Customer Reviews

The Truth of Catholicism: Ten Controversies Explored

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

George Weigel has written a little masterpiece here. The Truth of Catholicism is a gem with a simple premise: accept an invitation to examine Catholicism from the inside and one might likely end up staying. Like Witness to Hope his authoritative biography of Pope John Paul II where Weigel successfully attempted to understand the Pope from the inside, Weigel here looks at the central principles and beliefs of Catholicism and how these radiate outwards to create a cohesive and compelling engagement with the world-in short he examines Catholicism from the inside.

One of the book's great gifts is the accessibility of the writing. I am always struck by how Weigel can take the complex and lengthy and render it understandable and concise. Weigel does not avoid the thorny issues either; rather, this book is about the thorny issues, about how Catholicism's primary convictions lead to convincing answers about the tough questions. Take for instance the often debated question of women's ordination. In just a few short pages, Weigel offers a persuasive answer to why the Catholic Church teaches that she cannot ordain women. (I will let you read the book to get his answer).

Truth of Catholicism is a great gift for inquiring minds of any or no faith. For those who are puzzled by the paradox of a person like Cardinal O'Connor who could be a forceful teacher of the Church's sexual doctrine while changing the bedpans of AIDS patients, this book explains that there is no paradox. Catholic Christianity when lived to its fullest does not lend itself to the neat labels of the secular press. The book is also a great read for the average Catholic who like me is the product of poor catechesis. In a short 180 pages, Weigel teaches more than one is likely to learn in most Catholic religious education programs over one's childhood and adolescence.

In short, I cannot recommend Weigel's book highly enough. It paints a picture of an intoxicating adventure-the adventure of Catholicism.

George Weigel presents ten controversies involving the truths of Catholicism in a highly persuasive and thoughtful manner. One example will illustrate how his approach sheds light on usually intractable and emotional issues. On the issue of priestly ordination of women, Weigel cogently points out that before getting into mutual recriminations, people should first consider the Catholic view of the ordained priesthood. It is not viewed as just another job or as just being a mere delegate of an assembly of Catholics. The priest is an icon of Christ who represents Christ the Bridegroom in his ministry to the laity. In Catholic understanding, the ordained priesthood is primarily sacramental, not functional. To fulfill that iconic and sacramental role, the Church reserves ordination to males.

By elucidating controversial issues in this manner, Weigel sheds light that can expose the unexamined assumptions that usually make useful discussion impossible.

This is a short book, and it is not comprehensive with respect to ALL of the issues which confront Catholic's today. It is not intended to be. Nonetheless, "The Truth of Catholicism : Ten Controversies Explored," provides a clear presentation and lucid, (relatively) easy-to-understand explanations of many of the controversies, problems and challenges facing the Catholic Church.

Unlike some books in the old-style apologetic tradition, this book presents the various topics with a reasoned prose so that the reader understands not only WHAT the position of the church is, but the HOW and WHY the church holds its positions. As a result, both faithful Catholics and skeptics alike can develop a deeper understanding of the Church.

Mr. Weigel has written a fine synthesis of Catholic teaching, which is not an easy task. His book is not too long; it's easy to read and very informative.

Weigel's book has two distinct advantages that might set it apart from some others. First, Weigel is a layman, rather than a priest or religious. This removes the appearance of self-interest and marks it as a labor of love. Second, Weigel doesn't address individual issues at length, but tries to convey the Catholic "big picture". He shows that being Catholic involves every aspect of one's life, and not just what we believe, what we don't believe, how we practice our faith, and so forth. (He does address a number of individual issues, but none of them at length. Instead, he situates them within the bigger picture.)

Weigel's book is an invitation. It is neither triumphalistic nor condescending. A sincere non-Catholic seeker will find food for thought here. Mr. Weigel has done the Church a great service.

An excellent book that directly and succinctly explains many issues at the heart of Christianity today....and one that doesn't water down matters. To the reviewers who feel snubbed by Weigel's work I would suggest you re-read the book. As a Christian I didn't perceive any arrogance in his 'apologia'.
Perhaps some Catholics have a mistaken understanding (or under appreciation) of the Church as the Bride of Christ. This would go for many non-Catholic Christians as well. However, this is most likely attributable to our age's poverty when it comes to appreciating all things transcendent. This book is well worth a read, and frankly, a re-read and reflection. And if you liked this book, Weigel's other works, consider his biography of JP2 'Witness to Hope' and his 'Courage to be Catholic'. Weigel is one of the most approachable and competent Catholic apologist on the scene today, as is Peter Kreeft.

This book is a quite simply an invitation to view a variety of controversial issues from a Catholic perspective rather than the popular view outside the Church. In much the same manner as stained glass appears differently on a sunny day depending on whether one is outside or inside a church, so with Catholic thought. A sampling: "God in search of us is not just an example of religion. It is not another episode in spirituality. It is, the Catholic Church proposes, nothing less than the truth of the world." A great Christmas present for yourself or anyone you know, now or any time during the year.

This is a wonderful and compelling introduction to Catholicism. In that sense it does not exactly begin a new literary style. However, it has the interest of presenting the theme in a very contemporary and clear language. The book can be interesting to the agnostic looking for a clear, short enough and understandable book about the issue. It can also be useful to catholics looking for new ways to present the Faith.

|
Are you a lapsed Catholic?

Do you ever wonder why Catholics believe what they believe?

Want to learn a lot about Catholicism but don't have the time to do a lot of reading?

If yes, then get this book.

This is an excellent short book, each chapter takes an issue and cuts to the heart of the matter.

Weigel is a master scholar and worth having in your home.

Would give 10 stars if they had them!

As a cradle Catholic, I've often pondered the reasoning and roots of my church's many theological standards. As a contemporary Christian, I've sought ways to explain my church to non Catholics and non believers. Mr. Weigel offers me a remarkably readable work that enables me to experience the full depth of joy in Catholic teachings and to explain them to others as never before. I recommend this work to anyone who is curious or serious about what the Catholic church really teaches - not the people who've run the church for centuries, but the faith itself. This is a truly remarkable and rich resource for Catholics and non Catholics alike.

Weigel's book is very timely. Catholics are constantly asked questions regarding their faith by those who are attacking the faith and by those who are simply interested. This book covers ten essential current event happens in the Church and gives the reader great information and insight as to the reasoning behind the actions of the Church.
The format is very readable and "user friendly". It is a book you would not hestitate to give to a friend, as it explains things clearly. It is firm in the Catholic stance, but it never talks down to the potential non-catholic reader. Weigel's compassion and understanding of the human condition are evident from the first sentence, leading the inquizative reader through what could be misunderstood as a jungle of Catholic double-talk, with the ease of a seasoned guide. Showing the reasonableness of why Catholics do what they do
Get as many of these as you can, and hand them out. In today's world of people believing that there are no good reasons to believe in anything, this book not only gives the reasons, but shines the light on where to get them.