Podcast: Essays and Reviews by Charles Hodge Part 4

★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars) From a Catholic perspective, Essays and Reviews by Charles Hodge is a serious, historically significant work, but not without its shortcomings. Strengths (⭐️⭐️⭐️): Hodge takes Christian truth seriously and defends the authority of Scripture against skepticism and theological liberalism. His essays offer valuable insight into 19th-century Protestant thought in America, especially as it resisted secularism. Catholics can appreciate his zeal for guarding doctrine, even if his framework is incomplete. Weaknesses (⛔): Built on sola Scriptura and private interpretation, leaving theology fragmented when compared to the Catholic union of Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. Frequently misrepresents Catholic teaching, particularly on authority, tradition, and sacraments. Lacks the richness of Catholic sacramentality and the incarnational vision of grace. Verdict: For Catholics, this audiobook is best treated as a study in Protestant theology and a historical resource, not as spiritual nourishment. It helps illuminate the roots of modern Reformed thought, but it should be balanced with authentic Catholic teaching. ✅ Final Rating: ★★★☆☆ – Useful for background study, but theologically incomplete from a Catholic standpoint.