July 24, 2009 12:30 PM
Considering Catholicism? This book looks good
For those of you in the process of learning more about the Catholic Church, I found this book by an Evangelical - former editor of Christianity Today - who converted to Catholicism in 1997. I found the review following intriguing - and enough to make me order the book (well, first I'm going to check at Paperback Swap):
Thomas Howard is a former evangelical, turned Anglican, turned Catholic, and an editor-at-large for Christianity Today. His Evangelical credentials were very impressive, and so is his case for the Catholic Faith. Howard does not sling Scripture at the reader, nor does he attempt to do fundamentalist-style apologetics. Had he done this I probably would have put it down after the first page.Howard's style reminds me a lot of C.S. Lewis'. When I first read of this comparison on the back cover I was dubious. However, his writing is laced with references to classical literature and a variety of philosophies. His knowledge of secular and Christian thought is quite impressive, as is his Latin and English vocabulary. Like Lewis, he seamlessly and clearly articulates his thoughts in a way that is quite beautiful without being superficial. Like Lewis, he also handles objections to his ideas as he writes, anticipating the objections various types of readers might have. While it is likely that Lewis will be read long after Howard, this is no reason to dismiss the importance of what Howard has to say.
For me, what makes his work so impressive is that he appeals to the deep need that humans have for tradition, religious encounter, symbol, sacrament, ritual, etc. Much of the book is based not on cold logic, but on human need and longing. A good example is when he explains the need that humans have for ceremony and ritual, and how eventually we "give external shape to what is in our hearts." He explains how when we internally remember a birthday, we give visible and external shape to this inner matter through common birthday rituals like candles, cakes, and presents. These rituals do not supersede the inner reality, but give meaningful shape to it. Being a former Protestant, he knows the common objections, and can understand the reasons why many Protestants fear and distrust the Catholic Church. He is then in a good position to answer these objections as well, and like Lewis, he uses Scripture and the Fathers without misusing them.
While addressing various Catholic topics (including Mary, Going to Church, the Crucifix, Tradition, the Mass, and more), he never resorts to attacks against other faiths. Most Orthodox (and to a lesser extent Anglicans) will find that he is really defending their Faith as well, since it is so similar to that of Catholics. As I read this book, I could sense his love for those elements of the evangelical faith that led him to the Catholic Church, and his love for Evangelicals. And it is not just the fake, "I love you so I scream the truth at you" either. Don't think he compromises the Catholic Faith though; he is traditional. When he deals with "Are Catholics Saved?" he explains how Catholics live and breathe the gospel in Mass (Divine Liturgy), in traditional prayers, in Confession, and so forth. He addresses the Protestant language of salvation that often seems foreign to Catholics, like the question "are you saved?" He assures his Evangelical readers that even if Catholics don't initially understand the question as framed, they are certainly "saved." This was a favorite chapter of mine.
Overall, this is a very compelling book that explains why being Catholic is the fullest Christian option, i.e. why the Catholic Faith appeals to humanity's basic and deepest spiritual needs. Of course while explaining his love for the Catholic Church, he also deals with common objections along the way. His explanations may even bring tears to your eyes. For example, the profundity of his language for the Mass as the "threshold that lies between time and eternity" captures quite well and quite beautifully the historic Church's position. If apologetics books (which of course have a place too) leave you cold, read this book. It gets at the heart of being Catholic!
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Comments
This is one of the books, along with your blog and your story, that drew me to the Church. You will love it! I also recommend Howard's Lead Kindly Light, and his Evangelical is Not Enough.
I have bought these to give away they are so very good.
And guess what?! Thomas Howard is Elizabeth Elliot's brother!!!!!
Posted by: Kathy | July 24, 2009 3:33 PM
