Cross-Examined: Catholic Responses to the World’s Questions

While social norms and political movements are rapidly changing, the truth of the Catholic faith stands firm. In Cross-Examined: Catholic Responses to the World’s Questions, readers are equipped to address even the most sensitive topics, from the existence of God to the existence of hell, from women’s ordination to Marian devotion, from assisted suicide to transgenderism.

In Cross-Examined, Fr. Carter Griffin begins each discussion not with Catholic teaching but rather with its most common objections. Articulating these objections serves several purposes. First, it helps Catholics to respect those who do not share their beliefs by identifying intelligent grounds for disagreement. Pointing out objections also helps believers respond more persuasively in discussions with non-Catholic friends. Perhaps most importantly, knowing the common objects instills confidence that the Church is committed to the truth and unafraid to engage with those who dispute her teaching.

After identifying principal objections, each discussion continues with a brief summary of relevant Catholic teaching and then responds to each objection in turn.

In our shrill age that seems ever less capable of rational discourse, the method used in Cross-Examined can offer a way to remain faithful to our beliefs while acknowledging, respecting, and responding to alternative points of view.

Fr. Carter Griffin is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. A graduate of Princeton University and a former line officer in the United States Navy, he obtained his doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. After serving at St. Peter’s parish on Capitol Hill, in 2011 he was assigned to the newly-established St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., where he now serves as rector. He is the author of Why Celibacy?: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest.

 

“Among many Catholics today, there is confusion not only about what the Church teaches but also why it teaches what it does. Fr. Griffin’s admirable book offers thoughtful and nuanced responses to some of the common objections raised against the Church’s proclamation of the faith. This is a helpful guide for pastors, parents, catechists, and all those entrusted with the sacred and noble task of forming others in the faith.”

Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Doctrine

 

“Fr. Carter Griffin shares, from years of experience training seminarians, how to think about the hot-button issues of our time. From same-sex marriage to the very existence of God, you will find the reasons behind the teaching of the Catholic Church. In an age when Catholic teaching is misinterpreted and misrepresented, it is critical that we know who we are, what we believe, and why.”

John H. Garvey, President, Catholic University of America

 

 

“This is a handy book for anyone desiring to know and to understand more clearly the Church’s position on a variety of frequently asked questions, ranging all the way from the existence of God in the first chapter to same-sex marriage in the last. The topics are chosen based on the judgment of the author, a seasoned seminary professor, regarding what issues, when improperly understood, are most likely to block a person’s acceptance of the Catholic faith. There are no straw positions set up, and Fr. Griffin gives the answers without triumphalism or contempt for those who are troubled by what they believe the Church’s position to be. Highly recommended.”

John C. Cavadini, Director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame

 

“A very reliable and clear guide to some very important questions. This book makes an important contribution to resolving the confusion about truth that has so weakened the lives of so many Catholics.”

Ralph Martin S.T.D.,Director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization, Sacred Heart Major Seminary

 

“Fr. Carter Griffin has supplied an excellent tool for answering many of the questions Catholics are asked most often. What makes this book unique is the quick summary format he employs. In just a few pages he states common objections, sets forth a brief description of fundamental Catholic teaching, replies to the objections, and then cites resources for further study. This format makes for an excellent and quick resource for Catholics—clergy and laity alike. Think of it like a playbook that helps advance the ball in conversations about the faith. In a time where brevity and coming quickly to the point are appreciated and often very necessary, this book is a most valuable resource. Buy a copy and keep it near at hand!”

Msgr. Charles Pope, Pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Parish, Washington, D.C.

 

“With the heart of a spiritual father and the wisdom of a seasoned seminary formator, Fr. Carter Griffin offers clear, insightful explanations that reveal the intelligibility of the Catholic faith. Spiritual seekers looking for the inner reasonableness, goodness, and beauty of faith will find in these pages wisdom offered with the courage and charity of a contemporary Christian apologist.”

Dr. Jem Sullivan, Author of Believe, Celebrate, Live, Pray: A Weekly Guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church