Confessions of a Cafeteria Catholic

by Peter Kreeft, Nat Whilk (Contributor)

One day, philosopher Peter Kreeft reads an open letter published by a friend, Nat Whilk. He's Catholic, but he sees the Church as unsteady, outdated, obsessive. As a challenge to the "True Believers", Nat pens a twenty-point manifesto for "cafeteria Catholics", who pass up certain Church teachings and scoop up others like a diner in a buffet line."I find in [Catholicism] both much to accept and even love and also much to refuse and even despise", he asserts. "If you insist on tying God to the Church, you will make me an atheist." Kreeft has an answer for Nat—one that spans over a hundred pages. The result is this a sharp, friendly, and funny debate between two honest thinkers trying to understand the Christian life. Nat "is the'cafeteria Catholic', "writes Kreeft,"and I am the 'eat all the food Mommy puts on your plate' Catholic." Taking on Nat's manifesto point by point, the Boston College philosopher builds his case for a full-package Catholicism, addressing the themes of authority, love, freedom, conscience, sex, abortion, social justice, science, and more. "Our hopes differ", he points out to his friend."Your hope is in man; mine is in God." If, like Nat Whilk, you find yourself wondering why the Church asks for so much commitment, Confessions of a Cafeteria Catholic could be the book for you. This debate serves as a fun and accessible introduction to some of the knottiest aspects of Catholic doctrine. Readers of Peter Kreeft's apologetic works and his Socrates Meets dialogues will enjoy the latest venture by one of the most celebrated contemporary Catholic writers.

Genres: Religion

248 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2022

About the author

Peter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be read by all Catholics, especially the Cafeteria kind and really, all Christians. Dr. Kreeft responds to a cafeteria Catholic in his usual, simple, direct and truthful way.

He responds to the points directed at the Church by a Catholic who wants to pick and choose and really doesn't have the catechesis he needs to understand why the Church does what she does. Dr. Kreeft answers all of his points brilliantly, as always.

I will recommend this book to everyone I know and I will be purchasing another copy to be sent to a priest that could benefit from the knowledge contained within it.

This book is a keeper as we all need to be reminded who Jesus Christ is and what He taught and what His Church continues to hand down. Be of Christ, not of the world !

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Dr. Kreeft's elegance and poise when responding to Nat's questions. It helped strengthen my faith and made me more knowledgable. It was written in an easy conversational format that made it flow fairly well.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed. Philosophical without being highbrow and snarky without being rude.