Douthat argues that the Francis era is a crucial experiment for all of Western civilization, which is facing resurgent external enemies (from ISIS to Putin) even as it struggles with its own internal divisions, its decadence, and self-doubt. Whether Francis or his critics are right won't just determine whether he ends up as a hero or a tragic figure for Catholics--it will determine whether he's a hero or a gambler who's betraying both his church and his civilization into the hands of its enemies.
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Douthat argues that the Francis era is a crucial experiment for all of Western civilization, which is facing resurgent external enemies (from ISIS to Putin) even as it struggles with its own internal divisions, its decadence, and self-doubt. Whether Francis or his critics are right won't just determine whether he ends up as a hero or a tragic figure for Catholics--it will determine whether he's a hero or a gambler who's betraying both his church and his civilization into the hands of its enemies.
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Seller's Description:
Good in good dust jacket. This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear. This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear.
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Seller's Description:
Fair in fair dust jacket. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear. It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket. This is a used book. It may contain highlighting/underlining and/or the book may show heavier signs of wear. It may also be ex-library or without dustjacket.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
The author is from the New York Times, so the writing is good and the book is well-researched. But the author is more than his career. He is a Catholic, interested in the future of his cherished Church. And he is, like most of us, forced to observe the events unfold, having no power over them.
All of which comes across very well. Whether the reader is conservative or liberal, arguments and counterarguments are fleshed-out without bias, and logically proceeded to viable conclusions. The author undeniably has an opinion, but it is not one that is domineering. I was relieved to learn that he is a conservative (hard to imagine that one is not, the more I learn about Francis.)
And I was glad that the author shined a bit beyond being from the New York Times. Given what that institution has become, it requires a few extra words from me to reassure the reader that Ross Douthat isn't a leftist shill. Just the opposite -- a dyed in the wool Catholic with a penchant for logical thinking.
I liked the book a lot and already told my family and friends about it; now I'm telling you.
