Made for More is a 2008 book by Curtis Martin. Despite its Catholic focus, Made for More is actually focused on young Catholics, so it can best be described as a self-help book. Because Made for More is only 128 pages long, it can be read quickly. Though Made for More is full of a great deal of information. This is a great book to give teens who need truthful answers to the key questions. Made for More is also useful for those looking for a basic defense of Catholicism. As such, Made for More should appeal very broadly, though it will be of most interest to Catholics. Would you find Made for More interesting?
Made for More Summary
Curtis Martin begins Made for More with Jesus saying, “Who do you say that I am?” He uses the same logic as great Catholic writers such as C.S. Lewis in Made for More Martin challenges the notions that Jesus could possibly be anything other than what He claims, the Son of God. Jesus either has to be God or a liar, lunatic, or a criminal. Martin shows why the three not possible, leaving us the conclusion: that Jesus is God.
Curtis also writes about the historical evidence in a fashion similar to the well-known Protestant author Josh McDowell in The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Martin writes about the resurrection and the validity of the Bible. Two important reasons that make us confident in the teaching handed down by the church.
Being a Catholic, Curtis goes beyond McDowell and other Protestant apologists to provide evidence for the Catholic Church and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Martin concludes Made for More with his own conversion story, which is inspirational. This story is relevant both to Catholics and non-Catholics.
Martin was brought up in a Catholic family. He experienced all the rites of passage as other Catholic children, but they did not make a difference. When in college, Martin started to read the Bible seriously. After making friends with some Evangelical students, Martin rejected Catholicism. Nevertheless, he continued to read Scripture. Martin began to see passages that could be understood in a Catholic context. By following this path, he found his way to the Catholic Church. Imagine that a convert to Catholicism is an author.
The Things Catholic Parishes Do to Help Young People
Catholic parishes target youngsters as the church realizes that the Youth is the future of the church. The first, and most important, bit of youth targeting, is the sacrament of confirmation. The right of initiation typically is given to young people around the age of 13. Catholics believe that these young people are sealed with the Holy Spirit at confirmation. The youth get dressed up and the sacrament of confirmation is given to youth by a bishop.
Second, most parishes typically have Youth Groups. The Youth Group is made up of high school age children and they usually participate in variety of activities. Youth group tend to meet almost weekly and are often led by a relatively young adult who appeals to the high schoolers. The fact that the youth bond with friends. as is having a young, likeable leader. Important at this age.
Then there is typically a Young Adult Group for people between 18-35 years old. Young Adult groups meet for discussion, camaraderie and spiritual nourishment about once a month. About twice a year the Young Adult groups get together with groups at other parishes for something fun, like a dance.
Conclusion
Made for More is an important and inspirational book that is full a useful information. Though written for young Catholics, this book should apply to everyone. It is readable in an afternoon at just 128 pages long. The fact that it ends with the author’s conversion story is nice because it makes him relatable to the people reading the book.
