The Truth of Catholicism: Ten Controversies Explored - George Weigel
The Catholic Church is a big target - and thus, an easy target - for naysayers. "The Catholic Church is, arguably, the most controversial institution on the planet; it is certainly the world's most controversial religious instititution" (2). George Weigel is quite able to address the controversy. Weigel provocatively introduces ten controversies and provides accessible answers for each one. Controversies include Jesus as the only savior, whether belief demeans or enhances humanity, the importance of morality, sexual ethics, evil and suffering, the question of other religions, and whether Catholicism is safe for democracy. Even when I disagreed with his answers, I found his explanations very helpful. His writing style is simple yet profound. The first chapter on Jesus and human meaning is absolutely brilliant and is alone worth the price of the book. I found one quote particularly powerful. He argues that when we lose a sense of and love for truth, then the only means left to resolve differences is power. "For a world without truth is simply a world of power, in which the 'truth' of the stronger gets imposed on the weaker" (129). He proves that Catholicism is not a threat to true democracy because it deeply believes in the value of those with whom it disagrees. Laden in its morality is the divine demand to respect others and their freedom. Whether you are Catholic or not, this book is a delightful feast of basic Christian convictions!