Books

Prove It! Church, by Amy Welborn

Reviewed by Bill Muehlenberg

Contents - May 2002 - Buy a copy now Editorial: A moral challenge for society - Peter Westmore Liturgy: New edition of the Roman Missal released: vernacular translations to come - Michael Gilchrist News: The Church Around the World Catholicism in Australia: facing the challenges of Western secularism - Archbishop George Pell General absolutions continue in the Toowoomba Diocese - Michael Gilchrist US Jesuits' action against Father Fessio sparks worldwide protests - AD2000 Report US research puts clerical sex-abuse in perspective - Philip Jenkins Gregorian Chant's new lease of life in Brisbane - AD2000 Report 'The Resurrection in the university' - IMCSA National Conference in Sydney - Nicholas Rynne Letters: Hymns (letter) - David Schutz Letters: Farewell Mass for Fr Des Byrne (letter) - Barry O'Brien Letters: Priestly formation (letter) - Cyril Drew Letters: Liturgical abuses (letter) - Name and Address Supplied Letters: Decline of the faith (letter) - Brian Carter Letters: Christian principles (letter) - Errol P. Duke Letters: Transubstantiation (letter) - Fr G.H. Duggan SM Letters: Correct Greek (letter) - Fr J.B. Cotter Letters: Need for prayer (letter) - Kevin Pitt Letters: Harry Potter? (letter) - John F. Doherty Poetry: Two Loves - John Meston Books: Demons and Democrats: 1950s Labor at the Crossroads, by Gavan Duffy - Anthony Cappello (reviewer) Books: The Forty Four: The Martyrs of the English College Rome - Christopher Quinn (reviewer) Books: Beyond Gay, by David Morrison - John S. Webster Books: Pedophiles and Priests: Anatomy of a Contemporary Crisis, by Philip Jenkins - David Ross (reviewer) Books: Prove It! Church, by Amy Welborn - Bill Muehlenberg (reviewer) Books: Father Ian Falconer's Latin Course - Ken Bayliss (reviewer) Books: New Titles from AD Books Reflection: The Ascension: climax of Our Lord's life on earth - Fr Ian Falconer SJ

PROVE IT! CHURCH
by Amy Welborn

(2001, 128pp, $16.95. Available from AD Books)

Apologetics is a term used to describe the defence of the Christian faith. It involves answering objections and setting the record straight on questions raised against it. In a hostile and secular climate, apologetics is an important aspect of the Christian armour.

However, there are also more particular kinds of apologetics, such as Catholic apologetics. As can be expected, this type of apologetics deals with objections and questions raised specifically against the Catholic faith, often from non-Catholics. This new book by Welborn offers short and succinct objections raised, often by Protestants, against many key Catholic beliefs.

Thus there are chapters dealing with such questions as, Why isn't Catholicism more Bible-based? Why do you obey the pope instead of God? Why do you give so much attention to Mary? Why are good works emphasised so much?

All up, around 16 such objections/questions are dealt with in meaty, bite-sized chapters.

Bill Muehlenberg, a Baptist, is National Vice President of the Australian Family Association and teaches theology at several Protestant Bible colleges in Melbourne.

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 15 No 4 (May 2002), p. 18