September 8, 2010

Book offers fun facts and figures on everything Catholic

By John Gleason

Oh sure, everyone knows who the first pope was, but can you name the second pope?  Which was the first pope to use the title “Bishop of Rome”?  What breakfast dish, dating from the 18th century, was named for Pope Benedict XIII? 

OK, the last one is pretty easy, but for those who love trivia and want to learn more about their faith, a new book called “Ultimate Catholic Trivia: 1,001 Fun and Fascinating Facts” could be just what they need.

The book is divided into eight categories dealing with everything from saints and sacraments to holy days, religious orders and Bible facts.  Author Scott Paul Frush, a self-proclaimed history-buff and trivia expert who writes from his home in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., told the Denver Catholic Register the book was truly a labor of love.

“I’ve published eight books,” he said. “This is my third trivia book.  I’ll admit trivia is more enjoyable to write; it strengthens your knowledge of the topic and is just plain fun.”

In addition to the questions, “Ultimate Catholic Trivia” contains a chronological timeline of Church history, detailed accounts of key events in Catholic history, quotes from pioneering Catholics, a map of Vatican City and a complete list of the 265 men who have sat on the throne of St. Peter.

Frush said there is just something about a trivia book that brings people together.

“The number one reason people buy my trivia books is to give as gifts,” he said.  “If it’s a subject people are interested in, they’ll want to test their knowledge and learn more about the topic.”

Frush began work on the book three years ago but had to set the project aside and finish a book on Republican trivia before the 2008 elections took place.

It took 14 months to complete “Ultimate Catholic Trivia” but for all the information contained in it, Frush said he could have been much bigger.

“There was a great deal of ground to cover and condense into bite-size portions,” he said.  “There is so much about the Church, so many fascinating things that could have been included.”

Published last October, Frush said that sales have been good with a substantial number of inquiries coming from religious education teachers interested in using the book in their classrooms.  He said he is pleased with the response and that he doesn’t know what his next project will be.

“In my head there are a hundred books I want to write,” he said. “I might want to work on a book on the Catholic faith, its history or chronicle of achievements—I’m not sure just yet.”

Frush isn’t closing the door either on the possibility of an “Ultimate Catholic Trivia: Book 2” either. 

Oh, and the answers to the questions? The second pontiff was Pope Linus (67-76 A.D.). St. Siricius (384 – 399 A.D.) was the first pontiff to use the title “Bishop of Rome.” Regarding the breakfast named for Pope Benedict XIII—if you really don’t have a guess, you’ll just have to buy the book.

BOOK
Title: “Ultimate Catholic Trivia: 1,001 Fun and Fascinating Facts”
Author: Scott Paul Frush
Publisher: Marshall Rand (Royal Oak, Mich., 2009) $9.95
Available: www.amazon.com