The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church

A Defense of Her Controversial Moral Teachings

Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D.

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 For them, it is only an outdated expression of hatred or disgust.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.