Brandon Vogt’s Why I Am Catholic (And You Should Be Too) is a reader-friendly resource for ordinary pewsitters taking their first look at the “Why be Catholic??” question. After sharing his own memoir, Brandon runs through the common objections to and proofs of the Catholic faith. This book fills a gap in the literature. Many apologetics books tackle one or a few topics in depth. This resource is for the average layperson who is brand new to the question of explaining and defending the faith.
Who would like this book?
I recommend it for two groups of people. The first is parishes who have completed a study such as Return, and now would like to act on the need to know about our faith so we can explain it. By doing this quick intro to apologetics, readers can get an overview of the different types of evidence for the faith that we have. Think of it as the tasting menu. Readers can then go on to choose to study one or more subjects in greater depth.
The second group is ordinary Catholics who are looking for a way to work through their challenges and difficulties with the faith. It can be hard for someone to articulate why they are struggling if they don’t have the language that they need. In the hands of a skilled facilitator, this book would make a great launching pad for honest discussions on the road towards deeper belief.
The Thinking-Man’s Faith Isn’t Only For Academics
I think Return is the one must-read book for Catholics who care about their parishes and their families. It lays out the 101 on evangelization in plain language that any Catholic can understand and apply. Why I Am Catholic is a natural follow-up. So much work has been done over the past thirty years in laying the groundwork of the New Evangelization. These books are the fruit of that work. They are tools any parish can use to mobilize regular people for the work of the Gospel.
Cover art courtesy of https://whycatholicbook.com/get-book.