Seven Lies about Catholic History
By Diane Moczar · Published by TAN Books
Overview
The world has long misunderstood and misrepresented the Church founded by Jesus Christ. From classrooms to documentaries, popular culture often repeats dramatic claims about Catholic history that present the Church as oppressive, anti-intellectual, or corrupt. In Seven Lies about Catholic History, historian Diane Moczar confronts these persistent myths with clarity, documentation, and historical precision.
With a brisk and accessible style, Moczar examines how these narratives developed, why they continue to circulate, and what the historical record actually shows. Addressing topics such as the Inquisition, Galileo’s trial, and the Protestant Reformation, she carefully distinguishes legend from documented fact. Rather than ignoring the complexity of history, she situates events within their proper cultural and political contexts.
The result is a readable yet substantive guide that equips Catholics to move beyond defensiveness and toward informed explanation. Instead of apologizing for caricatures of the past, readers gain the confidence to speak about the Church’s history with intellectual honesty and fidelity to truth.
- Examine common historical claims about the Inquisition, Galileo, and the Reformation
- Understand how anti-Catholic myths developed and spread
- Gain documented facts to respond clearly and confidently
- Develop a balanced view of the Church’s complex historical record
From the Book
The Church’s history is not a legend to be mocked, but a reality to be understood in its full and proper context.
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for Catholics seeking to better understand and explain Church history, students encountering common historical objections, catechists, homeschool families, and parish study groups.
It is not a polemical rant, but a historical corrective grounded in research and context. Readers prepared for thoughtful engagement with contested historical topics will benefit most.
Practical use cases include apologetics study, parish adult education, classroom discussion, and personal reading aimed at strengthening confidence in the Faith.
FAQs
Does this book deny historical problems within the Church?
No. It acknowledges historical complexity while correcting exaggerated or false claims that distort the record.
Is this book academic or accessible?
It combines solid historical research with an engaging, readable style suitable for general audiences.
Will this help with apologetics?
Yes. It provides facts, context, and arguments useful for explaining and defending Catholic history.
Key Themes
- Historical myths and misconceptions
- The Inquisition and Galileo
- The Protestant Reformation
- Apologetics and historical context
- Defense of Catholic heritage
- SKU:
- 2332
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Pages:
- 200
- Publication Date:
- 9/1/2010
- Product Format:
- Paperbound
- Pdf:
- https://tanbooks.com/content/SevenLiesAboutCatholicHistory_Preview.pdf
- Height:
- 8.50
- Width:
- 5.50
10 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
-
Sharp and clear
This is a must-read book for anyone concerned about the pervasive anti-Catholic bias that has deeply infiltrated Western culture, education, and public discourse. In an era where historical and theological misconceptions about Catholicism are widespread, this book stands out for its clear, direct, and unflinching presentation of the truth. It cuts through propaganda with precision and clarity, making it especially valuable for readers who want a concise, no-nonsense defense of the Catholic faith without unnecessary detours
-
History of the Catholic Church
I read this book and passed it on to a recent convert. This new purchase is a gift for a niece. This should be required reading in History of Western Civilization classes.
-
So far, up to the crusades, so good.
While I do not agree with 25% of the authors insights, up to the crusades, I understand he points of view.
-
??
Why do you send me your review so quickly like I just have time to sit down and read it when it comes in the mail? I am happy I got the book. Thank you.
-
A good read indeed, and useful
The author, a Ph.D. with a long career teaching history at a community college in Virginia, has written a work for all Catholics who still blush when people bring up the Crusades or the Inquisition or Galileo in order to waive away any insights the Church's teaching can bring to bear on current issues. A serious student of history, she's kept up to date with the wealth of serious scholarship that has debunked all the lies that continue to be ignored by popular writers and textbook companies. The appendix with recommended reading is really helpful, a great place to find the scholarly works that refute the anti-Catholic bigots. And she's witty, too...
-
One of Dr. Moczar’s finest!
I have long felt that Diane Moczar’s words cut glass, and this book affirmed that belief. Her historical analysis provides readers with a decidedly Catholic interpretation of history in a Protestant world. Refuting common anti-Catholic myths about certain historical events, Dr. Moczar arms Catholics with the facts and their meaning, enabling them to overcome some of the strongest Protestant tales that have been spun over the years.
-
Great Read
“Facts are neutral, but willful distortions of facts are lies; and once the lies are articulated, they do not cease to be lies even when they are innocently repeated by those who are unaware of their mendacity.” In her book Seven Lies About Catholic History, Diane Moczar discusses the perpetuating myths and untruths surrounding, The Dark Ages, The Crusades, The Inquisition, Galileo, and The Black Plague. This book is a great introduction to each of these topics, but will not be your only source. Ms. Moczar makes it clear that her book is not to be the definitive resource for Church history, but a brief introduction, and provides additional resources and citations for the reader throughout her work. Seven Lies would be a great introductory read for an upper middle or high school homeschool history class. Ms. Moczar’s easy, conversational style makes the information accessible and easily digestible.
-
I purchased books to re
I purchased books to re supply our church library. This us one if the books.
-
Great read!
Very informative. Great subjects to talk about and be broken down into detail. Helpful in order to present myths to non-Catholics. I will definitely be reading this several times over. It's a good book to read bits and pieces at a time, as well as skipping to different chapters for different topics.
-
Fantastic history
It was a great book on Catholic history
