9 Books I Read While Discerning Catholicism: #8 Persecuted from Within by Joshua Charles & Alec Torres
9 Books I Read While Discerning Catholicism: #8 Persecuted from Within by Joshua Charles & Alec Torres
This will be the shortest post of this series. Hey, if Peter Kreeft can say Hollywood movies are why he’s Catholic, I can give a two paragraph review of a book. In short, this book outlines the various persecutions of saints within the Church. It also highlights times in the Church’s history where it seemed the Church could not hold on, but then, by divine providence, they would enter a new era of growth. It’s excellent. Pro tip: I recommend you follow Joshua Charles on Facebook or X while you read this book. If you’re not on those platforms, he has an excellent website as well. He’s always posting quotes from the Church Fathers and this really added to my experience reading the book.
My favorite historical overview was of St. Athanasius. Prior to being Catholic, I had a lot of respect for St. Athanasias. He was a courageous Christian and a reminder to everyone that doctrine matters. Anyone who is only a Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, or Baptist because their friends are at that church should heed Christ’s words in Matthew 10:34-36: “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” If Christ will divide us against families, how much more so should our loyalty lie, not in friends, but the Truth?
So, how would I sum up this book? If you ever wondered why Catholics don’t just run for the protestant churches during times of confusion (though some do), then read this book. Afterwards, you will understand why Catholics say “It’s not as bad as it has been.” Things are bad, but these things also produce saints.
Enjoy the read, and I will write the final article on Maximillian Kolbe on Monday. He was nearly my patron saint. That said, I suspect St. Maximillian Kolbe will be a significant part of my Christian life from this point on.
God bless, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Coming up next…
For those that just want the list, here it is. I attempted to put them in the order I purchased and read them, not necessarily by order of significance. If you decide to purchase them, please use my affiliate links here below 👇 . That way I get a kick back 😇.
Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn
40 Reasons Why I’m Catholic by Peter Kreeft
The Obscurity of Scripture: Disputing Sola Scriptura and the Protestant Notion of Biblical Perspicuity by Casey Chalk
Jesus and The Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre
The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn
This is My Body by Bishop Barron
Persecuted from Within by Joshua Charles and Alec Torres
Saint Maximilian Kolbe: A Hero of The Holocaust by Fiorella De Maria
Honorable Mention:
The Case for Catholicism by Trent Horn
Faith and Reason: Philosophers Explain Their Turn to Catholicism by Brian Besong and Jonathan Fiqua