Forty Reasons I Am a Catholic

ABSOLUTE PROS: I haven't purchased an apologetics book for over 10 years. I've read enough to know what I need to know about the trickier components of Catholic theology and have moved on to use my time in more interesting pursuits. Apologetics are incredibly important... but eventually you come to realize that "the truth will defend itself..." and you stop needing books filled with "good continuous-process-of-logically-ordered-argumentation" as Kreeft quipped.So I only bought this book because I'm a Peter Kreeft junkie and find his writing so beautiful and simple, profound and accessible.I love the book. I read it in just over an hour. I want to buy 30 copies of it and hand it off to any person with any shred of honesty who is interested in religious dialogue. The 40 reasons are as profound as "Because I need dogmatic certainty about God, and Christ and salvation" all the way down to "Because of the nouns" and "Because of cathedrals." The book is brilliant in its very simplicity. And for those well-versed in apologetics, this boils all the theological nuances (which are of little interest to the vast majority of laymen) down to extremely attractive, thought-provoking and strong bullet points that can be easily remembered and shared with people in real life and online where the attention span is severely lacking. Can't recommend it enough.SUBJECTIVE CONS: The cover is ugly; I've always disliked that image of Jesus. The title is boring and the book will be overlooked by the many who think they've 'heard it all before...' That said, I don't pretend to have a better title in mind. "I'm Catholic Because of Atheism"? Who knows...OBJECTIVE CON: And it is singular. There was no mention of the Orthodox faiths other than in passing when referencing Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. Now his arguments can be applied to the Orthodox through inference (like the chapter on the Nicene Creed...) but I would've loved to see something very specific that addressed why NOT to choose Orthodox.

Peter Kreeft is a very engaging writer and I got so much out of this book even though I'm not a Catholic. However, it left me wanting more. I wish each chapter (or "reason") had much more content and elaboration on a few things. Very good book, though, which I recommend to every Christian to bridge the gap of understanding. I especially liked his illustration on the concept of Purgatory, that all Christians believe in the principle and the argument is only an argument of words.

This book is divided into forty short chapters. Each has a lighthearted tone but makes convincing arguments and points. I recommend this book to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Peter Kreeft is a legendary writer in the world of Catholic thought. This book lovingly lays out the author’s forty top reasons he is a Catholic, and why. I have read several of Kreeft’s books and this is another winner. Don’t miss it.

The author uses straight talk to explain some complex theological and philosophical ideas. This style makes the book ideal for high school age readers or those more highly-educated. There is something valuable for all in this book explaining why the author (Peter Kreeft) converted from a Protestant to a Catholic. Because it's only 135 pgs, Kreeft doesn't explain all that he professes as "Truth"; however, he is not "preachy", his voice is both sincere & refreshing. Included is a very brief history of the Church that is never erudite. No matter your faith--or lack thereof--you will be hooked by his intro. Finally, it's an especially motivating & inspiring book for lapsed Catholics or for those who may not realize they are not ACTIVELY living their faith.

Some solid arguments as well as the author's opinions.

This is classic Kreeft - back to basics with good morsels of advice in every line. Kreeft talks to the reader like an old friend. You might chuckle at a line and then find yourself understanding a concept that elsewhere might be vague and dry. Don’t take him for “dumbing down” the faith - his blunt approach is that of a doctor with the best bedside manner.

Dr Kreeft makes plain the Catholic Truths that we sometimes/oftentimes forget as we make our way in today’s troubled times. If your doubting your faith, if you have a different faith, if you have no faith, this is the read for you.

A must read book.

Engaging book with easy to understand reasons why belief in the Catholic faith is easily the most rational choice anyone can make in life!

No one writes more clearly about the Christian Faith and Catholicism than Peter Kreeft. And so much of it is quotable. A must read for truth seekers and those thinking of converting.

I strongly recommend the reading of this book. It is extremely interesting and conforting. I do hope to see it translated in italian in the near future.