cover image Yours is the Church: How Catholicism Shapes Our World

Yours is the Church: How Catholicism Shapes Our World

Mike Aquilina. Servant, $14.99 trade paper (144p) ISBN 978-1-61636-434-2

It is likely that Catholics need a boost of confidence in their church after the past several years of grappling with sex scandals and cover-ups. Aquilina, a popular Catholic writer and media host, attempts to offer his fellow believers a spiritual shot-in-the-arm by examining the extraordinary ways that Catholicism has contributed to the world throughout history. The author is well-versed in church history and addresses in a concise way a wide breadth of material in just a few pages. He asserts that Catholicism has made substantial strides in several areas, such as upholding the dignity of women and children, promoting advances in science, and advocating for the poor. The author also lauds the great body of literature, art, and music that the church has inspired. One message comes across loud and clear: the Catholic Church has faced its share of challenges and has been able to maintain a large body of devoted believers for two millennia. Catholics can draw hope from this remarkable resilience of the people of God through the centuries. (Oct.)