Book Review: The Truth of Catholicism: Ten Controversies Explored

• Title: The Truth of Catholicism: Ten Controversies Explored
• Author: George Weigel
• Published: New York: Harper Collins, 2001; Hardcover 196-pages.

This book is about reaching out and attempting to start a discussion about Catholicism for those that want to learn more about their own journey or those just curious to know what we believe.  There are a lot of good topics in here to discuss with family and friends over a meal or instead of turning on the television.  

John Paul II was pope when this book was written.  Some of the views you can tell were influenced from this time in history.  Parts seem almost prophetic about what is to come.  The questions are very important, it has been said that a good question is worth more than a good answer.  A good question makes us think and search inside ourselves for an answer, it makes us know more about who we are and we grow.  One of the strongest messages that come through is the sanctity of truth.  As Catholics, we believe that truth is not dependent on how many people believe something to be true, it just is.  If all the world denied God, he is still God.  That is the type of truth I am talking about.

The rise of atheism in our culture, the idea that the truth is based on whatever the most people believe, are counter to Catholicism.  A good example of this is when Weigel talks about denominations.  A denomination is something you join, and by joining, help create and shape it.  It is like a club or voluntary organization.  Its members shape and change, as need be, its bylaws, moral direction, and doctrine.  In contrast, Weigel states that according to Vatican II, “the Church is a divinely instituted  community into which we are incorporated by the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist)… has members as a human body has arms and legs, fingers and toes…. is nourished by creeds and moral convictions that clearly establish its boundaries… has a form or structure given to it by Christ…. not because Catholics today think these are good ways to do things but because Christ wills these for his Church.”  These are powerful statements and demand some serious thought.  The Church is not the people’s creation, it is God’s.

Does Catholicism pose a threat to democracy?  If a democracy does not have a “critical mass” that is “formed by moral convictions” how will it understand and uphold justice.  The basic tenets of democracy are not found ready-made inside us.  Weigel states that every two-year-old is a tyrant.  These young children need to be taught the dignity of the human person.  The Church assists the community in doing that.  But when the community starts to fail, the Church has a responsibility to pick up that banner and continue to uphold a moral stance, why, because it is the right thing to do. 

Overall, this book made me think deeper into what I believe and why.  It clarified some things and made me question others.  I think this is a good thing, it helps me along my journey.