Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith

As readers may know, the undersigned reviewed Father Barron's DVD series by the same title of CATHOLICISM. As an aside, this reviewer reviewed the video series which is recommended. Readers are also encouraged to read the book which is an excellent summary of Catholicism and much of the cultural achievements of Catholics for approximately 2000 years.Father Barron started this book with fact that Christ and His teaching are at the core of the Catholic Faith. He explained Catholicism has been enhanced by martyrs, stained glass, religious and philosphical treatises, great literature, icons, architechture, and great painting. The achievements have not been done to replace Christ but to "uplift" thoughtful men and women to something significantly more important than "the-here-and now." Father Barron was clear that nature and people are part of God's Creation, and Father Barron did not divorce God from His Creation. Father Barron's view was that Creation is part of the "grand scheme of things" which can help to experience God's essence and God's love-love of nature and men and women.The History of Western Civilization is one of achievement as well as tragedy. "Wars and rumors of war" have plagued mankind since the beginning civilization. However, Father Barron makes the case for non-violence in the actions of Christ, the early martyrs, Blessed Mother Teresa (1910-1997)and Blessed Pope John Paul II (1978-2005)whose actions helped the faith and undermined Big Communism without firing a shot.Father Barron and other devout Catholics did not claim that they perfectly understood God. Father Barron cited Exodus 6 whereby God said, "I AM WHO I AM" which is beyond any definate description. Father Barron also cited St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) who wrote that God is QUI EST (The One Who Is). St. Anselm (1033-1109)used the ontological arguement that God is that which men cannot think of beyond Anything Great. St. Anselm used the Latin phrase "Si comprehendis, non est Deus" (If you understand, that is not God). In other words, men cannot define God as a fashion designer, but He Who creates. Father Barron mentioned that while God is beyond any attempt to make a definate definition, people cannot hide from God's Presence.Father Barron added further discourse comparing The One Who Is with pagan deities who were at war with each other as well as with mortals. Father Barron stated that ultimately men and women were God's Creation whom God loves and IS NOT in competition with men. Father Barron unhinged the Manichaeans and Gnostics who argued that Creation was evil and only the spiritual was divine. This view absolved men from character and responsibility contrary to the view that men have free will.Father Barron then discussed the Blessed Virgin Mary (The BVM for the sake of convenience). He compared her to a temple of Christ which protected the Christ Child and was probably closer to Christ than any person which is in part why she is venerated but not an object of adoration. Father Barron reviwed the Marian Apparations re Lourdes, Fatima, etc. Father Baron gave good explations of devotions to Mary and how they embellished the Faith.Father Barron's work re well known Catholics and saints showed the universality of the Catholic Church. For example, St. Katherine Drexel (1858-1950)used her considerale inherited wealth to start schools for the maringalized poor in the US. St. Theresa of Liseaux (1873-1897)was a physically weak and unknown nun until her personal STORY of a SOUL was published. St. Edith Stein (1891-1942)was born into an Orthodox Jewish family, converted to the Catholic Faith, became a Carmelite Nun, and was a noted scholar. She was martyred in 1942 because of her Jewish birth. Blessed Mother Theres hardly knew anything of the religious life but became a nun and started a valiant mission of mercy in the worst areas of India. Christopher Dawson(1889-1970), who became an eminent Catholic historian, converted to Catholcism even though his mother was angry because now Dawson "...would be worshipping with the help." The Catholic Faith is known on every continent. However, Catholics have assimiliated what they could but rejected what had to be rejected. St. Thomas Aquinas cited Jewish, Greek Orthodox, and Moslem scholarship and made effective use of what embellished his work and politely explained what he rejected. Father Barron made an interesting re the inscription of Christ's Cross which read INRI which translated from the Latin means Jesus King of the Jews. This inscription was also written in Hebrew and Greek, and Pilate may have unknowingly helped to evangelize the Faith. Father Barron mentioned earlier saints such as St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) and St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)who were close friends and wrote some of the most sublime Catholic mystical literature.Father Barron erred in his comments about Bruno (1548-1600) and Galileo (1564-1642). Bruno was not executed because of his scientific views. He was tried and convicted as a dangerous revolutionary. This does not mean that Bruno should have been put to death, but a clearer understanding gives more precise history of his problems. Galileo was honored in 1610 by Pope Paul V (1605-1621). Pope Urban VIII (1623-1644)honored Galileo in 1624 with an elaborate celebration to honor Galileo's work in science. However, Galileo was not a very grateful guest and insulted any with whom he disagreed. St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), who remained close friends with Galileo, said he would agree with Galileo's insistence to alter the Bible according to the latter's theories if Galileo could prove his heliocentric views. Galileo COULD NOT prove these views because he could account for parallux given the fact that telescopes were not that good during Galileo's life time. Galileo WAS NEVER held in a dungoeon. During his "arrest" and trial, Galileo lived in the Florentine ambassador's residence and then in luxery in the Papal reisidence where he had his own chef. He ate and drank well. His "sentence" of restricted travel was a moot point because of poor vision. The ten Cardinals refused to sign the condemnation. In fact, Pope Benedict IV(1740-1758)gave his Imprimatur to ALL OF Galileo's work.Father Barron later sections of the book dealt with modern philosphy and challenges to Catholicism. Father Barron unhinged Marx's (1818-1883)view that religion was "the opiate of the masses." What Father Barron emphasized was that the Faith gave meaning and hope to the masses. Father Barron also challenged Sartre's (1905-1980)view that life was absurd. Father Barron cited the inspiration and meaning that the Catholic Faith has taught for 2000 years.One of Father Barron's late sections dealt with Judgement, Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Father Barron suggested that God does not condemn people to hell. People condemn themselves by choice because they worship greed, violence, lust, hate, etc. Such poor souls take themselves too seriously and do not reflect on Ultimate Questions and such traits as compassion, forgiveness, mercy. According to Dante (1265-1321), Satan was frozen in hell because of his claim to be God as many now think that wealth, unjust power and cruelty, etc. are gods. Satan is too self absorbed to move. Purgatory, which Father Barron cites 2 Maccabees for biblical support, is developed for those who need to reflect on their wrong doing but are not condemned.In spite of the criticism, this book is solid. Catholic religious directors could use this book for those who want to consider to be received into the Faith and the Catholic Church. The explanations of using art and architecture are very good and can be gleaned by reading Father Barron's book titled HEAVEN IN STONE AND GLASS.December 15 2011(The 220th Anniversay of the Ratification of The Bill of Rights)James E. Egolf

Confession #1: I came into this book review pretty biased. Why? Fr. Robert Barron's Catholicism DVD series - all ten episodes - are some of my absolute favorite (and most watched) videos that I own. Confession #2: Given how rich and encompassing the video series is, I was not sure of the necessity of the Catholicism book. Conclusion: I was wrong. I admit it, and I do not do this often, but... I was very wrong. The book is a perfect companion to the series, and stands alone as an exemplary reflection and teaching of the Catholic faith.Here are my Top 5 Reasons to Consider (seriously consider), adding Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith to your library:1.Catholicism is a fantastic aide for anyone leading discussions of the Catholicism DVD series.2.The first thing I noticed as I read Catholicism, how rich in Scripture references it is. In my opinion, two of the greatest misconceptions about Catholics - our faith is not bible based and Catholics do not read (or study) God's word. That is just not true, and was evident in Fr. Barron's book as I had counted over 10 Scripture references before I finished page 6!3.My experience in leading groups viewing and discussing the Catholicism DVD series, has taught me sometimes people are overwhelmed by the amount of information offered to them each episode. Faced with so much new and compelling information you can find easily yourself either feverishly writing down notes - trying to recall snippets of Fr. Barron's glorious insights, or lost in the stunning images. Regardless of how you miss something, Catholicism catches you up to speed because - in Fr. Barron's words - "this book is chockablock with stories, biographies, and images." (pg. 7)4.Although it pains me to publicly admit this, it is the truth. Fr. Barron's vocabulary is not quite as pedestrian as mine. There are many times throughout the video series, that I need to pause and Google a definition or more. This pause and explore method is fine when I am alone, but not conducive to group viewing. Catholicism (the book), not only allows me a self-controlled pace to decipher some of Fr. Barron's words but also provides me the often needed spelling of said words!5. Simply put, it is just really good, and a very worthwhile read.