Author Doug Grane sits down with Defiance Press to discuss his new book “Against the Grain: Heroic Catholics Through the Centuries” and his call for Catholics to embrace heroic virtue in turbulent times.
Defiance Press: Doug, let’s start with the heart of your book. What is “Against the Grain” really about?
Doug Grane: At its core, this is a book about friendship—the friendship of the Saints with God, with each other, and with us. It’s a heroic love story about love of God, church, country, and family. The whole book, really our entire spiritual life, can be summed up in two words: “Love God.”
Pope Saint Pius V said, “All the evil in the world is due to lukewarm Catholics.” We can’t afford to be insipid or lukewarm anymore. It’s time to turn up the heat and truly live. This isn’t a time for defeatist Catholicism or part-time saints—this is a time for gutsy saints.
DP: That’s a bold message. What drove you to write this book now?
Grane: Christianity is under assault like never before. Confusion and malformation reign. The Catholic Church has been dominated by progressive, modernist agendas appealing largely to cultural Catholics—Catholics-in-name-only.
Faithful Catholics are tired of weak leadership, compromising values, clown masses, effeminate priests, scandal, heresy, communion for pro-abortion politicians. We’ve had enough. It’s time to stop the crazy train and tap into the church that saints from past centuries attended, protected, and defended.
DP: Who is your intended audience?
Grane: This book seeks to influence all to live as saints, but I’m specifically targeting culture-warrior, patriotic, serious, faithful Catholics. If you’ve been conditioned to go with the flow of our immoral culture, this book isn’t for you. But if you live as a sign of contradiction and want to pursue heroic virtue, this will fortify you.
I wrote this for the smallest viable audience rather than mass appeal—people who share a certain psychographic, who know we’ve got each other’s backs. Ultimately, this book is dedicated to my children. It’s one small step to help me answer the essential question: have I done everything to get my children to heaven?
DP: What’s the central message readers should take away?
Grane: Wake up! You don’t belong. Stop pretending that you do. You are different. You are a Catholic. Say “no” to the crowd. Say “no” to the great reset. Jesus Christ was and is the greatest reset. To say “yes” to Christ is to say “yes” to true freedom and eternal salvation.
Faithful Catholics know they’re not meant for this world. Model your life after Christ and be a sign of contradiction in your family, community, church, and nation. Be a non-conformist. Be a saint. Be a saint-maker.
DP: There’s an unofficial theme running through the book, isn’t there?
Grane: Yes—”Why Not Me?” We look at saints in particular circumstances and speculate that they heard a call from God and asked themselves, “why not me?” Why can’t I respond to that situation with heroic sanctity? Anyone can if they choose to fully cooperate with the graces heaven has given them.
DP: This seems like a book that challenges comfortable Catholics.
Grane: Absolutely. Are you wired to perpetuate the status quo, or are you wired to be a sign of contradiction? History is filled with people who just said “no”—who told others, “I’m not going along with that lie.”
Many Catholics are waiting for bishops to lead, for culture to stop declining, hoping their kids will have as good a shot at life as they did. Stop cursing others’ inaction and waiting for others to step up. Maybe the cavalry is you.
DP: Some might say we’re living in the worst time in Church history. How do you respond?
Grane: Eric Sammons from Crisis magazine put it perfectly: “I won’t say it’s the worst time in Church history, but it is unique. We have elements of the 1st century (pagan society), 4th century (rampant internal heresy), 14th century (problematic papacy), and 16th century (mass defections) all rolled into one. It’s a great time to be a saint!”
As Saint Bruno said in the 11th century, “While the world changes, the cross stands firm.” The 21st century is a mess, but I’m glad I’m here. Let’s get to work and be saints!
DP: Is this book exclusively for Catholics?
Grane: No. While I speak honestly about the benefits of authentic Catholicism, I believe I was nudged to write a book inviting all people of good faith to lead lives of greater devotion to Christ. As Cardinal Newman said, Catholicism is the “one true fold of the Redeemer,” and Father John Hardon reminded us that sharing the fullness of truth is the highest practice of charity.
DP: You describe the book as an “eternal life preserver.” What do you mean?
Grane: When culture is swamping your boat with waves of garbage and nonsense, living a life of heroic virtue is the path to rescue and safe harbor. This book opens doors to walk through—it’s a walk through the centuries, chatting about saints, Catholic history, virtues, and current events.
Will you walk with me and read this book? If you do, tell your family and friends that you’re more determined to live a life of greater virtue.
DP: Finally, what’s your greatest fear as a Catholic and as an author?
Grane: Saint Bernadette Soubirous, when asked what she feared, responded, “I only fear bad Catholics.” So many Catholics today are steering others away from heaven. So many complacent, non-charitable Catholics won’t make it to heaven. My greatest fear is souls lost for all eternity.
Doug Grane is an entrepreneur, Executive Producer of Catholic films, and devoted husband and father of four. “Against the Grain: Heroic Catholics Through the Centuries” is his first book. He attends the Tridentine Mass, prays the daily rosary, and strives to live a life of contradiction for Christ.
