Customer Reviews

Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith

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When defining Catholicism, many first turn to its unique practices and characters--the Mass, the sacraments, Mary, priests, and the Pope. Others point to its intellectual traits--its distinctive apologetics, theology, and philosophy.

In his new book, Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith (Image, hardcover, 304 pages), Fr. Robert Barron explores these typical characteristics but doesn't stop there. He looks through many more lenses to reveal the core of Catholicism.

Barron is not just concerned with what's good and true about the Catholic tradition but also what's beautiful. The Catholic faith is not just a matter of the mind and the soul but of the body and the senses. Therefore if we want to fully understand "the Catholic thing", we need to gaze on art, history, culture, music, literature, and architecture:

"In order to grasp (Catholicism) more fully, we have to read the Gospels, the Epistles of Paul, the Confessions of St. Augustine, the Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas, The Divine Comedy of Dante, Saint John of the Cross' Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Story of a Soul of Therese of Lisieux, among many other texts. But we also have to look and listen.

We must consult the Cathedral of Chartres, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Arena Chapel, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Grunewald's Crucifixion in the Isenheim Altarpiece, the soaring melodies of Gregorian chant, the Masses of Mozart, and the motets of Palestrina."

In his Catholicism book, as well as in his epic ten-part film series with the same name, that's exactly what Barron does. Over the last five years he's traveled to more than fifty locations from Rome to Jerusalem to India to Poland to highlight the Catholic tradition in all of its splendor, richness, texture, and genius. The film series will debut in October on PBS stations across the country, but the Catholicism book will be available in September.

To be blunt, this is simply the best book on Catholicism I've ever read. And I've read a lot of them. Without hyperbole, I can say that this will now be the first book I'll recommend to anyone exploring the Catholic faith.

Barron is a systematic theologian at heart, and Catholicism presents a complete tapestry of God and his Church. The book touches upon every facet of Catholicism--Jesus, the apostles, Mary, the Church, the saints, prayer, the sacraments, and more.

The content in the book aligns very closely with the scripts from the film series. In fact the book devotes one chapter to each episode in the series. But since "the medium is the message", the book communicates Barron's content differently than the documentary does.

For instance, one of the most complex chapters concerns the existence and character of God. It's titled "That Than Which Nothing Greater Can Be Thought", an allusion to St. Anselm's famous ontological argument. In the film series, Barron's dense philosophical arguments can be tough to track. Moving fast they can fade behind the stunning visuals. But the text in the book makes it easy to read slowly and grasp each concept before moving on (it also lets you flip back if you want a refresher.)

On the other hand, having seen large chunks of the film series, the book can't compete with the film's astonishing images and music. The book does include more than one hundred black-and-white photos along with an eight-page color insert. But in the film, Barron's words are illumined as you see the very places, culture, and artwork he is speaking about.

When he explains the Incarnation, for example, he doesn't just present his image of a strange baby King who thwarts the violent Roman Empire--he stands at the site of the Nativity. He doesn't just describe the vibrant celebration of the Ugandan martyrs--he takes you to Africa so you can see the tribal excitement for yourself. So while the book makes it easier to digest the more complex material, it does lack the visual and audible flair of the film series.

Those familiar with Fr. Barron's other materials will quickly recognize his favorite themes in this book. For instance, the "loop of grace" and the non-violent, non-competitive nature of God are seen throughout. And his chapter on the saints, one of the book's most exhilarating, recalls material from The Priority of Christ.

In this chapter he profiles four holy women--a not so subtle reply to those who accuse the Church of being anti-feminist. Therese of Lisieux, Katherine Drexel, Edith Stein, and Mother Teresa exemplify what Barron calls "elevated virtue" and they let us taste the wildly diverse community of saints.

Barron also applies his characteristic intelligence and artistry to the peculiar teachings of Jesus, the missionary zeal of Peter and Paul, the central importance of Mary, the riches of Catholic spirituality, and even death, judgment, heaven, and hell.

Catholicism closes with a grand crescendo, climbing and trumpeting toward one of the most stirring conclusions I've ever read. The whole book flows similarly to Dante's Divine Comedy. When you finish Catholicism, just like finishing Dante's Paradiso, your soul is left soaring.

Ultimately, Catholicism stands as Barron's magnum opus, the culmination of his life's work so far. Which means it's the best work from one of the world's best theologians, a monumental gift to the Church. RCIA programs across the country should adopt the book as a foundational text, and through Word on Fire's own study program, parishes should use the film series and book to reignite the passion of their flock.

One reviewer described the book and film series as "the most vivid catechism ever created." And I think he's right. This will go down as the greatest catechetical tool of our generation, the premier, single-volume book on Catholicism.

In a culture hungry for truth, Catholicism offers answers. To people searching for goodness, it provides the path toward sainthood. In a world desperate for beauty, this book ravishes.


If you're a Catholic, get this book and discover the radiance of your faith.

If you're not a Catholic, get this book and glimpse the Church's splendor, maybe for the first time.

If you know a young person, an RCIA candidate, or a fallen away Catholic burned out by religion, let this book spark new wonder.


Whoever you are, and for whoever you know, buy this book. I simply can't give it a higher recommendation.

In his book, Catholicism -- A Journey to the Heart of Faith, Fr. Robert Barron has dug deep into the treasure of Catholic thought. He articulates the Catholic approach and perspective to Christianity extremely well, explaining the multitude of ways...art and architecture, liturgical practices, sacraments and saints, great theologians, and so on that can lead us to an understanding of God.

No book on Catholicism would be complete without a discussion of the two uniquely Catholic concepts: The Mass and Mary. Each has a full chapter devoted to it. He follows the steps, symbolism and meaning of the Mass in great detail and addresses what he calls fallen mankind's solitary boast, Mary, the Mother of God.

There are two recurring themes in the book, both of which I found to be insightful. The first of these is the noncompetitive nature God. On the surface, simple logic leads one to realize that God has no reason to be jealous of the feeble little creatures He created. However, the idea is seldom articulated as well as Father Barron has done. The second idea is equally subtle. So much so, in fact, that it has been reduced to the trite expression, "God is love." We so often say it, but never plumb the depth of its meaning and implications. I also enjoyed his discussion of the Communion of Saints and the individuals he chose to illustrate God's hand working in human lives.

In the first chapter Barron says that he hasn't written "a plodding theological study" and the rest of the book delivers on that promise. Though Catholicism draws from the great reservoir of Catholic theological writings, it never becomes dry and inaccessible. I highly recommend this interesting and educational book to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Fr Barron's work is a masterpiece. It is accessible for someone looking to understand the historic Catholic Church better. It is inspirational for someone looking at the Catholic Church seriously, whether they are already Catholic or considering a journey to the Catholic Church. More than those, it is an excellent outline for a lifetime of study of the fullness of the Christian faith and the Church founded by Jesus.
The book documents the foundations, Traditions, traditions, works, trials and history of the Catholic Church in the whole world. Fr Barron presents an excellent introduction to classical education to a world that is technically educated, but culturally illiterate, educated by mediocre music and tv sitcoms.
If you read this book, chapter by chapter and delve into the original sources for each of the subjects Fr Barron presents, you will come out a better educated, analytical person with a broad understanding of western and eastern civilization, history and philosophy, art and architecture as well as the basics of the Catholic faith.
Excellent resource for RCIA, Church History, Western Civilization, Philosophy and art.

Must have this book to go along with watching the series on TV; great for cradle Catholics, reverts and those curious about Catholicism. Fr. Barron is a refreshing and engaging presenter, DO NOT MISS THIS!

I found this book to be very interesting, informative, and beautiful. I'm a "cradle Catholic", but I would certainly recommend this book to anyone that finds history, philosophy, theology, or art history interesting. This is a perfect Christmas gift. I'm really looking forward to seeing CATHOLICISM on public television!

Through his excellent website (Word on Fire), sermons, YouTube videos, lectures, recorded retreats, and many books (both popular and scholarly), Fr. Robert Barron has emerged as one of the most effective, likeable, and gifted Catholic commentators alive today. He has a talent for explaining the core elements of the Catholic faith in the clearest and most engaging way possible, as quick to quote Bob Dylan as Thomas Aquinas or G. K. Chesterton. One often hears comparisons between Fr. Barron and the great Fulton Sheen, and while the comparison may not apply in terms of style I would certainly agree where the substance of their teaching is concerned. Inspired by Sir Kenneth Clark's 1969 BBC series Civilisation, Fr. Barron set out some years ago to do something similar for the Catholic faith, believing that the story of the Catholic Church is being told by too many people who are getting it wrong on a number of levels. His DVD series and this companion book are the grand and glorious result, a labor of love by one who loves the Catholic faith and wants as many people as possible to understand it in its fullness. There is much to commend the DVD series, but I think what really sets it apart -- aside from the glorious visuals and the contemporary spins on traditional music -- is that Fr. Barron refuses to water down the intellectual riches of the Catholic faith in an effort to appeal to a wider audience. This is no dumbed-down Catholicism, and yet it's not the least bit stuffy or dry. If you want a real boost for yourself, or if you have always looked for a good resource to share with your non-Catholic friends or family, look no further than this book, which offers expanded versions of the texts he uses on the DVD series. It is best read alongside the DVD series.

Fr. Robert Barron communicates the truth and beauty of Catholicism in a fascinating way which is clear, concise, honest and respectful of a large audience. I have the book on Kindle and also the DVD set. It is not necessary to have both, but is is a delight to have both venues. His love for the Catholic Faith is obvious and this is communicated well throughout. It is wonderful to see our Faith as it began at the Incarnation of God in Mary and through the years of the public life of Jesus and as it continues throughout history. I also purchased 2 hardback books to give as gifts!

Although Fr. Barron clearly, as the title itself indicates, intended this book to be an introduction to Catholicism, I think that what he has written here is an excellent introduction to Christianity as a whole. And I say that in spite of the two swipes (on pages 3 and 164) he takes at the Orthodox Church, of which I myself am a member. Other than perhaps his understanding of the interrelations of the three divine persons in the Trinity, which seems to be based largely around the filioque, and, of course, his discourse on papal infallibility, there was hardly a thing I could find with which I disagreed. In fact, that may be the greatest message that I took away from the book, probably contrary to Fr. Barron's desires: that perhaps East and West aren't so different after all.

Fr. Barron is, in turns, poetic and intellectual throughout the book. His initial descriptions of the Incarnation (pages 9-10) and the liturgy (pages 172-4), for instance, are so beautiful they could easily become verse. And his discussion of God (chapter 3), for example, wonderfully breaks down very difficult and rather heady concepts in language that anyone can understand. Adding to the beauty of the book are the black and white photographs of some of the most beautiful sites in Christendom sprinkled throughout the book and the wonder-evoking set of color photographs in the center.

Also contributing to the excellence of this book are the numerous short quotations, bits of wisdom, and anecdotes sprinkled throughout. For these, Fr. Barron draws especially heavily on modern Christian thinkers like Paul Tillich, Thomas Merton, and Edith Stein, giving us a presentation of a Christianity that has grappled with the great problems of the modern and postmodern world and its thought as encapsulated by such figures as Marx and Freud (whom Fr. Barron references specifically). In course, he demonstrates to the reader that Christianity is not the medieval superstition and antiquated silliness some would like to paint it as, but it continues to be what it has always been: the Truth, the way to Life from the realm of unbecoming.

I recommend this book as an introduction to Christianity for the newcomer and an engaging refresher for the experienced - with a uniquely but not exclusively Catholic flavor. I especially recommend that all Catholics have a read of this book.

As the title implies, this book takes the reader directly to the center of the Catholic faith, Jesus. Fr. Barron illuminates sacred traditions and teachings for both the learned and the curious. It will be difficult to finish this book and not have a new found confidence as a Catholic or an abiding respect if one is not.

Outstanding book and series!!! I knew it would be great because when Father Barron presides at Mass the church is always packed!!! He is a great theologian and speaker, Jesus could not have chosen a more talented priest to preach His message of love to all of humanity!!! I reread the book frequently and watch the series often, I particularly enjoy the chapters on the saints, A Vast Company of Witnesses where he profiles Edith Stein and Mother Teresa. Also, the spirituality of Thomas Merton and St. John of the Cross is explored in Chapter 9, The Fire of His Love!!!! This series is a Catholic Classic that can be enjoyed by Catholics and non Catholics ,all people of deep spiritual longing will take something positive with them after viewing this series and reading the book!!!