THINGS WORTH DYING FOR

Reflections on what is most important to a life of faith.

Chaput, the former Archbishop of Philadelphia and first Native American Archbishop in U.S. history, takes the opportunity of his recent retirement to share his thoughts on what makes life meaningful. Though the narrative is broad in scope and often scattershot, the author is introspective, genuine, and sometimes inspiring. “When we talk about things worth dying for,” writes the author, “we’re really talking about the things worth living for, the things that give life beauty and meaning. Thinking a little about our mortality puts the world in perspective. It helps us see what matters, and also the foolishness of things that, finally, don’t matter. Your hearse, as my father might say, won’t have a luggage rack.” Chaput expounds on justice, divine revelation, family, nation, church, friendship, and the Christian journey. Throughout, he exhorts readers to live the Christian life with sincerity, placing these significant elements of life first and making their importance clear to others. Chaput displays a traditionalist voice to counter many trends of popular and political culture. The author’s main strength is his effective combination of his experiences as both a pastor and a leader, exploring highly personal instances of emotion, frailty, endurance, and vision along with broader views on the state of the Catholic Church and the future of American society. His musings range from current trends in popular culture to the realms of theology and philosophy, and he cites a wide variety of writers and artists, including Horace, Roger Scruton, Elie Wiesel—and of course, plenty of Bible verses. Though prone to calling out what he sees as wrong with culture today, Chaput’s overall view is one of faithful optimism. “The Church is always weak,” he writes, “but her Lord is always strong.”

Heartfelt, worthwhile thoughts from a seasoned church leader.