his presence complete you?! Sorry girl, but you lost me at NO PETS.
Some good bits here and there but not a keeper collection for me. It was worth a try!
April 30, 2014
I think I read it before, long ago. She's got such an interesting view on life. Almost childlike. I have always loved Mother Angelica, but I'm having trouble with Catholic doctrine as I get older. I see things differently now. I read up to page 218.
May 21, 2014
Good book written by a good woman. I pray for her often and watch most of her classics on EWTN.
June 28, 2017
very good and insightful book
January 21, 2018
practical, helpful, truthful, good.
February 7, 2019
Filled with answers about Christianity and Catholicism, presented in an easily readable format... read straight through, and/or keep on hand to answer questions that come up.
February 23, 2009
great book, amazing nun!
March 8, 2023
I heard of Mother Angelica from my mom, who used to watch her on EWTN at 9pm to say the rosary. Over the years I caught glimpses of her TV show, but now that I have read this book, I have a better understanding of who Mother Angelica was, and what she wanted for each one of us. She tried her best to help all of us become aware that the purpose of this life is to prepare for our eternal life. We start with Faith, Hope, and Love. Throughout the book I caught glimpses of what was important to my life. I don’t necessarily need help with all the subjects in this book, but Pride caught me by surprise and I noticed repeatedly in the book we must follow God’s Will. No matter how much we think we are suffering, we must pray, and know that God hears our prayers.
I loved the reassurance of all of us having our Guardian Angel by our sides. All of us will see the Face of God, holiness is Heaven on earth, and Joy is the acceptance of God’s Will.
The only thing that really disappointed me was with Mother Angelica saying how perfect Heaven will be, why won’t our pets be with us? In Heaven, I can imagine our pets won’t need to depend on us and we can be joyful knowing they are with us, our companions for eternity. Jesus loves our pets! Maybe Mother Angelica realizes that now since I’m sure she’s in Heaven, busy as ever.
I loved the reassurance of all of us having our Guardian Angel by our sides. All of us will see the Face of God, holiness is Heaven on earth, and Joy is the acceptance of God’s Will.
The only thing that really disappointed me was with Mother Angelica saying how perfect Heaven will be, why won’t our pets be with us? In Heaven, I can imagine our pets won’t need to depend on us and we can be joyful knowing they are with us, our companions for eternity. Jesus loves our pets! Maybe Mother Angelica realizes that now since I’m sure she’s in Heaven, busy as ever.
September 1, 2018
Mother Angelica is the best. She is funny, kind and real. She “never wanted to be a nun” too. Ha!
I love her and her way of writing. She is just the bees knees. I would have given this 5 stars if it hadn’t covered quuuuite so much in the one book. It was all good information but it was hard to jump from one heavy topic to the next.
I got a lot out of this book. I’d highly recommend it.
I love her and her way of writing. She is just the bees knees. I would have given this 5 stars if it hadn’t covered quuuuite so much in the one book. It was all good information but it was hard to jump from one heavy topic to the next.
I got a lot out of this book. I’d highly recommend it.
June 29, 2020
Highly recommend this book as Mother Angelica shares great insight on life from a spiritual perspective. I really took my time reading through each chapter and made notes to help me keep grounded in the Faith.
February 24, 2018
A well written, straightforward and honest insight into the experience and beliefs of Mother Angelica.
November 15, 2019
Inspiring
I was a fan of Mother Angelica for many years. She has a delightful sense of humour and states it A she sees it.
I was a fan of Mother Angelica for many years. She has a delightful sense of humour and states it A she sees it.
January 14, 2021
Mother Angelica tells it like it is, sometimes with humor. Her words gave me much food for thought and were very inspirational. She helped me see some matters of faith in a different way.
August 21, 2021
Great read for all not just Catholics.
May 25, 2022
I have a paperback edition ordered as a gift from Amazon online ! I loved it !
September 3, 2022
Oh, how I love this woman, her wit, and her wisdom! Mother Angelica, pray for us.
May 7, 2023
Very good book. Mother Angelica is lovable, down to earth, and full of wisdom.
August 24, 2019
Mother Angelica of EWTN in life was a sister of the Franciscan order of the Poor Sisters of Saint Clare. She was a cloister nun for many years until Our Lord asked her to do something for him and that was to provide a platform to spread the good news. Today; in thirty-eight years, with the help of God and many good people; EWTN is global and it is everywhere. If you want to know something about Catholicism and live a good life tune in to EWTN. You might say that EWTN provides the truth, which will help you get to heaven. In addition, Mother Angelica took time to write a book that is entitled 'Answers, Not Promises.' Life as we know it can be difficult and many people look for solutions to their problems in all the wrong places. They also see and listen to the media; that make promises that will change our lives for the better. But in so many cases these are just empty promises and do not help us at all. This book on the other hand gives us answers to some of the mysteries and problems in our life. Mother Angelica’s book provides straight forward answers and solutions to life's puzzling problems. I strongly recommend it. Pick it up today and you will be glad you did. May God bless you all.
November 19, 2016
This is not a biography per se, but one of the most fascinating things about this book was the behind-the-scenes information on the creation of EWTN. I’d never seen Mother Angelica’s TV program, but after reading this book, I wish I’d watched! Her answers to viewer questions are full of common sense, and they’re blunt at times, but that bluntness is born of love and of the need to speak the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Feel free to skip around in this book and read what you need today–what you need tomorrow will be different. This book is a re-release of a 1987 publication; if you’re late to the Mother Angelica party (like I am) or missed this book the first time around, I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews