It is a small book, and the supporting sociological evidence is mainly referenced in the footnotes, but Greeley does propose evidence that, among other things, Catholics have, compared to non-Catholics, a significantly higher appreciation
of the arts and high
culture; they have more satisfaction and fun in sex; they better understand the uses
of leisure; they have a deeper and more
stable relationship to
family and community; they have a greater respect for the life
of the mind, with educational achievements reflecting that respect; and they understand the nuanced connections between freedom and authority.
Yet not too many
of us think that we need to throw our children to popular
culture willy - nilly, I can't think
of anyone who denies the importance
of a
stable and loving
family for a child, anyone who thinks that by creating a strong community we are abdicating our roles as parents, not at all.