Trent Horn provides a very detailed and comprehensive defense of Catholicism against Protestantism. Horn is influenced by Catholic apologists such as Karl Keeting, Patrick Madrid, and Scott Hahn, who helped revive the discipline several decades ago. He includes arguments from various apologists, and by incorporating their arguments into his own work Horn is able to explain many complex topics. Since each could be expanded into its own book, Horn presents them in a condensed way that is easier for readers to understand.

Horn answers objections posed by theological reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, as well as objections made by more modern Protestant apologists. He provides evidence from Scripture and Church history in his defense of the Catholic faith. This helps clarify both sides of each argument while demonstrating that most Protestant objections are misinterpretations of what Catholics have believed throughout Church history.

The Case for Catholicism is divided into four parts that each deal with their own question. The first section discusses who has the authority to interpret scripture, and how it is interpreted. Horn shows that rather than relying on Scripture alone, the Church is also based on Tradition, which takes into account the history of the Church and its roots in Judaism, for Tradition precedes and determines the canon. The second part addresses what the Church is.  Here, Horn defends papal succession, the priesthood and the Mass including the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The third part covers how we are saved, discussing baptism, progressive justification, and how salvation can be lost. The last section of The Case for Catholicism is titled, “What is the Body of Christ?” Here, Horn defends the concept of purgatory, the role of the saints in the church, and the Catholic faith about Mary.

The Case for Catholicismis researched and presented in a careful and meticulous way. It can help any Catholic who wants to understand their faith better, and it addresses most of the major Protestant objections. Trent Horn’s explanations are well researched, but his book serves better as a reference guide rather than an in-depth discussion of each topic. This makes the book a bit more difficult to read but it still makes for a fantastic introduction to apologetics. The Case for Catholicism derives most of its arguments from Scripture but could have done a better job at including information from the Church Fathers. Although much of the information can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Case for Catholicism presents it in a more digestible manner, specifically by explaining common misunderstandings.