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Why I Am Catholic
Winner of a 2018 Catholic Press Association Popular Presentation of the Catholic Faith. (First Place).
With atheism on the rise and millions tossing off religion, why would anyone consider the Catholic Church? Brandon Vogt, a bestselling author and the content director for Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, shares his passionate search for truth, a journey that culminated in the realization that Catholicism was right about a lot of things, maybe even everything . His persuasive case for the faith reveals a vision of Catholicism that has answers our world desperately needs and reminds those already in the Church what they love about it.
A 2016 study by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 25 percent of adults (39 percent of young adults) describe themselves as unaffiliated with any religion. Millions of these so-called “nones” have fled organized religion and many more have rejected God altogether.
Brandon Vogt was one of those nones. When he converted to Catholicism in college, he knew how confusing that decision was to many of his friends and family. But he also knew that the evidence he discovered pointed to one Catholicism is true. To his delight, he discovered it was also exceedingly good and beautiful.
Why I Am Catholic traces Vogt’s spiritual journey, making a refreshing, twenty-first century case for the faith and answering questions being asked by agnostics, nones, and atheists, the audience for his popular website, StrangeNotions.com , where Catholics and atheists dialogue. With references to Catholic thinkers such as G. K. Chesterton, Ven. Fulton Sheen, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and Bishop Robert Barron, Vogt draws together lines of evidence to help seekers discover why they should be Catholic as an alternative.
Why I Am Catholic serves as a compelling reproposal of the Church for former Catholics, a persuasive argument for truth and beauty to those who have become jaded and disenchanted with religion, and at the same time offers practicing Catholics a much-needed dose of confidence and clarity to affirm their faith against an increasingly skeptical culture.
With atheism on the rise and millions tossing off religion, why would anyone consider the Catholic Church? Brandon Vogt, a bestselling author and the content director for Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, shares his passionate search for truth, a journey that culminated in the realization that Catholicism was right about a lot of things, maybe even everything . His persuasive case for the faith reveals a vision of Catholicism that has answers our world desperately needs and reminds those already in the Church what they love about it.
A 2016 study by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 25 percent of adults (39 percent of young adults) describe themselves as unaffiliated with any religion. Millions of these so-called “nones” have fled organized religion and many more have rejected God altogether.
Brandon Vogt was one of those nones. When he converted to Catholicism in college, he knew how confusing that decision was to many of his friends and family. But he also knew that the evidence he discovered pointed to one Catholicism is true. To his delight, he discovered it was also exceedingly good and beautiful.
Why I Am Catholic traces Vogt’s spiritual journey, making a refreshing, twenty-first century case for the faith and answering questions being asked by agnostics, nones, and atheists, the audience for his popular website, StrangeNotions.com , where Catholics and atheists dialogue. With references to Catholic thinkers such as G. K. Chesterton, Ven. Fulton Sheen, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and Bishop Robert Barron, Vogt draws together lines of evidence to help seekers discover why they should be Catholic as an alternative.
Why I Am Catholic serves as a compelling reproposal of the Church for former Catholics, a persuasive argument for truth and beauty to those who have become jaded and disenchanted with religion, and at the same time offers practicing Catholics a much-needed dose of confidence and clarity to affirm their faith against an increasingly skeptical culture.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published October 6, 2017
191 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Vogt
32 books75 followersBrandon Vogt is a bestselling writer, blogger, and speaker. He write about new media and theology, as well as book recommendations and reviews.
He serves as the Content Director at Word on Fire, the Catholic ministry founded and run by Fr. Robert Barron.
Brandon's work has been featured by several media outlets including NPR, FoxNews, CBS, EWTN, Our Sunday Visitor, National Review, and Christianity Today, and he's a regular guest on Catholic radio.
In May 2011, he was invited to the Vatican to dialogue with Church leaders about new media. His first book, The Church and New Media: Blogging Converts, Online Activists, and Bishops who Tweet (Our Sunday Visitor), won first-place at the 2012 Catholic Press Association Awards.
In May 2013, he started StrangeNotions.com, the central place of dialogue between Catholics and atheists. He also launched the Africa eBook Project, which raised thousands of dollars to send digital libraries to seminarians across Africa, and Support a Catholic Speaker Month, where 11,000 people joined to promote new and upcoming Catholic speakers.
Brandon entered the Catholic Church on Easter 2008.
He serves as the Content Director at Word on Fire, the Catholic ministry founded and run by Fr. Robert Barron.
Brandon's work has been featured by several media outlets including NPR, FoxNews, CBS, EWTN, Our Sunday Visitor, National Review, and Christianity Today, and he's a regular guest on Catholic radio.
In May 2011, he was invited to the Vatican to dialogue with Church leaders about new media. His first book, The Church and New Media: Blogging Converts, Online Activists, and Bishops who Tweet (Our Sunday Visitor), won first-place at the 2012 Catholic Press Association Awards.
In May 2013, he started StrangeNotions.com, the central place of dialogue between Catholics and atheists. He also launched the Africa eBook Project, which raised thousands of dollars to send digital libraries to seminarians across Africa, and Support a Catholic Speaker Month, where 11,000 people joined to promote new and upcoming Catholic speakers.
Brandon entered the Catholic Church on Easter 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 22, 2017
As a massive fan of Bishop Robert Barron, one of my current-day intellectual heroes, I've come to know Brandon Vogt's name for his work on Wordonfire.com (for which he is Content Director) and many other great catholic media, including Strangenotions.com, that he founded.
I think "Why I am Catholic" is extraordinary in that it summarizes very complex matters in passionate and easily digestible chapters. As an intellectually curious catholic myself, I found some content that I was already familiar with, and some that I wasn't.
Loved the literary references (especially Brandon's love for Chesterton) and I really loved the chapter on Catholicism and science.
To me, the ONE most important misunderstanding, still tragically spread out in popular culture, is that the Catholic Church has always been bullying its way throughout history, being an obstacle for scientific progress. So frustrating to know that the EXACT opposite is true, but the majority of people in the West - especially young ones - are ignorant about it. So, thanks Brandon for writing a really important book.
It's difficult to communicate the beauty and truth of the Catholic Church to a world that has a ton of pre-cooked and pre-conceived incorrect ideas about it. It's the responsibility of all Catholics to make an effort to - at least - fight this ignorance and clear the air from ill-advised prejudice.
I think "Why I am Catholic" is extraordinary in that it summarizes very complex matters in passionate and easily digestible chapters. As an intellectually curious catholic myself, I found some content that I was already familiar with, and some that I wasn't.
Loved the literary references (especially Brandon's love for Chesterton) and I really loved the chapter on Catholicism and science.
To me, the ONE most important misunderstanding, still tragically spread out in popular culture, is that the Catholic Church has always been bullying its way throughout history, being an obstacle for scientific progress. So frustrating to know that the EXACT opposite is true, but the majority of people in the West - especially young ones - are ignorant about it. So, thanks Brandon for writing a really important book.
It's difficult to communicate the beauty and truth of the Catholic Church to a world that has a ton of pre-cooked and pre-conceived incorrect ideas about it. It's the responsibility of all Catholics to make an effort to - at least - fight this ignorance and clear the air from ill-advised prejudice.
January 5, 2019
2.5 stars
This was certainly better written than the book about Catholicism that I read last year (and far less offensive and irritating), and the author seems like someone I would want to befriend if I met him. As the story of why he converted, it’s well-written and interesting. As an argument of why people should convert, I found it unconvincing.
I don’t doubt that he read and studied extensively before he made his decision. His continued references to Catholic scholars and their works was impressive. But the arguments presented in this book were oversimplified to the extent that I felt my intelligence was being insulted. He relies heavily on analogy to make his points, and this technique became increasingly annoying.
The points he made about the church’s contributions to scholarship, science, and benevolent works were more compelling to me than anything else, but I already had an inkling of them from other reading, particularly what I’ve read by the Jesuit James Martin. That chapter was still the most interesting to me.
I’m reading on this topic because I have a family member considering converting. I’m glad he asked me to read on the topic as a way to understand what he’s thinking about. I admit to reading these books begrudgingly. Even so, I stand by my opinion of them. I want to be clear that I don’t have anything against Catholics—I know and admire many—but I also don’t see any reason to convert from the Lutheran Church (the first book I read was specifically about making this change). The same arguments in his chapter, Because it’s for Everybody, could be made for the Lutheran Church, as well as other traditions.
I think this book may be validation for someone already on the road to conversion, but that’s about it.
This was certainly better written than the book about Catholicism that I read last year (and far less offensive and irritating), and the author seems like someone I would want to befriend if I met him. As the story of why he converted, it’s well-written and interesting. As an argument of why people should convert, I found it unconvincing.
I don’t doubt that he read and studied extensively before he made his decision. His continued references to Catholic scholars and their works was impressive. But the arguments presented in this book were oversimplified to the extent that I felt my intelligence was being insulted. He relies heavily on analogy to make his points, and this technique became increasingly annoying.
The points he made about the church’s contributions to scholarship, science, and benevolent works were more compelling to me than anything else, but I already had an inkling of them from other reading, particularly what I’ve read by the Jesuit James Martin. That chapter was still the most interesting to me.
I’m reading on this topic because I have a family member considering converting. I’m glad he asked me to read on the topic as a way to understand what he’s thinking about. I admit to reading these books begrudgingly. Even so, I stand by my opinion of them. I want to be clear that I don’t have anything against Catholics—I know and admire many—but I also don’t see any reason to convert from the Lutheran Church (the first book I read was specifically about making this change). The same arguments in his chapter, Because it’s for Everybody, could be made for the Lutheran Church, as well as other traditions.
I think this book may be validation for someone already on the road to conversion, but that’s about it.
September 15, 2017
There are lots of books that outline all the reasons one should give up atheism or other religions and become Catholic and with good reason: Because the path to the Catholic faith has its origins in many places and winds its way through a myriad of obstacles, challenges, and objections.
Brandon Vogt—one of the smartest, engaging, and energetic young Catholics out there—has written a new book, “Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too),” that offers his own take on why one should consider the Catholic faith, a take that seems aimed directly at the “nones”, the large and growing percentage of mostly young Americans today who tell pollsters that they have no religious preference, and does so in a way that should appeal to a younger audience, characterizing becoming Catholic as a way of “joining the Rebellion”, rather than giving into a massive institution.
>" I’ll admit it’s a weird decision. It goes against the grain. It’s radical. It is, in a word, rebellious."
In this concise, yet compelling book, Brandon outlines the reasons why anyone seeking the truth should become Catholic, using arguments both old and new. Brandon is an engineer by training and a philosopher by avocation so it’s no surprise that the book and its arguments are laid out in a logical progression, from whether God exists to the necessity of religion vs. pure spirituality to Christianity over other religions to the Catholic Church.
Along the way, he recounts bits and pieces of his own journey from a nominal Protestantism to his discovery of Catholicism in college. However, this is not a memoir. Brandon doesn’t delve into his family life or his emotions and motivations, and doesn’t look deeply into the events and circumstances. Instead, he uses his own experiences as a buttress for his arguments, to lend an “I was in your shoes” authenticity to his claims.
Like a good philosopher, Brandon breaks down the argument for Catholicism into three parts: Catholicism is True, it is Good, and it is Beautiful. He notes that while truth is the first and most important qualities, the others are harmonious. “If a belief is true, it’s almost always good and beautiful,” he writes and notes that is the case in other areas, like science, as well.
## Truth and Goodness
The section on Truth deals with the conventional arguments about dogma and creeds, like the existence of God, the divinity of Jesus and so on. He covers all the good arguments and while the ground is well-trod, Brandon manages to find some new and unique ways of expressing himself through appealing analogies.
The other sections on Goodness and Beauty are more unconventional, but no less compelling. In the section on Catholicism as good, he looks at how the the Church was the fount of Western civilization’s flowering in four specific ways.
> "Just four of the many ways Catholicism has shaped our world: science, the university system, charities, and our system of law."
Obviously, there are many more, but these offer some of the best and most convincing arguments. Science, in particular, could only have arisen in the way it has from Christian roots, contrary to the way it is popularly perceived today, because for Catholics even form ancient times, science was a way to understand God through his creation. Many of the great scientists of history were themselves clergy or religious, including Copernicus, Mendel, and Fr. Georges LeMaitre, father of the Big Bang Theory.
Likewise, the Church has contributed to the world by creating universities, by becoming the largest charitable institution in the history of the world (especially in prior ages when caring for the needy was not a virtue), and by creating the modern system of laws based on the Church’s canon law with concepts like the equality of all men.
Catholicism’s Goodness is also found in the attractive witness of the saints and martyrs, pulling out St. Lawrence, St. Damian of Molokai, and St. Theresa of Calcutta as examples; in her rebellious refusal to change teachings that cannot be changed in the face of overwhelming pressure; and in her offering of God’s forgiveness and mercy to the world. This last one may make the greatest impression in some quarters as it is the one thing so sorely lacking in the world today and which so many people are craving: someone to say I love you, you are inherently good, you can be better, let me show you the way. As Brandon writes, “People don’t want mediocrity. All of us—you, me, everyone—we want greatness; we want excellence.” Catholicism is a path to excellence and perfection.
It is also in this section that Brandon deals with the most popular objections to the Church’s teachings, the so-called “pelvic” issues which are at the root of so much rejection of the faith. He deals with ably here, but there isn’t room in his book to give a full exposition, but that’s okay because there are plenty of books that do.
## Beauty
Finally, Brandon advances the case for Catholicism through Beauty. He notes the Church’s unusual insistence on the importance of aesthetics and beauty in art, architecture, and music as well as areas like mathematics.
> "Christians believed that when they studied and applied geometry, whether in mathematics or art, they were tapping into the same underlying structure of reality that God sed in Creation. This view bore tremendous fruit in the realm of Renaissance art."
And so beauty is important because it lifts our hearts and minds to God. Even the most hardened atheist can have his breath taken away by a beautiful landscape, a soaring sculpture, or the perfection of their newborn child. They may not be able to identify the source of their wonder, but the source is God. This is what the Church treasures in beauty.
Brandon then moves the discussion of beauty to an unusual place, by finding it in the Church’s teaching on an authentic humanism. Secular humanism credits humanity alone for all great achievement, but a Christian humanism sees man’s harmonious cooperation with God as a kind of symphony at work. And through Christ, our humanity is lifted up, elevated, and divinized, given greater dignity and power and authority than even the secular humanists imagine.
Finally, Brandon finds beauty in the Church’s universality, how her call and appeal crosses all boundaries of race, gender, culture, language, place, and even intellectual mindset. He uses the examples of different kinds of people who can find a home in the Church: the Thinker (with Thomas Aquinas as his example); the Partier (G.K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc); the Ordinary Man in the street; the Skeptic, whose doubts are welcomed because the Church isn’t afraid of difficult questions; and the Sinner.
It’s the last two-thirds of the book where Brandon really shines. Like I said, the first section is good and I have no objections, but the content is not original. However, in looking at Goodness and Beauty as arguments for Catholicism, he is quite original among today’s authors.
This is especially important because his audience of millennial “nones” in the age of “fake news” aren’t easily convinced by the old logical arguments anymore. A presentation that less about intellectual proofs and more about appealing to a sense of good and rightness and beauty may get more traction in this very cynical, distracted age live in.
If you know a “none” or any millennial, for that matter, Brandon’s book may make an interesting gift to begin a conversation with them and an invitation to reject the Dark Side by joining the Rebellion.
Brandon Vogt—one of the smartest, engaging, and energetic young Catholics out there—has written a new book, “Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too),” that offers his own take on why one should consider the Catholic faith, a take that seems aimed directly at the “nones”, the large and growing percentage of mostly young Americans today who tell pollsters that they have no religious preference, and does so in a way that should appeal to a younger audience, characterizing becoming Catholic as a way of “joining the Rebellion”, rather than giving into a massive institution.
>" I’ll admit it’s a weird decision. It goes against the grain. It’s radical. It is, in a word, rebellious."
In this concise, yet compelling book, Brandon outlines the reasons why anyone seeking the truth should become Catholic, using arguments both old and new. Brandon is an engineer by training and a philosopher by avocation so it’s no surprise that the book and its arguments are laid out in a logical progression, from whether God exists to the necessity of religion vs. pure spirituality to Christianity over other religions to the Catholic Church.
Along the way, he recounts bits and pieces of his own journey from a nominal Protestantism to his discovery of Catholicism in college. However, this is not a memoir. Brandon doesn’t delve into his family life or his emotions and motivations, and doesn’t look deeply into the events and circumstances. Instead, he uses his own experiences as a buttress for his arguments, to lend an “I was in your shoes” authenticity to his claims.
Like a good philosopher, Brandon breaks down the argument for Catholicism into three parts: Catholicism is True, it is Good, and it is Beautiful. He notes that while truth is the first and most important qualities, the others are harmonious. “If a belief is true, it’s almost always good and beautiful,” he writes and notes that is the case in other areas, like science, as well.
## Truth and Goodness
The section on Truth deals with the conventional arguments about dogma and creeds, like the existence of God, the divinity of Jesus and so on. He covers all the good arguments and while the ground is well-trod, Brandon manages to find some new and unique ways of expressing himself through appealing analogies.
The other sections on Goodness and Beauty are more unconventional, but no less compelling. In the section on Catholicism as good, he looks at how the the Church was the fount of Western civilization’s flowering in four specific ways.
> "Just four of the many ways Catholicism has shaped our world: science, the university system, charities, and our system of law."
Obviously, there are many more, but these offer some of the best and most convincing arguments. Science, in particular, could only have arisen in the way it has from Christian roots, contrary to the way it is popularly perceived today, because for Catholics even form ancient times, science was a way to understand God through his creation. Many of the great scientists of history were themselves clergy or religious, including Copernicus, Mendel, and Fr. Georges LeMaitre, father of the Big Bang Theory.
Likewise, the Church has contributed to the world by creating universities, by becoming the largest charitable institution in the history of the world (especially in prior ages when caring for the needy was not a virtue), and by creating the modern system of laws based on the Church’s canon law with concepts like the equality of all men.
Catholicism’s Goodness is also found in the attractive witness of the saints and martyrs, pulling out St. Lawrence, St. Damian of Molokai, and St. Theresa of Calcutta as examples; in her rebellious refusal to change teachings that cannot be changed in the face of overwhelming pressure; and in her offering of God’s forgiveness and mercy to the world. This last one may make the greatest impression in some quarters as it is the one thing so sorely lacking in the world today and which so many people are craving: someone to say I love you, you are inherently good, you can be better, let me show you the way. As Brandon writes, “People don’t want mediocrity. All of us—you, me, everyone—we want greatness; we want excellence.” Catholicism is a path to excellence and perfection.
It is also in this section that Brandon deals with the most popular objections to the Church’s teachings, the so-called “pelvic” issues which are at the root of so much rejection of the faith. He deals with ably here, but there isn’t room in his book to give a full exposition, but that’s okay because there are plenty of books that do.
## Beauty
Finally, Brandon advances the case for Catholicism through Beauty. He notes the Church’s unusual insistence on the importance of aesthetics and beauty in art, architecture, and music as well as areas like mathematics.
> "Christians believed that when they studied and applied geometry, whether in mathematics or art, they were tapping into the same underlying structure of reality that God sed in Creation. This view bore tremendous fruit in the realm of Renaissance art."
And so beauty is important because it lifts our hearts and minds to God. Even the most hardened atheist can have his breath taken away by a beautiful landscape, a soaring sculpture, or the perfection of their newborn child. They may not be able to identify the source of their wonder, but the source is God. This is what the Church treasures in beauty.
Brandon then moves the discussion of beauty to an unusual place, by finding it in the Church’s teaching on an authentic humanism. Secular humanism credits humanity alone for all great achievement, but a Christian humanism sees man’s harmonious cooperation with God as a kind of symphony at work. And through Christ, our humanity is lifted up, elevated, and divinized, given greater dignity and power and authority than even the secular humanists imagine.
Finally, Brandon finds beauty in the Church’s universality, how her call and appeal crosses all boundaries of race, gender, culture, language, place, and even intellectual mindset. He uses the examples of different kinds of people who can find a home in the Church: the Thinker (with Thomas Aquinas as his example); the Partier (G.K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc); the Ordinary Man in the street; the Skeptic, whose doubts are welcomed because the Church isn’t afraid of difficult questions; and the Sinner.
It’s the last two-thirds of the book where Brandon really shines. Like I said, the first section is good and I have no objections, but the content is not original. However, in looking at Goodness and Beauty as arguments for Catholicism, he is quite original among today’s authors.
This is especially important because his audience of millennial “nones” in the age of “fake news” aren’t easily convinced by the old logical arguments anymore. A presentation that less about intellectual proofs and more about appealing to a sense of good and rightness and beauty may get more traction in this very cynical, distracted age live in.
If you know a “none” or any millennial, for that matter, Brandon’s book may make an interesting gift to begin a conversation with them and an invitation to reject the Dark Side by joining the Rebellion.
April 4, 2022
The former president of the non-profit for which I work will be received into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil 2022. Because of his background, body of published work, and credentials, he has been able to establish a relationship with Bishop Barron and Word on Fire. This led him to go visit Brandon Vogt at his home in, I believe, 2021. Our president came back with a stack of these books. He gave one to each of the staff members of our mostly Protestant ministry. Except for me. I did not get one. I guess because I am already Catholic. 😁
In any event, this always rankled - I like Catholic Apologetics as much as the next Catholic convert! - and so when I saw this book for sale at a retreat center gift shop in Scottsdale, AZ, I decided to pick it up and give it a read. Here are my quick impressions:
1. Brandon Vogt is charming and enthusiastic and an able defender of the faith in less than 200 pages. The print is big, the topics are largely skimmed, and the whole of the book, should it fall on good soil, is designed more to provoke further study and exploration - for which Vogt supplies myriad resources in the Conclusion and Appendix - than provide every answer.
2. The man loves Chesterton. I love Chesterton. I got in trouble at Augustine Institute with Dr. Blum by quoting Chesterton too often in my papers. 😂 Brandon Vogt could give me a run for my money.
3. I plan on quoting his chapter on forgiveness and the sacrament of Reconciliation when I have the Parents' Night for First Reconciliation next fall. It is really good! One of the crowning moments of the book.
4. It comes across as very Word on Fire-y, as well it should. It definitely has the redolence of Bishop Robert Barron clinging to it. Thankfully, that is a fragrance that tends to please.
If you would like an easy, highly-readable, glimpse into the Catholic Church and some of the overarching issues that trouble those unfamiliar with her, this book is a good place to start. Even more so, though, I encourage just digging into the Catechism and attending a Mass. That was the one-two punch that made me fall in love with the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church - and nothing can beat just living and experiencing heaven's kiss upon the earth in these two ways - her teaching and her liturgy.
In any event, this always rankled - I like Catholic Apologetics as much as the next Catholic convert! - and so when I saw this book for sale at a retreat center gift shop in Scottsdale, AZ, I decided to pick it up and give it a read. Here are my quick impressions:
1. Brandon Vogt is charming and enthusiastic and an able defender of the faith in less than 200 pages. The print is big, the topics are largely skimmed, and the whole of the book, should it fall on good soil, is designed more to provoke further study and exploration - for which Vogt supplies myriad resources in the Conclusion and Appendix - than provide every answer.
2. The man loves Chesterton. I love Chesterton. I got in trouble at Augustine Institute with Dr. Blum by quoting Chesterton too often in my papers. 😂 Brandon Vogt could give me a run for my money.
3. I plan on quoting his chapter on forgiveness and the sacrament of Reconciliation when I have the Parents' Night for First Reconciliation next fall. It is really good! One of the crowning moments of the book.
4. It comes across as very Word on Fire-y, as well it should. It definitely has the redolence of Bishop Robert Barron clinging to it. Thankfully, that is a fragrance that tends to please.
If you would like an easy, highly-readable, glimpse into the Catholic Church and some of the overarching issues that trouble those unfamiliar with her, this book is a good place to start. Even more so, though, I encourage just digging into the Catechism and attending a Mass. That was the one-two punch that made me fall in love with the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church - and nothing can beat just living and experiencing heaven's kiss upon the earth in these two ways - her teaching and her liturgy.
March 12, 2025
Had to read this for an apologetics class and I wasn’t too thrilled. I am already Catholic so I know must of the reasons talked about in the book, but it actually has some useful information and it shows the positives of Catholicism. Not a bad read at all, just gave it 3 stars because I am pretty familiar with the topics so a good chunk of the books are reviews. I also had to do a worksheet for every chapter which sucked. Good book if you are interested in Catholicism.
July 25, 2017
Vogt didn't write this book for cradle Catholics, which I am. I still gladly accepted the ARC because I'm a huge fan of Word of Fire, the podcast he hosts with Bishop Barron. The book is simple, straightforward, and short. He goes over the reasons he found Catholicism compelling as an engineering major in college and addresses many of the misconceptions surrounding the faith. Overall, it's a good primer for those interested in Catholicism but not ready to tackle books by classic theologians like St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, and Blessed John Henry Newman, or modern intellectuals like Chesterton, Kreeft, Bishop Barron, and others. (A struggle Vogt admits having his first go round with Summa Theologica.) I gave the book an additional star for the well-rounded lists of recommended books to read and websites to visit.
February 1, 2019
CATHOLICISM IS FOR EVERYONE!
Can I give this 6 stars?
"[...] we can either accept unguided, blind evolution, or we can accept our ability to reason—but not both. We can’t reasonably accept unguided evolution. For if we hold to it, then we have no good reason to trust our reason (which would make us, by definition, insane).” – ‘Because God Exists’
Christianity, Catholicism most specifically, offers reasonable information as to how human brains have evolved into coherent devices for critical thinking.
How, through lack of proof, we can actually say God exists, through the universe, morality, and reason.
It also helped to found and shape most of the Western world.
Catholicism in and of itself isn't evil. People are sinners, yes, but the tenets of the faith provide a solid foundation of humanity. Of human brains.
The key to our existence and how we should live.
So in a world where atheism is on the rise, where the Catholic faith (and other Christian denominations) are degraded more and more, Vogt offers solid facts for the importance of Catholicism, as well as why it's beautiful.
Even 15% in, this book made me happy to be Catholic.
I love how he compares "spiritual but not religious" with "scientific but not into scientific laws and rules."
Part 1: Catholicism is True
None of the information that Vogt includes in here is new to me; however, some of the analogies are. He also provides more comprehensive information in one neat package.
He discusses five facts from multiple scholars, even skeptics, that point to the Resurrection.
Religion is not a hindrance, but a helpful guide. Too, studies show that religious people overall have a better wellbeing.
Which form of Christianity is "correct?" Well, Catholicism is the fullest expression of truth, even if it doesn't hold 100% of every truth. It's also the most aligned with the early Church.
I now have a deeper understanding of the Nicene Creed. I hope this stays with me forever.
Part 2: Catholicism is Good
I knew of the Catholic church's contributions to science--well, some of them. I was NOT aware that it drove the scientific revolution. Nor did I know that experimental science used to be deemed the Jesuit science.
The analogies between Catholic teachings and other rules we see in life are fantastic. Don't like the rules determined by our leader (Jesus)? That'd be like not liking the Pythagorean Theorem. Not a fan of people telling you things you don't 'want' t to do but may be good for you in the long run? That'd be like someone not liking the rules in a sport--particularly, practice & practice & practice.
These rules are objective, not subjective.
Vogt offers continuous reminders that the Church is the messenger, not the source of these rules and guides.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE his explanations as to why the Protestant idea of forgiveness can be problematic as compared to how Catholics offer forgiveness.
And, it IS in the Bible!
Part 3: Catholicism is Beautiful
This is nothing new to me, but I love how much Vogt reiterates the need for beauty in the world, and how Catholicism offers it.
The Catholic Church says that EVERY human life has dignity. NOT because of what they 'contribute to society' but simply because they exist.
Catholicism is the greatest form of Humanism.
Conclusion
Vogt is so incredibly REAL with how one can connect with a parish. I love it.
Can I give this 6 stars?
"[...] we can either accept unguided, blind evolution, or we can accept our ability to reason—but not both. We can’t reasonably accept unguided evolution. For if we hold to it, then we have no good reason to trust our reason (which would make us, by definition, insane).” – ‘Because God Exists’
Christianity, Catholicism most specifically, offers reasonable information as to how human brains have evolved into coherent devices for critical thinking.
How, through lack of proof, we can actually say God exists, through the universe, morality, and reason.
It also helped to found and shape most of the Western world.
Catholicism in and of itself isn't evil. People are sinners, yes, but the tenets of the faith provide a solid foundation of humanity. Of human brains.
The key to our existence and how we should live.
So in a world where atheism is on the rise, where the Catholic faith (and other Christian denominations) are degraded more and more, Vogt offers solid facts for the importance of Catholicism, as well as why it's beautiful.
Even 15% in, this book made me happy to be Catholic.
I love how he compares "spiritual but not religious" with "scientific but not into scientific laws and rules."
Part 1: Catholicism is True
None of the information that Vogt includes in here is new to me; however, some of the analogies are. He also provides more comprehensive information in one neat package.
He discusses five facts from multiple scholars, even skeptics, that point to the Resurrection.
Religion is not a hindrance, but a helpful guide. Too, studies show that religious people overall have a better wellbeing.
Which form of Christianity is "correct?" Well, Catholicism is the fullest expression of truth, even if it doesn't hold 100% of every truth. It's also the most aligned with the early Church.
I now have a deeper understanding of the Nicene Creed. I hope this stays with me forever.
Part 2: Catholicism is Good
I knew of the Catholic church's contributions to science--well, some of them. I was NOT aware that it drove the scientific revolution. Nor did I know that experimental science used to be deemed the Jesuit science.
The analogies between Catholic teachings and other rules we see in life are fantastic. Don't like the rules determined by our leader (Jesus)? That'd be like not liking the Pythagorean Theorem. Not a fan of people telling you things you don't 'want' t to do but may be good for you in the long run? That'd be like someone not liking the rules in a sport--particularly, practice & practice & practice.
These rules are objective, not subjective.
Vogt offers continuous reminders that the Church is the messenger, not the source of these rules and guides.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE his explanations as to why the Protestant idea of forgiveness can be problematic as compared to how Catholics offer forgiveness.
And, it IS in the Bible!
Part 3: Catholicism is Beautiful
This is nothing new to me, but I love how much Vogt reiterates the need for beauty in the world, and how Catholicism offers it.
The Catholic Church says that EVERY human life has dignity. NOT because of what they 'contribute to society' but simply because they exist.
Catholicism is the greatest form of Humanism.
Conclusion
Vogt is so incredibly REAL with how one can connect with a parish. I love it.
July 14, 2025
When I was growing up, I had an aunt, who played a great part in my life, who had converted to Catholicism when she married into our family. Like many converts, Aunt Muriel enthusiastically and gratefully lived her new faith. I found the same enthusiasm and gratitude in Brandon Vogt’s audiobook WHY I AM CATHOLIC (And You Should Be Too).
However, as an argument for embracing or returning to Catholicism, the book reminded me of the persuasive essays my A- and B+ students used to submit - setting up potential obstacles to Catholicism in order to knock them down, but sometimes hedging their bets and leaving out some of the more compelling arguments against their position. Not to fault his sincerity, but some of Mr. Vogt’s arguments struck me as a bit glib.
There is much to like in this audiobook: Mr. Vogt’s sincerity and positivity is well rendered by narrator Kirby Heyborne, for example, and I would love to read a deeper treatment of his conversion now, some eight years after WHY I AM CATHOLIC was written.
However, there were some glaring oversimplifications and omissions that prevented me from appreciating the book. While emphasizing the countless good works done in the name of Catholicism, Mr. Vogt didn’t mention some of the shameful sins also committed in the Church’s name – the Spanish Inquisition being one of the most shameful, as well as the all-too-comfortable collusion between despots and dictators and the hierarchy of the Church.
It’s important to me that I point out that the book was written several years ago. No doubt many of Brandon Vogt’s arguments have deepened or perhaps changed. Despite my less than five star review, I look forward to reading more of his work.
However, as an argument for embracing or returning to Catholicism, the book reminded me of the persuasive essays my A- and B+ students used to submit - setting up potential obstacles to Catholicism in order to knock them down, but sometimes hedging their bets and leaving out some of the more compelling arguments against their position. Not to fault his sincerity, but some of Mr. Vogt’s arguments struck me as a bit glib.
There is much to like in this audiobook: Mr. Vogt’s sincerity and positivity is well rendered by narrator Kirby Heyborne, for example, and I would love to read a deeper treatment of his conversion now, some eight years after WHY I AM CATHOLIC was written.
However, there were some glaring oversimplifications and omissions that prevented me from appreciating the book. While emphasizing the countless good works done in the name of Catholicism, Mr. Vogt didn’t mention some of the shameful sins also committed in the Church’s name – the Spanish Inquisition being one of the most shameful, as well as the all-too-comfortable collusion between despots and dictators and the hierarchy of the Church.
It’s important to me that I point out that the book was written several years ago. No doubt many of Brandon Vogt’s arguments have deepened or perhaps changed. Despite my less than five star review, I look forward to reading more of his work.
October 9, 2025
I liked this book. I was raised Methodist, although I haven’t practiced in some time. I had always heard daunting things about the Catholic church growing up- and even have some family members who deeply dislike Catholicism.
In my mid-twenties, I married my husband who was raised Catholic, but has not practiced since high school. We now have 2 kids and are deciding the best route to choose as a family. Neither of us are super drawn to a type of religion but we want to redirect our family back down God’s path. Today’s world scares me, and I think it would be good for our kids to be raised with a deep understanding of God and what it means to be a good person. With that in mind, we are thinking that Catholic school would be a great option for them. This would expose them to God daily and allow them to be around like-minded, respectful, and faithful individuals.
Reading this book as someone who has been *lightly* exposed to Catholicism was eye opening. I really liked that the author was raised under another religion and converted later in life. I also really like that he is a millennial (like me). This book gave me a realistic and modern explanation of Catholicism from someone my own age.
I feel like this was a great introduction to what being Catholic is like. I recommend this book for people thinking about exploring Catholicism.
In my mid-twenties, I married my husband who was raised Catholic, but has not practiced since high school. We now have 2 kids and are deciding the best route to choose as a family. Neither of us are super drawn to a type of religion but we want to redirect our family back down God’s path. Today’s world scares me, and I think it would be good for our kids to be raised with a deep understanding of God and what it means to be a good person. With that in mind, we are thinking that Catholic school would be a great option for them. This would expose them to God daily and allow them to be around like-minded, respectful, and faithful individuals.
Reading this book as someone who has been *lightly* exposed to Catholicism was eye opening. I really liked that the author was raised under another religion and converted later in life. I also really like that he is a millennial (like me). This book gave me a realistic and modern explanation of Catholicism from someone my own age.
I feel like this was a great introduction to what being Catholic is like. I recommend this book for people thinking about exploring Catholicism.
October 15, 2019
Oh man, I did not love this book. I think my favorite thing about it was that he said the most rebellious thing you can do rn is join the Catholic Church, not smoke weed or whatever, which I thought was both hilarious and true. He mentioned this idea a few times. Other than that, I understand he was trying to reach out to non-believers too, but I didn't particularly love the "proof God is real" part, but the dude is an engineer so I'm not surprised. Other than that, it just wasn't a very exciting or groundbreaking book. I'm harsher on nonfiction than fiction so. I wouldn't really recommend it. I was hoping it would be more abt the Catholic Church and what's great abt it, and while there were some sections abt that, it just didn't have enough of that kind of stuff for what I was looking for.
March 19, 2024
I definitely agree with everything this book had to say but I’m just confused at why he chose to talk about the points that he did? Very easy to read and great points, but I personally would not choose the things he did to first introduce someone to the Catholic faith, and to explain why I am Catholic. Then again, this is the author explaining why HE is Catholic so that’s for him to explain!
March 9, 2025
As a cradle Catholic who takes their faith seriously I think Brandon has set out the basics in easy to understand form. The section on Confession was moving although I think that the very fact that we go to confession to be forgiven was left a little short . We also receive the grace each time we go so we can overcome our faults and failings.
July 25, 2019
This is a short read: it is a clear and concise explanation for people on varying parts of their faith journey. It helped me!
Read
March 20, 2023An excellent thoughtful, basic read for reason for the Catholic faith. Fairly light-weight. A helpful overview.
December 26, 2020
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more about what makes the Catholic Church unique among today's countless other denominations and faith traditions.
Brandon Vogt managed to write a book that is both meaty and easy to understand. He takes readers on a very high level overview of the reasons to believe God exists, Jesus was God and the Catholic Church is the institution created by Jesus. This is not a book of advanced theological concepts but rather an accessible introduction to these topics.
As a cradle Catholic, I actually picked this up only because I needed a shorter book to help me finish my reading challenge for the year. However, I'm glad I did because it helped rekindle new appreciation for the many wonderful things the Catholic Church offers.
Brandon Vogt managed to write a book that is both meaty and easy to understand. He takes readers on a very high level overview of the reasons to believe God exists, Jesus was God and the Catholic Church is the institution created by Jesus. This is not a book of advanced theological concepts but rather an accessible introduction to these topics.
As a cradle Catholic, I actually picked this up only because I needed a shorter book to help me finish my reading challenge for the year. However, I'm glad I did because it helped rekindle new appreciation for the many wonderful things the Catholic Church offers.
September 18, 2023
"Why I am Catholic" is a nice, short story of how the author came to the faith. I think it would be a very good exposure to Catholicism for someone new who is maybe just dipping a toe in to explore the possibilities. It’s a very easy read with a light touch.
June 27, 2022
Well written and inspiring!
October 7, 2017
This past spring back to back I read this book and Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love by Trent Horn. In some ways there is a number of similarities, and both speak specifically about the example of Saint Damien of Molokai. This book really struck a chord with me when I read it. I could immediately think of some lapsed Catholics who would benefit from reading it. I also thought of some friends who I believe will eventually find their way home to Rome. And as a revert myself I greatly enjoyed the book and found it motivating and challenging at the same time.
The chapters in this volume are:
Introduction: The Only Rebellion Left
Part I. Catholicism Is True
1: Because God Exists
2: Because We Need Religion
3: Because Jesus Is God
4: Because Jesus Started a Church
Part II. Catholicism Is Good
5: Because It Built Western Civilization
6: Because of Its Heroic Charity
7: Because It Doesn't Go with the Times
Part III. Catholicism Is Beautiful
9: Because It Cherishes Beauty
10: Because It Lifts Us Up
11: Because It's for Everybody
Conclusion: Join the Rebellion
Appendix: Going Deeper
Notes
Brandon states in the introduction:
"Choosing to be Catholic is provocative. It's countercultural. It's literally the opposite direction our culture is going. The Pew Research Center completed a massive, national religious study, surveying over thirty thousand Americans, which found that exactly half (50 percent) of Millennials who were raised Catholic no longer call themselves Catholic today. That's massive attrition. Half of young Catholics have already left the Church (with more likely following in the future). That explains why "former Catholic" continues to be one of America's largest religious groups.
The study also found that roughly 80 percent of people who left the Catholic Church have left before age twenty- three. These aren't lifelong Catholics who stay on the fence for decades before drifting away. They're young people, people in high school or college, or young adults-people the same age I was when I chose to become Catholic."
And that plays out with what I have seen spending the better part of twenty years on university campuses as a student, mature student and chaplain with a nondenominational campus ministry. Brandon does use a lot of numbers and stats in this book. But he also writes passionately from the heart and from his own experience. He says:
"I'm not part of the 50 percent of Millennials who left the Church. I'm not one of the 6.45 who continually stream out the back door. I'm the one who joined. I'm the one who deliberately chose Catholicism, who carefully studied and wrestled with its claims, who prayed, read, thought, and discussed and came out the other end a Catholic.
I'll admit it's a weird decision. It goes against the grain. It's radical. It is, in a word, rebellious."
Brandon builds has case based on three key principals; Catholicism is True, Catholicism is Good, and Catholicism is beautiful. And he does an excellent job of laying a great ground work. I myself returned to the Catholic Church while studying theology and pursuing ordination in a different denomination. Like Brandon what brought me home was I became convinced of the theological truth of Catholicism. And Once I knew that truth I either had to accept and embrace it or reject it live a lie.
Brandon presents his story in a clear and concise way. He writes in a very engaging style that is easy to read. Brandon's energy and passion comes through on the pages. He also addresses many of the common misconceptions about Catholicism and the key arguments against it. It is a good read and I believe that anyone who reads it will be challenged or encouraged in their faith. Well done Brandon.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
The chapters in this volume are:
Introduction: The Only Rebellion Left
Part I. Catholicism Is True
1: Because God Exists
2: Because We Need Religion
3: Because Jesus Is God
4: Because Jesus Started a Church
Part II. Catholicism Is Good
5: Because It Built Western Civilization
6: Because of Its Heroic Charity
7: Because It Doesn't Go with the Times
Part III. Catholicism Is Beautiful
9: Because It Cherishes Beauty
10: Because It Lifts Us Up
11: Because It's for Everybody
Conclusion: Join the Rebellion
Appendix: Going Deeper
Notes
Brandon states in the introduction:
"Choosing to be Catholic is provocative. It's countercultural. It's literally the opposite direction our culture is going. The Pew Research Center completed a massive, national religious study, surveying over thirty thousand Americans, which found that exactly half (50 percent) of Millennials who were raised Catholic no longer call themselves Catholic today. That's massive attrition. Half of young Catholics have already left the Church (with more likely following in the future). That explains why "former Catholic" continues to be one of America's largest religious groups.
The study also found that roughly 80 percent of people who left the Catholic Church have left before age twenty- three. These aren't lifelong Catholics who stay on the fence for decades before drifting away. They're young people, people in high school or college, or young adults-people the same age I was when I chose to become Catholic."
And that plays out with what I have seen spending the better part of twenty years on university campuses as a student, mature student and chaplain with a nondenominational campus ministry. Brandon does use a lot of numbers and stats in this book. But he also writes passionately from the heart and from his own experience. He says:
"I'm not part of the 50 percent of Millennials who left the Church. I'm not one of the 6.45 who continually stream out the back door. I'm the one who joined. I'm the one who deliberately chose Catholicism, who carefully studied and wrestled with its claims, who prayed, read, thought, and discussed and came out the other end a Catholic.
I'll admit it's a weird decision. It goes against the grain. It's radical. It is, in a word, rebellious."
Brandon builds has case based on three key principals; Catholicism is True, Catholicism is Good, and Catholicism is beautiful. And he does an excellent job of laying a great ground work. I myself returned to the Catholic Church while studying theology and pursuing ordination in a different denomination. Like Brandon what brought me home was I became convinced of the theological truth of Catholicism. And Once I knew that truth I either had to accept and embrace it or reject it live a lie.
Brandon presents his story in a clear and concise way. He writes in a very engaging style that is easy to read. Brandon's energy and passion comes through on the pages. He also addresses many of the common misconceptions about Catholicism and the key arguments against it. It is a good read and I believe that anyone who reads it will be challenged or encouraged in their faith. Well done Brandon.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
August 24, 2019
Amazing book. I love how it relates to scientific information.
January 16, 2021
I am Catholic, and pretty Catholic at that. Some of the arguments the author makes are good - the proofs of God are about as good as one's going to find without getting into heavier stuff. Some of the arguments the author makes are crummy. No women priests because Jesus didn't ordain them, but he didn't ordain Gentiles either? Gay marriage isn't okay because it can't produce children, but women with hysterectomies can get married? Okay.
September 13, 2018
I read this book bc the author went on (i think it was) Jesuitical and i thought he had a really eloquent way of explaining his Christianity. Most of what Brandon writes makes sense but every now and then (and entirely too often) he would drop some kind of reductive statement that would just make me grown in frustration. i could say so much more but i will leave it at that.
January 16, 2019
A very thought provoking read.
The opening chapters concerning the existence of God and similar arguments, were definitely too brisk and overly simplistic in nature. One could read them and arrive at the conclusion that the atheistic arguments are trivial, and although I side with the theistic affirmative I don’t think that the conversation is served well by treading lightly, nor by assuming that a few quick bulletpoints can end the long-running debate.
For me the book really gained its traction in the 4th chapter (“because Jesus started a church”).
The author’s discussion concerning the “fallacy” of Sola Scriptura was a mind-blowing exercise for me. As a Protestant I have always taken this concept for granted and never considered alternative views as being orthodox options; and this isn’t to say that the author has a low view of scripture either.
Rather his views are best outlined in his own words, “Jesus established a Church, not a Bible, as the way to propagate his new way of life. The Bible stems from the Church. It was compiled by the Church, spread by the Church, and has been safeguarded down through history by the Church. It remains the holy, inspired Word of God.” (Loc 770)
In summary, Vogt explains that Catholics understand the bible as being a divinely inspired documentation (or witness) of God’s redemptive work within human history; one that the Church has collected, compiled, and also been trusted with interpreting. (I.E. if the Church is the “end”, then the bible is the “means” to that end.)
Other delightful surprises were Vogt’s sections on science, education, and creation. Although brief in nature the take away point was that the Catholic Church claims to encourage critical study at all levels and across all spheres.
One noteworthy support of this being that it was actually a Catholic Priest (Fr. Georges Lemaître) who gave birth to the Big Bang theory in 1927 (Loc 892).
Vogt then talks about creation as if only Protestants struggle with confusing pseudo-scientific readings of Genesis, and that Catholicism instead understands the ancient text according to its poetic/mythic genre thus avoiding interpretational conundrums.
His concluding point for this section is that “... the Church doesn’t delineate exactly what you should believe about every issue under the sun. When it comes to scientific or political questions, for example, the Church provides broad principles but leaves it up to individual Catholics to wrestle with the specifics.”(Loc 1712)
Although these sections were enjoyable, the book continues to come up short in some key areas. For example I was not convinced by his explanations for the exclusion of women from the priesthood, or the nature of the Eucharist. Also his segment on “pelvic issues” was novel but failed to drive all of the points home.
Overall this book presents a good starting place for a Catholic apologetic, and invites the reader to “... judge the Catholic Church by its best members, not its worst.” Vogt argues that religion and the Catholic Church can be experienced as beautiful, and that true religious experiences should always embody transcendent beauty. In this regard I am happy to agree with Vogt and regardless of any critique above I would never aim to distort this sentiment.
His constant referral to the words of Chesterton were also quite fun, and it seems only fitting to finish with one of them:
“For Chesterton, the central claim of Catholicism, that God became man through the Incarnation, in a way sanctified all ordinary human activities—including and especially drinking with friends in a pub. Even that experience could offer a foretaste of heaven.” (Loc 1680)
Sounds beautiful.
The opening chapters concerning the existence of God and similar arguments, were definitely too brisk and overly simplistic in nature. One could read them and arrive at the conclusion that the atheistic arguments are trivial, and although I side with the theistic affirmative I don’t think that the conversation is served well by treading lightly, nor by assuming that a few quick bulletpoints can end the long-running debate.
For me the book really gained its traction in the 4th chapter (“because Jesus started a church”).
The author’s discussion concerning the “fallacy” of Sola Scriptura was a mind-blowing exercise for me. As a Protestant I have always taken this concept for granted and never considered alternative views as being orthodox options; and this isn’t to say that the author has a low view of scripture either.
Rather his views are best outlined in his own words, “Jesus established a Church, not a Bible, as the way to propagate his new way of life. The Bible stems from the Church. It was compiled by the Church, spread by the Church, and has been safeguarded down through history by the Church. It remains the holy, inspired Word of God.” (Loc 770)
In summary, Vogt explains that Catholics understand the bible as being a divinely inspired documentation (or witness) of God’s redemptive work within human history; one that the Church has collected, compiled, and also been trusted with interpreting. (I.E. if the Church is the “end”, then the bible is the “means” to that end.)
Other delightful surprises were Vogt’s sections on science, education, and creation. Although brief in nature the take away point was that the Catholic Church claims to encourage critical study at all levels and across all spheres.
One noteworthy support of this being that it was actually a Catholic Priest (Fr. Georges Lemaître) who gave birth to the Big Bang theory in 1927 (Loc 892).
Vogt then talks about creation as if only Protestants struggle with confusing pseudo-scientific readings of Genesis, and that Catholicism instead understands the ancient text according to its poetic/mythic genre thus avoiding interpretational conundrums.
His concluding point for this section is that “... the Church doesn’t delineate exactly what you should believe about every issue under the sun. When it comes to scientific or political questions, for example, the Church provides broad principles but leaves it up to individual Catholics to wrestle with the specifics.”(Loc 1712)
Although these sections were enjoyable, the book continues to come up short in some key areas. For example I was not convinced by his explanations for the exclusion of women from the priesthood, or the nature of the Eucharist. Also his segment on “pelvic issues” was novel but failed to drive all of the points home.
Overall this book presents a good starting place for a Catholic apologetic, and invites the reader to “... judge the Catholic Church by its best members, not its worst.” Vogt argues that religion and the Catholic Church can be experienced as beautiful, and that true religious experiences should always embody transcendent beauty. In this regard I am happy to agree with Vogt and regardless of any critique above I would never aim to distort this sentiment.
His constant referral to the words of Chesterton were also quite fun, and it seems only fitting to finish with one of them:
“For Chesterton, the central claim of Catholicism, that God became man through the Incarnation, in a way sanctified all ordinary human activities—including and especially drinking with friends in a pub. Even that experience could offer a foretaste of heaven.” (Loc 1680)
Sounds beautiful.
October 15, 2017
There are a lot of good things about the book. I think the best thing about it is how it is organized; Vogt's book is split into parts based on the true, the good, and the beautiful. Though Vogt shares portions of his personal faith journey and conversion, the book primarily focuses on providing information. This allows the book to find a good balance between personal testimony and apologetics. I loved that he synthesized information from a variety of sources so he had things like data and theological arguments. This is the first book I've read by Vogt, and I was very impressed with his writing style. Not only was the information solid, it was expressed in an eloquent way.
A potential downside (or upside) to this book is it doesn't go into detail on some points that perhaps could've benefited from more depth. That being said, Vogt acknowledges that there is only so much that he can cover in the book. He alludes to other information and provides sources for readers to explore. In most cases, I think this is a great alternative to making this book heavy with details. The only part that I truly felt was lacking was the part on moral arguments relating to God. As someone who has spoken to atheists as much as Vogt, I would've expected a more thorough consideration of moral relativism. Though he touches on relativism later in his book, his claim that everyone accepts that there are things people accept as objectively wrong disregards that there are people who believe there is no such thing as objective wrong or right (or perhaps I met the few exceptions to that).
A small criticism I have of the book is that I thought the "rebellion" sections were a little cheesy. I understand where he was going with it, but it seemed weak in comparison to the rest of the book.
Though it is true that he didn't present any radically new concepts, the way he presents the information is unique and interesting. Plus, with a Church that has been around for 2,000 years, there is bound to be some repeat information.
All that being said, Why I am Catholic (And You Should Be Too) is informative, interesting, and well-written. I think this book is best suited for Catholics who are questioning their faith or people who are considering Catholicism, but I would recommend it to anyone who wants a solid introduction to good reasons to be a Catholic.
A potential downside (or upside) to this book is it doesn't go into detail on some points that perhaps could've benefited from more depth. That being said, Vogt acknowledges that there is only so much that he can cover in the book. He alludes to other information and provides sources for readers to explore. In most cases, I think this is a great alternative to making this book heavy with details. The only part that I truly felt was lacking was the part on moral arguments relating to God. As someone who has spoken to atheists as much as Vogt, I would've expected a more thorough consideration of moral relativism. Though he touches on relativism later in his book, his claim that everyone accepts that there are things people accept as objectively wrong disregards that there are people who believe there is no such thing as objective wrong or right (or perhaps I met the few exceptions to that).
A small criticism I have of the book is that I thought the "rebellion" sections were a little cheesy. I understand where he was going with it, but it seemed weak in comparison to the rest of the book.
Though it is true that he didn't present any radically new concepts, the way he presents the information is unique and interesting. Plus, with a Church that has been around for 2,000 years, there is bound to be some repeat information.
All that being said, Why I am Catholic (And You Should Be Too) is informative, interesting, and well-written. I think this book is best suited for Catholics who are questioning their faith or people who are considering Catholicism, but I would recommend it to anyone who wants a solid introduction to good reasons to be a Catholic.
July 10, 2018
Warm, thorough, insightful and ballsy.
Each generation needs a full-length Catholic apologetic to call their own. For Baby Boomers, it was The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. For Generation X, it was Rome Sweet Home by Dr. Scott Hahn. For the Millenials, it will be this book.
There seems to be a scarcity of religious seekers nowadays, for fear of being shouted down by the naysayers (i.e. the "nones"). So right off the bat, Brandon Vogt deserves accolades for willingly stepping into the arena to bare his heart and demonstrate his logical prowess as to why he has chosen this route. There is no air of condemnation nor superiority in his prose. He's an ordinary guy who had underwent a conversion experience, and goes into immense detail as to why this decision was obvious for him.
Special note must be taken that he is appealing to the Millenial generation, many of whom employ a postmodern mindset. That is what makes this writing unique. He still employs logic and apologetics, but does so in a fashion that takes care to speak to the average twenty-something's worldview. I find that to be refreshing, even if you happen to reside outside that generation.
If you are a Catholic wishing to brush up on your own evangelism skills, this is a great book to ingest. If you are a seeker who is curious as to what the faith is about, this is also a great book for you. If you are a hardened atheist who is looking for fodder to smack down, know that Vogt helps run a forum where atheists and Catholic Christians can dialogue, without judgment, so that both can appreciate each others' views, with no pressure to acquiesce to a side you are not comfortable with.
His care and concern shines through on every page. It is a lofty summit to pursue faith questions, and it is a challenge to understand the faith in a new way, even one that often has less-than-inspiring liturgies. But Vogt is more than up to the task, making this one of the wonderful surprises of this year.
Each generation needs a full-length Catholic apologetic to call their own. For Baby Boomers, it was The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. For Generation X, it was Rome Sweet Home by Dr. Scott Hahn. For the Millenials, it will be this book.
There seems to be a scarcity of religious seekers nowadays, for fear of being shouted down by the naysayers (i.e. the "nones"). So right off the bat, Brandon Vogt deserves accolades for willingly stepping into the arena to bare his heart and demonstrate his logical prowess as to why he has chosen this route. There is no air of condemnation nor superiority in his prose. He's an ordinary guy who had underwent a conversion experience, and goes into immense detail as to why this decision was obvious for him.
Special note must be taken that he is appealing to the Millenial generation, many of whom employ a postmodern mindset. That is what makes this writing unique. He still employs logic and apologetics, but does so in a fashion that takes care to speak to the average twenty-something's worldview. I find that to be refreshing, even if you happen to reside outside that generation.
If you are a Catholic wishing to brush up on your own evangelism skills, this is a great book to ingest. If you are a seeker who is curious as to what the faith is about, this is also a great book for you. If you are a hardened atheist who is looking for fodder to smack down, know that Vogt helps run a forum where atheists and Catholic Christians can dialogue, without judgment, so that both can appreciate each others' views, with no pressure to acquiesce to a side you are not comfortable with.
His care and concern shines through on every page. It is a lofty summit to pursue faith questions, and it is a challenge to understand the faith in a new way, even one that often has less-than-inspiring liturgies. But Vogt is more than up to the task, making this one of the wonderful surprises of this year.
July 7, 2020
I’m a Protestant that is very sympathetic to the RCC. I listen to Word on Fire, I’ve read several contemporary RCC theologians and I have no problem taking communion at a RCC mass (arrest me). I thought I’d like this book more than I did. Most of the reasons given apply to All Christians, not only the RCCs. Some of the things Brandon misses:
1. God gave the church, but he gave the Holy Spirit, which take preeminence in Scripture (John the Baptist, John 15-18, Peter at Pentecost w Joel) and Tradition (Creeds include church under Holy Spirit).
2. The true church is invisible rather than visible. See Jesus parables of wheat and weeds, goats and sheep, etc. The invisible church includes many “types of Christians” - Anglican, Baptist, RCCs, etc. This, identifying w a visible church isn’t as important as being with the invisible church (a reformed distinction that would really help RCCs - when Brandon says “judge the RCC by the good catholic’s not the bad,” he ought to say judge the church by the invisible church (which includes all true Christians) and not the visible church (which includes all people who say they’re Christians). Making such distinctions is for Jesus at the end
3. However, most Protestants believe in church discipline. If the pope had such authority and wisdom, why doesn’t he excommunicate child molesters? Either he condones it, or he’s not so wise and powerful. This, the pope is a only bishop in Rome, but not the head of the church. That’s Jesus’s title alone.
4. Jesus says that true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth, not in a particular location like Rome (John 4).
What Brandon Gets Right:
1. Protestants suck at the arts, and we have a lot of ugly buildings.
2. RCCs have a better sense of unity. Protestants protest over too many stupid things. And they do not submit to the authority if the church.
3. A lot of uneducated leaders manipulate the flock for selfish gain.
4. Protestants don’t understand church history and the great tradition of all Christians - Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant.
1. God gave the church, but he gave the Holy Spirit, which take preeminence in Scripture (John the Baptist, John 15-18, Peter at Pentecost w Joel) and Tradition (Creeds include church under Holy Spirit).
2. The true church is invisible rather than visible. See Jesus parables of wheat and weeds, goats and sheep, etc. The invisible church includes many “types of Christians” - Anglican, Baptist, RCCs, etc. This, identifying w a visible church isn’t as important as being with the invisible church (a reformed distinction that would really help RCCs - when Brandon says “judge the RCC by the good catholic’s not the bad,” he ought to say judge the church by the invisible church (which includes all true Christians) and not the visible church (which includes all people who say they’re Christians). Making such distinctions is for Jesus at the end
3. However, most Protestants believe in church discipline. If the pope had such authority and wisdom, why doesn’t he excommunicate child molesters? Either he condones it, or he’s not so wise and powerful. This, the pope is a only bishop in Rome, but not the head of the church. That’s Jesus’s title alone.
4. Jesus says that true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth, not in a particular location like Rome (John 4).
What Brandon Gets Right:
1. Protestants suck at the arts, and we have a lot of ugly buildings.
2. RCCs have a better sense of unity. Protestants protest over too many stupid things. And they do not submit to the authority if the church.
3. A lot of uneducated leaders manipulate the flock for selfish gain.
4. Protestants don’t understand church history and the great tradition of all Christians - Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant.
January 9, 2022
In decades where there has been talk of a New Evangelisation this book joins the voices. Brandon Vogt, who works with the well known 'Word On Fire Ministries', became a Catholic. 'Why I am Catholic (and You Should Be Too)' is his enthusiastic response to his pilgrimage of faith. I accessed it as an audible audiobook. But it is also found in paperback and other e-book versions.
It is good to hear him share his experience. Along the way he includes some helpful information about Catholic Faith and life. Arguments for God's existence, the distinctiveness of Christianity, and particular information about Catholicism are all there. All is couched in his conviction and life experience.
A couple of things to comment on. In Chapter Four on Jesus started a Church, he draws a broad distinction between the Eastern and Western Confessions of Christianity, referring to the Eastern Churches as Eastern Orthodoxy. As some readers may know, and others soon find out, not all Eastern Churches are in Communion with Eastern Orthodoxy, with some of them being in Communion with Rome. Examples best known to us might be Maronites (Word On Fire had a podcast with Maronites recently), Melkites, Chaldeans and Syro-Malabar (growing in Australia all the time).
In the conclusion, Vogt includes practical tips about talking with others, contacting the local parish, joining RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and so on. All great. He does mention that some 'returning Catholics' may come to RCIA. That is not always pastorally helpful. Returning Catholics come with their own questions, and, at times, with their own disappointments and hurts. This is best handled separately from the RCIA group, in other groups, such as 'Welcoming Catholics Home'.
Having said that, Vogt's 'Why I Am Catholic' is worth a read and a useful resource to have at hand. Some may also want to look at Vogt's next book 'Return'.
It is good to hear him share his experience. Along the way he includes some helpful information about Catholic Faith and life. Arguments for God's existence, the distinctiveness of Christianity, and particular information about Catholicism are all there. All is couched in his conviction and life experience.
A couple of things to comment on. In Chapter Four on Jesus started a Church, he draws a broad distinction between the Eastern and Western Confessions of Christianity, referring to the Eastern Churches as Eastern Orthodoxy. As some readers may know, and others soon find out, not all Eastern Churches are in Communion with Eastern Orthodoxy, with some of them being in Communion with Rome. Examples best known to us might be Maronites (Word On Fire had a podcast with Maronites recently), Melkites, Chaldeans and Syro-Malabar (growing in Australia all the time).
In the conclusion, Vogt includes practical tips about talking with others, contacting the local parish, joining RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and so on. All great. He does mention that some 'returning Catholics' may come to RCIA. That is not always pastorally helpful. Returning Catholics come with their own questions, and, at times, with their own disappointments and hurts. This is best handled separately from the RCIA group, in other groups, such as 'Welcoming Catholics Home'.
Having said that, Vogt's 'Why I Am Catholic' is worth a read and a useful resource to have at hand. Some may also want to look at Vogt's next book 'Return'.
September 6, 2018
An uplifting profile of Catholicism, perfectly timed.
With the steady stream of disturbing stories about sexual abuse by Catholic priests, this is a challenging moment for Catholics to defend - and more importantly, to recommend - Catholicism. This short, vibrant, accessible book is perfectly timed for this challenging moment.
The author presents the Catholic faith as I recognize it, and presents in straightforward language the reasons why caring, thinking, even skeptical people would embrace it. This young man chose to convert to Catholicism a few years ago when he was a senior in college, and he is open about some of the negative reactions his decision sparked. With patience and grace, he talks about his journey and encourages others to consider that same path.
He shatters the broadly-held myth that Catholics are dour, guilty-ridden, inflexible, intolerant, and backward-looking. Instead, he presents the Catholicism that has been a guiding force in my life, a faith full of joy and forgiveness and beauty and openness, a faith which embraces everyone, everywhere, regardless of circumstances or a person’s current state of holiness. [NB: sinners are particularly welcome]. The Catholic Church is navigating a deep crisis right now, but that “universal” church still stands on the foundational rock of its original, beautiful message.
For anyone considering Catholicism, or for those who would welcome an alternative, uplifting profile of this global faith embraced by over one billion believers, this book is an excellent place to start.
With the steady stream of disturbing stories about sexual abuse by Catholic priests, this is a challenging moment for Catholics to defend - and more importantly, to recommend - Catholicism. This short, vibrant, accessible book is perfectly timed for this challenging moment.
The author presents the Catholic faith as I recognize it, and presents in straightforward language the reasons why caring, thinking, even skeptical people would embrace it. This young man chose to convert to Catholicism a few years ago when he was a senior in college, and he is open about some of the negative reactions his decision sparked. With patience and grace, he talks about his journey and encourages others to consider that same path.
He shatters the broadly-held myth that Catholics are dour, guilty-ridden, inflexible, intolerant, and backward-looking. Instead, he presents the Catholicism that has been a guiding force in my life, a faith full of joy and forgiveness and beauty and openness, a faith which embraces everyone, everywhere, regardless of circumstances or a person’s current state of holiness. [NB: sinners are particularly welcome]. The Catholic Church is navigating a deep crisis right now, but that “universal” church still stands on the foundational rock of its original, beautiful message.
For anyone considering Catholicism, or for those who would welcome an alternative, uplifting profile of this global faith embraced by over one billion believers, this book is an excellent place to start.
March 8, 2020
As a Catholic (who having been Catholic all my life) I might be seen as not the right audience for this book - yet, we Catholics need to be educate about our own faith, too! Because we live in the world and we should be the messengers of the Good News - sure, our acts are far more important than our words, yet people aks and want the answers (some to argue, some to have fun on our account, yes - but some seek the answers). And we should try and to do our best in answering.
Mr Vogt offers many eloquently put information (some new for me) and I find this book being both inspirative and useful. I very much like to read the book written by the converts to Catholicism, as they can describe their struggles and ways to find and enter the Catholic faith.
Yet I often wonder - can faith itself be "translated" by the books? What about the silent (or in same cases stormy) voice of God, whispering (or silencing by its intensity) the calling? Can the calling be done in the form of explaining? For some, maybe (not my case, so I simply do not know and do not wish to disrespect this!). Fot those who seek, I would recommend this book as one of the sources (this depends on the seeking one and his questions/needs/concerns...also his personality, age and other factors). But I would probably also offer the book written by somebody who went through the serious crisis in his Catholic faith, too (because many seekers are in pain and this pain could be recognized by someone who went through the pain, too).
All in all, I applaud this author for being a brave apologetic of the Catholic faith.
Mr Vogt offers many eloquently put information (some new for me) and I find this book being both inspirative and useful. I very much like to read the book written by the converts to Catholicism, as they can describe their struggles and ways to find and enter the Catholic faith.
Yet I often wonder - can faith itself be "translated" by the books? What about the silent (or in same cases stormy) voice of God, whispering (or silencing by its intensity) the calling? Can the calling be done in the form of explaining? For some, maybe (not my case, so I simply do not know and do not wish to disrespect this!). Fot those who seek, I would recommend this book as one of the sources (this depends on the seeking one and his questions/needs/concerns...also his personality, age and other factors). But I would probably also offer the book written by somebody who went through the serious crisis in his Catholic faith, too (because many seekers are in pain and this pain could be recognized by someone who went through the pain, too).
All in all, I applaud this author for being a brave apologetic of the Catholic faith.
September 25, 2025
Brandon Vogt’s "Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too)" is structured in a way that makes a lot of sense. He starts with the biggest questions - Does God exist? Why do we need religion? Who is Jesus? - and then narrows the case down to why Catholicism contains the fullness of truth. The logical progression is clear and well-ordered, and I appreciated how accessible he makes complex ideas.
That said, at times the book felt more like the “spark notes” version of a much longer exploration. Some arguments, while sound, come to abrupt conclusions. Vogt himself admits he can’t dive deeply into every proof, but as a reader I sometimes wished he had.
Because of that, I think this book works best for Catholics who want a concise framework to bolster their own faith or to have ready when evangelizing others. It’s less convincing as a standalone for skeptics or seekers who may want more depth to address common objections. In many ways it feels like a quick reference companion to a longer, more detailed work.
Overall: logically coherent, well-structured, and easy to follow, but sometimes too abbreviated for the weight of the topics it tackles.
That said, at times the book felt more like the “spark notes” version of a much longer exploration. Some arguments, while sound, come to abrupt conclusions. Vogt himself admits he can’t dive deeply into every proof, but as a reader I sometimes wished he had.
Because of that, I think this book works best for Catholics who want a concise framework to bolster their own faith or to have ready when evangelizing others. It’s less convincing as a standalone for skeptics or seekers who may want more depth to address common objections. In many ways it feels like a quick reference companion to a longer, more detailed work.
Overall: logically coherent, well-structured, and easy to follow, but sometimes too abbreviated for the weight of the topics it tackles.
November 12, 2019
I think this is an excellent, succinct introduction to the Christian, and specifically Catholic, faith. It's incredibly hard to do so in such a short space, and Vogt did a good job. I want to stress that this should only be considered an intro. When I was discerning whether to become Catholic two years ago, I needed a lot more in-depth convincing, and it turned out to be the doctrine of the Real Presence in the Eucharist that convinced me to join the Church - a doctrine that Vogt doesn't spend much time defending in this book (for reasons I understand). But I appreciate that he doesn't make any assumptions, from belief in God to the need for religion at all.
One thing that rubbed me wrong was his discussion of sexuality and "the pelvic issues." I just worry that such a brief overview of it coming from a straight, white man may do more harm than good. Catholicism does have such a rich theology of the body and sexuality, but there wasn't near enough space to even begin to understand it in this book. I think it might have been better left out.
One thing that rubbed me wrong was his discussion of sexuality and "the pelvic issues." I just worry that such a brief overview of it coming from a straight, white man may do more harm than good. Catholicism does have such a rich theology of the body and sexuality, but there wasn't near enough space to even begin to understand it in this book. I think it might have been better left out.
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