Choosing To Be Catholic: For the First Time or Once Again

by William J. O'Malley

First published in 2001, "Choosing to Be Catholic" has sold nearly 25,000 copies and maintains its status as a Catholic parish favorite. In this revised edition, Jesuit priest, master-teacher, and bestselling author of thirty-seven books William J. OMalley demonstrates once again his uncanny ability to approach the human quest for God with refreshingly frank discourse as he sorts out the Hows, Whys, and So whats of being Catholic.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Christian, Christianity

237 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2001

About the author

William J. O’Malley, S.J., is a legendary high school teacher who began his career as a Latin and English teacher at Brooklyn Prep in 1957 and who taught English and theology at Fordham Prep in the Bronx for twenty-five years. He has also been an adjunct assistant professor of theology at Fordham University and has taught at several other universities around the country. In 1990 he was awarded the F. Sadlier Dinger Award for outstanding contributions to religious education in America. O’Malley has authored forty books, hundreds of articles, produced several videos, and written and directed over one hundred plays and musicals in his distinguished career.

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part introduction to the Catholic faith and part argument for the value of religious faith. It is written for those with a familiarity with Western religious thought but with mild skepticism. The author taught high school for many years and this often felt like a response to the vague objections to religion often voiced by adolescents.

[Maddly Peculiar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this could be a good book if you’re trying to get a basic idea of Catholicism. Just a bare boned generalization of what you’re stepping into. I honestly thought it was a little boring. Catholicism is so vast and beautiful but this book barely touched on any of it. The last three chapters were really the only ones focusing on why Catholicism is different from any other religion and even then it felt half hearted.

[Elijah Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only it weren't for the hokey title of this book, I'd recommend it as a primer on Abrahamic religions. Written by a Jesuit priest, it gives a very clear, even-handed discussion of Catholicism in contraposition to Islam, Judaism and Protestantism. I'm not Catholic, but I very much appreciated the author's clarity and erudition on the subject. If only it had a serious title!

[Miguel Regalado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great of those who want to get to know Catholicism, or for those who think they know it

A dear cousin of mine recomended this book. I am a practicing Catholic, and I find I always need refreshers to remind me why I practice my religion. There's more to it than saying a couple of formulas and showing up to mass agt least once a week. As a theologian, it is an insight as to how the Church must adapt the essence of its teaching to the necessities of our time. Additionally, as I was reading this, I could not help but realize that its a great, non-offensive book to recommend to people that just want to know why there are goons out there that seem to be perfectly smart people, but decide to embrace and advocate Catholicism :)

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative about the catholic faith and other faiths out there.

[Whitney Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because of the way that it was written. I will say that even though it caused me to have a few questions that I wanted to have answered that if I kept reading to the next paragraph my question would have been answered. Also, I would say that it would be a great book for anyone looking into Catholicism (like myself) as a denomination that they would like to be a member of.

The author did a great job writing it and I hope to find more books written by this author to see if the same writing style is carried throughout.

[Concetta Kellough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative but doesn't tell the whole story - Purgatory... not mentioned in book but I heard it preached in a Catholic church and it totally goes against Scripture. I wish this book had addressed it.

[Megan Moorhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book!