The Flood of Books from Catholic experts

[Sir2v4]

I am rather overwhelmed by the flood of books that are pitched to us on EWTN TV and radio as books that are highly recommended. All sorts of programs are structured around the authors doing what is commonly referred to as a “book tour” promoting their book.

The dilemma I face is that I am not a speedy reader and I’m already way behind on a stack of books that I’ve already purchased, yet the books keeping coming at a breakneck pace (it seems to me).

What I think is lacking is some critical evaluation of these books in some forum of review, where the book is honestly rated on elements of style and applicability. I bought into one popular author’s book – highly recommended of course – but I’m distracted by the format of the book – it’s a long dialog between people of different points of view. I’m too old to try to decipher the subtleties of such a book and would rather it just came out and stated its theses, rather than following the format of the dialogs of Plato (perhaps that was the intention).

 

[po18guy]

Where facts are few, experts are many.

 

[pianistclare]

Who says you have to read all the books written? EWTN is pretty selective. {ick one and be at peace. If you don’t like it, donate it or sell it on Amazon.
Todo bien.

 

[Joe_5859]

It’s not just a Catholic phenomenon. In general, we have exponentially more books being published every year than ever before.

I am sometimes struck by the capitalist side of Catholic evangelization in the U.S. (e.g. selling books, hitting the speaker circuit), and it does sometimes make me uneasy. But theologians and apologists do need to make a living somehow, else they could not do what they do. And none of them are living high off the hog through Catholic book sales. It’s definitely a niche market.

I tend to look at the great increase in Catholic books as a blessing overall. There are so many good resources out there on so many different topics and issues. As Clare said, if you find one that isn’t clicking for you, just donate it and move on.

Is it a Peter Kreeft book that you are referring to? He has several books written in socratic dialogue. I actually really enjoy that. His book “Yes or No?” written in that format was instrumental in my conversion process. So I’ll always have a soft spot for that type of book.

 

[In_Nomine_Domini]

The dilemma I face is that I am not a speedy reader and I’m already way behind on a stack of books that I’ve already purchased, yet the books keeping coming at a breakneck pace (it seems to me).

I’m not sure what the problem is. Read the books that seem interesting. If you already have enough, then don’t buy more. No?

 

[Hereiam]

Apologetics has become an industry. Invest in some solid patristic writings, and Church Documents to add to your copy of the Catechism and your Bible, and prayer and you’ll have all you need.

 

[mathematoons]

After 7 years of being Catholic and reading as many books about the faith I could get my hands on, I agree.

1. Experts work for money, not for truth. If opinion X can make a book unmarketable, then you will be hard pressed to find a book favoring opinion X, even if it has the backing of all the Fathers and Doctors of the Church.
2. As even one of their own (Peter Kreeft) has so wisely said, “You can’t fool a farmer half as easily as you can fool a scholar.” These “experts” are heavily influenced by modern culture. Kreeft, for example, seems to think Islam and Protestantism to be just as valid as Catholicism.
3. As St. Alphonsus quotes St. Jerome in saying, “What need have you of looking for a little gold in the midst of so much mire?” If you have a Kindle, you can get a huge library of the Fathers and Doctors quite cheaply.
4. Read and study your Bible. I have found it to be the best apologetics textbook imaginable, especially against Protestant errors. The more I read it, the less sense Protestantism makes.

 

[Joe_5859]

Kreeft, for example, seems to think Islam and Protestantism to be just as valid as Catholicism.

That’s a gross mischaracterization of Kreeft’s writings. He points to the areas of agreement, particularly in contrast to the secular, relativistic, atheistic worldview. But he does not posit them as being “just as valid” as though it makes no difference which one you subscribe to.