Catholicism has been a part of the United States since colonial days and has become increasingly more influential over the last two and a quarter centuries. "Catholic Power vs American Freedom" traces the growth of the Catholic Church in America and seeks to answer the question: Is a powerful Catholic Church compatible with democracy and freedom in America? Four lectures by Roman Catholic priest and Harvard Professor George la Piana delineate the history of the church from early Christianity through the middle of the twentieth century. The narration then shifts and the events are brought up to date by social ethics activist John Swomley, who focuses on such contemporary issues as health care, abortion, sexual morality and celibacy, and much more. To what extent is Roman Catholic authoritarianism a threat to democracy in the United States? Read this wonderfully enlightening volume, and decide for yourself.