Product Overview
Jesus said, "The truth will set you free." Father Spitzer lays bare the theological and philosophical roots of Catholic morality, and also uses secular statistical studies to demonstrate that these teachings, even from a scientific standpoint, help human beings to flourish.
Gathering data from universities, general psychiatry, medical institutes, and general survey organizations such as Pew Research, Gallup Research, and Harris Poll, this book shows that going against foundational Christian doctrines, from marriage to the sanctity of unborn life, leads to significant increases in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, familial tensions, suicidal contemplation. The numbers speak for themselves.
Many people today, particularly the young, are embarrassed by the Church's moral teaching. For them, it is only an outdated expression of hatred or disgust. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Sin is what degrades man and kills his joy, and a moral life is a life of love. If we tell the truth about destructive lifestyles, we can rescue our loved ones from a life of darkness, helping to bring about a shift in our culture. With scientific clarity, this work provides readers everything they need to know to speak credibly, effectively, and persuasively about the most controversial moral issues.
Editorial Reviews
"Fr. Spitzer has hit another home run! His defense of Catholic moral teaching is greatly needed. The book is not just theologically and philosophically sound; it is also supported by large amounts of data from the social sciences. It will make a great gift for young Catholics, especially for confirmation, and for newlyweds."
— Paul Vitz, Ph.D., Senior Scholar/Professor, Divine Mercy University
"The deep foundations of the Church's moral teachings are philosophical and theological, but in an age in thrall to scientism it is not only useful but imperative to show that those teachings are also well-supported by social-scientific and other empirical considerations. Fr. Spitzer's work is an important and welcome contribution to this enterprise."
— Edward Feser, Professor of Philosophy, Pasadena City College; Author, Five Proofs of the Existence of God
"Fr. Spitzer has done the seemingly impossible. He has taken the sprawling array of moral controversies and synthesized them into a coherent whole. He has taken matters besotted by rage and sobered them with reason. He taken matters distorted by passions and conformed them to the heart of Christ. If you are looking for sanity and sanctity, then you need to read—and live—this book."
— Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J., Author, Real Philosophy for Real People