Letter & Spirit, Vol. 1: Reading Salvation: Word, Worship, and the Mysteries

by Scott Hahn (editor), David Scott (Editor)

A publication of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology in Steubenville, Ohio, "Letter & Spirit" is a new journal of Catholic biblical theology which seeks to foster a deeper conversation about the Bible. In light of the advancements of the last century in recapturing the historical and literary context of Scripture, "Letter & Spirit" embraces the challenge of the next century--linking the scientific study of Scripture to its liturgical sense in the Church's living tradition.

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Faith

183 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

Scott 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.

Reviews

[Josef Muench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 1 was excellent. This is a much-appreciated attempt (and a successful one) at serious and thoughtful Biblical scholarship from within the Church rather than "the academy." I appreciated the wide range of essays as well within the unified theme of the volume, including a reproduction of some sage advice for students of the Scriptures from Hugh of St. Victor. I look forward to reading the rest of these volumes if they come anywhere near the introductory one.

[Dim Bulb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this collection journal several years ago and have been purchasing subsequent volumes since then.