Why Be Catholic?

A bold and honest exploration of what it means to be Catholic in a changing world, from two of America's beloved spiritual teachers

In this candid and wide-ranging work, Richard Rohr and Joseph Martos confront the tensions many Catholics feel about their faith, identity, and belonging. Written in the wake of Vatican II and amid growing cultural change, Why Be Catholic? wrestles honestly with both the brilliance and the shadow of the Catholic tradition.

Moving through the strengths of Catholicism—its sacramental imagination, universal vision, communal depth, and call to social transformation—while also naming its institutional failures and blind spots, the authors refuse both nostalgia and easy dismissal. Instead, they argue that Catholicism is not merely an institution to defend, but a living tradition to inhabit and reform from within.

At its heart, this book is an invitation: to rediscover the wisdom of the tradition, to claim personal responsibility for faith, and to embrace the demanding, transformative call to holiness that has shaped Catholic saints across the centuries.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs