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A complete course in Catholicism by the editor of Homiletic and Pastoral Review that presents Catholic teaching on all important points of doctrine and morals. Vol 1 thoroughly analyzes the Creed and the Ten Commandments. Vol 2 takes up God, the Trinity, Creation, Christ and Mary. Vol 3 covers the Church, Grace, and the Sacraments. ... Read more

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Derek Hastings here illuminates an important and largely overlooked aspect of early Nazi history, going back to the years after World War I--when National Socialism first emerged--to reveal its close early ties with Catholicism. Although an antagonistic relationship between the Catholic Church and Hitler's regime developed later during the Third Reich, the early Nazi movement was born in Munich, a city whose population was overwhelmingly Catholic.Focusing on Munich and the surrounding area, Hastings shows how Catholics played a central and hitherto overlooked role in the Nazi movement before the 1923 Beerhall Putsch.He examines the activism of individual Catholic writers, university students, and priests and the striking Catholic-oriented appeals and imagery formulated by the movement.He then discusses why the Nazis embarked on a different path following the party's reconstitution in early 1925, ultimately taking on an increasingly anti-Catholic and anti-Christian identity. ... Read more

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This survey provides a resource for all concerned with the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in the world of the 1990s. The book provides a critical assessment of Pope John XXIII, who convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962. Controversial issues, such as birth control, are examined. ... Read more

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Thomas Day, a Catholic professor of music, energetically and passionately attacks the question of congregational participation in liturgy, framed in a provocative explanation of "Why Catholics Can't Sing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

If nothing else, read Chapter 5!
I read Mr. Day's book during a bus trip, and I thought he made some interesting points here and there.But during Chapter 5: "Ego Renewal," my wife asked me why I kept giggling.My answer? "Because this is SO true!"

First, let me point out that I grew up loving almost all of the songs which Day - often quite hilariously -takes issue with in this chapter (perhaps because I was raised in a parish which fits the description of Day's hypothetical "St. Wilbur's" to a T!).But I recently had a major eye-opening experience, due to a variety of circumstances, and would have to say that while many "newer" Catholic hymns are excellent, many also fall into at least one of three categories of danger:

1. Theologically misleading: Day discusses such popular hymns as "Let There Be Peace on Earth."(I would also add "Ashes" and "Let Us Break Bread Together," among others.)

2. Our "Special" Selves (hymns which place the focus of the Mass on the people): "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love," "We Are the Light of the World," etc.

3. "I Am the Voice of God": This category required the greatest amount of open-mindedness on my part, but I believe Day's concerns are absolutely correct: "Here I Am, Lord," "I Am the Bread of Life," "Be Not Afraid," and many others are discussed by Day - who points out that this problem goes beyond a question of mere taste.(Although I don't recall him using the word, when man takes it upon himself to pretend that he's God, I'd say that borders on blasphemy, don't you think?)

I don't feel I'm alone in sharing Day's concern (you may wish to Google the article "Heretical Hymns" by theologian George Weigel).Granted, I'm sure none of the composers of these hymns intended them to undermine the Catholic Faith.But it's still quite alarming, since worshipers - especially young ones - do frequently misunderstand what they sing.Case in point: For years my Catholic school classmates and I assumed "One Bread, One Body" was a recipe, based on the refrain's first few lines.

I pray that Mr. Day's book will continue to serve as a reminder that the Mass is about one Person: Jesus Christ.Period.

It's true. We can't sing worth a darn. Now learn why it's so.
I was a child of the 80's and my pre-Vatican II parents dutifully attended church with my younger sister and me. However, my mom always spoke wistfully of "the way things used to be" and lamented the lack of dignity, harmony, and people singing on key. Mom likened a guitar Mass to "an abomination...like cats being tortured to the strumming of guitars".

Thomas Day really cleared up for my why Catholics can't sing. I just thought it was a part of our cultural DNA. What a relief to realize that this can be treated and corrected! However, I won't see it happen. I joined a Lutheran church and yes, initially it WAS because of the music. I'll take Bach over yowling and tambourines on any given Sunday.

good idea, poor execution
I read this anticipating a vigorous criticism of the vulgar, irreverent excuse for music that has dominated Catholic services, particularly in suburban parishes, for the last 35 years. It was a disappointment on many levels, beginning with the title. A book purporting to give explanations for the lack of musical participation in Catholic services would be better titled "Why Catholics Don't Sing". "Why Catholics Can't Sing" implies an absence of vocal talent compared to their Protestant counterparts.

The text itself uses a verbose, pedantic and eggheaded style which plays right into the hands of the objects of this book's criticism who would claim that Day is a naked elitist who wants church music to be as needlessly complex as his writing. If you are ambivalent about purchasing this, I would recommend against it since I can easily summarize his thesis in less than 200 words:

Day outlines three reasons for the ubiquity of the limp-wristed tripe of the "St. Louis Jesuits" in American Catholic services:

1. Because Irish clergy regarded Anglican hymnody as a symbol of English persecution, their dominance of the American episcopate from 1860 to 1960 resulted in a near-total absence of liturgical music in the U.S. Church during that period. When Vatican II supposedly "mandated" lay-sung hymns, the vacuum was filled by the pushiest - meaning the fans of Haugen, Schutte, et. al.

2. By browbeating bishops into believing that "active" Catholics demanded modern music, Oregon Catholic Press pushed aside reasonably priced hymnals with selections from the public domain in favor of their all-copyright (meaning expensive and profitable) "Glory and Praise" series.

3. "The Spirit of Vatican II", the Novus Ordo, and the general feminist agitation of the time emboldened loudmouth dykes like Frances Kissling and Jeannine Gramick to declare that all church songs that were not newly composed and "gender-neutral" were instruments of "patriarchal oppression" and that all bishops who did not conform to their thinking on the subject were male chauvinist pigs. Unfortunately, women like this found sympathetic ears on the likes of Joseph Bernardin, Roger Mahony, Rembert Weakland, etc.

I would go beyond this to claim that these are songs by homosexuals for homosexuals (check this link: www.marysremnant.org/Friends/DBK/BKSchutte.html). I believe that their use is part of a concerted effort by dissident university faculty, chancery bureaucrats and bishops of the type I mentioned to develop a more effeminate atmosphere for Catholic services to increase their appeal to homosexuals thus increasing their interest in seminary enrollment.

Some heartening articles of recent vintage have described a newfound preference among Catholic adolescents and young adults for traditional liturgical music forms rather than 'Life Teen' crap. I hope one of these articles serves as a jumping off point for another book on this topic which will be easier to read than this one.

Offer it up!
Yes, the music is bad and the situation is very serious.I have known people who have left the church for other denominations or for nothing at all because of bad music and desacralized liturgy.I have known other people who have tried to become Catholic but find the music so awful that it's a form of torture that they decide not to endure after all.So, yes, it's important; souls are at stake!

As for me, I try to sing what I know, even the schmatlzy stuff, but sometimes when those melodies just jump around so illogically (and I can sight read music!) I just shut my yap, pray, and offer it up.Our suffering can be consecrated to the Lord for the upbuilding of the Body of Christ!

I get my good church music outside of church.I buy it on CD and put it on my iPod.I have no objection to modern music per se:I absolutely adore Dana Scallon's We Are One Body from World Youth Day.It is so eucharistic and communal and theologically solid, yet easy to sing!I like the old Latin stuff and I like contemporary praise music that is vertical and reverent and heartfelt.

Amazingly, my parish of mostly converts sings plainchant Latin vigorously and well.They like it.

I am praying for a wave of good liturgical musicians to break forth and liberate us from this oppression!St. Cecelia, pray for us!

True and funny
As a convert from Anglo-Catholicism one of my biggest challenges was abandoning the asthetic of the Sarum Rite and the Church's traditional music executed well for the saftey of The Rock. Why Catholics Can't Sing: The Culture of Catholicism and the Triumph of Bad Taste is an excellent indictment of the "happy clappy" liturgical lowest common ddenominator culture shoved down the throats of Catholics today by the swinging 60s Parish Council worship committee rats. Funny in the sad horrible way we all suffer under weekly for clinging to the Ark of Truth.

It doesn't have to be this way.

But sadly, it is.

Thank you Thomas Day. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides comprehensive coverage of Catholicism, with emphasis on theology, doctrine, and liturgy. It covers the entire Catholic tradition from the time of Christ, and includes the periods before the division of Christianity into Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant, but the main emphasis is on the development of Latin-rite ceremony in the United States. The introduction and an eight page chronological chart offer an overview of the history. The book contains five hundred brief articles complemented by about four hundred cross-references and index references. The volume discusses not only normative Catholicism but also heretical, schismatic, and dissident movements. On controversial issues, such as sexual morality, the dictionary endeavors to give a fair and sympathetic exposition of conflicting points of view. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An author's comment, not really a review
I don't want you to post this as a review, but I couldn't find any other way to correct your description of the book, which is reproduced from misleading text on the cover of the first paperback printing.It is not really true that the main emphasis is "on the development of Roman Catholicism in the United States," and the cover text is askew in some smaller ways as well.So in the second printing we altered the cover text to read: "*The A to Z of Catholicism* covers the entire Catholic tradition since the time of Christ and includes the period before the division of Christianity into Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant faiths.The book's 500 brief articles consider theology, doctrine, and liturgy, including heretical, schismatic, and dissident movements.Special attention is given to the development of Roman Catholicism in the United States."If you would please replace the text you now have with this text, you will represent the book more accurately.Thank you. Yours sincerely, William J. Collinge
P.S.-- Please disregard my 5-star rating.I only put it in because I couldn't send this to you without filling in that box.

Great book for an intermediate reader
While I found this book useful in helping me learn more about the terms used in the Catholic religion, I felt this book was a bit challenging to read and understand.It's like a dictionary.For each term listed in the book, it goes in a brief detail what it means.The book also discusses the important saints throughout the Catholic history.The book also includes:
Popes throughout out Catholic History
Ecumenical Councils
The Documents of Vatican Council II
Papal Encclicals ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

some of it is dated now, some is still current
I read Roman Catholics and Evangelicals:Agreements and Differences by Norman Geisler and Ralph MacKenzie, then I read Roman Catholicism:Evangelical Protestants Analyze What Divides and Unites Us.The first, being written by a two person team, is more consistent.It follows a pattern of explaining a Roman Catholic doctrine, briefly giving a list of the Roman Catholic arguments in favor of the doctrine, giving a longer evangelical response to each Roman Catholic argument, then giving additional evangelical arguments.It mostly discusses official Roman Catholic theology, based on the Council of Trent and other infallible writings of the Roman Catholic Church.

The second book, Roman Catholicism, is a collection of 13 essays.It is about 100 pages shorter, but some of the essays, especially the first six, are more technical and difficult to read.It is not as structured with lists of arguments, and the writing is less uniform because of the various authors.One idea that came up several times is that Roman Catholics define "justification" differently from evangelicals.For Roman Catholics, it includes both the initial justification of a person, plus the life-long process of becoming more Christ-like - what evangelicals call sanctification.For evangelicals, justification occurs once, at the beginning of a person's Christian life, and it is followed by the life-long process of sanctification.This is a constant source of misunderstanding, and occasionally I thought some of the writers of this book lost track of it.Roman Catholicism describes the theology of the Council of Trent, various creeds, writings of popes and other councils, Vatican I and Vatican II, writings of twentieth century liberal Roman Catholic theologians, and the practices and beliefs of the laity.

Which book is better?If I had read just one of these books, I would have to choose the Geisler book, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals, because it is easier to read.But Roman Catholicism has a lot more historical information that is very valuable and some of it is reasonably easy to read.Both books are written from a conservative viewpoint.

The following is a brief review of each of the thirteen chapters.These make the review longer than what is usually acceptable.You should not feel obligated to read all thirteen reviews.

Part 1: The Historical Background
1. One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church.Covers the very early church, the early creeds, the church fathers.It requires quite a bit of prior knowledge to understand it.On page 27, it says "Tertullian's traducianism in anthropology virtually demands the monergism of reformation thought, but his soteriology was disorganized and shows little coherent development."I only partially understand this.Not all of the chapter is that intellectual.Some of it would require an advanced degree in theology or ministry to understand it.
2. How did the Church in Rome become Roman Catholicism?The first part of this chapter was difficult for me to understand.It mentions Anselm and Abelard and the way Anselm argued the existence of God.Then come the Mass and Penance, Prevenient Grace, the tension between the Aristotelian view of Thomas Aquinas and the Platonic view, mediated and causal grace, nominalism, "the recurring pattern of return back to moralism and away from Christ" in the Protestant churches (page 59), the difference between regeneration and justification, the role of "means of grace" in spiritual growth (sanctification) versus conversion.I found myself understanding a paragraph or two, then getting pretty lost in the next couple of paragraphs.It does not seem to be a very cohesive chapter.
3. What really caused the great divide?Based on three of Calvin's writings, which deal with worship, salvation, sacraments, and church government.
Part 2.The Theological Issues
4. Roman Catholic theology today.This chapter indicates that there is some difference between the official doctrines of Rome and the theology that is taught in Roman Catholic seminaries and in theological books.Theologians try to harmonize theology with the Enlightenment.(page 86)Roman Catholic theologians display as much diversity as evangelical theologians.(page 90)The most influential Roman Catholic theologian is Karl Rahner.When Rahner writes, he affirms that the traditional teaching of the Roman Catholic church is binding, he states the traditional teaching, then he explains what the teaching can mean to us today.(page 94, 98)In this third step, he can explain away the traditional teaching and present something much different.Rahner coined the phrase "anonymous Christianity", which seems to embrace pluralism and universalism, the belief that someone who has never heard the gospel can be saved.(page 108)Rahner speaks of "the divinization of the world as a whole," which seems to be a form of pantheism and a blurring of the difference between Jesus and the rest of us.(page 109)
5. Mary, the saints, and sacerdotalism.This chapter is more readable than some of the others.It covers doctrines that are secondary, relative to justification.It is pointed out that Roman Catholic doctrine on Mary has grown over time, much of that growth starting during the reformation with the Council of Trent.This growth in doctrine has widened the chasm between Roman Catholics and Protestants.The author vigorously (but politely, and without unnecessary emotion, I think) refutes the Roman Catholic doctrines on Mary, the saints, and sacerdotalism (the power of priests as essential mediators between God and mankind.)
6. Is Spirituality Enough?Spirituality is defined as "the way we live out our vocation under the cross of Christ."So it is what we do.It starts with a survey of different kinds of spirituality - primitive/animistic, rational/philosophical, mysticism, nomism.Then it discusses the influence of Hellenism (Greek philosophers and their language) on Catholicism.In a section titled "Gains and Losses in the Reformation" it says "Worship came to be centered exclusively in the written and proclaimed Word, and the visible Word became an appendage to the service of worship rather than its fulfillment (as in Luther and Calvin)."(page 153)I don't know what the visible Word is, here.The chapter discusses grace, favoring a Calvinist view.The evangelical view of spirituality, and works, is explained, "Spirituality in the evangelical sense is not the precondition for salvation but its fruit and consequence."(page 156)I thought this chapter was difficult to read, and hard to see what was the central point of it.
Part 3, The Common Ground
7. Unhelpful antagonism and unhealthy courtesy.The unhelpful antagonism mentioned here is mostly from the past, some from the very distant past.As when Pope Boniface VIII said, in 1302, "It is absolutely necessary for every human creature for salvation to be subject to the Roman pontiff," and in 1648, when the Westminster Confession said that the pope is "the man of sin and son of perdition."The problem nowadays is that postmodernists don't think there is objective truth, or, if there is objective truth, it is extremely hard to determine truth, so why haggle over doctrines.It mentions that some of the strong Roman Catholic doctrines have "escape clauses."For example, it is necessary to be baptized, except there is an escape clause, and the sacrament of penance (reconciliation) is necessary except there is an escape clause.
8. Evangelical and Catholic cooperation in the public arena.Written by Ronald Nash (now deceased), this chapter has some strong statements that some (not me) would say are outspoken or over-the-top, which are directed toward various liberals."a member of a Southern Baptist church occupies the White House, and large numbers of evangelicals and Roman Catholics are appalled by what they see as his contribution to the continuing decline of morality in America."(page 181) (And this was written in 1995, before the Lewinsky affair.)"Because evangelical and Catholic political liberals act in such harmony with their allies in the dominant liberal media and the major power structure in the Democratically controlled Congress and White House and the predominantly left-wing faculty on college campuses, they do not worry about such attacks."(page 190)The theme of the chapter is that conservative Roman Catholics and Evangelicals should work together on the social issues that they agree about.
9. What shall we make of ecumenism?Some disagreements between evangelicals and Roman Catholics are caused by misunderstanding - often because they use different definitions of important words.Other disagreements are caused by real differences in doctrine that will probably never be reconciled.Roman Catholics and evangelicals define "justification" differently.For evangelicals, it is the beginning of Christian life, the moment when one believes and is justified by faith.For Roman Catholics, it means this, plus the process of sanctification.The author, Alister McGrath, seems to equate sanctification and regeneration (page 203), a concept that is foreign to me.
Part 4, The Way Ahead
10. No place like Rome?Some well known evangelicals have converted to Roman Catholicism and it looks like the trend will continue.Often, the reason is either the subjective look and feel of Catholicism ("smells and bells"), or doctrinal.When it is doctrinal, the former evangelical person may have had weak understanding of the evangelical creeds and doctrines.Scott Hahn left the Presbyterian Church in America because of sola scriptura.The chapter has a lengthly defense of sola scriptura.Another reason is that many evangelical churches have become doctrinally soft.At least in the Roman Catholic church there is a catechism and a magisterium, which has authority, to tell you what you should believe.
11. What still keeps us apart?By Michael S. Horton.This chapter is more Reformed (Calvinist) that most, and is stronger in its rejection of Roman Catholic doctrines.More Reformed when it says "we cannot even respond to Him of our own free will, corrupted as it is by our sinful affections."(page 254)It rejects the definition of "evangelical" that is mostly based on spirituality (behavior) in favor of a definition that is theological - what is the evangel, the gospel, the good news?"If you are an orthodox Catholic, you are not in the evangelical camp."(page 249)There are vigorous discussions of sola scriptura, justification by grace alone through faith alone and imputed righteousness.It is also strong in its rejection of some modern trends in evangelicalism, such as the belief that all people are basically good - the rejection of original sin and total depravity.There are lots of scathing statements directed at both the Roman Catholic doctrines of the Council of Trent and modern day evangelicals who dilute or even deny the Reformation doctrines of justification by grace alone through faith alone, substitutionary atonement, and others."We must remember that it is not we [evangelicals] who anathematized Rome, but Rome [the Council of Trent] that anathematized the gospel and thereby anathematized itself."(page 258)"Who can deny that Protestants have led the way in the twentieth century away from a high view of Scripture and God's grace in Christ?"(page 254)
12. Did I really leave the Holy Catholic Church?By William Webster.The author converted from Roman Catholic to evangelical as a young man.After Karl Keating published Catholicism and Fundamentalism, he studied the history of the church.This chapter gives historical information on the most important doctrines where Roman Catholics and evangelicals disagree.In each case, Webster shows that history supports the evangelical view.He uses many quotes from modern Roman Catholics, theologians such as Augustine, and the Church Fathers to support his case.He ends with an appeal Roman Catholic readers to convert to evangelicalism.
13. The Evangelical Moment?John H. Armstrong.This chapter discusses the affects of Vatican II and recent developments in evangelicalism.Vatican II is seen by some as five revolutions:modernity, self-understanding, liturgical, the relationship of the Roman Catholic Church to other Christian churches and to non-Christian faiths, and religious freedom with respect to each state government.Six kinds of Roman Catholics are listed:liberal, extreme syncretist, nominal, conservative/moderate, archconservative, and charismatic.Armstrong expresses concern over evangelical trends:"Modern evangelicalism is, in reality, more Catholic than Protestant" because they see works as an essential precondition for justification.They do not see justification as something that God sovereignly accomplishes without help from the sinner."As Protestantism has moved further and further into mysticism and subjectivism since the nineteenth century, it has proportionately moved away from its evangelical foundation."Armstrong calls for a new Biblical reformation.

Roman Catholicism.
Pretty good treatment of the material by capable reviewers.Ok predominately evangelical reviewers.There's probably a liberal counterpart out there somewhere if one feels so inclined.Fighting fundamentalists and KJO types will probably not care for it, due to a seemingly objective treatment of the subject matter.

Excellent overview of the gap between "us" and "them"
Far too many people on both sides of The Reformation have no idea of why it happened.We have become people of pragmatism, relegating doctrine to the "professionals" - who have taken a cue from "the people" and tossed doctrine aside as well.

This book is a very reasonable, well reasoned in depth examination of the doctrinal issues that caused The Reformation - and are still unresolved.There is a section that examines the areas in common between the Roman Catholic Church and Evangelicals, yet keeps the reader aware of the danger that lie beyond.

This book is divided into four sections.The last section, "The Road Ahead" is the best part of the book, including chapters by Michael Horton, Kim Riddlebarger, and a former Roman Catholic; each chapter reviews the essential elements of the Christian faith that have been and continue to demand a separation between the Romans and Biblical Christians.

This book is a most excellent resource for anyone who wonders about the pope, the Roman church, The Reformation, or Evangelicals.Well documented with end notes so you can check their work.Easy to read, even when discussing deep theological issues.

Exellent work
A very good book about roman catholicism. One of the very few evanglicalbooks including a chapter about modern catholic theology. Worth reading, amust for everyone who is interested in the subject. ... Read more

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Clemens August Graf von Galen, Bishop of Munster from 1933 until his death in 1946, is renowned for his opposition to Nazism, most notably for his public preaching in 1941 against Hitler's euthanasia project to rid the country of sick, elderly, mentally retarded, and disabled Germans. This provocative and revisionist biographical study of von Galen views him from a different perspective: as a complex figure who moved between dissent and complicity during the Nazi regime, opposing certain elements of National Socialism while choosing to remain silent on issues concerning discrimination, deportation, and the murder of Jews.

Beth Griech-Polelle places von Galen in the context of his times, describing how the Catholic Church reacted to various Nazi policies, how the anti-Catholic legislation of the Kulturkampf shaped the repertoire of resistance tactics of northwestern German Catholics, and how theological interpretations were used to justify resistance and/or collaboration. She reveals how the bishop portrayed Jews and what that depiction meant for Jews living in Nazi Germany. Finally she investigates the creation of the image of von Galen as "Grand Churchman-Resister" and discusses the implications of this for the myth of Catholic conservative "resistance" constructed in post-1945 Germany. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Who to blame?
The author assembles many interesting (if somewhat repetitious) details about the events leading up to Bishop Von Galen's three famous sermons against the Gestapo. Curiously, she gives him very little credit for his bravery and seems to paint him close to a villain for not having done more to stem the anti-semitism of the Nazis and build a resistance movement that would bring down the Nazi government. I waited in vain to hear some mention of the courage of Jewish leaders to stand up to the Nazis on behalf of the Jews the way Von Galen did for the Catholics. Were there none to whom she could compare Von Galen? At some points in the book the author almost seems to imply that the Catholic Church was complicit with Hitler in the destruction of so many Jews. This definitely goes against historical facts. Bishop Von Galen was in no position to lift a pistol and aim it at Hitler. Nor was anybody else!

Stains on a scarlet robe?
The latest generation of historians who try to represent the Germany of the thirites and forties does not understand this period.Its memberstotallylackthe "feel"of a period only personal experience seems to be able to create. So they are bound toto overlook or underestimate at least three facts which determined what they consider the inexcusable failure of the German people, their spiritual leaders, and their political organizations to rise up against the inhumanities of the Third Reich.
1.)The misery and despair of the aftermath of W.W.I. 2.)The carefully orchestrated, sometimes clandestine, and only gradually worsening atrocities of the SA and SS. - At the very beginning even the association of German Jews endorsed Hitler, according to Toland (1976)- 3.) What may be called the double bondage of practically all ablebodied German men a)by the general Nazi laws and b) by service in obligetory Labor Camps and the Wehrmacht.
The books which might have given some insight into this situation are unknown or neglected. Griech-Polelle does notmentionElse Pelke (Der Luebecker Christenprozess, 1961, 1963, 1974) or Stephan H. Pfuertner who personally experienced the effects and the aftermath of Bishop von Galen's sermons.
Her book remains another example of hindsight historiography. Vinimensor in Muenchen

essential reading for those interested in the 3rd Reich
Griech-Polelle rises above the common finger-pointing brand of scholarship (i.e. Goldhagen et al) that one frequently encounters in the admittedly controversial area of religion in Nazi Germany.With this nuanced and informative study one can see & understandthe many forces pulling on von Galen withoutcompletely excusing his inaction in the face of the Holocaust.This book will sit comfortably next to the best literature on German life in the Third Reich (for example, Christopher Browning's Ordinary Men). ... Read more

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Originally published in 1879.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

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an intriguing, well-written primer on Catholicism
Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong's great book "More Biblical Evidence for Catholicism" is clear, concise, and readable, with easy-to-understand language. The Protestant vs. Catholic dialogues culled from Armstrong's Internet debates do a good job of showing Protestant fallacies and supporting Catholic claims. Armstrong uses very sound logic throughout the book. The Apocrypha, or Deuterocanon, is mentioned in Appendix Three (see below), but does not have a chapter of its own. Here are the contents of the chapters, and then the appendices:

Chapter One defines the Gospel, defends sacramentalism from a Biblical perspective, and argues that the Catholic view of justification (infused, actual, internal, and transformational) is correct, as opposed to the Protestant view (extrinsic, imputed, forensic, and external).
Chapter Two contains three short dialogues concerning Sola Scriptura, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and penance.
Chapter Three denies the claim that Catholicism is half-pagan, borrowing rituals and practices from pre-Christian Romans, Babylonians, and Persians, with attention paid specifically to holidays like Christmas and Easter, and devotional practices such as praying the Rosary.
Chapter Four refutes the notion that sin and sinners in the Catholic Church disprove its ecclesiological authority.
Chapter Five points out that, unlike early Protestantism, Protestant Christians today often take a "quasi-relativistic" and "unbiblical" view that key doctrinal differences are "not only permissible but healthy and to be expected."
Chapter Six explains why Catholicism is neither Pelagian (believing that humans have no original sin and can be righteous merely using free will) nor Semi-Palagian ("the first steps towards the Christian life were ordinarily taken by the human will and that Grace supervened only later").
Chapter Seven defends the thesis that the Eucharist is indeed Biblical and correct exegesis leads to transubstantiation.
Chapter Eight explains why the Catholic Mass is not idolatry, and why Mass is radically different from the Israeli worship of the golden calf in Exodus.
Chapter Nine shows why the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) is unbiblical and unhistorical.
Chjapter Ten debunks the claim that the Catholic Church historically has suppressed Bible reading and opposed translations like an "avowed enemy of Holy Scripture."
Chapter Eleven demonstrates why Sola Scriptura is illogical, inconsistent, impractical, and improbable.
In Chapter Twelve Armstrong argues against the Protestant notion of a "perspicuous Apostolic message," pointing out that Protestants can't agree on TULIP, baptism the Eucharist, church government, regeneration, sanctification, whether Catholics are Christians, women clergy, divorce, the utility of reason, etc.
Chapter Thirteen argues that Catholic Church infallible authority is ultimately necessary and unavoidable. It argues against the Protestant dichotomy between Church authority and Biblical authority.
In Chapter Fourteen, Armstrong argues that Purgatory has a Biblical basis and that it does not deny the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. He examines the nature and duration of Purgatory.
In Chapter Fifteen Armstrong argues that it is not at all farfetched to say that Mary was without original sin (the Immaculate Conception) and was sinless for the rest of her life, is the Queen of Heaven, and is the Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix. Armstrong dissects Protestants' alleged Biblical disproofs of Mary's sinlessness, etc.
Chapter Sixteen defends the thesis that Catholic Mariology is in fact Christo-centric, and points out that the "Co" in Co-Redemptrix means cooperative and not having equal function, a common misinterpretation. The chapter quotes from the Lumen Gentium, stating, that Mary's role "neither takes away from nor adds anything to the dignity and efficacy of Christ the One Mediator." The chapter refers to Mary as a Blessed Virgin, but does not go into detail about why the Bible says she is a perpetual virgin.

In Appendix One Armstrong affirms his deep respect for Protestants.
Appendix Two is a transcript of a radio interview in which Armstrong talks about his conversion from evangelical Protestantism to Roman Catholicism.
Appendix Three lists 150 reasons to be Catholic as opposed to Protestant, backed up with over 300 Biblical citations. He undermines Protestantism, mentioning its "absurdly late appearance," lack of a way to definitively settle doctrinal issues (partly due to the lack of a definitive teaching authority), lack of priesthood, the false dichotomies it creates (e.g. between the Bible and Christian Tradition), false doctrine of Sola Scriptura, the intercession of saints, etc. He mentions many theological, moral, and spiritual strengths of Catholicism.
Appendix Four compares and contrasts Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy regarding ecclesiology, the papacy vs. caesaropapism, ecumenical councils, doctrinal development, modernity, contraception, and divorce.

I am a non-denominational Christian. I think it will take me at least a year's worth of thorough research to definitively decide which is true: Catholicism or Protestantism. However, this book, which should be a part of the libraries of both Catholics and Protestants, has given me a jump-start. I look forward to reading more of Dave Armstrong's work.

Full of Strenght and Straight Forwardness.
This edition is very useful to catholics and non catholics alike because it helps generate discussions and more understanding about what Catholic Believe.I would rather have a book that deals in any Religion Truthfully and disagree with it honestly, than have a book paint a broad brush and leave the reader "Wandering" about for the "Real Answer".We all need to be honest with eachother and that is how greater respect in eachother starts!

Brown AND Armstrong are very good
Dear brothers in Christ: I love Raymond E. Brown's work. I have some 15 books he wrote and he was really a loved servant in the catholic church, John Paul II knew perfectly well why he elected him to be for second time a member of the Biblical Commission. If we are faithful to the Magisterium we must accept that fundamentalism is an "intelectual suicide" as the latest document on the Bible says (yes the comission's president was Joseph Ratzinger, Benedictus XVI). If I want to read a good commentary on the Passion Narratives I go to Brown, but it's a shame that he didn't write a commentary saying NO to the protestant errors, even tough the fact that he never became protestant and some lines of his works let us see something very clear: he was a catholic who disagreed with important and distintive protestant features. But I have to call Dave Armstrong when it comes to refute directly the heresies of the protestantism. To be catholic is to recognize de virtues of our brothers Raymond and Dave. I used to be an Elvis fan and it was hard for me to accept the Beatle's music. Now I am a human being who is not an Elvis fan anymore, and I enjoy Elvis AND the Beatles (if the lyrics are right). That's better. Jesus is Alive. May Jesus bless you both. Buy Dave's books and go to his great website. He will help you to defend better the Faith of the Ancient Church, the Apostolic One.

A challenge to Mr/Mrs St. Louis
"A reader" implies that Mr. Armstrong's book, plus the works of Karl Keating and others are in opposition to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I challenge "A reader" to come up with point in this book, "More Biblical Evidence.." or in any of Karl Keatings works that are refuted in the CCC.

For that matter, I challenge anyone to come up with this kind of contradiction. My email address is rjskrobola@yahoo.com. I'm willing to stand behind my words and opinions with my identity and with reasoned and documented argument. What about you?

My reading of Mr. Armstrong's works brings me to the conclusion that they are well-thought out, well researched, and perfectly orthodox, unlike some of the works of Raymond Brown. Fortunately for the Church, Raymond Brown never had a magisterial voice, though folks like "A reader" would have you think otherwise, due to his presence on the Pontifical Biblical Commission. Lots of folks have been on lots of commissions, and that doesn't make their writings any more magesterial than.. Dave Armstrong's. However, Mr. Armstrong's writings are at least faithful and Orthodox in considering the most important aspects of Catholicism, and showing their clear biblical and/or historical basis.

Mr. Armstrong's discussion of the Church's attitude toward Scripture is a case in point. In showing clearly that the Church believes and has always believed Scripture to be both inerrant and inspired, he quotes Pope Leo XIII, Vatican II, and many Protestant historians. He quotes a similiar range of folks in showing that the Church has always promoted learning of Scripture, and quotes Protestant historians again in debunking ill-used facts about the Church chaining up the Bible. He shows clearly that there were places this happened, and that this was to protect valuable manuscripts. Indeed, he shows that the churches of the Reformers adopted this practice.

I could go on, but you get the picture. Mr. Armstrong has hardly engaged in some kind of Funda-Catholic screed here. His liberal quoting of such "traditionalist/fundamentalist" documents as "Dei Verbum" and "Lumen Gentium" (the documents of Vatican II), should convince any reader that such accusations are unfounded.

Go to Mr. Armstrong's website and read a chapter for yourself. Then buy his book. It's about real Catholicism.

Best for the stated purpose...
From the Introduction of More Biblical Evidence for Catholicism:
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"Once again my purpose is to accumulate biblical arguments in support of distinctively Catholic doctrinal positions, with Protestant readers particularly in mind (as well as Catholics not overly familiar with the Bible)."
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Dave Armstrong's books are simply the best for explaining the Biblical foundations of Catholicism, especially to Protestants considering conversion or simply wanting to understand how Catholics read scripture and for preparing Catholics to deal with Protestant objections to their faith.

I would recommend first "A Biblical Defense of Catholicism" then follow up with this book.Dave's website is a great resource as well:... ... Read more

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As former professor of the Major Seminary of Rennes, France, Fr. Roussel was admired by Archbishop Lefebvre, whom he influenced. A collection of conferences first given in Rome in 1926, now translated into English by Fr. Coenrad Daniels. It is impossible to understand the crisis in the Church, without seeing the liberal mindset which prepared the way. ... Read more

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Honest Scholarship
That young Americans know so little history is frequently bemoaned, as if history were a sort of medicine that people should be convinced to take. Perhaps the reason history is not exactly popular is that it brings you right into the difficult complexities of life. Unlike the movies there are not easy good guys and bad guys to identify. This book, by a former professor of mine, counts as history well done. I attended John Tracy Ellis' course on American Catholicism at Catholic University in the eighties. It was a fascinating tour througha complicated subject. I admired greatly, for instance, how Ellis did not hesitate to elucidate on a theme in his book, one of the oddest elements in American Catholic history: the support of many bishops for the institution of slavery. I recall in particular his glosses on sermons given by the then bishop of Charleston, whose support for that execrable institution seemed to pain Ellis in particular because of the knowledge of the influence this man had not only in the Catholic Church of his day but in the wider Southern society of his day. In this Ellis differed somewhat from the general thrust of his book written years before. Perhaps more research had caused a slight modification of his view in the book that Southern Catholics were
a minority that assimilated into the wider culture and thus were in a sense victims of it. A perusal of the later literature on the subject confirms that the change that I saw in his glosses in class are in synch with the changing view of historians on the matter. The view now seems to be that Southern Catholics participated actively in what one historian calls "white supremacist" influencing of the larger Southern culture. This is seen as a change from what is now called the "Ellisonian" paradigm of American Catholicism. It is now much easier
to get information on such topics. But John Tracy Ellis' scholarship still seems impressive in terms of the history of ideas. Unfortunately when I was at Catholic University the library was in such a deplorable state that it had been de-accredited by the accreditation agency for Graduate Studies. Thus making it nearly impossible to do further research when one was stimulated to do it by such an interesting scholar as Ellis. ... Read more

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An excellent overview of the history and concepts of Roman Catholicism
Steven Otfinoski's ROMAN CATHOLICISM joins others in the 'World Religions' set to provide an excellent overview of the history and concepts of Roman Catholicism. From basic beliefs to different offshoots, ROMAN CATHOLICISM is a key to understanding recommended for any library including the history of religions. ... Read more

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A comprehensive history of the Catholic Church from the birth and life of Christ and the stories of the Apostles to the building of St Peter's in Rome, the rise of Monasticism and the Reformation, and to Catholicism found around the world today. ... Read more

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Very Informative
This book is thorough, but not dull. It covered all of my musings and questions regarding Catholicism and was fascinating to read. It's beautifully illustrated and and has a very colorful layout. I enjoyed learning about the history, rituals, beliefs and stories of the Catholic religion. I strongly recommend it if this is an interest of yours. ... Read more

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We are still working on filling in the product descriptions. If you need more information please call or email us. ... Read more

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A Summary of Catholicism for Generation X
Fr. Raymond Cleaveland understands Catholics who drifted away from the Church because of weak and vague religious education during the 70's and 80's.He was part of that generation and personally experienced the watered-down, feel-good approach to the faith that left people empty and disoriented.Responding to the need for a concise summary of Catholic teaching, he has written this attractive six-page laminated triptych.While necessarily brief, *Catholicism at a Glance* does not flinch from hard teachings.For example, Fr. Cleaveland gives this summary of the Sixth Commandment (You shall not commit adultery):

"Commands us to use our sexual powers correctly according to our state in life.Prohibits adultery, fornication, masturbation, contraception, in vitro fertilization, homosexual acts, pornography, prostitution, rape, incest and polygamy."

This unflinching approach may upset some people, but it will cause others to ask if they don't perhaps have more to learn about the Catholic faith.It could be the beginning of something beautiful - a new life in Christ.

The Faith Chart has sixteen sections, including The Trinity, Creation and the Fall, The Seven Sacraments, Catholic Moral Teaching and The Last Things.At $7.95 it might seem expensive, but this handy triptych is well worth the price.It will wet a young adult's appetite to learn more about Jesus' teaching and the way he opens eternal life.Besides its obvious value in Catholic Schools, RCIA and Religious Education classes, *Catholicism at a Glance* offers a re-introduction to the faith for an adult - especially the 20 to 50 age group.Fr. Cleaveland comes from "Generation X" and he knows the concerns of that vital group.This colorful Faith Chart will make a nice gift for someone who received a truncated or distorted presentation of the Catholicism - and might now be interested in re-visiting the faith.

Excellent educational tool
I wish I could've given this product 10 stars because it's that good. As a parish priest for many years, I can say that this clear, easy-to-read, visually attractive summary of Catholic doctrine fills a real need. It'll be particularly useful for Confirmation programs, the RCIA, adult faith formation classes, a non-Catholic spouse or fiancé, or anyone else who wants a quick review or overview of the Catholic faith.
The bright, colorful layout is attractive to young people while not being childish or off-putting to adults. The text is straightforward but not dumbed down. Although the print is somewhat small, it's no smaller than what's on the video screen of a cell phone or Blackberry. And the quality of the lamination guarantees that each copy will remain legible and useful for a long time.
Best part of all: it's 100%, unadulterated, rock-solid Catholic doctrine. The author knows his faith and is to be commended on producing a first-rate catechetical tool! Let's hope that this is the first of many works to come. ... Read more

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Long Summary Coming Soon ... Read more

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quick reference guide to Roman Catholicism
a brief but timely summary of Catholicism and some doctrines they espouse that may ge objectionable to those who search to know God's word and plan in truth.

Biased
As a former Protestant minister who is now a Catholic priest this is not the resource you need to understand Catholicism. I would suggest you start with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. McCarthy's bias and bigotry are not very subtle.

When you want to know something....really know something...
If you want to know about the Roman Catholic Church, ask a practicing Roman Catholic parishioner or a nun, seminarian, or Priest. If that is too uncomfortable, watch Catholic television (you know the channel) silently in your own home. Why not go to the source? A thorough, open, and truly objective inquiry would help to prevent the publishing of pamphlets and books filled with misconceptions and misunderstandings or at least offer a well-balanced, well informed document. I was baptized Catholic as a 2-day old baby, raised Evangelical Protestant and am now a devout practicing Catholic. I did not jump into the faith, but rather educated myself; asked questions, sought answers and I find these types of books so severely uninformed. This and other types of similar publications are propagandaism and rhetoric in the purest form.

Are Catholics not Christians?
I was highly offended by this publication because it was Anti-Catholic. When you open it up the sub title is something like, the 62 Errors of the Catholic faith. It proceeds to state Catholic Beliefs on one side and the "Bible Teachings" on the other, which are day and night different. How offensive; we all know Protestants and Catholics have differences in translation, but to make it look like facts that Catholics are wrong is irresponsible of the author. It also states not to be premature about helping your "Catholic" Friends find Christ - give me a break - I have Christ in my life, and Catholics and Protestants are both Christians. I think the pamphlet should be re-written to summarize the differences, as that is fair. I am dissapointed to have found that pamphlet in a Christian Bookstore - I do not get offended easy, but I was offended enough to bring it to the store manager's attention.

Amazing that he could condense so much into this pamphlet
McCarthy did an exceptional job of condensing the major Catholic / Evangelical issues into one pamphlet. Regardless of whether you agree with him or not (as many other reviewers obviously don't!), he does do a great job of putting the issues on the table. Then readers can go the Bible and examine for themselves which view is more biblical. ... Read more

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Provides comprehensive coverage of Catholicism, with emphasis on theology, doctrine, and liturgy. It covers the entire Catholic tradition from the time of Christ, and includes the periods before the division of Christianity into Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant, but the main emphasis is on the development of Latin-rite ceremony in the United States. The introduction and an eight page chronological chart offer an overview of the history. The "Dictionary" contains five hundred brief articles complemented by about four hundred cross-references and index references. The volume discusses not only normative Catholicism but also heretical, schismatic, and dissident movements. On controversial issues, such as sexual morality, the dictionary endeavors to give a fair and sympathetic exposition of conflicting points of view. Appendixes list information on popes, councils, church documents, and prayers. The book concludes with a seventy-page bibliography, subdivided by subject. ... Read more