Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Four years in the making, "Catholicism" is the long-awaited evangelical work of Fr. Robert Barron, professor of systematic theology at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. In addition to rock solid scholarship and theology, the DVD series is filled with beautiful cinematography, which is used to illustrate the theological points in the series. As Fr. Barron points out, the Catholic Church is and always has been a Church that embraces both the "right and left brain" of humanity. It is a Church of science AND art, and the imagery in the DVD series is far more than fluff or filler. The art depicted is ITSELF theology, and is very compelling. Fr. Barron reminds us over and over again of the historicity of Jesus, and we see compelling modern examples of the Gospels in practice. This series is mandatory viewing for anyone with a serious interest in the Catholic Church historically and today. This will be one of the great evangelical works of modern times. PBS has already picked up four of the ten episodes, which will air in all major U.S. television markets. I've seen the entire series (ten episodes in all) and I would strongly recommend purchasing the whole set. Truly a remarkable work. Fr. Barron is a genial, engaging and very powerful advocate for Christianity and Catholicism who will not be easily dismissed. Precisely because it is so remarkable and compelling, I predict "Catholicism" will be vigorously attacked by today's self-styled "new atheists." And with good reason: this series represents a mortal threat to the various brands of atheism, apostasy and simple misunderstanding currently in vogue. If I were an atheist I'd be very afraid of this work! So expect some "piling on" from that quarter. That's virtually a selling point for Fr. Barron's series. If you're a Christian believer, a "cruise control Catholic," or simply an open-minded non-religious person who wonders what Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular, is all about, by all means purchase this DVD series. If you can't afford it, check out the PBS broadcast. (I believe the 6 episodes not being broadcast on PBS will be broadcast on EWTN.) Two thumbs WAY UP. If I had more thumbs, I'd point them up too. This DVD series is superb in all respects and will be a classic.