What does it mean to be a Catholic in today''s world? What distinguishes the modern Catholic from anyone else? At a time when the Vatican provokes hostility by its opposition to contraception, abortion and the use of condoms in fighting AIDS, how many Catholics share its views? And if they don''t, how can they in good conscience stay in the Church? These are among the many questions that writer and broadcaster Peter Stanford is addressing here. There is a whole spectrum of response in this entertaining and enlightening collection.

''Fascinating... a surprisingly uplifting book.'' Sunday Telegraph
''A hard-hitting book which criticizes as much as it praises... it should be read by anyone interested in the phenomenon of organized religion.'' Spectator