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Dangers to the Faith: Recognizing Catholicism's 21st-Century Opponents
A storm has been brewing in society and its treatment, views, and activities toward the Catholic Faith.
Some are subtle, others are more brazen -- New Age thought, questionable spirituality, "creedless" Christianity, relativism, scientific skepticism, the triumph of technology, and even the self-styled spirituality of Oprah Winfrey.
All these masquerade as "truth," making it tough for the average Catholic to know how to resist, let alone respond.
No one is more qualified to pull back the curtain on the challenges the Catholic Church faces today than Al Kresta, popular Catholic author, speaker, and radio show host. A revert to Catholicism, Kresta is well known for his rigorous examination of topics in art, religion, academia, and business.
Dangers to the Recognizing Catholicism's 21st Century Opponents is the perfect springboard for discussing the new world in which the Catholic Church exists today. Learn how to better carry out the missionary mandate of the Church. The question isn't whether you will be a witness to Christ, but whether you will be an effective witness.
Some are subtle, others are more brazen -- New Age thought, questionable spirituality, "creedless" Christianity, relativism, scientific skepticism, the triumph of technology, and even the self-styled spirituality of Oprah Winfrey.
All these masquerade as "truth," making it tough for the average Catholic to know how to resist, let alone respond.
No one is more qualified to pull back the curtain on the challenges the Catholic Church faces today than Al Kresta, popular Catholic author, speaker, and radio show host. A revert to Catholicism, Kresta is well known for his rigorous examination of topics in art, religion, academia, and business.
Dangers to the Recognizing Catholicism's 21st Century Opponents is the perfect springboard for discussing the new world in which the Catholic Church exists today. Learn how to better carry out the missionary mandate of the Church. The question isn't whether you will be a witness to Christ, but whether you will be an effective witness.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Al Kresta
12 books12 followersAl Kresta is a broadcaster, journalist and author who is, first of all, a missionary. He draws upon his unique faith background to create what is, arguably, the most fascinating — and most spiritually constructive — talk show on radio today.
A 1976 honors graduate of Michigan State University, Al has also done graduate work in theology at both Catholic and Protestant seminaries. He became well known in the Detroit area for his program, “Talk from the Heart,” one of the top-rated Christian talk shows during the 1980s and 90s. When he began the program, Al was a Protestant pastor. The questions forced upon him as pastor, however, led him to return to the Catholic Church. His profound personal conversion to Christ and return to the Catholic Church is told in the best-selling anthology Surprised By Truth.
In 1997, Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan recruited Al to launch the media apostolate, Ave Maria Communications.
Heard on over 120 stations and Sirius Satellite, Kresta in the Afternoon looks at all areas of life through the lens of Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church and takes on all comers. Over the years, Al has engaged in vigorous discussions or debates with nationally known figures from politics, the arts, the Church, academia and business such as Jack Kevorkian, Mother Angelica, Jesse Jackson, Carl Bernstein, John McCain, Gloria Steinem, Pat Buchanan, Scott Hahn, Donna Shalala, Judge Robert Bork, Richard Gephardt, Jerry Falwell, George McGovern, Steve Allen, Bowie Kuhn, Mrs. Anwar Sadat, Martin Luther King III, Cal Thomas, Avery Cardinal Dulles, Chuck Colson, Alan Dershowitz, Ken Starr, James Earl Ray, Mary Higgins Clark, and C. Everett Koop.
Kresta's life and spiritual journey took on a new dimension in February 2003, when he lost his left leg to necrotizing fasciitis, a virulent infection often referred to as the "flesh-eating bacteria." His extended recovery and eventual return to broadcasting have given him new insights into the realities of suffering and hope.
He is the author of Why Are Catholics So Concerned About Sin? More Answers to Puzzling Questions About the Catholic Church, a follow-up to the best-seller Why Do Catholics Genuflect? And Answers to Other Puzzling Questions About the Catholic Faith published by Servant Books, as well as a contributor to Shaken by Scandals: Catholics Speak Out About Priests' Sexual Abuse also published by Servant Publications, and Loving Your Neighbor published by the Capital Research Foundation.
Al and his wife, Sally, have been married for 30 years and have been blessed with 5 children on earth and two in heaven.
A 1976 honors graduate of Michigan State University, Al has also done graduate work in theology at both Catholic and Protestant seminaries. He became well known in the Detroit area for his program, “Talk from the Heart,” one of the top-rated Christian talk shows during the 1980s and 90s. When he began the program, Al was a Protestant pastor. The questions forced upon him as pastor, however, led him to return to the Catholic Church. His profound personal conversion to Christ and return to the Catholic Church is told in the best-selling anthology Surprised By Truth.
In 1997, Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan recruited Al to launch the media apostolate, Ave Maria Communications.
Heard on over 120 stations and Sirius Satellite, Kresta in the Afternoon looks at all areas of life through the lens of Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church and takes on all comers. Over the years, Al has engaged in vigorous discussions or debates with nationally known figures from politics, the arts, the Church, academia and business such as Jack Kevorkian, Mother Angelica, Jesse Jackson, Carl Bernstein, John McCain, Gloria Steinem, Pat Buchanan, Scott Hahn, Donna Shalala, Judge Robert Bork, Richard Gephardt, Jerry Falwell, George McGovern, Steve Allen, Bowie Kuhn, Mrs. Anwar Sadat, Martin Luther King III, Cal Thomas, Avery Cardinal Dulles, Chuck Colson, Alan Dershowitz, Ken Starr, James Earl Ray, Mary Higgins Clark, and C. Everett Koop.
Kresta's life and spiritual journey took on a new dimension in February 2003, when he lost his left leg to necrotizing fasciitis, a virulent infection often referred to as the "flesh-eating bacteria." His extended recovery and eventual return to broadcasting have given him new insights into the realities of suffering and hope.
He is the author of Why Are Catholics So Concerned About Sin? More Answers to Puzzling Questions About the Catholic Church, a follow-up to the best-seller Why Do Catholics Genuflect? And Answers to Other Puzzling Questions About the Catholic Faith published by Servant Books, as well as a contributor to Shaken by Scandals: Catholics Speak Out About Priests' Sexual Abuse also published by Servant Publications, and Loving Your Neighbor published by the Capital Research Foundation.
Al and his wife, Sally, have been married for 30 years and have been blessed with 5 children on earth and two in heaven.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 5, 2013
This book takes on a variety of topics that might not be a the forefront of what you think are the biggest opponents to the Catholic faith. It is also interesting what he has not listed in this book. In the introduction he noted a “book can only be so big” and so deliberately not bring up the biggest part of the culture wars regarding abortion and same-sex marriage. As he noted there are many fine books on these topics. Al Kresta addresses four main parts with chapters dedicated to what he describes as opponents.
While this book includes mentions of many famous personalities, this book concentrates primarily on beliefs and philosophies of the people mentioned. The first chapter deals with Oprah and how she mainstreamed so many New Age and other self-styled spiritualities. There is a lot of interesting information here looking at Oprah’s early turning away from Christianity partly over the problem of evil to her openness to entertaining seriously so many individuals who have repackaged the “Law of attraction” and other New Age spiritualists. Part One addresses both competing spiritualities and and abuse of scripture to support them. It is interesting that the area is has concentrated on in this regard is the New Age movement, reincarnation, and Islam. An interesting mix and I think an accurate selection of some of the spiritual competitor to Christianity.
Part Two addresses science and religion a topic that often gets addressed on his radio show. Scientism as a philosophy has infected so much of modern thinking and its usual fruits of materialism and relativism. Expecting that anything true must be proven by the scientific method while maintaining a philosophy not subjected to this method. Scientism has become almost a spirituality for atheists and agnostic along of course with some theists. That he titled this section “Abusers of Science and Reason” is quite apt.
In Part Three we see abuse in the form of revisionism. Mostly a revisionism towards scripture and to an understanding of scripture and tradition passed down. This abuse comes from a throng of opponents such as religions like Mormonism and others who invent a great apostasy to explain why their beliefs can’t be found in the history of Christendom. The same is true of the Jesus Seminar that also takes its preconceptions as a lens to narrow down scripture to only what they already accepted. We also see a sort of revisionism of the human person as regards to Transhumanism. We will make ourselves into our own image of what we should be.
In the last part of the book we see a secularized government that strives to take control of all aspects of our lives to consumerism where a barrage of messages are crafted by business for a constant cycle of desire and hopeful-fulfillment. Often both of these are more than just two sides of the same coin, but maybe both on the same side.
So what this book delivers is an honest perspective of who are opponents are in the realm of ideas. To be able to pray for our enemies we need a good understanding of who are enemies are and specifically the philosophies that drive them. What Al Kresta has been able to do here is to both document and provide analysis regarding these dangers to our faith. This book contains close to a hundred pages of notes at the end of the book providing references to pretty much every thing mentioned and asserted. The balanced view this book applies is not the type that drives you to anger concerning these false world-views, but a helpful assessment of what is out there.
While this book includes mentions of many famous personalities, this book concentrates primarily on beliefs and philosophies of the people mentioned. The first chapter deals with Oprah and how she mainstreamed so many New Age and other self-styled spiritualities. There is a lot of interesting information here looking at Oprah’s early turning away from Christianity partly over the problem of evil to her openness to entertaining seriously so many individuals who have repackaged the “Law of attraction” and other New Age spiritualists. Part One addresses both competing spiritualities and and abuse of scripture to support them. It is interesting that the area is has concentrated on in this regard is the New Age movement, reincarnation, and Islam. An interesting mix and I think an accurate selection of some of the spiritual competitor to Christianity.
Part Two addresses science and religion a topic that often gets addressed on his radio show. Scientism as a philosophy has infected so much of modern thinking and its usual fruits of materialism and relativism. Expecting that anything true must be proven by the scientific method while maintaining a philosophy not subjected to this method. Scientism has become almost a spirituality for atheists and agnostic along of course with some theists. That he titled this section “Abusers of Science and Reason” is quite apt.
In Part Three we see abuse in the form of revisionism. Mostly a revisionism towards scripture and to an understanding of scripture and tradition passed down. This abuse comes from a throng of opponents such as religions like Mormonism and others who invent a great apostasy to explain why their beliefs can’t be found in the history of Christendom. The same is true of the Jesus Seminar that also takes its preconceptions as a lens to narrow down scripture to only what they already accepted. We also see a sort of revisionism of the human person as regards to Transhumanism. We will make ourselves into our own image of what we should be.
In the last part of the book we see a secularized government that strives to take control of all aspects of our lives to consumerism where a barrage of messages are crafted by business for a constant cycle of desire and hopeful-fulfillment. Often both of these are more than just two sides of the same coin, but maybe both on the same side.
So what this book delivers is an honest perspective of who are opponents are in the realm of ideas. To be able to pray for our enemies we need a good understanding of who are enemies are and specifically the philosophies that drive them. What Al Kresta has been able to do here is to both document and provide analysis regarding these dangers to our faith. This book contains close to a hundred pages of notes at the end of the book providing references to pretty much every thing mentioned and asserted. The balanced view this book applies is not the type that drives you to anger concerning these false world-views, but a helpful assessment of what is out there.
November 22, 2013
Ever since its inception, the Catholic Church has had many opponents. People fear what they do not understand, and that fear can lead to hostility and attacks. Throughout the centuries, some of these opponents have vanished while others persistently remain. Dangers to the Faithidentifies fifteen such opponents to Catholicism. However, Mr. Kresta does more than point out these opponents; he also explains what they believe, why they are a threat, and why they are wrong in light of the Catholic Church. The opponents are divided into four categories - Abusers of Spirituality and Revelation, Abusers of Science and Reason, Abusers of the Past and the Future, and Abusers of Power and Wealth. No one abuser is any less dangerous than another. Each are equally dangerous and pose a challenge to the Church. Specific opponents include the New Age movement, Islam, Evolutionism, and Secularism to name a few.
Part Three - Abusers of the Past and the Future was definitely the most interesting section for me. I believe that was because the others abusers are more obvious, but these are more subtle and therefore require greater attention. For example, in "Redefining Orthodoxy," Mr. Kresta discussed gnostic texts such as The Gospel of Judas and Dan Brown's works. He explained that people try to use these texts to distort Christianity and make it seem like Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene or Judas was actually a saint and doing God's will by betraying Jesus. These are all heretical thoughts, but sadly some Christians are led astray into believing these to be true.
This book is a valuable tool to not only withstand the enemy, but combat him as well. It provides us with details on how the enemy is attacking us, and it arms us with tools for the battle. Sun Tzu was correct in saying, "Know the enemy." However, we must also pray for our enemy. Lastly, we must not get discouraged at being attacked from all sides. The gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church. I would recommend this book to every Catholic I know, but especially to college students. Why college students? If they go to a non-Catholic college like I did, students will be exposed to nearly all of these opponents to the faith from professors and peers. Therefore, they DESPERATELY need to know how to defend and keep their faith.
Part Three - Abusers of the Past and the Future was definitely the most interesting section for me. I believe that was because the others abusers are more obvious, but these are more subtle and therefore require greater attention. For example, in "Redefining Orthodoxy," Mr. Kresta discussed gnostic texts such as The Gospel of Judas and Dan Brown's works. He explained that people try to use these texts to distort Christianity and make it seem like Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene or Judas was actually a saint and doing God's will by betraying Jesus. These are all heretical thoughts, but sadly some Christians are led astray into believing these to be true.
This book is a valuable tool to not only withstand the enemy, but combat him as well. It provides us with details on how the enemy is attacking us, and it arms us with tools for the battle. Sun Tzu was correct in saying, "Know the enemy." However, we must also pray for our enemy. Lastly, we must not get discouraged at being attacked from all sides. The gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church. I would recommend this book to every Catholic I know, but especially to college students. Why college students? If they go to a non-Catholic college like I did, students will be exposed to nearly all of these opponents to the faith from professors and peers. Therefore, they DESPERATELY need to know how to defend and keep their faith.
December 23, 2013
This book is a robust examination of 15 opponents of Catholicism identified by Al Kresta, a cradle Catholic who became a Protestant pastor and later reverted to Catholicism.
He groups the 15 opponents into 4 categories. I thought these were helpful to remember the content of the book.
Within each category, he weaves a story that explains the goal of the opponent. Each opponent has many references in the footnotes so this book is certainly well-researched - over 900 references and citations.
For example, opponent #6 is Scientism - the belief that science can "explain everything." The author debunks this commonly-held belief with his definition of science (as defined by 72 Nobel laureate scientists) "Science is not equipped to evaluate supernatural explanations and leaves their consideration to the domain of religious faith." Yet many people believe science can explain everything.
At first, I found the language of threats and dangers tough to swallow. I realized that I had not considered many of these threats in detail and that Al Kresta is on the front-line with his radio show and has much more knowledge and experience in this regard.
Although this is not an apologetics book, I recommend this book to Catholics who are interested in defending our faith. It helps explain the cultural, philosophical and secular challenges to Catholicism. I think non-Catholic Christians would find this book helpful for similar reasons.
If you like to debate with your friends who hold some or many of these beliefs, Al Kresta's book will arm you with facts and persuasive arguments.
He groups the 15 opponents into 4 categories. I thought these were helpful to remember the content of the book.
One / Abusers of Spirituality and Revelation
Two / Abusers of Science and Reason
Three / Abusers of the Past and Future
Four / Abusers of Power and Wealth
Within each category, he weaves a story that explains the goal of the opponent. Each opponent has many references in the footnotes so this book is certainly well-researched - over 900 references and citations.
For example, opponent #6 is Scientism - the belief that science can "explain everything." The author debunks this commonly-held belief with his definition of science (as defined by 72 Nobel laureate scientists) "Science is not equipped to evaluate supernatural explanations and leaves their consideration to the domain of religious faith." Yet many people believe science can explain everything.
At first, I found the language of threats and dangers tough to swallow. I realized that I had not considered many of these threats in detail and that Al Kresta is on the front-line with his radio show and has much more knowledge and experience in this regard.
Although this is not an apologetics book, I recommend this book to Catholics who are interested in defending our faith. It helps explain the cultural, philosophical and secular challenges to Catholicism. I think non-Catholic Christians would find this book helpful for similar reasons.
If you like to debate with your friends who hold some or many of these beliefs, Al Kresta's book will arm you with facts and persuasive arguments.
November 18, 2013
This is a good overview of many of the dangerous modern viewpoints and philosophies that seek to (deliberately or accidentally) undermine our faith and trust in God. These are all insidious because, on the surface, most of these ideas seem like "good" things - things it would be difficult to argue against. Arguing against these ways of life is just what Kresta tries to do. Unfortunately, I don't think he's always successful. While I agree with everything he says, his argumentative structure was not to my taste. Too many of his refutations take the form of pulling out a quotation from someone associated with the philosophy or mindset and then asking rhetorical questions about bits and pieces from the quotation. ("Does he really think that . . .?") I love his radio show, and, for most of this book, I got the feeling that I was reading a talk radio program. Unfortunately, this format lends itself to quips and sound bites rather than substantive argument and debate. It could be that I was looking for a strong book on apologetics which may not have been Kresta's intention. He does start off by saying that he's not going to discuss the "big" issues of abortion, gay marriage, etc. I just wish his argumentative structure were stronger. I just didn't find myself getting fired up about the issues he discusses as I have with other writers.
September 26, 2017
The author looks at the contemporary Catholic Church and its various competitors. I thought he did a good job of explaining his various concerns without being too polemical. I also thought that the book would be interesting to many Protestants and Orthodox, as well as Catholics.
September 16, 2014
Well worth the time to read through this book. Al Kresta puts forward multiple opponents that are creeping into our society and how this relates to Catholicism. Everything from Oprah to the New Age movement, to eastern religions to the dangers of relativism. While this may not be news to practicing Catholics, Kresta brings up some interesting facts that shows he did his research. It's also quite an entertaining read and Kresta's witty humor is too good to pass up. Who knew that I could actually like a journalist?
March 8, 2014
An interesting read that covers several "popular" belief systems that contradict Catholic Christian teachings. However the biggest danger to the faith was not covered. Catholics who know little about their faith and Catholics who want to pick and choose which teachings they want to accept. These "cafeteria" Catholics present a huge danger to the faith.
June 14, 2015
From New Age to Scientism to those who would redefine Catholic history to consumerism, Al Kresta provides practical ways in which we can defeat these challenges. Al is the popular host of the afternoon drive time show Kresta in the afternoon. He outlines solutions that help us study and know these challenges, pray fervently, and strive to become model Catholics.
May 17, 2015
Practical and passionate
Very relevant for all Catholics and Christians in that it helps us to understand the culture of America today and its effects on ourselves, families and faith communities. It goes on to give suggestions for how we can respond using Sacred Scripture.
Very relevant for all Catholics and Christians in that it helps us to understand the culture of America today and its effects on ourselves, families and faith communities. It goes on to give suggestions for how we can respond using Sacred Scripture.
November 10, 2015
Some topics were more interesting then others but overall a great overview of opponents to faith.
August 22, 2014
Just as George Weigel said, "Al Kresta helpfully scouts some of the roughest terrain on which the New Evangelization must contend for the soul of the West." A must-read for all Catholics!
April 13, 2015
Some topics were better argued than others but overall a well-written, cohesive book with extensive footnotes.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews