The Best Catholic Writing 2007

The latest version of an anthology of Catholic writing is packed with writing chosen for its “sacramental, incarnational perspective” and “sensitivity to the historic Christian tradition that is properly called 'Catholic.’ ” The collection includes some works from outside specifically Catholic circles, giving it greater depth. For example, the essay, “Why Protestants Can’t Write,” by Reformed pastor Peter Leithart discusses how sacramental theology informs fiction by such Catholic writers as Flannery O’Connor, making it markedly different from anything produced by contemporary Protestants. His view is fascinating and all the more credible and compelling because it comes from a Protestant perspective. Other highlights include John Romanowsky’s excellent interview with Vatican correspondent John L. Allen Jr.; Gregory Orr’s moving poem from Concerning the Book That Is the Body of the Beloved , and Joseph Bottom’s insightful piece on American Catholic culture from the journal First Things . Most of the more than two dozen essays, articles, poems and public addresses that make up this volume were published in 2006 in magazines and newspapers, although the growing influence of the Internet is reflected in the selection of four pieces that originally appeared on Web sites or blogs. A wide-ranging mix of topics, writers and sources should give this book broad appeal among Catholics and Protestants alike. (Aug.)