I Like Being Catholic

Rating:
Summary: Sometimes I Want to Be Catholic -- Sometimes I Don't !
Review: I wasn't raised Catholic, thank God, and I am very much Catholic in some ways, thank God. That organized religion is so intense for a world of men, women, hermit crabs, condoms, psychological disorders, etc., that I honestly thank God, whom I believe to be the same the Catholic's thank, (the true ones -- but who is? Not for me to judge, but I can't resist, it's part of my nature, and others' as well.) But this BOOK IS DIFFERENT. Whether we like it or not, practicing or supposedly practicing Catholics are around us. That's life. Life is God -- and Good, if you are fortunate to see it that way. I have been, and hope I will always be. Pray for me? :) God would want anyone of this organized religion or of any other to read this book -- I think. I've never met him/her/it/them ... but have felt them. Open your heart to other opinions and you just might scare yourself into bliss. Bring a cigarette or something just in case :) God Bless the editors of this book. It does not take knowing them to know, they are the people I want to share the planet with. Thanks for taking the time to let us all know you really care. That's rare! Peace! Namaste! And here's to LOVE and LIFE on the Peripheral with anyone who's anyone, despite whether or not their parents drove them to drink (holy water that is :)

Rating:
Summary: Zero Stars for Modernism
Review: The title of this book should be "I Like Being a NOMINAL Catholic." The subtitle is inaccurate too - there's very little on "tradition" or "ritual" here - and when they're mentioned, they're usually trivialized or dismissed. The "stories" are mostly about Catholicism at it lowest common denominator - "feel good" stories about people who call themselves Catholic but who are really neo-pagans in disguise (some, like Mario Cuomo, are openly pro-choice, for example). There are some exceptions of course (Mother Theresa comes to mind), but mainly what you get here is a modernist perspective on Catholicism that is far from orthodox.

Stay away from this book if you are interested in reading about what authentic Roman Catholicism is (not what the disobedient would like it to be). I suggest reading Living the Catholic Faith: Rediscovering the Basics by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, and A Shepherd Speaks by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz.

Rating:
Summary: One of those books I reach for...
Review: whenever I have doubts about my Roman Catholic upbringing and my ongoing commitment to the Faith. These testimonials, lists, vignettes and stories evoke everything that's vital, life-affirming and just plain fun about being Roman Catholic. Yes, folks, Catholicism can be fun! This book reminds me of the ongoing presence of God's love in the vital and warm community, commitment to service and justice, and constant presence of the Divine in daily life that makes up the true Catholic experience. Don't believe the "anti-modernism" hype from some radical traditional reviewers of books like these..."I Like Being Catholic" reaffirms why the Catholic church, despite ongoing trials and tribulations common to all faiths, is still a vital and important presence in today's world. God's love and yes, his sense of humour, shine through in this work. Keep it close to you for those days when your faith might be challenged, when you need a smile, or just when you want to reaffirm, that yes, You like being Catholic! I would also recommend this to anyone who has a spouse, relative or friend who is considering becoming a Catholic or wants to know about the faith. It's also potentially a great book for anyone who has been hurt or alienated by the church and needs some help in coming back to the fold.