Why I Am Still a Catholic

By: Ryan, Kevin

Book Overview

What draws--and binds--thoughtful, educated people to a Church so often criticized by outsiders (and even members) as "authoritarian" or "out of step with the times?" This collection of personal accounts answers that question in diverse, fascinating, and deeply moving ways.

Novelist William Kienzle discusses his years in the seminary, explaining why he eventually left the priesthood--but not the Church. Kathleen Howley reveals how God replaced alcohol in her life, and why the traditional Latin Mass holds so much more appeal than the folk Masses of her youth. Former baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn compares his feelings for the Church with his lifelong belief in "team loyalty." Jon Hassler vividly recalls two very different childhood friends--and the attractions of both evil and goodness.

These writers, and numerous others, offer a remarkable portrait of today's Catholic Church, creating a new understanding of how its presence has endured for nearly two thousand years, and why it continues to thrive.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1573226777
• ISBN13: 9781573226776
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Simple Love, Simple Faith

This book lives up to its editorial review! Even though the book is directed to young adults, it has value for all adults. Each chapter contains touching and beautiful stories of simple and complex love of God and Church. Each author was honest and direct about his/her journey in faith. Their experiences brought back wonderful, as well as, difficult memories of my own. You don't have to be Catholic to enjoy this book. The format makes it an excellent book for busy people, because the chapters are short and nothing is lost if you have to set the book aside for awhile; you can easily pick it up again later.