THE
Cognitive
Resonance
Workbook
Coming January 2025
This workbook attempts to assist the reader in integrating faith and life. Rooted in traditional Church teaching, it aims to encourage thoughtful engagement with diverse issues in a world fraught with polarization and politicization. It seeks to restore a deep sense of understanding about the timeless beauty that authentic faith offers, distinct from historically conditioned, high-control religion.
Ways to Use This Workbook
From a Reader
Provided By Maria Windley-Daoust
Advance Reviewer
Careful Consideration for Topics that are Easily Misinterpreted in Harmful Ways
This workbook has a wonderful delicacy in handling sensitive distinctions, such as the careful line drawn between “penance” and “the shame of self-rejection.” Topics that could easily be misinterpreted in harmful ways are given the careful consideration they need, which is often sorely lacking!
Thorough and Insightful Explanation of Boundaries
I love the section on boundaries! Such a thorough and insightful explanation of what boundaries are and how to set them (along with what they are not). I find this is a really important lesson, but one that isn’t often intentionally taught, so this is a great resource.
Respectful and Non-Judgmental Attitude that Encourages Critical Thinking
The biggest strength of this workbook is the respect and non-judgmental attitude it approaches its audience with. It seems clearly written not as a series of instructions and rules, but as a guide encouraging the reader to think critically about their beliefs and morals. Psychologically, this is a revelation that most teens and young adults deal with. This workbook seems keenly aware of that in its tone and framing. Sticking with that respectful, invitational attitude will make the reader respect and trust this book much more.
Willing to Give a Deeper, More Nuanced Understanding of Issues
Another strength of this workbook is the thoroughness and nuance taken with every issue the book tackles. This workbook stands out because it’s willing to give its audience a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the topics it covers, creating the space to engage with the topics on a deeper level. Taking the time to explore topics more thoroughly also adds to the respectful tone the workbook already has—respecting the complexity of the questions and ideas the reader grapples with.
workbook reference material
other major sources
A Word From The Author
This is the work of a self-educated mother, not a theologian or a psychotherapist. I first intended this as a high school course for my children, and it is their personalities, families, experiences that I had in mind. As it began to take shape, I realized that others might also find it helpful, and wanted to offer it to the greater community. Please, use what is helpful, but engage it with the lens of your own experiences and your own observations. Consult trusted professionals when necessary. This is a first step into navigating practical situations, and it cannot possibly account for every situation or perspective.
This work presupposes Biblical and magisterial teaching in its entirety, and it presumes the reader is already familiar with Church teaching. Thus, rather than focusing on particulars of doctrines, this workbook was an attempt to establish a basic framework to help the reader logically incorporate these teachings in a cohesive and consistent manner in all areas of life.
Some sections require access to a Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America by Pope John Paul II. Both are available for free online and linked above.
More from Amy Grey
55 Pages | To J.D. and Guillaume
This is an overview of the personal reasons for my faith and a listing of the major intellectual struggles I’ve had to work through. This work was started in response to two men on an evolution forum who had asked me honestly why I believed in God. It pains me that I did not finish it before losing their contact information.
10 pages
This is an intellectual exercise in synthesizing fundamental realities, including evolution, quantum physics, philosophy of nature, and biblical religion. While clearly out of my depth, Harebrained describes the way my brain processes the tensions between these different fields and explores how they might intersect.