Almost Catholic: An Appreciation of the History, Practice, and Mystery of Ancient Faith

by Jon M. Sweeney

Jon Sweeney, a self-described “evolved Protestant” and noted religious writer, has long been fascinated by the Catholic Church. However, it wasn’t until he was a young missionary in the Philippines that he truly began to understand the Church’s traditions, mysteries, and religious beliefs and its hold on those who follow the tradition. As he explains, Catholic spirituality is all about responding to the fundamental mystery of Jesus, the incarnation, and what it all meant in the beginning as well as what it means today. In Almost Catholic, Sweeney offers an appreciation of Catholicism, weaving in the story of his own explorations with those of others who have also been attracted to this tradition. He finds himself drawn to the Church’s ancient and medieval traditions out of a desire to connect with the deepest and widest paths on the way. Two millennia of saints and practices and teachings and mystery form a connection for him to the very beginnings of Christianity.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Catholic, Christian, Faith

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 25, 2008

About the author

Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and writer of popular history. He is married, the father of three, and lives in Montpelier, Vermont. He has worked in book publishing for 25 years: after co-founding SkyLight Paths Publishing, he was the editor in chief and publisher at Paraclete Press, and in August 2015 became editorial director at Franciscan Media Books.

He has written more than 20 books, seven about Francis of Assisi, including "When Saint Francis Saved the Church" and "The Complete Francis of Assisi." HBO has optioned the film rights to "The Pope Who Quit."

Jon's first 20 years were spent as an involved evangelical (a story told in the memoir "Born Again and Again"); he then spent 22 years as an active Episcopalian (see "Almost Catholic," among others); and on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in 2009 he was received into the Catholic Church. Today, Jon is a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. He would never say that he's "spiritual but not religious."

In all of his writing, Jon is drawn to the ancient and medieval (see "The Road to Assisi," and "Inventing Hell"). Many of his books have been selections of the History Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, and Quality Paperback Book Club.

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I am most thankful in 2015 is the book I read over Thanksgiving. It's Almost Catholic and that's what I am. Almost Catholic, I mean. Today, in three and a half hours, I will stand before a huge church full of people and declare my intention to become Fully Catholic. So my reading of this book is quite timely, even divinely inspired.

Almost Catholic is written by a man raised as a Protestant who has a deep appreciation for the Catholic Church. He is my guide to All-Things-Catholic as, chapter by chapter, Sweeney lingers over them. One by one, Sweeney explores the crucifix, stations of the cross, rosary beads, contemplative living, confession, and the sacraments. You'd never believe that Sweeney wasn't born a Catholic or was in the process of becoming a Catholic, so wide is his love for the Church. Yet he does not feel compelled to become Catholic; I find that intriguing. Even though I had about ninety pages to go, I'd already decided I may reread it again, and I definitely wanted to get my own copy as soon as I can.

Very thankful for Almost Catholic.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im not Protestant attracted to Catholicism...Ive been almost Catholic for most of my life. Having been baptised Catholic and identifying as such from a young age, this book held so much appeal for me. Hearing that my questioning the validity of what I was taught in church and religion itself is perfectly normal was wonderful to read; Ive always felt somehow that "having religion" was soething you didnt question. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and found the author's writing to be easy to read but not simple.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected to like this more than I did. As a Protestant who's attracted to the Catholic church in many ways, I thought this would be a window into my own mind, as well as an exploration of what holds Protestants like us back from "swimming the Tiber." I enjoyed the book, and was interested to read about his absorbing some of the practices of Catholicism (such as praying the rosary, observing the stations of the cross, studying the lives of the saints, and so on), but honestly what I remember the most is that he chose not to examine at all the theological differences between conservative Catholic teaching and his own very liberal Episcopal church. That's fine, it was clearly his intention to simply discuss the Catholic practices that have value to him in his own spiritual walk, but I would have really liked for him to discuss the aspects of Catholicism that he rejects, and why.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book. This may have been a bad thing. In many cases the book met my expectations but in some areas it fell short. Generally speaking though I think this is a very important book and I am glad it was written. The author does not shy away from the issues that have traditionally separated Catholics and Protestants and does a good job enlightening the reader on the beauty of Catholicism. Hopefully it will instill a respect for Catholicism in any Protestants that don't yet have one.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A paean to the Catholic faith by an Evangelical Pretestant.
I do not relate to his starting premise, therefore all lthat follows is not for me.
from Amazon.com
Although Sweeney's love of Catholic practice makes for interesting reading, he saves his best for describing the differences between Catholic and Protestant thought, providing a depth that goes beyond fascination with externals.

[Becky]

A good glimpse into the Catholic faith for anyone not Catholic but interested in the faith. Sweeney obviously has such a great love for Catholicism that I had to go back to the first chapter to remember why he isn's Catholic.

[Carlos Vallarino]

Such an inspiring book, not like Scott Hahn that does not have the chispa divina, this guy does and his book is like listening all the whispers of knowledge and inspiration since the beginning of the church and more.

[Arlene Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweeney perfectly captures the mystique and the lure of the ancient faith, its traditions, rituals and practices. Long fascinated with the Catholic Church, I now have a better understanding of the faith and why I am attracted to it.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. The author's excitement was sometimes inspiring, sometimes just OTT cheesy. The whole thing made me wonder, though- why didn't he just convert?

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the way an Episcopalian described his love for what's catholic/Catholic.

[Cyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweeney offers the perspective of an open-minded Protestant. Excellent introduction to Catholicism for non-Catholic Christians or for new Catholics.

[Gato Negro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, comprehensive, history filled book, quite like a textbook on the faith.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little superficial, more like an homage to Catholicism from a Catholiphile who isn't yet Catholic, even though he did end up converting. I'm not sure who his intended audience is.