Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of Truth

by Richard John Neuhaus

In Catholic Matters , Father Neuhaus addresses the many controversies that have marked recent decades of American Catholicism. Looking beyond these troubles to "the splendor of truth" that constitutes the Church, he proposes a forward-thinking way of being Catholic in America. Drawing on his personal encounters with the late John Paul II and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, Neuhaus describes their hope for a springtime of world evangelization, Christian unity, and Catholic renewal. Catholic Matters reveals a vibrant Church, strengthened and unified by hardship and on the cusp of a great revival in spiritual vitality and an even greater contribution to our common life.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Richard John Neuhaus was a prominent Christian cleric (first as a Lutheran pastor and later as a Roman Catholic priest) and writer. Born in Canada, Neuhaus moved to the United States where he became a naturalized United States citizen. He was the founder and editor of the monthly journal First Things and the author of several books, including The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America (1984), The Catholic Moment: The Paradox of the Church in the Postmodern World (1987), and Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of Truth (2006). He was a staunch defender of the Roman Catholic Church's teachings on abortion and other life issues and an unofficial advisor of President George W. Bush on bioethical issues.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a slow read; and I think it is best read that way too. Of the few reviews I've scanned over here on goodreads, I noticed some people disliked it because it 'deters people from the Catholic faith'. I must disagree with that.

Catholic Matters is not a book for someone who is looking for more information on joining the Catholic faith; nor is it for Catholics who do not fully pratice their faith. Rich in detail and facts, Catholic Matters has three distinct parts: A brief introduction to what the Catholic Faith is and what it means to Mr. Neuhaus, main controversies over recent decades, and finally the hope of the Church after John Paul the Great's death and Pope Benedict XVI became the next 'Peter'.

To say that this book tells you what is wrong with the church and to just go and join a Protestant denomination is ignorance at it's best. Richard Neuhaus, with great detail, explains controversies in the church between fellow Catholics and why these controversies are wrong. He takes true Catholic teaching and presents his response to these controversies and confusions of the faith. Although at some points it is difficult to get through with the somewhat dry and factual language, if you truly love your Catholic faith, you won't be hurt if you read this book. In fact you might just come out with a greater appreciation on how the Catholic Church (not so much the people who profess to be members of said Church) has been able to go on throughout 2,000 years and still be leading people to Christ.

[Terese]

Perhaps a strange book to read when you’re not actually Catholic, but it was interesting nontheless. I appreciated its very accesible approach to a wide range of topics. I was familiar with most of it already, so this more or less provided a nice overview than any kind of in-depth exploration. A good read, if you’re interested in Catholic matters and certain post -Vatican II concerns/factions.

[Bojan Tunguz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a regular reader of the magazine "First Things" of which Fr. Neuhaus is editor in chief, so I've been looking forward to reading this book, and by and large, I've been more than satisfied with it. Fr. Neuhaus is a great master of the English language and the book is written in the same flowing and articulate style that we've come to expect from him. Many of the themes from his writings for the "First Things" have been repeated in this book, often substantially elaborated upon and expanded. I find particularly insightful and informative parts of the books that deal with his own experiences, of "becoming the Catholic [he] was" (to use the title of one of the chapters) and being present in Rome during the April of 2005, during the funeral of Pope John Paul II (the Great), and election of Pope Benedict XVI.

I wish, however, that Fr. Neuhaus spent more time on exact details of his conversion. Those seem to be swept under the rug of theology. I would also like to know how exactly did he decide to become not only Catholic, but a Catholic priest. On the surface of it that would seem a logical progression for someone who spent thirty years as a Lutheran pastor, but I would still want to know more about his perception of what that vocation meant for him.

Other objections that I have to the book have to do with two of Fr. Neuhaus's pet peeves: English translations of the Bible, and woeful state of singing in Catholic Church. The reason I became a Christian and a Catholic is very simple: I read the Bible. I read a very old translation into Serbian language, and yet all the main ideas that I came to associate with Christianity were very clear. I believe that it would be very hard for any translation to substantially alter the basic meaning of the Christian message. Of course, translations should be as accurate as possible, but I think it does little good to agonize over how a particular word was used here or there.

As for singing, I consider myself particularly challenged in that regard. I often say, only half jokingly, that I became Catholic because that was the only church that wouldn't kick me out because of my singing. I think it's actually a blessing that Catholics can't sing, because most people can't sing either. And if there is one thing that Fr. Neuhaus is so fond of saying is that Catholic Church is 'Here Comes Everybody'. Let's keep it that way.

If this review comes across as overly critical, that's because I believe that other reviews have been very good at spelling out this book's good points. I still consider this to be a wonderful book for anyone interested in all things Catholic, and a very worthwhile read. We need more Catholics and writers like Fr. Neuhaus.

[Dennis Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to see Father Neuhaus on television many times including the commentary that he did for EWTN during the last Conclave, which is an event that he discusses a great deal in this book. That familiarity with Father Neuhaus is what caused me to buy this book but I wasn't at all sure what to expect. On television Father Neuhaus comes across as a very sincere and knowledgeable man of faith but I always had the impression that he might be just a tad dour and I was very concerned that his writings might be so deep theologically that I wouldn't be able to grasp what he was trying to say. All too often the great thinkers of the Catholic Church turn out books that just shoot right over the head of the average person because the author gives no thought to the fact that most of us never attended a seminary. Imagine my surprise when I found that Father Neuhaus came right down to my level and not only wrote a book that I could understand he has also written a book that spoke to my heart in a way that few books of this type ever have.

Having made the journey from the Lutheranism to the Catholic Church Father Neuhaus made much the same journey that I did in moving from Methodism to Catholicism and he puts his finger on the reasons for this move in a way that I have never been able to put into words. He actually describes the longing that I always felt for "something more" in almost the exact language that I would have used if I were smart enough to put words to my feelings. The peace and joy that I have found in the Catholic Church is still an experience that I have trouble describing but in this marvelous text I have found someone who knows exactly what I am feeling and is in a sense telling my story as well as his own.

If you have seen Father Neuhaus on television you have probably come to the realization that he seldom pulls his punches and pretty well calls things the way he sees them. This is certainly the case with this book as he takes aim at the Catholic left and their tired old litany of complaints. The right however doesn't escape his attention either as he paints a portrait of the Church as she is today and plainly and clearly explains that what Catholicism is today it was yesterday and it will be tomorrow. The Catholic Church is not a democracy he asserts and then he explains why it can't be. Simply put, the Catholic Church has a sovereign and that sovereign is Jesus Christ, truly the King of Kings.

Someone who is biased against Catholicism will not find this book at all friendly nor will Catholics who spend most of their time complaining about the Church and her teachings. On the other hand anyone of any faith who is truly seeking factual answers to their questions about Catholicism will find this book to be indispensable and any Catholic who is making an effort to remain true to the Church and the Catechism will find in these pages inspiration and comfort aplenty.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Fr. Neuhaus' coming into full communion with the Catholic church and his upbringing as a Lutheran. His explanation of the controversies in the Church was less interesting to me and somewhat dated, since Pope Francis has added his own twist to the mix. His description of the conclave after Pope John Paul II's death was exciting and brought back many wonderful memories.

[lp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, no he didn't. I was dismayed to read this book, because it gives people that are hesitant to appreciate Catholicism about ten billion reasons to dislike it even more. He thinks Catholic faith is wavering because we long for tradition, like mass in Latin and says that if we want women to be ordained we might as well just become Episcopalian. Which totally misses the point. Every point. All the points. It is way more complicated than that. You wish, Father Neuhaus. This book took every aspect of spirituality out of Catholicism. I feel more in touch with God when reading the ingredients on my peanut butter jar. I am not kidding! This is not my Catholicism. Thanks for bringing us down, Father Neuhaus.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about Catholicism written by a Lutheran Pastor who converted to the big C. My favorite line in the whole book, when considering making the step from Lutheranism to Catholicism, asks how one could leave the rich music of the Lutherans for the sometimes banal Catholic hymns:

Neuhaus writes, "When over lunch I told my editor friend Norman Podhoretz, with whom I share musical passions, that I was becoming a Catholic, there was at first a long pause. Then, with a deeply baffled expression, 'But, Richard, what about Bach?' What about Bach indeed."

-Rich

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short review: This is a very different book than previous books in my Catholic Theology project. It is written primarily to Catholics and so is more of an inside look. I am pretty sure I missed some of the nuance because I am not Catholic and Neuhaus is a fan of Latin phrases. But on the whole this was a very good book. Discussions of his conversion, the magisterium, the role of the church in the world, disagreement in the church and more gave me a lot of insight into his thought.

My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/catholic-matters/

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neuhaus is the editor of First Things, which is hands down one of the best magazines being printed in America. It's smart, thoughtful, and varied- as is this book. It's a bit slapped together, a hodge podge of things- his spiritual autobiography of his path from Lutheran school child to catholic priest- then a run down on the culture wars as they were and are being fought withing the catholic theology community- and finally his diary of the funeral for JPII and the election of Benedict.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first work I have tackled by Neuhaus. I found myself often wanting to stop and write down different excerpts because of their precision regarding the world Catholics inhabit here in the USA. I enjoyed his framing the entire work with the funeral of St. John Paul II, finishing with the election of Benedict XV. I strongly recommend this work for those who wish to look once again with a keener look at common misconceptions of the Church in our country.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richard John Neuhaus gives his perspective on Catholicism as a Lutheran pastor convert turned Catholic insider. He's got a unique and enlightening perspective. I think all Protestants need to read Catholics from their perspective, not from an anti-Catholic perspective. You don't have to agree with everything, but you can at least see where they are coming from.

[Laarni Omingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spiritually uplifting, yet very intelligently written and intellectually enriching book. It succinctly discussed the importance of the faith and why being a Catholic is an every day life existence. Appropriate reading for the Lenten Season, together with the Bible.

[Matthew Dambro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this about five years ago. Father Neuhaus had a instinctive grasp of what it means to be a Catholic intellectual. His conservative stance was always well thought out and his writing was brilliant. He is sorely missed on "First Things".

[Linda Couri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neuhaus writes beautifully which makes this book a joy...it is also very challenging in that he is a very conservative Catholic, but this particular challenge is at the core of who I am

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful clarification on what Vatican II documents really said... rather than what so-called "liberals" think they said based on wishful thinking.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neuhaus was a real treasure.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the message uplifting. I wish he would have dealt with the infiltration of Masons and Communists (Bella Dodd's testimony) into the priesthood.

[Richard Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love your Mother, warts and all. She is who she is. To whom else should we turn? (Waiting for a blast on that one).

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly reasoned and compellingly readable.

[Jim Noyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

very well written, the author is thoughtful, engaging, and interesting.

[Isaiah Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this work well written and clear.