First Comes Love: Finding Your Family in the Church and the Trinity

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Scott Hahn has the rare ability to explain the essential teachings of Catholicism in a totally accessible manner. Rather than burdening the reader with difficult or arcane references and arguments, he writes of familiar feelings and situations and allows the theology to unfold naturally. In First Comes Love, Hahn turns his attention to the search for a sense of belonging, revealing the intimate connection between the families men and women create on earth and the divine family, the Holy Trinity.

Delving into the Gospels, Hahn shows that family terminology--words like brother, sister, mother, father, and home--dominates Jesus' speech and the writings of His first followers, and that these very words illuminate Christianity's central ideas. As he explores the fatherhood of God, the marriage of the Church to Christ, and the all-enveloping role of the Holy Spirit, Hahn deepens readers' understanding of the sacraments, teaches them how to create a family life in the image of the Trinity, and demonstrates the ways in which the analogy of the family applies to every aspect of Catholicism and its practices--from the role of "father" embodied by the ancient patriarchs and contemporary parish priests, to the comfort and guidance offered by the brothers and sisters who comprise the Communion of Saints, to the nurturing embrace of Mary, the mother of all Christians.

Through real-life examples (both humorous and compassionate) and quotations drawn from the Scriptures, Hahn makes it clear that no matter what sort of family readers come from--no matter what sort of "dysfunction" they have experienced--they can find a family in the Church. Reaching out to newcomers and to lifelong Christians alike, First Comes Love is an invitation to discover a true home in the divine.

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 19,2006

About the author

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Dr. Scott Hahn was born in 1957, and has been married to Kimberly since 1979. He and Kimberly have six children and are expecting their twelfth grandchild. An exceptionally popular speaker and teacher, Dr. Hahn has delivered numerous talks nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics related to Scripture and the Catholic faith. Hundreds of these talks have been produced on audio and videotapes by St. Joseph Communications. His talks have been effective in helping thousands of Protestants and fallen away Catholics to (re)embrace the Catholic faith.

He is currently a Professor of Theology and Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he has taught since 1990, and is the founder and director of the Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology. In 2005, he was appointed as the Pope Benedict XVI Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Hahn is also the bestselling author of numerous books including The Lamb's Supper, Reasons to Believe, and Rome Sweet Home (co-authored with his wife, Kimberly). Some of his newest books are Many Are Called, Hope for Hard Times, The Catholic Bible Dictionary, and Signs of Life.

Scott received his Bachelor of Arts degree with a triple-major in Theology, Philosophy and Economics from Grove City College, Pennsylvania, in 1979, his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1982, and his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology from Marquette University in 1995. Scott has ten years of youth and pastoral ministry experience in Protestant congregations (in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Kansas and Virginia) and is a former Professor of Theology at Chesapeake Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1982 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia. He entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, 1986.


Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 41 votes)
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41 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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Love Scott Hahn!

Scott Hahn is an amazing individual who has had a profound impact on many people's lives. His work and teachings have inspired countless individuals to deepen their faith and understanding of the Catholic Church.

Hahn's journey to the Catholic Church is a remarkable one. He was initially a Protestant minister but through extensive study and prayer, he came to embrace the Catholic faith. His conversion story is not only inspiring but also serves as a testimony to the power of God's grace.

As a scholar and theologian, Hahn has made significant contributions to the field of Catholic theology. His books and lectures are widely read and listened to, providing valuable insights into the rich traditions and teachings of the Church.

Moreover, Hahn is known for his engaging and passionate speaking style. He has a unique ability to make complex theological concepts accessible and understandable to a wide audience. Whether it's in a large auditorium or a small parish gathering, Hahn has the gift of captivating his listeners and leaving them with a sense of inspiration and renewal.

In conclusion, Scott Hahn is a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. His love for God and his dedication to sharing the truth of the faith have touched the lives of many. We are truly blessed to have him as a teacher and a guide.

Love Scott Hahn!
July 14,2025
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Really, it is a truly great overview of God's covenantal and familial love for us, stretching from the very moment of creation all the way to today. Hahn has an extraordinary gift that truly makes the Sacred Scripture come alive and sing. The three persons in the Godhead, namely the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, form an eternal family. This divine family serves as a perfect example for us, showing us precisely how we should behave within our own families. It gives us a model to follow, a guide to help us understand the depth and significance of love, respect, and unity within the family unit. By looking to the Godhead, we can strive to create families that are filled with love, kindness, and a sense of purpose.

July 14,2025
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Scott Hahn conducts a truly original study on the Holy Trinity.

He is extremely attached to the Scriptures and has a fabulous pedagogy.

His work delves deep into the mysteries of the Holy Trinity, exploring its significance and implications in a way that is both engaging and enlightening.

With his in-depth knowledge of the Scriptures, Hahn is able to draw out profound insights and present them in a way that is accessible to a wide range of audiences.

His pedagogy is not only effective in communicating complex theological concepts but also in inspiring a deeper love and understanding of the Holy Trinity.

Overall, Scott Hahn's study on the Holy Trinity is a remarkable contribution to the field of theology and is well worth exploring for anyone interested in learning more about this fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith.
July 14,2025
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Scott Hahn is truly remarkable when it comes to elucidating the Catholic faith.

He has a unique ability to present complex theological concepts in a way that is accessible, even if at times, for some of us, it may seem a bit beyond our immediate comprehension.

I have found this particular book of his to be the most comprehensible among all the ones I have read on the subject.

It really challenges and stretches the boundaries of my thinking.

However, there are still a few areas where my mind struggles to fully embrace the new ideas he has put forward.

One such area is related to the Holy Spirit.

There are certain aspects of the Holy Spirit that I simply cannot quite get my head around.

Interestingly, Hahn is not the only one who has shared these particular thoughts with me.

It seems that this is a topic that many find difficult to fully understand and grapple with.

Nonetheless, Hahn's work has been invaluable in my journey to better understand the Catholic faith.

His insights and explanations have opened my eyes to many new and profound ideas, and I look forward to continuing to explore and learn more from his writings.

July 14,2025
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What an amazing book! There are several aspects that I truly adored and wanted to share with you.

First of all, the profound statement on page 24: “Yet it seems that God built us all to live in a much larger family, to experience a much larger love…. a love that extends infinitely.” This really makes us think about the vastness of God's love.

On page 52, it is said that “Once He has revealed Himself, then matters become clearer.” This emphasizes the importance of God's revelation in our understanding.

The description on page 75 about creation, “Creation in its fullness includes a moment at which nature dies to itself and roses again, at which first movement of life flows back upon its source and rises again,” is truly beautiful and thought-provoking.

Page 91 states, “This meal is unmistakably the Real Presence of Jesus Christ: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.” It highlights the significance of the Eucharist.

The words on page 137, “It is the Blessed Virgin, then, who opens our view onto the eternal life of the Spirit——even as she manifests the Body to which the Spirit gives life: the Church,” give us a deeper understanding of the role of the Blessed Virgin.

Finally, on page 156, it mentions, “Appropriately enough,we can discern three stages in our Christian life: vocation, probation, and oblation——God’s call,our response, and our offering.” Overall, this book has done an excellent job of presenting what the church believes. I really loved the great use of Scripture and quotes from Saints. It has truly enriched my spiritual journey. ✔️
July 14,2025
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The text "Provides amazing insights into the house of God, especially in the context of a family!" offers a fascinating perspective. It delves deep into the significance of the house of God within the framework of a family.

This exploration likely uncovers the unique role that the house of God plays in strengthening family bonds, providing spiritual guidance, and serving as a source of inspiration.

Perhaps it reveals how the family can come together in the house of God to worship, learn, and grow in their faith.

It may also shed light on how the values and teachings imparted in the house of God can be applied within the family unit, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling family life.

Overall, this text seems to offer a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the intersection of the house of God and the family, making it a valuable topic for further study and reflection.
July 14,2025
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Hahn presents a profound and beautiful perspective on where all our anxieties, worries, and insecurities ultimately find their resting place.

She emphasizes that it is in the knowledge that Our Father loves us as His children. This simple yet powerful truth has the potential to bring a sense of peace and comfort in the midst of life's uncertainties.

When we are burdened with the weight of our concerns, it can be easy to feel lost and alone. However, by turning to the love of Our Father, we can find a source of strength and stability.

This love is unconditional and unwavering, always there to support us through the good times and the bad.

Hahn's words serve as a gentle reminder that we are never truly alone, and that there is always a higher power looking out for us.

By resting in the knowledge of His love, we can begin to let go of our fears and embrace the present moment with confidence and hope.
July 14,2025
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Extended mind games can have a profound impact on our lives. As brothers and sisters, we are animated by the breath and spirit of God. We face a choice between the fear of the Lord and pride. Perfect love and justice should guide our actions. When we die, our virtues will remain. We should not choose gifts over the giver and settle for too little. Instead, we should strive for a more perfect life. Wisdom in friendship is a pure delight, and knowledge and loving go hand in hand. The spirit of truth, which is the Holy Spirit, can help us grow in happiness through self-giving. By helping others, we not only bring joy to their lives but also find fulfillment within ourselves. Let us embrace these principles and live a life that is full of meaning and purpose.

We should constantly seek to expand our minds and grow in our understanding of God and His ways. This will enable us to make better choices and live a life that is pleasing to Him. Through extended mind games, we can challenge ourselves and push the boundaries of our knowledge and understanding. Let us not be afraid to step out of our comfort zones and explore new ideas and concepts. In doing so, we will discover the true potential that lies within us and be able to make a positive impact on the world around us.
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