For three hours every weekday afternoon, Al Kresta hosts a nationally syndicated talk show that addresses political, educational, cultural, and religious concerns. Questions about Catholic beliefs that have come up on the show are the focus of his new book, which he describes as "a potpourri rather than a work of systematic theology." His responses include quotations from scripture, Church documents, and writers ranging from Pliney the Younger to St. Padre Pio.

Kresta, president and CEO of the Ave Maria Radio Network, has done graduate work in theology at both Catholic and Protestant seminaries. He brings that experience to bear with thought-provoking answers to more than 30 specific questions in five categories: teaching authority, salvation and sacraments; worship and devotion; hell; and the second coming. Certainly this is a good source of information for those outside the Church, but it also has much to offer practicing Catholics.

As a follow-up to his great basic apologetics book, "Why Do Catholics Genuflect," this book zeros in on some of the deeper questions many people have about the Catholic Church.

His answers to questions on topics such as the second coming, sin and salvation, salvation outside the church, and apparitions are not only enlightening but easy to follow and often humorous.

I have enjoyed Al Kresta's thoughts and insights on Ave Maria Radio for years, and now I can explore them more extensively and pass them on to friends and family in this great book.