The Catholic Reformation (1999) provides a dynamic and original history of this crucial movement in early modern Europe. Starting from the late middle ages, it clearly traces the continuous transformation of Catholicism in its structure, bodies and doctrine. Charting the gain in momentum of Catholic renewal from the time of the Council of Trent, it also considers the ambiguous effect of the Protestant Reformation in accelerating the renovation of the Catholic Church. It explores how and why the Catholic Reformation occurred, stressing that many moves towards restoration were underway well before the Protestant Reformation. The huge impact the Catholic renewal had, not only on the papacy, Church leaders and religious ritual and practice, but also on the lives of ordinary people – their culture, arts, attitudes and relationships – is shown in colourful detail.

Christopher Sparks asked Facebook friends to finish the question: “How can you still be Catholic when … ?” The replies came swiftly and forcefully. With that, Sparks went to work. Here is the result. In this book, he addresses the biggest issues people grapple with when they think about the Catholic Church: the Inquisition, the Crusades, the Church’s role in a state, homosexuality, the role of women in the Church, and many others.For skeptics and non-Catholics, this book is an invitation to understanding the faith, a way for outsiders to hear one contemporary Catholic’s worldview, and to see through Catholic eyes, even if they remain unconvinced. For Catholics, this book is an introduction to an array of answers and resources for delving more deeply into and defending the faith.