The Truth of Catholicism: Inside the Essential Teachings and Controversies of the Church Today

by George Weigel

Book Overview

"An important book and a spectacular public service. It opens a window onto the Catholic faith and will open the minds of believers and skeptics alike." --Peggy Noonan

The Catholic Church may be the most controversial institution in the world. Some find its teachings inexplicable, puzzling, even cruel. In this incisive new work, George Weigel suggests that we look at Catholicism and its controversies from...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060937580
• ISBN13: 9780060937584
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A Solid Introduction

The Truth of Catholicism is a good introduction to some of the Catholic beliefs and issues that are most commonly misunderstood and opposed by both non-Catholics and Catholics. George Weigel provides clear explanations of the Church's positions on such hot-button issues as the all-male priesthood, contraception, abortion, euthanasia, ecumenism, and salvation. Weigel writes with wit, style, and charity, and he never dumbs down the truth of the Catholic faith, which is the great strength of his book. I would recommend this book to curious Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Clear and Succinct

Mr. Weigel is a gifted author and this book clearly explains the basis for many Catholic practices and beliefs. I highly recommend it for any Catholic, ex-Catholic or critic of the Catholic Church.

Eye opening

Mr. Weigel, an eminent Catholic theologian, truly does the Church a service by explaining in depth the reasoning behind some of Catholicism's most controversial positions. Whether you are a committed Catholic or an ex-Catholic, you will benefit from this book. The one aspect of "The Truth of Catholicism" that stands out in my mind is its philosophical/theological approach to issues. This isn't a conventional book in the sense that one can "open" to "the" chapter on, say, contraception and find answers. Mr. Weigel's book is brilliantly cumulative; that is, understanding of succeeding topics depends on understanding of certain Catholic principles and concepts that he spells out before discussing the actual "controversies." "The Truth of Catholicism," for me, was eye opening because it explained these bedrock principles that, as a Catholic, even I had not understood or been aware of. It really gave me an appreciation for the sheer depth of Catholic philosophy and thinking.My only complaint is that the book was just too short! Regrettably, the author leaves some to be desired on the issues of divorce and ordination of women. As I was reading I wanted to dialogue with Mr. Weigel, ask him questions about this or that conclusion. But I do recommend the book wholeheartedly!

A great service to 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.

Complex Issues Explained Simply and Clearly

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.