Why Be Catholic?: Understanding Our Experience and Tradition [Paperback]

Richard Rohr (Author), Joseph Martos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 1990

The authors answer the question, Why Be Catholic? fairly and squarely, showing a deep appreciation about what is good in Catholicism and a penetrating honesty about the Church's shortcomings. Rohr and Martos also examine what it means to be Catholic in the United States today. Finally, to answer the title question in a more personal way, they present portraits of some outstanding Catholics, especially those we call saints, who have found personal fulfillment by living their faith to the utmost.

After reading this book, you will appreciate more fully the unique heritage of the Catholic Church. You will understand how its magnificent tradition enriches the lives of Catholics today and propels the ever-changing Church into the 21st century and third millennium. A popular resource for RCIA, evangelization and religious education.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The book should help every thinking Catholic. It would also make a good RCIA resource as well as a blockbuster stimulus for discussions. --Book Nook, Pecos Benedictine

About the Author

Franciscan priest Richard Rohr is founding director of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He considers the proclamation of the gospel to be his primary call, and the related themes he addresses include eco-spirituality, Scripture as liberation, non-dual thought, the integration of action and contemplation, peace and justice issues, and male spirituality. Author of numerous books, including Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality and Preparing for Christmas With Richard Rohr: Daily Meditations for Advent, he gives retreats and lectures internationally. He is a regular contributing writer for Sojourners and Tikkun magazines.

Joseph Martos, retired professor of philosophy, theology and religious studies, has written eight books, four with Richard Rohr. A recognized expert on the sacraments and spirituality, he has lectured widely, including in Canada, Australia and Europe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 146 pages
• Publisher: St. Anthony Messenger Press (January 5, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867161019
• ISBN-13: 978-0867161014
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book, June 10, 1999

By 

D. J. Santone (San Ramon, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Why Be Catholic?: Understanding Our Experience and Tradition (Paperback)

I read this book 6 years ago, when I was considering becoming a Catholic. It answered many questions I had about the Church, and was a positive factor in my decision to convert to Catholicism. I liked the fact that it explains the direct lineage from the Church founded by Jesus, and is honest about both the great things the Church has been and done, and the times when the Catholic Church and Hierarchy have made big mistakes. I highly recommend it, and am ordering another copy to replace one I loaned out and never got back!

63 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Flawed but thoughtful without defensiveness, January 21, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (West Caldwell, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Be Catholic?: Understanding Our Experience and Tradition (Paperback)

Whether you're wondering about coming, staying or going, this book will remind you why anyone would want to be Catholic. The authors give a clear and coherent explanation of many commonly misunderstood facets of the Church, including celibacy and the papacy, but the unique virtues of this book lie in its discussions of the Church today. Especially good are the sections on spirituality, ethnic Catholicism, and community. After reading the first two chapters, I had written countless marginal notes in the vein of "Yes, this is me," or "How true!" However, these marks became less laudatory in the section on women in the Church. Despite attempts at inclusivity, the authors betray sexist stereotypes of women as passive and men as power-hungry. I found these generalizations did not match my experiences in the Church and was rather offended to see the contributions of women, both lay and religious, glossed over in favor of the hierarchy. Also, the description of the Church as being feminine but hiding it well would certainly not encourage me toward Catholicism. The final chapter of saints is tantalizingly terse. I would have appreciated more detailed sketches of fewer people, but it does open up many avenues for exploration of the Church's past. In total, I would recommend this book to all the people who have asked me why I am Catholic, because the first half really gets at the heart of the mystery and service of the Church, but I would suggest they skim over the masculine/feminine dichotomy.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Honest Look at Catholicism..., January 27, 2001

By 

"lisa_k" (MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Be Catholic?: Understanding Our Experience and Tradition (Paperback)

I was impressed by the way this book looks honestly at both the postive aspects of being Catholic and the "shadow" side. Reading it reinforced for me all the good reasons to be Catholic, reaffirming for me my decision to profess my faith in the Catholic Church some years ago. I am presently serving as Coordinator of Catholic Campus Ministry in a small university, and often have students (both Catholic and non) that have questions about the Catholic faith. I plan to have several copies of this book on hand to loan them. I will highly recommend it to those thinking of leaving their Catholic faith!