The Catholic Report - September 02, 2010

"Saint Ignatius of Loyola tells us that discouragement is never from God because it clouds faith and hope. In today’s world we can easily become discouraged by all the negative media reports on the Catholic Church. David Hartline provides us with an encouraging word. By way of inspiring stories and challenging details, he describes all the good things that are happening in the Catholic Church, the good news that normally passes “under the radar” of media reporting. The Tide is Turning Toward Catholicism shows how the Spirit of the Lord is alive in the Church, especially in the inspired initiatives of lay people whose efforts are leading the Church into what Pope John Paul II has called a “Springtime of New Evangelization.” David Hartline’s work has the power to move some of the clouds away from our faith and our hope as it challenges us to further reflection and discussion."

Bishop Robert Kurtz CR (Bermuda)

"With the scandals of recent years, all the so-called "Catholic" politicians,and the many threats to Catholic morality from cloning and other such scientific "advances," hopeful predictions for the future of the Catholic faith are often met with skepticism.

But David J. Hartline, editor of Catholic Report, a popular online journal,sees things differently. In his new book, The Tide Is Turning Towards Catholicism, he makes a compelling case that the Church is gaining in strength and appeal, even in the so-called ³post-Christian² West where secular materialism would appear to be the dominant philosophy.

Hartline argues his case by noting such trends as young people returning to traditional beliefs and pious practices; a new wave of assertively Catholic schools, colleges and universities; impressive growth in books, periodicals, music and other expressions of Catholic popular culture; and even an increased willingness among Catholic public figures (especially athletes) to speak openly about their beliefs.

This highly readable book is an antidote to the ³doom and gloom² that can discourage those of us who love the Church. It is timely and extremely welcome."

Tom Monaghan, Founder
Ave Maria University

"Dave Hartline has his finger on the pulse of the Catholic Church. In "The Tide is Turning" he tells the largely untold story of a vibrant orthodoxy alive in the Church and how it is creating a wave that is just now peaking to engulf the universal Church. Hartline's book is an important study examining this rising phenomenon. The "wave" he describes is poised to wash over the Church entire, christening the Church anew with the cleansing, living waters of the Holy Spirit. Catholics had better hold on for the ride!"

Tim Drake, senior writer, National Catholic Register and author of "Young and Catholic: The Face of Tomorrow's Church"

"This is one of the finest books I have ever read on Catholicism. It is full of facts as well as stories. I found it very thought provoking. I learned new information not only about my faith but other faiths as well. Catholics need to read this good news book."

Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame head football coach and popular Catholic speaker

"Over and over again I meet faithful Catholics who fall into despair thinking that the Catholic Church is "dying." Dave Hartline's "The Tide is Turning Toward Catholicism" is a beaming light in the darkness displaying that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in bringing about a "New Pentecost" in the Holy Roman Catholic Church! This book provides hope, ensues zeal, and displays people's longing for the fullness of truth!"

Dan DeMatte, Star of the A&E Catholic Reality Themed Show "God or the Girl."

Tired of hearing what's wrong with the Church or listening the doomsayers predictions of a bleak future? In The Tide is Turning Toward Catholicism you will find an accurate account of what really is going on in the Catholic Church--and it is good news.

Author of the highly informative The Catholic Report blog, Dave Hartline shows that he has his finger on the pulse of the Church and sees a different picture than what is often portrayed in the media in the United States. One has only to think of the media's surprise at the overwhelming turn out for the funeral of Pope John Paul a few years ago, or the record breaking crowds that turn out to hear Pope Benedict XVI's weekly audiences and Angelus messages--much to the confusion of the popular media to see that not only is the tide turning as Hartline argues so convincingly but it threatens to be a tidal wave that will baptize an entire generation of undercatechized young people with an explosion of faith that would have seemed inconceivable only five or six years ago.

"The Tide Is Turning Toward Catholicism should give families the encouragement, resolve and hope needed to combat the sinister forces in society that is increasingly turning its back on God. The book serves to remind the faithful of Jesus'promise that the "gates of hell" would not prevail upon the Holy Mother Church."

Joel Torczon (Southern California writer)

"Since first visiting Dave Hartline's blog, Catholic Report, (and becoming hooked), I have eagerly anticipated Hartline's book, "The Tide is Turning Towards Catholicism." In the book, he examines why a spate of recent conversions, articulate Catholics, faith-seeking youngsters, vocations and many other signs signal hope to the once "bare ruined choirs" of the American Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is the only Christian church today that traces directly back to Christ, yet we, as Catholics, very frequently are offered falsehoods and ridicule regarding our faith. The book addresses the familiar "Are You Saved" question, the megachurch fad, and why the largest denomination on Earth keeps springing back from marginalization and persecution."

Julie Nickell
Iowa Mother & Former Journalist