Disarming Beauty

"Disarming Beauty presents a strikingly original and bracing view of what it means to be a Christian today, and the implications of that for living in a pluralistic world, for marriage and family life, for the meaning and ends of education, for labor, for politics, and for other aspects of daily reality. Parts of the collection are reminiscent of recent books of cultural criticism by authors as different as Richard John Neuhaus or Christopher Lasch, but its critique is neither narrowly sectarian nor drily academic; rather, it presents in the first instance a broadly attractive, personal proposal of life." —Paolo Carozza, University of Notre Dame

"These essays inspect with candor urgent problems like the ardent expression of a personal desire in a globalizing world, the disengagement of young people from an experience of personal transformation in the educational process, the spread of global terrorism and consumerism, and the loss of a palpable sense of the connection between Christian marriage and the common good. In sum, they are original and full of surprises for an educated reader trying to make sense of a cultural situation that challenges basic Christian claims on multiple levels. The book contains serious theological reflection upon the mystery of Christ presented in a wholly novel way." —Peter Casarella, author of Jesus Christ: The New Face of Social Progress

"Carrón plumbs the depths of Western Christian precepts and practice as he presents the historical and present context of spiritual life in economics, politics, and culture. Young people have been robbed of transforming personal growth in education. Global terrorism and consumerism are threatening all humanity. Readers will be drawn to profound contemplation concerning his treatment of faith, truth, and freedom as he tries to make sense of the many influences that oppose the Christian faith." —Christian Market Magazine

"In Disarming Beauty, Julián Carrón addresses the most pressing questions facing theologians today and provides insights that will interest everyone, from the most devout to the firm nonbeliever. Grappling with the interaction of Christian faith and modern culture, Carrón treats in very real and concrete ways what is essential to maintaining and developing Christian faith, and he invites an ongoing conversation about the meaning of faith, truth, and freedom." —Vatican Insider

"Given [Rod] Dreher’s alarming call to do 'battle in the modern world,' Julián Carrón’s new book, Disarming Beauty, which asks Christians to lay down their arms and enter the public square with joy and confidence, may seem wildly naïve. Yet Carrón’s argument deserves careful consideration by Christians attracted to the Benedict Option. . . . Carrón shares similar anxieties about the modern spiritual crisis of 'nihilism.' . . . But, in sharp contrast to Dreher, Carrón does not think Christians should disown contemporary society as a new 'Dark Age.' . . . Over and over again, Carrón seems to ask: If Christianity is true, what do Christians really have to fear?" —America

"Carrón’s book is a synthesis of the vision for Christian life that comes from [Luigi] Giussani, as amplified by each of the last three popes. The key idea is that Christianity is about 'disarmed beauty,' meaning a way of life that imposes itself through no power other than its own inherent attractiveness. 'I wanted to get across that the power of the faith is in its beauty, its attractiveness,' Carrón said. 'It doesn’t need any other power, any other tools or particular situations, to be resplendent, just like the mountains don’t need anything else to take our breath away.'" —Crux

"Already garnering some notable attention since its release, a new book by Fr. Carron called Disarming Beauty takes on the question of the Church's relevance amid modern society's most pressing challenges. From terrorism to consumerism, 'rights' culture to marriage and family, the book examines the plight of our current world and invites Christians to respond—not from a place of fear, but from the joy of their original encounter with the living person of Christ." —Catholic News Agency

"[The volume's] manner of of framing the contemporary situation of belief and theology is arresting and largely persuasive. . . . Carrón presents the key insight with greater theological precision and depth: The 'contemporaneity of Christ's presence' means that each believer has access to a personal encounter with Christ, as powerful as the encounter the disciples had with Jesus when he lived and taught among them. This has implications for how we understand tradition and evangelization." —National Review

“Throughout his essays, Carrón addresses the most pressing questions facing theologians today and provides insights that will interest everyone, from the most devout to the firm nonbeliever. Grappling with the interaction of Christian faith and modern culture, Carrón treats in very real and concrete ways what is essential to maintaining and developing Christian faith, and he invites and ongoing conversation about the meaning of faith, truth, and freedom.” —Englewood Review of Books

“The inspiration behind this thought provoking set of essays is the towering figure of Fr. Luigi Giussani, an academically gifted Roman Catholic priest who . . . founded the student youth movement that came to be known as Communion and Liberation, of which the author, Fr Julian Carrón, . . . is the president.” —Church Times

“Thoughtful Catholic reflections for the theologically advanced.” —Library Journal