By Aquila
Format
aperback
This book is considered to be the best available by respected converts such as Thomas Howard and Scott Hahn. Adam covers all the most important points in a short book, and he covers them very well. This is a brilliant description of what Catholicism is all about – a must-read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, particularly for those who believe that the Church is nothing more than a tyrannical, despotic body that kills reason and self-discovery in the name of absolute obedience. One of the strengths of this book is that Adam frequently quotes the leading Protestant thinkers of his day in order to show the limitations of Protestantism generally. To his credit, Adam is never judgmental or hostile to non-Catholics. On the contrary, he goes to great lengths to show just how open-minded the Church is regarding non-Catholic (and non-Christian) beliefs, and what is positive and helpful about them. I was very surprised to find how little I knew about the complexities of, for example, the Church’s position on salvation through the Church, and the role of individual conscience and freedom in faith. Adam shows, very convincingly, that the Catholic Church is exceedingly fair, open, reasonable, and caring in its approach to these controversial and widely misunderstood issues. His approach is always positive, hopeful, and logical. His arguments are iron-clad, rooted in Scripture, and absolutely devastating. Adam’s book is extremely valuable and must be read if one wishes to gain a real understanding of Catholicism in a short book. Whether you are a Catholic seeking to know more about your ancient faith or a non-Catholic seeking to learn about Catholic beliefs, Adam’s book is required reading. You’ll be surprised at what you find within these pages, and perhaps even ashamed that you believed all the half-truths and distortions about Catholicism. Let the reader beware: if you have any doubts at all about your own church’s teachings and traditions before you pick this book up, Adam’s book will certainly amplify then, and it may well bring you into the Catholic Church!
