Why Be Catholic? (Paperback)

~ William O'Malley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Regular readers of America, the Jesuit weekly, will recognize the witty wisdom of Father O'Malley. They will also understand the format of this text, which would be an invaluable resource for parish discussion groups. Catechists in need of straight answers for potential converts will be thankful for the list of questions that follow each chapter. In addition to being a commentary on basic dogma, the book furnishes a historical frame, which enhances context. O'Malley's familiarity with past and current culture enables him to introduce Catholicism to a society struggling with the manipulation of values and the difficulty of articulating spiritual questions. The lightness of his diction and the sureness of his tone put his readers at ease and explain his popularity. Gary Young

Product Description

This book is for those who are curious about God, or vaguely uncomfortable when they declare there is no God, and who are open to listening to an explanation of what Christian faith is, and to what the Catholic Church has to do with all of it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Crossroad Classic (September 25, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824513622
• ISBN-13: 978-0824513627
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #330,136 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thinking person's jaunt through life's important questions, April 14, 1998

By A Customer

Fr. O'Malley has set out to demonstrate that any belief system must answer the following questions:Why do human beings mess up? What is life for? Why do we have to die? He demonstrates how throughout human history, all societies have grappled with these questions and the belief systems they've held have had more or less success at answering these questions. As he traces the history of Judaism and then Christianity, he shows how Catholic Christian thought answers these questions thoroughly. At the same time, he acknowledges that any institution made up of humans will have faults and will swing back and forth across a balanced position. He explains what factors help keep Catholicism from swinging too far to either side, and what factors bring it back to the center and balanced point.If you like to think through what you believe and why, I think you will enjoy this book. Although it deals with philosophical subject matter, it is written in an easily understandable manner, with down to earth explanations to help explain metaphysical issues. I highly recommend this book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for someone wondering about Catholicism, September 14, 2000

By A Customer

If you have an interest in Catholicism but feel you need to know more about it and why it's different and special, then this is a great book for you. It is organized into readable, interesting chapters with thoughtful questions at the end. Though it works for beginners, I don't think it shirks the more difficult, intellectually stimulating issues. I got a lot out of it. Thanks Father O'Malley!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Honest, easy-to-read, and insightful!, November 23, 2000

By	Nicholas A. Zientarski (Silver Spring MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fr.O'Malley's book, which explores religion and leads the reader to consider Catholicsm, is very interesting and a pleasure to read. He adds humor and a personal dimension to the book which makes you want to read on. Being a Catholic already, I found the book to be refreshing and worthwhile. I gave it only four stars because I though there could have been a better punch at the end, a climax that would say a little more. "Why be Catholic?" Because it's the awesomest religion in the world! Saints, sacraments, community, social justice, Trinity, ministries, growth with a personal God, beautiful art and rituals, and so many more aspects of the Catholic faith make it so attractive!!! I wish Fr.O'Malley could've played this up a little more.