In The Church and the World the philosopher and commentator John Haldane explores a range of issues concerning the condition of Roman Catholicism, its leadership and teachings, and examines the ways in which these connect with, complement, or challenge trends within Western Society. Over the course of some twenty five essays he discusses matters as diverse as the Papacy of John Paul II, the role of philosophy in articulating Catholic teaching, evolutionary theory, Christian humanism, medical and sexual ethics, religious architecture and Catholic schooling. The chapters display the analytical mind of the philosopher, the sensibility of the art critic, and the fluency and descriptive power of the journalist and broadcaster.

In the preface he writes: While it would not be accurate to describe my religious outlook as conservative or traditionalist, nor as liberal or progressive, for these are crude oppositions generally lazily applied, it would be generally appropriate to describe it as 'orthodox'. This outlook informs the essays even when they are not explicitly concerned with doctrine, as they very rarely are. The Church and the World is wide-ranging, informative, humane and certain to prompt readers to carry on thinking about and discussing the issues.

"In this collection of essays, a great cross-section of subjects is introduced in a very stimulating way, encouraging us all to think ever more deeply about those things that really matter." Cardinal Keith O'Brien

"In presenting an enjoyably readable analysis of any question - from the theory of evolution to the possibility of a religious architecture - John Haldane unearths the rationale beneath surface appearances, which Greek thinkers called the logos, the very root and reason of things." Christopher Howse,The Daily Telegraph

John Haldane is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Centre for Philosophy and Public Affairs in the University of St Andrews. His many publications include An Atheism and Theism (with J.J. Smart), An Intelligent Persons Guide to Religion, Faithful Reason, and Seeking Meaning and Making Sense. He has held the Royden Davis Chair in Humanities at Georgetown University, and in 2006 was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Culture.