The Joy Of The Gospel Book

The book is split into three parts; background/canonical status, traditionalist statements regarding Vatican II, brief answers to some some traditionalist arguments.

The first part is very technical with many references to Canon Law - best to take a few notes as you go along or have the references handy for each time they are mentioned. I think this was the best section as it dealt with ultimately the most important factor in dealing with groups like the SSPX, namely Canon Law. The arguments are water tight with every possibility explored.

The second chapter is also excellent and deals with questions such as, "Was Vatican II merely pastoral?" "Did the Council change Church teachings regarding the Eucharist?". Again, very interesting.

The third chapter is a slight disappointment. The book only aims to give brief explanations to typical traditional argument but questions such as, "Is the New Mass a danger to the faith" deserve a whole book to themselves rather than a page giving a very simplistic answer to (often valid) criticisms of the Novus Ordo Mass.

Saying that, if you would like to know more about the SSPX, their history and have a solid refutation against their arguments then this is the book for you. 5 stars.