Product Description
*Celebrate the Feast Days of the Saints—and don’t forget your trampoline!*

A zany but ultimately reverent look at the saints, doctrines, customs and folklore of the Catholic Church, with recipes for food and fun from all over the world, and crackpot, delightful party ideas. Written by a Catholic journalist and a four-star chef, it’s an entertaining guide and guerilla catechism, wrapped up in one hilarious package. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Tore pages
Admittedly, this is the straw that broke....(you know the rest) but I am soooo tired of the rabble that passes for Catholics today I cannot tell you.I hate this book (I don't care what you think) I began tearing some pages after the author thought that a good evening with belly dancers would be a good idea for the man about to give his life to Christ as a priest. Get over yourself Christopher West types. The entire book stinks but I didn't start tearing pages until I came to the garbage above.Unfortunately, I know a priest who would think that this would be a good idea.... He is one of those the Pope goes around apologizing for.

Antidepressant
Suffice to say, this was the 5th (fifth) copy I bought. It is super-funny, but with that "loving look".Excellent mood-lifter, and always popular with teens.Our original copy followed our son to college, so we needed a replacement...Makes a great gift, just don't give it to people recovering after surgery.The second book by the same authors is equally good, just a tad more serious.

Laughing Your Way to Enlightenment
As a lapsed Episcopalian, I have some vague familiarity with Catholic traditions, but Saints Days have always left me scratching my head.No more.In this satirical (to the point of irreverence) lexicon of those strange biological units who went on to Sainthood, I found answers to questions I didn't know I had.I discovered that most of the male Saints were quirky to the point of masochism, while many of the female saints were young women trapped in unfortunate betrothals, yet possessed of an iron-willed determination to keep their knees together at all costs.The parallels drawn by the authors to modern day events and personalities are simply hilarious.The recipes are intriguing and many sound delicious while a few call for ingredients that could be difficult to locate in, say, most of Idaho or Nebraska.While ordering copies of this book for my lapsed Catholic friends, I noticed the authors have published a second book (which I ordered immediately) because it promises religious enlightenment coupled with that same zany wit AND recipes for alcohol!Now what could be better than that, especially if you suffer from Seasonal Affect Disorder?

Awesome book!
It is difficult to say anything about this book that has not been said already. Be sure to check out the 2nd book in the series too: The Bad Catholic's Guide To Wine, Whiskey, And Song: A Spirited Look at Catholic Life and Lore from the Apocalypse to Zinfandel

1) It is irreverent... but FULL OF LOVE for the Church and Her history.

2) It is funny and campy, but proclaims the truth.

3) It has GREAT recipes...

4) And best of all, great PARTY IDEAS for feast days etc...

Lots of Catholic culture. Absolutely hysterical!

All in all... AWESOME BOOK.

Disappointed
I bought this book as a gift for our son.After it arrived, I looked through it and was very disappointed.I was sorry I bought it.I didn't find it funny or meaningful.Some pages were embarrassing.My husband thinks it's hilarious and is reading it.Needless to say, I purchased another book to give to our son. ... Read more

Product Description
In Roman Catholic Political Philosophy author James V. Schall tries to demonstrate that Roman Catholicism and political philosophy---revelation and reason--are not contradictory. It is his contention that political philosophy, the primary focus of the book, asks certain questions about human purpose and destiny that it cannot, by itself, answer. Revelation is the natural complement to these important questions about God, human being, and the world. Schall manages to avoid polemicism or triumphalism as he shows that revelation and political thought contribute to a fuller understanding of each other. ... Read more

Product Description
The most complete compendium of ecumenical documents produced in the United States including conciliar and bilateral dialogues in which Roman Catholics have participated. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1566, in Trent, Italy, a council of key elders of the Catholic Church convened to address the critical issues affecting the Church. In June of 1994, that statement of teachings was revised. Requiring more than seven years of research and more than 84,000 changes, this new Catechism conveys the Church's essential teachings, clearly, concisely, and in a way that speaks to all Catholics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Review
A good resource to have in your home!

It's nice to have when I need to look something up and am able to have my questions/concerns answered right away. It's a pretty thick book, but it's still compact enough to carry in a bag or purse.

Cathechism of the Catholic Church. A Must for any Catholic.
Highly informative on the Faith, A Must for any Devout Roman Catholic, Everything you would like to know about the Church, Vatican II,Values,Morals, Etc. I Recommend It for Everyone.Catholic and Non-Catholics Alike, 2,000+Years And counting.

Just as promised
My order was received promptly, and the book was in excellent condition. I would recommend the vendor.

Catholicism Completely Explained
For those Catholics and non-Catholics who are interested in learning about the faith of Catholics, this is a "Must have" book!It is explained in depth...easily read///answers to all your questions!!

Catechism of the Catholic church
People offer all sorts of explanations for Catholic Curch doctrine. Most of the time they don't even know what they're talking about.If you really want to know what the Catholic Church teaches then you need to read this book.It is clear, concise, to the point and doesn't split hairs.There are no grey areas, no excuses and leaves one without a doubt in their minds.Excellent! ... Read more

Product Description
During his long tenure as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, J. Edgar Hoover made no secret of his high regard for the Catholic faith. Though himself a Protestant, he shared with Catholicism a set of values and a vision of the world, grounded in certain assumptions about the way things ought to be in a well-ordered society. The Church reciprocated Hoover's admiration, establishing the basis for a working alliance between two powerful and influential American institutions.
Steve Rosswurm explores the history
of that relationship from the turbulent 1930s to the 1960s, when growing Catholic opposition to the Vietnam War led Hoover to distance himself from the Church. Drawing on a vast range of sources, including thousands of pages of previously classified FBI files, Rosswurm pursues his investigation along two parallel tracks. First, he looks at the joint war waged by Hoover and the Catholic hierarchy against forces considered threats to their organizations, values, and nation. Second, he examines how each pursued its own institutional interests with the help of the other.
While opposition to communism was a preoccupation of both institutions, it was not the only passion they shared, according to Rosswurm. Even more important, perhaps, was their fervent commitment to upholding traditional gender roles, particularly the prerogatives of patriarchal authority. When women and men carried out their assigned obligations, they believed, society ran smoothly; when they did not, chaos ensued.
Organized topically, The FBI and the Catholic Church, 1935 1962 looks not only at the shared values and interests of the two institutions, but also at the personal relationships between Hoover and his agents and some of the most influential Catholic prel-ates of the time. Rosswurm discusses the role played by Edward A. Tamm, the FBI s highest-ranking Catholic, in forging the alliance; the story behind Father John Cronin s 1945 report on the dangers of communism; the spying conducted by Father Ed-ward Conway S.J. on behalf of the FBI while treasurer of the National Committee for Atomic Information; and Monsignor Charles Owen Rice s FBI-aided battle against communists within the CIO. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Inside story of the war waged by the FBI and the Catholic Church against Communism
Steve Rosswurm is to be congratulated for his doggedness in pursuing secret FBI files, as well as numerous other sources in church and labor archives across the country, to tell the story of the hard fought war against Communism waged by the alliance between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under their longtime and controversial head, J. Edgar Hoover, and various bishops, priests, and lay Catholics of the pre Vatican Council II Church. Although he provides overall linkage in his text, the six chapters are relatively self contained, reflecting their development as academic papers and articles over the past two decades as Professor Rosswurm's research and thinking evolved regarding the various fronts on which this conflict raged. These fronts ranged from the halls of government and academia to the print and airwaves of the media and beyond to the Church pews and fields and factories of labor.

... Read more

Product Description
The doctrine and history of the 7 Sacraments. Also covers Indulgences and Sacramentals. Topics include the Scriptural background of the Sacraments, their institution by Christ, essential requirements for receving them, their effects in the soul, etc. Will deepen understanding of these 7 lifelines of grace and salvation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Disappointed
The book itself was new and good and as I expected, but I was very disappointed the service of the amazon.com. I bought 2 other books and amazon came back to me saying 2 books are back ordered and I do not have to pay postage for those two. When I got one of the book I payed postage and another book came 2 or 3 weeks later and i again payed for this postage as well as a single book. If I knew this situation, i would not have ordered 3 books from the beginning.

A must read book
I came across this wonderful book after many years of studying and teaching the Catholic Faith and must say it is one of the best books I found to learn and teach the beauty of true Christianity. Whether you are a teacher, a catechist, or a Christian in search of information this book is a must read. Fr. Laux explains, in simple to understand-easy to read terms, some of the most profound teachings of the Church. This book and the other five in the series are some of the best tools to understand the Church and some of her teachings.

Wonderful!
Father John Laux here renders a splendid description of some of the fundamentals of Holy Church, particularly the Mass and the Sacraments.It is noteworthy that this work was first published in the 1920's, long before the betrayal of Vatican II, when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was much closer to its original praxis.But there is a beauty and timelessness in Father John's exposition that transcends even the tragedy of what has become of Holy Church under the Nouvus Ordo.

This excellent book stands as the second volume of a four volume set that Father John developed as a course in religion for Catholics.The wonderful folks at TAN publishing of Rockford, Illinois have made it available in beautiful paperback format.And for that, and for Father John's most exemplary work, we are extremely grateful.Read this, and the entire four volumes of Father John's course on relgion and be richly blessed and well informed in the process.God bless.

Review from the Publisher
199 pp. PB. Impr. 72 Illus. Index. The doctrine and history of the 7 Sacraments--in the beginning and later ages of the Church. Also covers Indulgences and Sacramentals. Topics include the Scriptual background of the Sacraments, their institution by Christ, essential requirements for receiving them, their effects in the soul, matter and form for each, nature of the Mass as a sacrifice, proofs of the Real Presence, the prayers of traditional Mass, requirements and effects of receiving Holy Communion, etc. Will deepen understanding of these 7 lifelines of grace and salvation. ... Read more

Product Description
Catholics have a rich and ancient prayer tradition that informs contemporary practice. People gather every morning for private devotions or participate communally in the Liturgy of the Hours. People continue to go on pilgrimages and have shrines in their homes. Over time, monastics, saints, and scholars developed theologies and prayer practices that are distinctive to the Catholic imagination. By exploring the historical contexts from which these theologies and practices emerged, we can invigorate our own prayer lives and better understand our faith. In this book the monks of St. Meinrad recount the tradition of Catholic prayer. In the early chapters they explore prayer chronologically, from Old Testament psalms, New Testament models, and early church theologies, through the period of the Counter-Reformation. The central chapters look at prayer in the communal contexts of the Mass, the Liturgical Year, and the Liturgy of the Hours. Final chapters shed more light on particular topics that deepen our understanding of the Catholic imagination and the place of prayer in the lives of the faithful. Readers at any level will come away from this book with a renewed sense of prayer as a key component of Catholic formation and growth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wonderful resource regarding our Catholic prayer tradition
I used this book in preparing for a retreat I gave at a parish to the RCIA class.Prayer was the topic of the retreat.I highly recommend this book, especially in the way it shows the historical trajectory of the development of prayer in the Catholic faith tradition, as well as many examples of the diversity in our prayer tradition.I really loved the chapters on Prayer and Conversion (chapter 15) and the Eucharist (chapter 10).Praying with Mary and the Saints (chapter 13) was also a good introduction to the role of Mary and the saints in our Catholic tradition and in our life of prayer.I think both lay people and those involved in parish ministry would find this book very useful and accessible. Another good book on prayer is PRAYER by Sister Joyce Rupp.The monks of St. Meinrad did a great collaborative effort on this book.

A deeply spiritual as well as a meticulously analytical history.
Written by the monks of Saint Meinrad, The Tradition of Catholic Prayer examines all aspects of Catholic prayer chronologically, from Old Testament psalms to New Testament models and early Church theologies, to the Counter-Reformation period. Particular attention is paid to communal prayer occasions such as Mass, the Liturgical Year, and the Liturgy of Hours. Miscellaneous additional topics include St. Augustine's words on prayer, praying with Mary and the Saints, and the connection between prayer and conversion. A deeply spiritual as well as a meticulously analytical history.
... Read more

Product Description
Written by one of the foremeost historians of American Catholicism, this book presents a comprehensive history of the Roman Catholic Church in America from colonial times to the present.Hennesey examines, in particular, minority Catholics and developments in the western part of the United States, a region often overlooked in religious histories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

many names, dates, places, events not enough analysis
This book is a great resource for names, dates, places & fairly brief descriptions of events in American Catholic history.At times it is like browsing a phone book because the descriptions, analysis, summaries etc are so brief.Some pages have literally a dozen or more references.So my guess is this book is best suited for academics who want a good source for this kind of info.

For a more accessible history (for interested readers vs. academics) of Catholics in USA I'd also recommend the "American Catholic Experience" by J.Dolan

A good overview of Catholic in the U.S
I am taking a course in church history and this is the book we are currently using.I find that the text gives a good view of what catholic have had to face here in the US.It begins in Colonial times and goes into the 20th century (the book was written in 1981).

However, alot of topics are given a brief look with some names and dates mentioned, but no real detail.This makes the book boring at times and it would really be bad if my instructer didn't explain things more in class.This is a real good glance at the Church and I would recommend it along with a book that gives much more detail.The American Catholic Experience by jay Nolan would be a good bet. ... Read more

Product Description
One complete large-print volume with generous, easy-on-the-eyes 12-point type! A wonderful gift for priests, deacons, seminarians, families, and seniors.

Includes:
• Sunday and Weekday Masses (Proper of Seasons, Proper of Saints, Common Masses, Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, Votive Masses, Masses for the Dead). All complete with Revised New American Bible readings for each Mass – no need to flip pages!
• Order of Mass in Latin (Editio typica 3a) and English, with responses in Latin and English
• Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church before each Sunday cycle of Readings
• 300 pages of Prayers and Devotions
• How to Be a Better Catholic
• Basic Prayers
• Midday and Evening Prayers
• Preparation for Mass
• Prayers for Before and After Mass
• Eucharistic Adoration
• Guide for a Good Confession
• Devotions to the Blessed Trinity, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph
• Meal Prayers
• Prayers at the Time of Death
• Blessings

5½″ x 8″ Burgundy Leatherette Hardcover Edition also includes:
• Large, easy-to-read 12-point type
• Six place holder ribbons
• 200 black and white and two-color illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Good Aid,Reference to Prayerful Devotion to God.
We are very pleased and happy about our new Daily Roman Missal.The best aid and reference especially when worshipping and honoring God thru participation and attending daily and sunday masses.Thank you Amazon.com.

Excellent Resource
I highly recommend the New Roman Missal in its entirety.It is an excellent and extensive resource for living the Mass and the faith of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Roman Catholic Church.

Excellent Missal - The burgandy leather-bound edition is perfectly executed with equal quality content
This is a very high quality leather bound edition, with equally excellent content. The leather bound copy I purchased is "soft-sided", and is very comfortable to hold and read. There is no need to keep both hands on it, crease the pages, or bend the spine back in order to hold the pages in place as with many other hard-bound books. The presentation and execution of this Roman Catholic Missal is beautiful. All of the Latin and English Mass texts are side by side for the liturgies, and should cause no problem for even the so-called "traditional" Catholics. I've yet to find a Catholic Missal that has "everything" in it, but it's the latest and greatest version on the market at present. This U.S.C.C.B. Missal is being reworked, but it will likely be at least a year or two until the next update is available in the U.S. Even then, I expect this Missal will hold up perfectly well, both at Mass and in prayers and other home readings.

Burgandy-Large Print
The Roman Missal I received was exactly what I had previewed in a nearby church except for the size.THe extra large print really increased the size of the book for me.I decided to send it back on 4/12/08 because it was too heavy for me.I would love to have the regular size print book if possible.If not I hope to get a refund.Size was myu only factor of disappointment.The missal was great otherwise.

A beautiful and useful resource
This is the first missal I have owned. I have used mine for two months, and I am very happy with it. The missal is beautifully made, with cream colored pages, a good use of color for text headings and graphics (like border lines) that keep it nicely organized. It has a well-designed layout that makes it easy to follow and a pleasure to read. Only minor fault mechanically is that the text runs a little too close to the binding, so I have to pull the book apart a little to read text near the binding.

I bought the bonded leather cover which is soft and comfortable to hold since it conforms to your hand. A very minor downside of this is that after you hold open the missal for use, the soft leather cover curls up just a little when you close the book and lay it down. A heavier hard cover would close flat and stay that way--but then I think it would be awkward to hold a hard-cover missal in one hand during mass.

The gilded pages are impressive, and I liked the idea of the pages being protected in this gold armor. Most missals have gilded pages. But now I am a little self-conscious of this flashy aspect of the missal when I am trying to be humble and prayerful in church. I think eventually (after many years of use) the gilding will get scratched and dinged and worn off from thumbing through pages, but the missal could otherwise probably go on and on and last for ages. So perhaps this is not really a necessary and practical extravagance.

I am learning Latin, so the inclusion of the Latin version of the mass parts was very important to me. I wish there was even more Latin included in this missal. For me, taking time to learn and read the Latin means that you are taking your time and studying the word of God. In addition, the Latin gives a slightly different sense of meaning which gives me a deeper understanding. Sometimes the Latin parts are completely missing in our English translations (as can be seen by comparison in this missal)--we are missing out on some beautiful thoughts and words. I am no longer just automatically reading and reciting the same old prayers and responses.

For the English readings, this missal uses the NAB so it is the same as the U.S. Catholic churches are using. After fretting a long time about reading the "correct" version of the Bible and investigating different versions, I have come back to the NAB and I am satisfied with it more than other translations. I think the NAB makes most sense to those of us using current American English, and the translation benefits from (so I am told) a great deal of scholarly study and effort to capture the true original meaning of ancient texts and to put them in terms that make sense in our current language (much as in its time, the old Latin version was a translation from the Hebrew and Greek so common folk who spoke Latin could understand).

Additional sections about the mass, practical advice on how to be a better Catholic, many special prayers, and much more, have become a treasured resource for me.

In summary, this missal is a neat and beautiful package that provides all the essential materials needed for mass and for living a reverent and good Christian/Catholic life. ... Read more

Product Description
Is Romanism really the Holy Catholic Church of the New Testament?
The biblical view of the sacrifice of the Mass, the very heart of Roman Catholicism, is a denial of the completed work of the cross, which states that “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28a). Verse 28a does away with Romanism: not once an hour in the big cathedrals; not once a day at all the other ones; not all day long at those chapels surrounding St. Peter’s Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, but ONCE FOR ALL. This is the stake in the heart of Romanism. To those who trust in that once-for-all sacrifice, and eagerly wait for Him, He is going to appear—but not to those who are looking to be saved by crucifying Him over and over again. Do you see why this teaching is so important?

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not against Catholicism: I am against Romanism—the Mass, purgatory, confessions, sacraments, Mary, penance, extreme unction, beads, robes, cathedrals, and Popes. True Catholicism is Peter, Paul, Jesus, John, and the New Testament. I love born-again Catholics, and all Catholics everywhere, but I hate any false teaching that denies salvation, as does Romanism.

Most people don’t realize the dominant role the Roman Catholic Church has had. Did you know that the calendar of the world (except for the Muslims, Hindus, and Jews) was instituted by the Pope? The reason why there is a French Canada and a Catholic South America is a result of Papal edicts. The reason we are here in protestant North America is due to a miscalculation of the Pope. So many things in the culture of the world have been decided by the Roman Catholic Church, which has exerted incredible control over civilization for 2,000 years. However, they are not the only culprit. ... Read more

Product Description
This carefully researched conpendium covers virtually every aspect of the Catholic Faith contained in the Catechism, providing important historical background and pastoral insights on nearly four hundred topics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Extensive
This volume is extensive in its scope of subjects.It is easy to find a topic and the information per topic is comprehensive.This will be a wonderful addition to my personal Catholic reference library, and a fabulous resource for our adult faith formation group.

A must for any reference library!
Absolutely the easiest read of catholic doctrine I have come across. This is THE reference for the "joe six-pack" in the pew. Comprehensive, concise, and very orthodox. Best single reference book inone volume. ... Read more

Product Description
An exhaustive Catholic critique of premillennial dispensationalism, the "pretrib rapture," the Left Behind phenomenon, and Fundamentalist eschatology, written by a former Fundamentalist/dispensationalist. Examines the historical, biblical, and theological roots of the "left behind" theology and the belief in a rapture event separate from the Second Coming. Also contains chapters on the Book of Revelation, the millennial kingdom, and Catholic eschatology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Rapture Theory Left Behind
I found this book while researching sources for a study on the Book of Revelation.
In addition to the studies by Duke professor, Mickey Efird, Carl Olsen gives a well informed and thoroughly researched essay on the many ways this complex book in the New Testament has been interpreted.Is the Book of Revelation just a book of prophesy of future events, or is this book one of encouragement and good news of the reign of God? Olsen answers these questions in a well thought out manner.Highly recommended for anyone willing to consider that the style and beauty of the Book of Revelation deserves a more thoughtful reading about Christians living under persecution. You may well find that God wins, and rapture theory gets left behind.

Educational
reading this book is slow going because there is so much to learn that I never knew as a Catholic.I always wondered where we stand on this issue and I could never exsplain to my protestant friends and relatives where I stand because I was never informed.It's very interesting to read and it's not unkind.I would recommend it to anyone looking to understand the Catholic stand on the Tribulation.

Best book for understanding the Apocalypse
Over the years several books have been written to respond to the "end times" predictions of dispensationalist preachers and explain what apocalyptic passages of the Bible really mean. This book is the best one on the subject that I have seen so far. It takes the form of a response to the "Left Behind" series and other writings "rapture preachers" have published.

The centerpiece of the book (as far as the title is concerned) is chapter 9, "Unwrapping the Rapture." In the face of fundamentalist preachers advocating a pre-tribulational rapture, Olson makes a strong case for post-tribulationism. He says, "Catholics believe that the `Rapture' --properly understood--and the Second Coming are part of a single, unified event." For example, he uses bible passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 to demonstrate that the "rapture" must take place at the same time as the resurrection of the dead. However, the resurrection could only happen "on the last day" (John 6:44). Therefore a lengthy tribulation of several years could not happen after the last day, but must come before it. Olson includes many arguments like this and refutes the claims that Tim Lahaye and other dispensationalist preachers have made.

There are other arguments Olson could have made that would make the book even stronger. For example Saint Paul says that, "we shall be changed" (apparently raptured) at "the last trumpet."But then the book of Revelation describes seven trumpets going off during the tribulation. A "last trumpet" signaling a "rapture" would have to come at the end of the tribulation because you can't have more trumpets going off after the last trumpet.

Overall it is a very good book because it corrects many misconceptions about the apocalypse while still following a believing point of view. Unlike more technical or "scholarly" books on the subject, it does not shed skeptical doubt on the Second Coming of Christ.

Will Catholics be left behind?
I only have a couple of chapters at the beginning of the book read.I'm finding that the writing is not holding my attention.Too much emphasis on what the Fundamentalists denominations have to say about the Rapture and the Left Behind books, which I have read.I enjoyed the fiction of these books, knowing as I was reading that they were fiction. I would like to have it talk about what the Roman Catholic Church teaches on the Second Coming.Perhaps as I get further along in the book, the author will write on that topic.

Not Bad, But Flawed
This is a pretty good summary of Catholic views on eschatology and a critical response to dispensationalism.It's interesting that a Catholic apologist would only feel the need to present these issues as a response to the popularity of dispensationalism in America, focusing on "Left Behind."However, it is a little embarassing that in doing so Olson has to rely on so many Protestant authors to make his case.One example that really bothers me: instead of describing Luis de Alcsar's preterist treatise on Revelation from first hand acquaintance, he cites Steve Gregg's parallel commentary on Revelation.Is the problem that de Alcasar's book was written in Latin and has not been translated into English in a modern edition?That it has not is a sign of the Catholic Church's disinterest in the topic.That Olson has not read it is a sign that he doesn't know Latin or doesn't know it well enough to read de Alcasar's book, though of course he defends the Church's continued practice of using Latin as a church interlingua.Go figure.

Worse still is the "black hat/white hat" presentation of Protestants and Catholics.Martin Luther and John Nelson Darby are presented as rigid, egomaniacal ideologues.At least they didn't burn anyone at the stake for being a heretic, which is more than anyone can say for the Catholic Church.But could Olson make any effort to undertand the at least partially valid criticisms that motivated Darby?For example, he could have started with Darby's oft quoted statement that he left the Church of England because he did not find the primitive Christian faith of the New Testament in that institution.And that, at the end of the day, is the main motive behind all Protestant movements of reformation and renewal: when you read the New Testament, the Church that is described only looks vaguely like the Catholic Church or a mainline Protestant denomination.Olson is going to have to do a better job of explaining to people why we should think of the Catholic Church as anything other than just another modern denomination before we're going to accept the idea that the Church is the Kingdom of Heaven.The fact that there are at least 3 major divisions in Christianty (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant) puts the lie to the claim that the Church is the Kingdom.

Finally, there is no discussion of the vast literature of Catholic private prophecy, mostly the visions of saints and mystics and appartitions of Mary.While no faithful Catholic is required to believe any private prophecy, they may if it has received official sanction, and many do for the unapproved ones as well (such as Medjugorie and Bayside).These prophecies speak of a coming Minor Chastisement ending in Three Days of Darkness followed by an Age of Peace (the Age of Mary).One does not need to be a Jungian to see that these visions have exactly the same function within Catholicism that the dispensational focus on the signs of the End Times, the coming Rapture, the Great Tribulation and the Millennium do for "fundamentalist" Protestantism.They are ways for the faithful to deal with a world that often seems pointlessly evil and apostate.That most Catholics are completely ignorant of this strand of their tradition is more a testament to the extremely low standards of Catholic catechesis in recent decades, rather than a repudiation of these ideas by the Vatican.At least members of the independent Bible churches know what they believe.It is disingenuous to attack dispensationalism and warn Catholics against it when you can't even present the Catholic tradition for Catholics, who, as Olson admits, occassionally need to go to Protestant Bible studies because their parish doesn't offer one. ... Read more

Product Description
Thomas Day, a Catholic professor of music, energetically and passionately attacks the question of congregational participation in liturgy, framed in a provocative explanation of "Why Catholics Can't Sing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

If nothing else, read Chapter 5!
I read Mr. Day's book during a bus trip, and I thought he made some interesting points here and there.But during Chapter 5: "Ego Renewal," my wife asked me why I kept giggling.My answer? "Because this is SO true!"

First, let me point out that I grew up loving almost all of the songs which Day - often quite hilariously -takes issue with in this chapter (perhaps because I was raised in a parish which fits the description of Day's hypothetical "St. Wilbur's" to a T!).But I recently had a major eye-opening experience, due to a variety of circumstances, and would have to say that while many "newer" Catholic hymns are excellent, many also fall into at least one of three categories of danger:

1. Theologically misleading: Day discusses such popular hymns as "Let There Be Peace on Earth."(I would also add "Ashes" and "Let Us Break Bread Together," among others.)

2. Our "Special" Selves (hymns which place the focus of the Mass on the people): "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love," "We Are the Light of the World," etc.

3. "I Am the Voice of God": This category required the greatest amount of open-mindedness on my part, but I believe Day's concerns are absolutely correct: "Here I Am, Lord," "I Am the Bread of Life," "Be Not Afraid," and many others are discussed by Day - who points out that this problem goes beyond a question of mere taste.(Although I don't recall him using the word, when man takes it upon himself to pretend that he's God, I'd say that borders on blasphemy, don't you think?)

I don't feel I'm alone in sharing Day's concern (you may wish to Google the article "Heretical Hymns" by theologian George Weigel).Granted, I'm sure none of the composers of these hymns intended them to undermine the Catholic Faith.But it's still quite alarming, since worshipers - especially young ones - do frequently misunderstand what they sing.Case in point: For years my Catholic school classmates and I assumed "One Bread, One Body" was a recipe, based on the refrain's first few lines.

I pray that Mr. Day's book will continue to serve as a reminder that the Mass is about one Person: Jesus Christ.Period.

It's true. We can't sing worth a darn. Now learn why it's so.
I was a child of the 80's and my pre-Vatican II parents dutifully attended church with my younger sister and me. However, my mom always spoke wistfully of "the way things used to be" and lamented the lack of dignity, harmony, and people singing on key. Mom likened a guitar Mass to "an abomination...like cats being tortured to the strumming of guitars".

Thomas Day really cleared up for my why Catholics can't sing. I just thought it was a part of our cultural DNA. What a relief to realize that this can be treated and corrected! However, I won't see it happen. I joined a Lutheran church and yes, initially it WAS because of the music. I'll take Bach over yowling and tambourines on any given Sunday.

good idea, poor execution
I read this anticipating a vigorous criticism of the vulgar, irreverent excuse for music that has dominated Catholic services, particularly in suburban parishes, for the last 35 years. It was a disappointment on many levels, beginning with the title. A book purporting to give explanations for the lack of musical participation in Catholic services would be better titled "Why Catholics Don't Sing". "Why Catholics Can't Sing" implies an absence of vocal talent compared to their Protestant counterparts.

The text itself uses a verbose, pedantic and eggheaded style which plays right into the hands of the objects of this book's criticism who would claim that Day is a naked elitist who wants church music to be as needlessly complex as his writing. If you are ambivalent about purchasing this, I would recommend against it since I can easily summarize his thesis in less than 200 words:

Day outlines three reasons for the ubiquity of the limp-wristed tripe of the "St. Louis Jesuits" in American Catholic services:

1. Because Irish clergy regarded Anglican hymnody as a symbol of English persecution, their dominance of the American episcopate from 1860 to 1960 resulted in a near-total absence of liturgical music in the U.S. Church during that period. When Vatican II supposedly "mandated" lay-sung hymns, the vacuum was filled by the pushiest - meaning the fans of Haugen, Schutte, et. al.

2. By browbeating bishops into believing that "active" Catholics demanded modern music, Oregon Catholic Press pushed aside reasonably priced hymnals with selections from the public domain in favor of their all-copyright (meaning expensive and profitable) "Glory and Praise" series.

3. "The Spirit of Vatican II", the Novus Ordo, and the general feminist agitation of the time emboldened loudmouth dykes like Frances Kissling and Jeannine Gramick to declare that all church songs that were not newly composed and "gender-neutral" were instruments of "patriarchal oppression" and that all bishops who did not conform to their thinking on the subject were male chauvinist pigs. Unfortunately, women like this found sympathetic ears on the likes of Joseph Bernardin, Roger Mahony, Rembert Weakland, etc.

I would go beyond this to claim that these are songs by homosexuals for homosexuals (check this link: www.marysremnant.org/Friends/DBK/BKSchutte.html). I believe that their use is part of a concerted effort by dissident university faculty, chancery bureaucrats and bishops of the type I mentioned to develop a more effeminate atmosphere for Catholic services to increase their appeal to homosexuals thus increasing their interest in seminary enrollment.

Some heartening articles of recent vintage have described a newfound preference among Catholic adolescents and young adults for traditional liturgical music forms rather than 'Life Teen' crap. I hope one of these articles serves as a jumping off point for another book on this topic which will be easier to read than this one.

Offer it up!
Yes, the music is bad and the situation is very serious.I have known people who have left the church for other denominations or for nothing at all because of bad music and desacralized liturgy.I have known other people who have tried to become Catholic but find the music so awful that it's a form of torture that they decide not to endure after all.So, yes, it's important; souls are at stake!

As for me, I try to sing what I know, even the schmatlzy stuff, but sometimes when those melodies just jump around so illogically (and I can sight read music!) I just shut my yap, pray, and offer it up.Our suffering can be consecrated to the Lord for the upbuilding of the Body of Christ!

I get my good church music outside of church.I buy it on CD and put it on my iPod.I have no objection to modern music per se:I absolutely adore Dana Scallon's We Are One Body from World Youth Day.It is so eucharistic and communal and theologically solid, yet easy to sing!I like the old Latin stuff and I like contemporary praise music that is vertical and reverent and heartfelt.

Amazingly, my parish of mostly converts sings plainchant Latin vigorously and well.They like it.

I am praying for a wave of good liturgical musicians to break forth and liberate us from this oppression!St. Cecelia, pray for us!

True and funny
As a convert from Anglo-Catholicism one of my biggest challenges was abandoning the asthetic of the Sarum Rite and the Church's traditional music executed well for the saftey of The Rock. Why Catholics Can't Sing: The Culture of Catholicism and the Triumph of Bad Taste is an excellent indictment of the "happy clappy" liturgical lowest common ddenominator culture shoved down the throats of Catholics today by the swinging 60s Parish Council worship committee rats. Funny in the sad horrible way we all suffer under weekly for clinging to the Ark of Truth.

It doesn't have to be this way.

But sadly, it is.

Thank you Thomas Day. ... Read more

Product Description
In the late eighteenth century, French émigré priests fled the religious turmoil of the French Revolution and found themselves leading a new wave of Roman Catholic missionaries in the United States.Fathers on the Frontier explores the diverse ways these missionary priests guided the development of the early American church in Maryland, Kentucky, Louisiana, and other pockets of Catholic settlement throughout much of the trans-Appalachian West.Over the course of their evangelistic endeavor, this relatively small group of priests introduced Gallican, ultramontane, and missionary principles to a nascent institutional church prior to the immigration of millions of European Catholics in the nineteenth century.

As author Michael Pasquier shows, this transformation of American Catholicism did not come easily.Several generations of French priests struggled to reconcile their romantic expectations of missionary life with their actual experiences as servants of a foreign church scattered throughout a frontier region with limited access to friends and family members still in France.As they became more accustomed to the lifeways of the American South and West, French missionaries expressed anxiety about apparent discrepancies between how they were taught to practice the priesthood in French seminaries and what the Holy See expected them to achieve as representatives of a universal missionary church.

At no point did French missionaries engage more directly in distinctively American affairs than in the religious debates surrounding slavery, secession, and civil war. These issues, Pasquier argues, compelled even the most politically aloof missionaries to step out of the shadow of Rome and stake their church on the side of the Confederacy. In so doing, they set in motion a strain of Catholicism more amenable to Southern concepts of social conservatism, paternalism, and white supremacy, and strikingly different from the liberal, progressive strain that historians have usually highlighted. Focusing on the collective thoughts, feelings, and actions of priests who found themselves caught between the formal canonical standards of the church and the informal experiences of missionaries in American culture, Fathers on the Frontier illuminates the historical intersection of American, French, and Roman interests in the United States. ... Read more

Product Description
A Timely Resource for Understanding, Teaching, andImplementing Catholic Social TeachingAs parishes and schools intensify efforts to promote Catholic socialteaching, here is a welcome distillations of scoial principles presented inboth papal encylicals and pastoral letters developed by American bishops.Following the structure of the U.S. bishops document Sharing CatholicSocial Teaching, the book speaks to seven significant themes:

Life and the Dignity of the Human Person

Call to Family, Community, and Participation

Rights and Responsibilities

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

Solidarity

Care for God's CreationEach chapter includes reflection questions ideal for individual or groupusage, and an appendix offers biographical information about popes who haveissued social encyclicals, suggested homily themes and a Reconciliation Service for Justice and Peace.Sure to become an invaluable resource for all pastoral ministers, A CONCISEGUIDE TO CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING is also suitable for parish adult studygroups, and high school and college classes on Catholic social teaching. REVIEWSFather Kevin McKenna's Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching is a real gem which offers both the Church professional and the person in the pew an insightful and understandable presentation of this rich treasure of the Church's heritage and practical suggestions for its implementation.
-- Howard J. Hubbard
Bishop of AlbanyA Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching is an invaluable resource for parish and community groups. It provides solid grounding in the Church's social teachings as the basis for initiatives undertaken in promoting the gospel of justice. It is "user-friendly" and practical.
-- Anne Curtis, RSM
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice LobbyFr. McKenna provides a useful introduction to the social writings of the popes and U.S. bishops by grouping these writings around Catholic social teaching's seven major themes. The pastoral tools included are readily adapted for various settings.
-- Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Ph.D.
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New YorkFather McKenna has provided a thematic compendium of some of the marvelous insights present in Catholic social teaching. His summary of various Church documents will be helpful to supplement any discussion of the historical and political implications of "perplexing social issues" and to develop an appreciation for the Church's willingness to struggle with these issues over time.
-- Helen Marie Burns, RSM
Vice President, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very helpful books
Ordered books for our School of Leaders in the Cursillo Movement regarding the Social Justice teaching of the Catholic Church. This is just what we wanted.The service was fine, books arrived in tact (even the used one!).Thanks for this service.

Almost as "Concise as Love Your Neighbor"
This Book, Father McKenna's third, shows how wonderful a teacher he is.For thistome he has taken on the huge job of explaining Catholic Social Teaching.He does it well.The title says "Concise"but the more apt word may be "Uncomplicated".He takes the teaching, adds scripture references and papal encyclicals, all made easy in his fine way of exploring the topics such as economic justice, labor rights and responsibilities, and peace on earth.His references are truly excellent, but the treasure trove of this book are the "Reflection Questions"which follow every chapter.They draw you in to the issues and make you make intellectual choices necessary to understand and hopefully live your life according to your choices.As usual in Father McKenna's books, there are indexes, and a comprehensive glossary, and, biographies of the Popes who figured most prominently in the development of Catholic Social Teaching as we have it today.This book isa good solid,read, on a subject that should not be more complicated than love your neighbor.Add this book to your library, and you will value it for a very long time to come. ... Read more

Product Description
Ever read the entire Bible? You can now. Here's the Bible that shows you how.

There's never been an easier way to read the Bible. You don't have to start on January 1st. Begin reading on any calendar date and twelve months later you'll have made your way through all seventy-three books of the biblical canon. And a place for a check mark next to each entry makes it simple to keep track of your progress. Plus, you'll know exactly where to start in again if you miss a day or two! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

wonderful readings
Am enjoying the readings, gives me time to sit and read without taking too long. Helps fulfill the meaning of the day

My Daily Catholic Bible
Very readable and liked the views of the saints before each reading.I would have liked a preview before each chapter like the ones in the Daily Walk Bibles.

Easier to read
Well put together although still a tough book to read when reading the Old Testament readings

very satisified
I purchased this book to help me get throught the whole bible. It's exactly that and works well for that.In only about 15 minutes a day, depending on your reading speed.I like the no frills set up.It is only the bible in an easy to understand version. If you want to read the bible in one year this is the book to help you do it.

bible review
This bible is great for someone wanting to read the bible, but can't devote a lot of time daily to do so. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in ca. 1901.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in ca. the original volume. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

Belgian Ale & Best Rebuttal of Prejudices
Within bubbly subject lurks deep theology for Catholics and wayward non-Catholics alike. The "Cider" section vividly describes faith, that "the love He showed in entering our life and sharing our death is vaster than the galaxies" (31). But there are areas where politics gets ahead of the truth, and to the booze: the whiskey section is a throw-away and you can't find Mead under "M." The odd organization is as confusing as the Catechism. There appears to be nothing on port and sherry, or much on brandy. Overall, the book is an insider's journey of faith and history. The section on Drambuie is one of the best summations of the British wars against Jacobite "papistry." The Stout section moves from the glories of Guinness to an insightful refutation of anti-Catholic fundamentalists. All that nonsense of "proof-texts" is what people like Hahn bring into the Church. The authors quote columnist Joseph Sobran: "As a Catholic, I take my hat off to 'Bible Christians' . . . it must be admitted we can't hold a candle to these folks. They can quote rings around us, Scripture-wise. What do we know? When they cite a verse like Second Ben-Hur 26:19, we can only take their word for it" (p. 288). The authors go on to describe a theological debate at LSU that is priceless.

As to the problems: Rebulicans are lumped with the KKK (98). Lincoln was a Republican, and many KKK members were Democrats. The lame jokes about the Third Reich, architecture, and Penn station don't work (92). Nor does the statement that "The Irish indeed formed America's first underclass" (102). Did the booze make you forget about what Native peoples went through with the "discovery" of North and South America by (Catholic) Europeans, or how about the historic underclass of the slaves in the South? The PC whining is where the humor falls flat. Catholics are not the most unique or special victims in the world.

For those of you with twisted humor and an appreciation of gothic moral sagas, here are perpetual dark & stormy nights on the Maine coast, awash in booze and spooks:
Dark Shadows: The Beginning, Collection 1
Dark Shadows DVD Collection 1

A classic movie to watch while imbibing Guinness (of course) or oak-aged Russian Imperial Stout (massive, thus Catholic): The Quiet Man (Collector's Edition).

As to the Trappist Ales, 6 are from Belgium (Achel, Chimay, Orval, Rochetfort, Westmalle, Westvleteren), 1 from the Netherlands (Koningshoeven), 1 from Germany (Mariwald). Enjoyed Tripel style from Chimay (good) & Westmalle (not so good). There is an authentic ale from a Benedictine Abbey in Belgium, Affligem, whose vats were detroyed by Germans in WWII, it is the oldest Abbey in Flanders and the recipe/license is still owned by the monks. Heineken produces the ale in the Abbey with traditional ingredients; the dark, meady Affligem Tripel is wonderful.

Very funny book
For those who love humor, and especially religious related humor, I highly recommend this book. The short "chapters" mean that one can pick up this book when one has a moment and put it down again. I gave it as a gift to someone who is a young adult, and he loved it. The recipes in the book are also amusing and helpful.

Great book!
It is difficult to say anything about this book that has not been said already. Be sure to check out the 1st book in the series too: The Bad Catholic's Guide to Good Living

1) It is irreverent... but FULL OF LOVE for the Church and Her history.

2) It is funny and campy, but proclaims the truth.

3) It has great drinking songs that gently poke fun at protestants...

4) And best of all, great drink recipes and party ideas.

All in all... AWESOME BOOK.

My perfect book.
My perfect book finally sees print. This has it all: booze making monks, good food, good music, excellent history, harmless fun, politically incorrect ideologue smashing humour, and (mostly) orthodox Catholicism.

One of the most underrated books of all time, and the exact gift to give to joyless Puritans or the frozen-chosen.

And presents the best case ever I've seen for FEAST DAYS being FEAST DAYS!

Deserves to be AMAZON's No. 1 Best Seller.

Ain't nothing bad about it
Having marinated in a WASP stew for a few hundred years, too many English-speaking Catholics, especially Catholics who really believe in their wild and wonderful Church, have adopted many of the Puritan excesses and general love-of-drudgery that manna-lovers since at least Webber have credited with economic efficiency and well-being.

To that, these authors provide a well-deserved razzberry, accompanied by two-handed ear-wagging.A celebration of culture, history, and faith, all delivered with good humor and all of which involve spirited feasting, drinking, and dancing - some of which (as the Baptists often warn) could lead to slow dancing!! ... Read more

Product Description
Through Scripture,Tradition, world events, and living examples of heroism and holiness ranging from the simple to the extraordinary, Living Justice develops your understanding of Catholic social teaching and inspires you for service. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

catholic social teaching
A good book for learning the current party line on Catholic social teaching. It is well organized and connects the Vatican documents to the social teaching. Very biased against liberation theology and the author has a hard time explaining the difference between social justice teaching and the traditional teaching of charity. However, the book helped me a lot while I was teaching a class on the social teachings of the Catholic Church.

Foundation resource for Catholic Social Thought and Action
Mr. Thomas Massaro delivers a clearly written foundational resource for understanding of `Social Justice' no matter your religious preference.The elements and resources created in the Catholic Faith do not limit their ability to voice those areasthat we all need to develop a comprehension and COMMON plans of action in the one result of `Justice in our Social Teachings and Actions'! Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action (Come & See.)

Written by an excellent teacher with real heart and goodness
I love this little book. I would not only fully echo what others have said below about this being an unusually readable, accessible introduction to Catholic Social Teaching, I would add that it's just lovely. The author, I feel, radiates, a palpable human goodness that was very moving for me.

I think its treatment of the evolving history of Catholic Social Thinking,the way it pinpoints the core themes and documents, and its insights into the future are particularly excellent. But the whole book is really wonderful. Massaro is simply a very good teacher who can orient people to the basics in a particularly constructive way.

Deserves to be widely read and is so approachable that I wish it could find its way into the hands of non-Catholics. Even many non-religious people, I suspect, would find it very helpful in clarifying their ethical and social thinking - and might well be surprised by the rigorous, painstaking thought the Catholic Church has done over the last century or so regarding many social evils and how to address them in human way.

I am also impressed by the way Massaro's writing lacks the angry polemic that characterises some writing on these themes - either towards the Church's purported failures or that of the world's. Polemic helps no one - the kind of abundant charity, conscience and clarity here is far more effective. So - bravo, Father Massoro! Yes, as our world threatens to tilt into an increasingly brutal capitalism, yours is voice of very needed, very human compassion and clarity.

Great Text for Learning About Catholic Social Teaching
In a very clear and easy to read style, Thomas Massaro gives a summary and explanation of the major principles of Catholic social teaching.This would make an excellent text in an introduction to Catholic social ethics course, or in a parish study group.One of the strengths of the book is his use of examples to illustrate how the various principles can help people think through what is the just response, both personally and in terms of the larger society, to a variety of social issues.

Excellent overview of the Church's role in a secular society
In the preface, Thomas Massaro says that this book is intended to fill a gap. As a seminary professor, he could find no single book that provides an adequate overview of the Roman Catholic Church's teachings on how its members should interact with the larger secular society around them. Thisis what he means by the Church's "social teaching."

Sheed &Ward's "Come & See" series is aimed at general readers whowant succinct, plain-English synopses of Catholic doctrine. They tappedMassaro not only as a subject matter expert, but as a top-notch homilistand writer who can reach a general audience with clarity, humor andinsight. We now have the handy summary that he was looking for all theseyears.

The book explores the underpinnings of Catholic social thought(the influence of scripture, tradition, reason and experience), itsevolution over the centuries (he places particular emphasis on papalencyclicals and other key documents since the late 19th century) and themajor issues being grappled with today. He does a particularly fine job indiscussing one age-old question: whether believers should withdraw from thelarger society to escape its corrupting influences (as some groups such asthe Amish do), or whether they should be engaged with it, attempting toreform it (but with the added issue of how they should compromise withpeople who have differing sets of beliefs). Throughout, he does a masterfuljob of pointing out ambiguities and contrasting viewpoints.

For the sakeof full disclosure (the only ethical course), I must inform you that theauthor had asked me to review his first draft with an eye towards how easythey were for the general reader to follow. So, I may be a bit prejudicedin my opinion. Nonetheless, trust me when I say that the pages issued forthfrom his keyboard pretty much as a finished product. He writes that well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Good Historical Overview, Marred at Times by Personal Views
I was lent a copy of Dr. Mich's Book by my undergraduate theology advisor in order to prepare a bit for a conference I was attending for the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the writing of Laborem Exercens.Unbeknownst to both me and my former advisor, Dr. Mich was attending the conference and was to give a brief lecture.Had I not met Dr. Mich and discussed several subjects about his book with him, I would be much more apt to give the text a 3 out of 5 for reasons discussed above.However, in the course of my questions and discussion with Dr. Mich, he helped to recant the reservations which I had about his views on some conservative and Papal view-points.

On a positive note, this text has a great review of hallmark texts and individuals in modern Catholic Social thought.It traces from the roots of Rerum Novarum through the publication of the book, including such contemporary topics as feminism and environmentalism.The earliest chapters are magnificent overviews of those individuals involved in work movements as well as theorists.Through the documents of the Second Vatican Council (primarily Gaudium et Spes), Dr. Mich remains relatively fair in his assessment of all sides of the situation.If there is one negative assessment here, it may be that there isn't as much reflection on the integration of Catholic Social Thought with the remainder of systematic theology.Nonetheless, these topics are covered with enough depth to introduce key players and events (both European and those in the Americas) but with enough brevity to allow the reader to quickly see the "big picture" of the development of Catholic Social Though.

My one major issue with this text, however, became more conspicuous as Dr. Mich covered the semi-tumultuous issues surrounding African-American integration into the American Church.An element of anti-institutionalism began to surface here by means of what seems to me to have been a disproportionately negative view of the Church based more on anecdotes and not the theological underpinnings of the Faith.Individual discrepancies at times become the lens through which he views the Church as a whole and nearly judges the Church's essence on this presupposition.While I thought this interpretation might be a bit over the top, his handling of Liberation theology, Feminism, Environmentalism, and the South American Episcopal Synod was more than slanted and belligerent toward the hierarchy of the church.This is particularly the case in the Synod and an NCCB document on women in the Church.Any imposition of authority from above is interpreted very unfairly without much positive consideration given to the accused parties.However, in conversation with the author, he did somewhat mediate the tone which I found to be a bit too acerbic in the text of the book.I can see where someone with more liberal-leaning tendencies would have a tone like that which he had and remain faithful to the Church.However, without the background gained by speaking with him, these comments are able to be understood in a context which is not anti-clerical, albeit a bit too democratic in ecclesiology.

With these things in mind, I still recommend the text highly.It provides a most excellent background into the first hundred years of major Catholic Social Thought and Action.However, the marring caused by the unfair slant of the author about more contemporary topics is lamentable to say the least.Because of personal discussion with Dr. Mich, I am able to place this text on an "above average" level of 4 stars.Even so, I have reservations both in the aforementioned tone as well as the weakly democratic ecclesiology which is concomitant with his sense of the hierarchy.

Five Stars - despite One Serious Fault
Oh Lord, what a mixture here of profound, profound value, heart and beauty ... and a frequent self-assured, polemical tone that, it seems to me, disserves the author's sincere, heartfelt intent.

Let me begin with the gold. The author cares, the author *obviously* cares about our world. Thus his book can serve to open one's heart to the terrible, terrible suffering of the victims of third world poverty, war, racism, unbridled capitalism and other contemporary evils, to the tragedy and horror that people are *really* experiencing - every moment of our lives.

Mich's compassionate concern for those who *really* suffer commands the deepest respect.

Joined to this, is his most thorough, well researched account of the last hundred and fifty years of Catholic response to social injustice. Mich's expansive, inclusive approach embraces both the Vatican's official teaching - and the many great figures of the lower clergy and laity who have often served to inspire the Popes.

His vivid writing brings a long forgotten history of heroic souls alive. He begins with the great nineteenth century Catholic figures who initially responded to the horrors of emerging capitalism, which led to the Papacy confronting the problem head-on.

And thus he continues through the twentieth century: skillfully interweaving grassroots Catholicism, with the great Papal documents challenging the tragedy of capitalism, poverty and more. The great Papal documents so few seem to know about, so often offering profound thinking and carefully considered alternatives ...

If Mich is very good on the history of Catholic thinking and action regarding social injustice, his consideration of the future is also often penetrating.Moreover his grasp not only of the the global crisis - but also the economic, political,cultural, environmental dynamics at its root, is often acute.

One can learn a great deal indeed from this book.

It is with deep regret then, that I turn to a less commendable aspect of Mich's otherwise very fine effort. I have in mind here, an editorializing tone that is frequently disingenuous.

Basically a set of opinions Mich holds about the Vatican - which of course he has every right to hold - seem to me to be subtly presented as though they were not *opinions*, but rather as *facts* -plain, straight facts, without nuance, without ambiguity.

To me, there seems to be little consciousness here as to why Catholics of a different persuasion might come to different conclusions to Mich. Thus, if the more traditional approach of the Vatican falls foul of Mich's view,its various efforts amount to `useless', `a crass violation' and so on - and are reduced to Vatican power politics and `phobia'. And like so many, Mich speaks of these matters as though they were simply facts to be accepted.

One particularly disingenuous example of what I mean occurs in the treatment of liberation theology. In a question for discussion given at the end of his chapter, Mich encourages readers to ponder `Why did the Vatican controlled leadership [of a Latin American conference] reject the experience based method of liberation theology and substitute a method that begins with the ... official ... teachings?'

But this is disingenuous, inasmuch as throughout the chapter, Mich has not allowed any other view than his own to surface. The reader who does not know better can only answer the question the way Mich has done. And Mich's answer boils down to this: the Vatican acted as it did out of fear and power-hunger. And apparently nothing else.

But there *are* other possible explanations. After long consideration of the matter,I am convinced of the aching heart of John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger who, like Mich, really cared.

And I am convinced they were certain that third world agony would not be helped by throwing out the baby with the bathwater ... That liberation theology would be stronger with a living, mystical Catholicism, rather than without it. This is not the place for further consideration of these matters, but further indications along these lines can be found elsewhere in my Amazon reviews.

My point is that the facts deserve deeper consideration than simply writing the Vatican off, as if it were just power-crazed. As if that was all there was to it. Although I sadly suspect this is what Mich sincerely believes - as do millions of other sincere, caring Catholics who haven't penetrated the immensely compassionate hearts of figures such as John Paul.

Yes, it is also true that Mich has many fine things to say about present Vatican policy - WHEN he agrees with it. Thus, for example, he deeply commends the Vatican's condemnation of modern capitalism and war.

It is only where he disagrees, that nuance, ambiguity and discussion disappear. When Mich disagrees, the Vatican is suddenly reduced to an ogre. Or so it seems to this reader.

This is sad, indeed. But it does not diminish the fact that this book is also filled with real heart, admirable scholarship, comprehensive documentation of the world's suffering and the response of the entire Catholic Church.

So, again: five stars. This is a great book. Very highly recommended.

Very Complete
This book is great.It explores the ideas of Catholic Social Teaching from not only the official papal encyclicals, but also from unofficial drafts of encyclicals, letters of the bishops, grass roots movements by lay Catholics, and the processes which all of these have gone through to be formed.Mich has done a thorough job and allows one to truly appreciate the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching that most people know so little about.It also opens up the doors to many currently hot topics and critiques what the church has done so far and where it could go in the future.A great book that anyone who has the time should read!

BEST KEPT SECRET
Though this is not a book I would normally read, I did enjoy it. It was assigned for a college course that I was taking. In the Introduction it states that the "social teachings" of the catholic church are itsbest kept secret and I agree. I never knew it had such a deep tradition insocial teachings. It goes back to 1848 and finishes off in 1992. I neverknew the history of the catholic church like it is shown here. It alsoillustrates the many roles activists played, many of them were women. Notonly does it show the history of the church, but it can help one to betterhandle their own situations in the present world and be strong. A book thatwill ope the eyes of many and be enjoyed by all. It is not just forCatholics, everyone should read this book. ... Read more