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On Being Catholic
In his first full-length book since converting to Roman Catholicism over ten years ago, Thomas Howard presents his wonderful, refreshing insights on the "glad tidings" of the deeper meaning of Catholic piety, dogma, spirituality, vision and practice, rendered in his unique style of prose for which he is well-known. The book's chapters take the form of lay meditations on Catholic teaching and practice, opening up in practical and simple terms the richness at work in virtually every detail of Catholic prayer, piety, liturgy and experience.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1997
28 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Howard
56 books76 followersThomas Howard (b. 1935) is a highly acclaimed writer and scholar.
He was raised in a prominent Evangelical home (his sister is well-known author and former missionary Elisabeth Elliot), became Episcopalian in his mid-twenties, then entered the Catholic Church in 1985, at the age of fifty. At the time, his conversion shocked many in evangelical circles, and was the subject of a feature article in the leading evangelical periodical Christianity Today.
Dave Armstrong writes of Howard: "He cites the influence of great Catholic writers such as Newman, Knox, Chesterton, Guardini, Ratzinger, Karl Adam, Louis Bouyer, and St. Augustine on his final decision. Howard's always stylistically-excellent prose is especially noteworthy for its emphasis on the sacramental, incarnational and ‘transcendent’ aspects of Christianity."
Like C.S. Lewis, who he greatly admires and has written about often, Howard is an English professor (recently retired, after nearly forty years of teaching), who taught at Gordon College and then at St. John's Seminary. He is a highly acclaimed writer and scholar, noted for his studies of Inklings C.S. Lewis Narnia Beyond: A Guide to the Fiction of C.S. Lewis (2006, 1987) and Charles Williams The Novels of Charles Williams (1991), as well as books including Christ the Tiger (1967), Chance or the Dance (1969), Hallowed be This House (1976), Evangelical is Not Enough (1984), If Your Mind Wanders at Mass (1995), On Being Catholic (1997), and The Secret of New York Revealed.
He was raised in a prominent Evangelical home (his sister is well-known author and former missionary Elisabeth Elliot), became Episcopalian in his mid-twenties, then entered the Catholic Church in 1985, at the age of fifty. At the time, his conversion shocked many in evangelical circles, and was the subject of a feature article in the leading evangelical periodical Christianity Today.
Dave Armstrong writes of Howard: "He cites the influence of great Catholic writers such as Newman, Knox, Chesterton, Guardini, Ratzinger, Karl Adam, Louis Bouyer, and St. Augustine on his final decision. Howard's always stylistically-excellent prose is especially noteworthy for its emphasis on the sacramental, incarnational and ‘transcendent’ aspects of Christianity."
Like C.S. Lewis, who he greatly admires and has written about often, Howard is an English professor (recently retired, after nearly forty years of teaching), who taught at Gordon College and then at St. John's Seminary. He is a highly acclaimed writer and scholar, noted for his studies of Inklings C.S. Lewis Narnia Beyond: A Guide to the Fiction of C.S. Lewis (2006, 1987) and Charles Williams The Novels of Charles Williams (1991), as well as books including Christ the Tiger (1967), Chance or the Dance (1969), Hallowed be This House (1976), Evangelical is Not Enough (1984), If Your Mind Wanders at Mass (1995), On Being Catholic (1997), and The Secret of New York Revealed.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 25, 2014
As a graduate of Wheaton College, I was surprised to hear that one of my heroes had become Catholic. Here is his exposition of his faith, written for those who might not have any faith, for those whose faith is Protestant and who do not really know Catholicism, and for those Catholics who need to really understand their faith. It is erudite and literate (as with C. S. Lewis expect carefully chosen but lesser known word, and also expect some Latin - usually translated) and it is clear. Howard is not afraid to challenge one, but he also works carefully, step by step. This is one of the great books of its genre. It is a book I would recommend to all who are themselves literate and want to know what Catholicism is, not just what opponents claim it is. It is a rational, step by step argument, covering all of the "hot topics," but focused on the gospel (which is his first main topic). It is a book that can use homely examples, but then soar into the etherial world (as one must if one is talking about mysteries such as the incarnation or the communion of saints). It might be helpful to read it on Kindle if one does not have a wide vocabulary, for on a Kindle one can ask for definitions of archaic or uncommon words. In the end it will reward one with not only a deeper knowledge of the Catholic faith, told as only one with an evangelical background can do, but also with a grander sense of literary beauty, for the literary beauty (often conversational) is as mind-expanding as the topic.
December 23, 2011
I used to say that if I became a Catholic I would have only Blessed Pope John Paul II and G.K. Chesterton to blame. Thomas Howard, it seems, is vying for a third spot on the list.
This book is so many things. It's one of those "you really have to read it" types.
Thomas Howard did not make me want to become a Catholic. That is an idea I've spun around for the last year. But Howard may have intellectually finalized the act. Though plenty of other study was (and is) required for anyone who considers the Catholic Church (or Eastern Orthodoxy), this work succinctly summarized what I have considered in Earth's last bout about the sun.
Howard talks about Mary and the saints (and calmly explains, in the face of much Protestant ire, why invocation is not spelled the same as idolatry), about Purgatory (and why it does not make Christ's work worthless, but shows its real strength), and about the Mass (and why it is so far from dull or boring). He makes compelling arguments for Catholic dogma (though by no means are they lengthy-- the book is only about 270 pages, after all) that, when taken with something like the Catechism (which I have been reading alongside it), elucidates brightly what the doctrine looks like in a real person's life.
What does it look like? The stained glass of St. Peter's can never compare.
The only bit I wish Howard would have mentioned more often is the papacy, but that always seems to be the final pill to swallow-- and so is not really appropriate for an introduction to the Catholic faith. In any case, every topic Howard touches gleams, and while he has a tendency to digress (a mite like Augustine, but briefer), the rabbit trails are always good and always lead back to that well-trodden, ancient cobblestone path.
This book is so many things. It's one of those "you really have to read it" types.
Thomas Howard did not make me want to become a Catholic. That is an idea I've spun around for the last year. But Howard may have intellectually finalized the act. Though plenty of other study was (and is) required for anyone who considers the Catholic Church (or Eastern Orthodoxy), this work succinctly summarized what I have considered in Earth's last bout about the sun.
Howard talks about Mary and the saints (and calmly explains, in the face of much Protestant ire, why invocation is not spelled the same as idolatry), about Purgatory (and why it does not make Christ's work worthless, but shows its real strength), and about the Mass (and why it is so far from dull or boring). He makes compelling arguments for Catholic dogma (though by no means are they lengthy-- the book is only about 270 pages, after all) that, when taken with something like the Catechism (which I have been reading alongside it), elucidates brightly what the doctrine looks like in a real person's life.
What does it look like? The stained glass of St. Peter's can never compare.
The only bit I wish Howard would have mentioned more often is the papacy, but that always seems to be the final pill to swallow-- and so is not really appropriate for an introduction to the Catholic faith. In any case, every topic Howard touches gleams, and while he has a tendency to digress (a mite like Augustine, but briefer), the rabbit trails are always good and always lead back to that well-trodden, ancient cobblestone path.
July 23, 2012
I thought this was a very calm and practical treatise on Catholic spiritual life. Howard reminds me a bit of his hero, C.S. Lewis with his prose-like writing, though he seems a bit more "wordy" preferring long obscure words rather than straight forward words. He goes straight to the heart of these issues giving you the true teaching of the Church in its fruitfulness all the while admitting there are so many, both inside and outside the Church, that don't quite grasp these mysteries. This is a great book for all Christians because it not only touches on the modern Catholic Church but also peers deep inside the ancient Christian Church, arguing that they must be one in the same. This is a reasonably priced book that you ought to read, however you should read it on your Kindle so that your dictionary is easily available.
November 6, 2021
This book eloquently presents and argues for the Catholic faith and the richness of her Truth.
The author dives into the faith from different aspects and the way he presents the information provides many moments for meditation. This is a book which I feel can bring you as deeply into the faith as you want to go while at the same time presenting the information in a way that is simple.
The writing itself is incredibly poetic and engaging. I could see myself reading this over and over again.
The author dives into the faith from different aspects and the way he presents the information provides many moments for meditation. This is a book which I feel can bring you as deeply into the faith as you want to go while at the same time presenting the information in a way that is simple.
The writing itself is incredibly poetic and engaging. I could see myself reading this over and over again.
January 7, 2014
A little dry, but it is thorough.
Like Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs, the better audience may be RCIA teachers than RCIA students.
Unfortunately, my tastes run more toward G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, but still a good reference.
Like Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs, the better audience may be RCIA teachers than RCIA students.
Unfortunately, my tastes run more toward G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, but still a good reference.
July 17, 2010
Very interesting and enlightening. The author's evangelical background allowed him to steer this discussion of Catholicism expressly toward Protestant concerns. Worth reading, regardless of your perspective. Some have been put off by his somewhat 'high' language, but it'd be worth persisting, even if his tone isn't to your liking.
August 19, 2012
There are so many good things about this novel. The story has several great twists, a remarkable detective, well written, great character development. It reminded of Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs.
January 5, 2011
He is an amazing writer.
February 16, 2013
An ex-Calvinist became a Catholic. His argument and reason. Interesting reading and some good points taken. Worth of your time to read.
November 28, 2019
As a convert to Catholicism I had already been introduced to Mr. Howard's work in his book "Lead Kindly Light" and had been very impressed with how well he told not only his story of conversion but mine as well. Because of that experience I couldn't wait to get started on this book once I had it but I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in this one. It may be that the other book was just so good that I expected too much of this book, it may have been that the author seemed to delight in using big and sometimes archaic words, or it may have been that this book was a little deeper than the other one but whatever the reason I found this book to be a little dry in comparison to "Lead Kindly Light."
That being said, I would still say that this is one of the better books on the subject of what it means to be Catholic. Having been raised an evangelical Protestant this author is very aware of the horrible misconceptions that many Protestants have about the Catholic Church and is also very aware of the kind of questions that evangelical Protestants sometimes ask Catholics and he takes these questions and answers them in a clear and concise way. He points out that many of the questions Catholics are asked don't resonate at all with them because the question is based on something that is just not part of their belief system. To help clear up these misunderstandings he takes the time to explain to the Catholic reader the background of questions like, "Are you saved?" and then explains to the Protestant reader why they may get a blank stare if they ask this question of a Catholic.
Throughout the book Mr. Howard takes great pains to get to the very essence of what it means to be Catholic and takes on some major issues that divide Catholics and Protestants. He takes on the arguments over tradition, which was never hard for me to grasp as I journeyed home to the Catholic faith and he also takes on the veneration of the Blessed Virgin, which took a while for me to grasp. Everyone I suppose has different hang ups as they make or consider making this move and the author has done an excellent job of tackling most of the things that are most likely to be sticking points. As a side note since grasping the devotion to Mary I have become as devoted to our Blessed Mother as any cradle Catholic.
One significant positive that I found in this book is that the author, with the sensibilities of a former Protestant, backs everything he asserts with scripture. The Church Fathers are liberally quoted as is the Catechism but even the most dedicated disciple of the doctrine of scripture alone will find every one of Mr. Howard's points to be clearly documented by scripture. Curious Protestants will find that this book answers a lot of their questions and devout Catholics will find that this book brings home the truly glorious experience that it is to be Catholic. I would especially recommend this book to any Protestant who is curious about the Catholic faith of a close relative and to any non-Catholic who is married to or about to marry a Catholic.
That being said, I would still say that this is one of the better books on the subject of what it means to be Catholic. Having been raised an evangelical Protestant this author is very aware of the horrible misconceptions that many Protestants have about the Catholic Church and is also very aware of the kind of questions that evangelical Protestants sometimes ask Catholics and he takes these questions and answers them in a clear and concise way. He points out that many of the questions Catholics are asked don't resonate at all with them because the question is based on something that is just not part of their belief system. To help clear up these misunderstandings he takes the time to explain to the Catholic reader the background of questions like, "Are you saved?" and then explains to the Protestant reader why they may get a blank stare if they ask this question of a Catholic.
Throughout the book Mr. Howard takes great pains to get to the very essence of what it means to be Catholic and takes on some major issues that divide Catholics and Protestants. He takes on the arguments over tradition, which was never hard for me to grasp as I journeyed home to the Catholic faith and he also takes on the veneration of the Blessed Virgin, which took a while for me to grasp. Everyone I suppose has different hang ups as they make or consider making this move and the author has done an excellent job of tackling most of the things that are most likely to be sticking points. As a side note since grasping the devotion to Mary I have become as devoted to our Blessed Mother as any cradle Catholic.
One significant positive that I found in this book is that the author, with the sensibilities of a former Protestant, backs everything he asserts with scripture. The Church Fathers are liberally quoted as is the Catechism but even the most dedicated disciple of the doctrine of scripture alone will find every one of Mr. Howard's points to be clearly documented by scripture. Curious Protestants will find that this book answers a lot of their questions and devout Catholics will find that this book brings home the truly glorious experience that it is to be Catholic. I would especially recommend this book to any Protestant who is curious about the Catholic faith of a close relative and to any non-Catholic who is married to or about to marry a Catholic.
June 3, 2020
Read a couple of pages per day on and off over the last 2.5 years, which admittedly is not the best way to read a book, but it's what happened. At the beginning of the book, I recall thinking that the content didn't always feel very specific to Catholicism; it was Christian but not necessarily Catholic. But I do think it became "more Catholic" as the book went on, which was appropriate. After all, that's why one would pick up this book - to learn more about Catholicism, perhaps coming from a Christian background of another denomination as the author did. Howard has an interesting, unique writing style which found me alternately saying, "Wow" and "What?" This is definitely a book that will expand your vocabulary, I cannot recall a book that has required me to look so many words up in the dictionary!
May 30, 2020
Raised in a fundamentalist Baptist family, Thomas Howard heard all of the usual polemics against the Catholic Church growing up, and he attempts to address them in this work. A very protestant-friendly book aimed at productive dialogue and cordial discussion, Thomas Howard has a much more sympathetic and understanding tone than many have in this field. Whether or not you come to believe in the Catholic faith, this book is a good introduction and useful tool for understanding the Catholic perspective, as well as an example of Christian charity while discussing deep and important matters of doctrine.
May 17, 2017
An outstanding and beautifully poetic book of Catholic Apologetics. This book was recommended by Catholic speaker Meg Hunter-Kilmer, and it did not disappoint. It is a rather wonderful affirmation of the Catholic Church and all her wisdom, history, tradition, and truth. For anyone curious about the Catholic faith, this would be a beautiful introduction. For any Catholic, it is a beautiful reminder of who we are, inspiring us to reaffirm our faith and inviting us to deepen our love for Jesus and his Church.
May 17, 2017
Beautiful reflections on Catholicism. I especially loved the parts about the Mass and how to be Catholic is "to live on the edge of the seen and unseen." Chillingly beautiful! But, my gosh, his sentences are long! Seriously - paragraph-long sentences. I had to read some parts out loud just so I could follow his stream of thought. I don't remember his other books being this verbose.
May 9, 2017
A good introduction to the Roman Catholic Church. While Bishop Robert Barron's "Catholicism" is a less pedantic and more engaging text, Howard's book provides further elucidation and a more detailed explanation of certain facets of the faith.
May 22, 2025
An excellent and formative book for anyone truly considering the Catholic faith. The eloquence of his language reflects the feeling as one steps into a Catholic church. i especially loved the chapters on Mary, prayer, and Freedom.
October 8, 2017
I found the tone of the book to be a little arrogant and self satisfied, so stopped reading it
February 2, 2019
Very eloquent prose.
April 8, 2020
Truly a book can be life-changing and this is one for me.
June 9, 2020
One of my all-time favorite books, by one of my favorite writers
July 3, 2020
This scholarly work by the apologist Dr. Howard was both insightful and accessible.
September 26, 2025
Extremely well written and thoughtfully composed. Thomas Howard is excellent and I will be reading all his works.
March 16, 2017
A very beautiful book.
February 10, 2016
Great book, I'm not Catholic, and there are some stuff I still disagree with; the perpetual virginity of Mary, Tertullian argued against it, and Matthew 1:25 could argue against it. However, this is my sticking point, and to be honest, whether Mary was a perpetual virgin or not, Does not affect what Jesus did on the cross or the redemptive value of that. Mary is still blessed among women for accepting God's will and bearing the Savior. The book is great because it is wonderful to learn about and have a richer understanding of the Catholic faith.
January 29, 2017
Coming off of CS Lewis, I found Howard's treatise on Catholicism reminiscent of his inspiration. The main difference here is the colorful language used in On Being Catholic. At its best, the prose paints beautiful pictures of the mysteries of Catholic belief. At its worst, however, Howard's descriptions can become tedious and repetitive. I enjoyed the book for what it was: an introduction to Catholicism from the point of view of a protestant convert.
December 7, 2014
Reread: 2014
November 8, 2014
An absolute tour de force.
November 5, 2016
Actually re-read this book after several years. Good but not easy to read.
April 9, 2015
A must. Formational.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews