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Why Catholicism Matters: How Catholic Virtues Can Reshape Society in the Twenty-First Century
In recent years the Catholic Church has gone through turbulent times with the uncovering of horrible abuse--abuse that persisted and which could have been prevented by many within the Church’s own ranks. As a result many positive aspects of what the Catholic Church teaches and practices are now being overlooked, not just by the media, but by people in and out of the pews. This is not only unfortunate, but detrimental to society at large. As Donohue makes plain, the Church’s teachings remain the best guide to good living ever adopted. Moreover, the content of these teachings defy today's typical ideological categorizations; the Church is decidedly conservative in matters of morality and compellingly liberal in social and economic affairs.
Always willing to speak his mind and put up the good fight, Bill Donohue, the president of the Catholic League, reminds readers of the great wealth of charity and wisdom that exists in the Catholic tradition. In Why Catholicism Matters , he explores the four Cardinal Virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance—and shows us how the Church’s best attributes can be applied to solve many of the biggest problems society must confront today and in the future. From questions of liberty and freedom, to the use of contraception and abortion, to the need for courage in age of terrorism and religious intolerance, Donohue examines how goodness and morality can affect the world in the centuries to come.
“The good society lies in waiting,” Donohue writes, “but the right recipe has been around for two thousand years. The more we learn about the inspiring record of Catholic social teachings and their application to real-life problems, the more likely it is that all of us will see how unfounded the negative stereotypes of Catholicism really are. But first we need to be educated about the glorious record of these teaching. Then we will know why Catholicism Matters.”
Always willing to speak his mind and put up the good fight, Bill Donohue, the president of the Catholic League, reminds readers of the great wealth of charity and wisdom that exists in the Catholic tradition. In Why Catholicism Matters , he explores the four Cardinal Virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance—and shows us how the Church’s best attributes can be applied to solve many of the biggest problems society must confront today and in the future. From questions of liberty and freedom, to the use of contraception and abortion, to the need for courage in age of terrorism and religious intolerance, Donohue examines how goodness and morality can affect the world in the centuries to come.
“The good society lies in waiting,” Donohue writes, “but the right recipe has been around for two thousand years. The more we learn about the inspiring record of Catholic social teachings and their application to real-life problems, the more likely it is that all of us will see how unfounded the negative stereotypes of Catholicism really are. But first we need to be educated about the glorious record of these teaching. Then we will know why Catholicism Matters.”
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 6, 2012
This is a scholarly, yet very readable book about the influence of the Roman Catholic Church throughout history. Donahue discusses the four Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance to explain the Church's positions on social and moral problems such as welfare and relativism. He quotes Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Augustine, Mother Teresa, Bishop Chaput, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, and many others to bolster his arguments that the Catholic Church is the single, most influential entity in Western history. The information is clear and supported by extensive quotes.
August 6, 2013
Bill Donohue can be seen as excessively one-sided throughout this nonfiction book, forever championing Catholic history and doctrine. No matter the blemish or controversy, he either dismisses the criticism or softens its significance. Even so, I personally believe it often takes a passionate advocate to uncover buried truths, to clear away popular misconceptions. In this book, Donohue does indeed straighten mainstream distortions, but at other times, his spirited defense seems to produce its own misrepresentations.
For instance, on page 14, he claims, "Had Galileo not presented his hypothesis as fact--that was the heresy--he would have escaped trouble." If Donohue's claims are even true, it seems impossible to excuse anyone for threatening to torture Galileo for his outsized intellectual confidence. Thus, the Catholic Church still is blameworthy for his persecution and still deserved to issue its apology.
That last snippet is indicative of an endemic problem throughout the book: insufficient citations. There are end notes, but many ideas presented as indisputable facts are not substantiated by cited scholarship. For example, on page 49, he claims that "[i]n their own ways, intellectuals such as Freud, Darwin, and Marx were attracted to [legal positivism]." The ambiguous phrasing--i.e., "[i]n their own ways"--is never clarified and the purported attraction to legal positivism is never supported. More examples abound.
As a final criticism, Donohue endorses drug prohibition, rhetorically asking on page 231, "Should the government be in the business of legalizing substances that promote self-destructive behavior?" As has been recently reported, "Drug offenders make up almost half (47.1%) of our federal inmate population of 218,171." With so many families being torn apart from the War on Some Drugs, I am not sure why decriminalization or even outright legalization would be worse. Indeed, felons are second-class citizens in our nation, and drug criminalization produces many more; an acidhead like Steve Jobs shows us that, if he had been successfully prosecuted, his offense might have produced a significant opportunity cost for society. Moreover, most drug users (like most alcohol users) are neither addicted nor otherwise lamentable.
Despite those weaknesses, Donohue has produced a laudable defense of Roman Catholicism. Although I typically refrain from reading biographical narratives (and instead read more abstract nonfiction), he presented a series of truly praiseworthy individuals that were nourished from the Catholic tradition. From treating lepers to impeding genocide, Catholics qua Catholics have been intellectually sophisticated and morally enterprising. While some failings have plagued the Church, its core--i.e., Divine Love--is what truly has energized many of the believers in our past and in our present. The charity and the achievements of the Church cannot be disputed by an honest inquirer (but there are preciously few these days). Donohoue skillfully plucks exemplars from the Tradition that were both new to me and awe-inspiring. In addition, he succeeds in proving his thesis: Catholicism does matter and virtues can reshape our society.
The Western tradition has advanced virtue ethics throughout millenia, and the academicians and theologians of the Catholic tradition have been the most articulate in advancing the very best from our philosophical heritage (e.g., Platonism). Donohue demonstrates that virtue, wedded to a Catholic discipleship, could remedy many of the wounds our society bears. Had his presentation been more intellectually cautious, he would have been more convincing to non-Catholics. As it stands, the book is nevertheless a worthwhile read to everyone, and will especially motivate Catholics to drink from the well of their history and practices. It often takes a relentless advocate to help balance a misguided view, and Donohue certainly contributes to a more accurate evaluation of Catholicism.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
For instance, on page 14, he claims, "Had Galileo not presented his hypothesis as fact--that was the heresy--he would have escaped trouble." If Donohue's claims are even true, it seems impossible to excuse anyone for threatening to torture Galileo for his outsized intellectual confidence. Thus, the Catholic Church still is blameworthy for his persecution and still deserved to issue its apology.
That last snippet is indicative of an endemic problem throughout the book: insufficient citations. There are end notes, but many ideas presented as indisputable facts are not substantiated by cited scholarship. For example, on page 49, he claims that "[i]n their own ways, intellectuals such as Freud, Darwin, and Marx were attracted to [legal positivism]." The ambiguous phrasing--i.e., "[i]n their own ways"--is never clarified and the purported attraction to legal positivism is never supported. More examples abound.
As a final criticism, Donohue endorses drug prohibition, rhetorically asking on page 231, "Should the government be in the business of legalizing substances that promote self-destructive behavior?" As has been recently reported, "Drug offenders make up almost half (47.1%) of our federal inmate population of 218,171." With so many families being torn apart from the War on Some Drugs, I am not sure why decriminalization or even outright legalization would be worse. Indeed, felons are second-class citizens in our nation, and drug criminalization produces many more; an acidhead like Steve Jobs shows us that, if he had been successfully prosecuted, his offense might have produced a significant opportunity cost for society. Moreover, most drug users (like most alcohol users) are neither addicted nor otherwise lamentable.
Despite those weaknesses, Donohue has produced a laudable defense of Roman Catholicism. Although I typically refrain from reading biographical narratives (and instead read more abstract nonfiction), he presented a series of truly praiseworthy individuals that were nourished from the Catholic tradition. From treating lepers to impeding genocide, Catholics qua Catholics have been intellectually sophisticated and morally enterprising. While some failings have plagued the Church, its core--i.e., Divine Love--is what truly has energized many of the believers in our past and in our present. The charity and the achievements of the Church cannot be disputed by an honest inquirer (but there are preciously few these days). Donohoue skillfully plucks exemplars from the Tradition that were both new to me and awe-inspiring. In addition, he succeeds in proving his thesis: Catholicism does matter and virtues can reshape our society.
The Western tradition has advanced virtue ethics throughout millenia, and the academicians and theologians of the Catholic tradition have been the most articulate in advancing the very best from our philosophical heritage (e.g., Platonism). Donohue demonstrates that virtue, wedded to a Catholic discipleship, could remedy many of the wounds our society bears. Had his presentation been more intellectually cautious, he would have been more convincing to non-Catholics. As it stands, the book is nevertheless a worthwhile read to everyone, and will especially motivate Catholics to drink from the well of their history and practices. It often takes a relentless advocate to help balance a misguided view, and Donohue certainly contributes to a more accurate evaluation of Catholicism.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 12, 2012
Bill Donohue's new book, Why Catholicism Matters, How Catholic Virtues can Reshape Society in the 21st Century, is a good read. Essentially this book is about how the four cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance can help create "the good society" we would all like to live in. There are plenty of well documented historical examples of the application of each virtue for us to consider.
This is not so much a book about religion as it is a request for America, and the rest of the world for that matter, to embrace Catholic virtues to improve society. The format of the book is a bit different than most books I read. This one has a 37 page introduction followed by four chapters, one for each virtue.
One section I particularly liked, in the Fortitude chapter, was about Pope Pius XII and his fight against the Nazis. This has been an area of misinformation about The Church and I was glad to see it so well refuted.
Overall I found this book to be interesting, informative, and though provoking. It's easy to play what-if and imagine what kind of society we would live in if we, and our fellow citizens, would fully embrace these virtues. I know John Lennon didn't have this in mind but Imagine...
This is not so much a book about religion as it is a request for America, and the rest of the world for that matter, to embrace Catholic virtues to improve society. The format of the book is a bit different than most books I read. This one has a 37 page introduction followed by four chapters, one for each virtue.
One section I particularly liked, in the Fortitude chapter, was about Pope Pius XII and his fight against the Nazis. This has been an area of misinformation about The Church and I was glad to see it so well refuted.
Overall I found this book to be interesting, informative, and though provoking. It's easy to play what-if and imagine what kind of society we would live in if we, and our fellow citizens, would fully embrace these virtues. I know John Lennon didn't have this in mind but Imagine...
August 21, 2019
Bill Donohue's book on the faith covers a Lot of ground and I think in parts he really succeeds at expressing the positive points of the Church. In particular, the division of the book into the four cardinal virtues; prudence, fortitude, justice and temperance works really well. Donohue is arguably at his best when summarising historical parts of the Church, in particular the role of Pope Pius XII and Saint JPII in his part within the fall of the Soviet Union.
Other parts of the book aren't - I feel - addressed in an objective way and it diminishes the overall strength of some of the arguments. Moral relativism is mentioned but not expanded upon hugely.
Still overall I think the book gives a strong account of the Church's role in history and while some of the claims are a bit sweeping it's a reminder that the institution does an incredible amount of good which isn't always recognised.
Other parts of the book aren't - I feel - addressed in an objective way and it diminishes the overall strength of some of the arguments. Moral relativism is mentioned but not expanded upon hugely.
Still overall I think the book gives a strong account of the Church's role in history and while some of the claims are a bit sweeping it's a reminder that the institution does an incredible amount of good which isn't always recognised.
October 22, 2018
Using the 4 Cardinal Virtues as a starting point, the author describes how those virtues are desperately needed to reform society.
March 15, 2014
I chose to do a book review on Why Catholicism Matters, because as a Catholic convert, I strive to live my life the right way and I believe that the Catholic Church is a good model for that. I long to learn new and interesting things about my faith.
I really enjoyed learning more intimate details about the Church’s History. For instance, did you know if that Catholic Monks in Ireland hadn’t invited students all over Europe to come and learn from them -- essentially creating the model for Universities.
Mr. Donahue covers some great information in the Introduction. I knew that the Catholic Church greatly influenced Art, Architecture, Music, Science, Economics and Human Nature throughout history; however, it was great to read just how BIG of a role our Church really played.
He states,
“Historians have come to understand that without the core role that the Catholic Church played during the Middle ages in starting and sustaining universities, much of the creativity that lead to genuine improvements in daily life would not have been possible.” That is a HUGE assertion, and one that seems indisputable.
Mr. Donahue was using four Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance as a foundation to explain why the Catholic Church is so important/relevant/influential in our society. He does not lecture us. He simply shows us why we must resurrect all virtue in our fallen world; why we must live our Catholic Faith to it’s fullest.
If you want to know why the Catholic Church is the most influential entity worldwide that has ever been or ever will be, read the book.
If you want to know why examining our nature (human nature) and the Cardinal Virtues is so important – read the book!
I immensely dislike that we always feel we have to defend the Catholic Church. But the devil is strong, so all we can do is rely on history and writers like Mr. Donahue to bring the positives back to the forefront of people's minds. It is important that we not forget our rich history - lest we Catholics be swayed to leave our beloved Church. We must all read books such as this so we can learn to defend her.
If I had to say one negative thing, I’d say the book was a bit dry and not at all like the books I normally read. BUT – I do not discount that he is a scholar on the subject of Catholicism and I am not.
I am educated, but I am a housewife, practicing virtues daily and teaching them to my child.
I just wonder if this book will do what Mr. Donahue set out to do – change people’s minds about the Catholic Church.
I hope and pray it does.
Author Bio:
Dr. William Donohue is the president and CEO of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights organization. The publisher of the Catholic League journal, Catalyst, Bill is a former Bradley Resident Scholar at The Heritage Foundation and served for two decades on the board of directors of the National Association of Scholars. The of five books, two on the ACLU, and the winner of several teaching awards and many awards from the Catholic community, Donohue has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows speaking on civil liberties and social issues.
Excerpt:
If you like you can read an excerpt of this book here - http://www.imagecatholicbooks.com/boo...
"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
Hugs, Love & Blessings,
Emily
I really enjoyed learning more intimate details about the Church’s History. For instance, did you know if that Catholic Monks in Ireland hadn’t invited students all over Europe to come and learn from them -- essentially creating the model for Universities.
Mr. Donahue covers some great information in the Introduction. I knew that the Catholic Church greatly influenced Art, Architecture, Music, Science, Economics and Human Nature throughout history; however, it was great to read just how BIG of a role our Church really played.
He states,
“Historians have come to understand that without the core role that the Catholic Church played during the Middle ages in starting and sustaining universities, much of the creativity that lead to genuine improvements in daily life would not have been possible.” That is a HUGE assertion, and one that seems indisputable.
Mr. Donahue was using four Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance as a foundation to explain why the Catholic Church is so important/relevant/influential in our society. He does not lecture us. He simply shows us why we must resurrect all virtue in our fallen world; why we must live our Catholic Faith to it’s fullest.
If you want to know why the Catholic Church is the most influential entity worldwide that has ever been or ever will be, read the book.
If you want to know why examining our nature (human nature) and the Cardinal Virtues is so important – read the book!
I immensely dislike that we always feel we have to defend the Catholic Church. But the devil is strong, so all we can do is rely on history and writers like Mr. Donahue to bring the positives back to the forefront of people's minds. It is important that we not forget our rich history - lest we Catholics be swayed to leave our beloved Church. We must all read books such as this so we can learn to defend her.
If I had to say one negative thing, I’d say the book was a bit dry and not at all like the books I normally read. BUT – I do not discount that he is a scholar on the subject of Catholicism and I am not.
I am educated, but I am a housewife, practicing virtues daily and teaching them to my child.
I just wonder if this book will do what Mr. Donahue set out to do – change people’s minds about the Catholic Church.
I hope and pray it does.
Author Bio:
Dr. William Donohue is the president and CEO of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights organization. The publisher of the Catholic League journal, Catalyst, Bill is a former Bradley Resident Scholar at The Heritage Foundation and served for two decades on the board of directors of the National Association of Scholars. The of five books, two on the ACLU, and the winner of several teaching awards and many awards from the Catholic community, Donohue has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows speaking on civil liberties and social issues.
Excerpt:
If you like you can read an excerpt of this book here - http://www.imagecatholicbooks.com/boo...
"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
Hugs, Love & Blessings,
Emily
February 2, 2014
This book is an attempt to explain why the Catholic Church is significant and what it has done to affect the world positively over the years. This is a small part at the beginning that is focused on the Catholic Church's contributions in the past, and then the rest of the book is entirely focused on how the Church's values could affect today if more people followed them.
I wasn't entirely thrilled with this book. My biggest problem was that it was covering such a wide range of topics that each one could only be focused on for a couple of pages or so. There were countless times over the course of the book where I didn't think the author was making a good argument at all. If there had been more space to flesh out his arguments better, then that wouldn't have been so bad. I know that this book is supposed to be more of a quick overview then anything, but it's also written as if it's trying to convince people to believe in Catholic values. I don't think it'll be convincing anyone of anything because the arguments aren't convincing enough. If someone who is already Catholic reads this, then they'll probably already agree with the author of course, so that's not a problem. However, I don't think the book is really useful in this way. It seems to want to convince people of something, and it's just not successful at doing that.
One good thing about the book is that it quote a lot of sources, so if someone really wanted, they could go to those books for more extensive looks at each topic. I just don't think someone's going to do that if they weren't convinced at least a little by the argument in the book.
I was also a bit put off by the beginning of the book, as it seemed a little arrogant. The author seems to want to attribute every single advancement in modern times on the Catholic Church. Now, believe me, I know how influential the Church was, and I'm not denying that it did contribute to a lot of the things the author mentions. However, the author gives off a very arrogant attitude about it in my mind, and I was just a bit put off by it. It most definitely gives off the impression that western culture (not just Christianity as a religion, but the entire western culture) is better than other cultures, and that goes so far as implying that western art is superior to art from other cultures.
Overall, I probably wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It's not a horrible book. It's easy to read and it introduces arguments to a variety of topics. The problem is that I don't see it convincing anyone of anything, and those who are already Catholic really don't need this book. I just don't know of anyone who would be a good audience for this book.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
I wasn't entirely thrilled with this book. My biggest problem was that it was covering such a wide range of topics that each one could only be focused on for a couple of pages or so. There were countless times over the course of the book where I didn't think the author was making a good argument at all. If there had been more space to flesh out his arguments better, then that wouldn't have been so bad. I know that this book is supposed to be more of a quick overview then anything, but it's also written as if it's trying to convince people to believe in Catholic values. I don't think it'll be convincing anyone of anything because the arguments aren't convincing enough. If someone who is already Catholic reads this, then they'll probably already agree with the author of course, so that's not a problem. However, I don't think the book is really useful in this way. It seems to want to convince people of something, and it's just not successful at doing that.
One good thing about the book is that it quote a lot of sources, so if someone really wanted, they could go to those books for more extensive looks at each topic. I just don't think someone's going to do that if they weren't convinced at least a little by the argument in the book.
I was also a bit put off by the beginning of the book, as it seemed a little arrogant. The author seems to want to attribute every single advancement in modern times on the Catholic Church. Now, believe me, I know how influential the Church was, and I'm not denying that it did contribute to a lot of the things the author mentions. However, the author gives off a very arrogant attitude about it in my mind, and I was just a bit put off by it. It most definitely gives off the impression that western culture (not just Christianity as a religion, but the entire western culture) is better than other cultures, and that goes so far as implying that western art is superior to art from other cultures.
Overall, I probably wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It's not a horrible book. It's easy to read and it introduces arguments to a variety of topics. The problem is that I don't see it convincing anyone of anything, and those who are already Catholic really don't need this book. I just don't know of anyone who would be a good audience for this book.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
February 13, 2013
This is a very well-written book which highlights several contributions made by the Catholic Church to society, both historically and presently. Bill Donohue is no shrinking violet, but there is nothing strident in this book. He simply and clearly sets forth facts regarding the history of the Church over the last two millennia. The Introduction alone is worth the read and gives you a good overall perspective of many ways in which the Church has benefited the world.
In current times, of course, the Church needs to remember - and consequently to remind all Christians, that we are not to be of the world, although we are in it. Mr. Donohue gives an excellent presentation of how the Church does this, by being faithful to the four Cardinal Virtues. He has organized his book along these lines, and his chapter headings are those four virtues, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance.
This book is not "preachy." It is, rather, a quiet exposition of the necessity of each of these virtues in the world today, and a warning that we cannot ignore them. Virtue is not so fashionable as once it was. The anti-hero is celebrated everywhere, if not the outright villain. Many are intent on trumpeting a call to freedom, but without the tempering force of the Cardinal Virtues, freedom for one is oppression for his neighbor.
We need to practice responsibility, and to regularly demonstrate and exercise these virtues if we wish to continue to live in a society that celebrates people and God's Will.
In current times, of course, the Church needs to remember - and consequently to remind all Christians, that we are not to be of the world, although we are in it. Mr. Donohue gives an excellent presentation of how the Church does this, by being faithful to the four Cardinal Virtues. He has organized his book along these lines, and his chapter headings are those four virtues, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance.
This book is not "preachy." It is, rather, a quiet exposition of the necessity of each of these virtues in the world today, and a warning that we cannot ignore them. Virtue is not so fashionable as once it was. The anti-hero is celebrated everywhere, if not the outright villain. Many are intent on trumpeting a call to freedom, but without the tempering force of the Cardinal Virtues, freedom for one is oppression for his neighbor.
We need to practice responsibility, and to regularly demonstrate and exercise these virtues if we wish to continue to live in a society that celebrates people and God's Will.
September 22, 2013
"Why Catholicism Matters" discusses current cultural difficulties under the scope of the four cardinal virtues - prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Just about every controversial criticism of the Catholic church is discussed. Under prudence, the author talks about the dangers of moral relativism and how it leads to a lack of human dignity. Under temperance he discusses the Church's moral teaching about sexuality and how our culture ignores temperance to its detriment.
Donohue's argumentation is straight-forward, though brusque in nature. At times, his supporting examples seemed to be lacking in completeness, only telling one side of the story. I suggest taking his rhetoric with a grain of salt and recognize the angle on this book.
But overall the book does a good job of explaining, with many practical examples, why the Catholic church teaches what she does and why its teachings would lead to a better society. I would recommend this book to anyone who understands Catholic theology and is looking for some validation about its action in the world. Donahue is not afraid to tout Catholicism's role in the last century. Only by keeping the cardinal virtues can we march into the 21st century as the voice of reason that God wants us to be and the world needs us to be.
Donohue's argumentation is straight-forward, though brusque in nature. At times, his supporting examples seemed to be lacking in completeness, only telling one side of the story. I suggest taking his rhetoric with a grain of salt and recognize the angle on this book.
But overall the book does a good job of explaining, with many practical examples, why the Catholic church teaches what she does and why its teachings would lead to a better society. I would recommend this book to anyone who understands Catholic theology and is looking for some validation about its action in the world. Donahue is not afraid to tout Catholicism's role in the last century. Only by keeping the cardinal virtues can we march into the 21st century as the voice of reason that God wants us to be and the world needs us to be.
November 10, 2013
Bill Donohue does a fantastic job of pointing out the effects of Catholicism on Western culture throughout the centuries. However, at times his assertions lack the force of strong logical argument and rely more on emotion and generalization. This book is a great book for someone who is already Catholic or at least understands many of the guiding principles of Catholicism but could be enhanced by a stronger explanation of the cardinal virtues it touts for the sake of non-catholics who might happen upon the book.
September 17, 2013
This was a First Reads book. It is not a long book (for such a big topic) and it is very in depth and scholarly but it is also readable for the average person to understand all the points it makes. I liked the way it set out all the important points in sections rather than going on in a long discourse. As a life-long Catholic, still trying to learn what's behind everything I've always taken at face value, this was a good way to learn the history and reasoning behind believing what we believe.
July 28, 2015
Considering the new Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage and some of Pope Francis's activity, this is slightly dated, but still offers great insight. I even learned a bit of Catholic history. Easy to read.
October 22, 2012
A wonderful book about why our faith is still important today. Mr. Donahue uses both scriptural and personal explanations throughout the book.
September 7, 2012
A bit of a dry read, but interesting to find out about all the good the Catholic Church has done in the world, that most people probably do not know about.
July 23, 2014
Quite a reality check regarding the world without Catholicism. A clear case for the need of a virtue comeback.
August 18, 2012
I find this compelling and educational and to learn more you will have to wait for my Book Pick in the National Catholic Register.
September 8, 2012
Well written, comprehensive book. Dispels all the myths.
June 8, 2013
Clear but blunt. A quick read and some interesting apologist defense of the Catholic Church.
September 3, 2016
One of the best characteristics of Bill Donohue's books is that they are meticulously documented. If anyone can tell it like it is, it's Donohue.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews