Catholic Labyrinth Power Apathy And A Passion For Reform In The American Church, The
Book Description
The Catholic Church in America stands at a crossroads, caught between forces demanding transformation and voices calling for traditional stability. Peter McDonough takes readers inside this complex spiritual battleground, revealing the passionate struggles shaping one of the world's most influential religious institutions.
Drawing from confidential documents and intimate conversations with both reformers and traditionalists, McDonough illuminates the human stories behind headline-grabbing controversies. He explores how grassroots organizations like the Survivors Network and Voice of the Faithful challenge established hierarchies, while conservative leaders work to preserve long-held doctrines about sexuality, gender roles, and clerical authority.
The tensions extend far beyond church walls. As Catholic institutions operate schools, hospitals, and social services across the nation, questions about religious freedom and government oversight create additional friction. The debate over contraceptive coverage in church-sponsored organizations exemplifies how ancient religious principles collide with contemporary social expectations.
McDonough examines why some Catholics embrace calls for married priests and women's ordination while others find comfort in traditional structures. He reveals how immigration patterns, generational divides, and political movements influence the faithful's response to proposed changes.
For anyone seeking to understand how spiritual communities navigate profound transformation, this exploration offers valuable insights into the delicate balance between preserving sacred traditions and adapting to modern realities. The book demonstrates how institutions can simultaneously experience crisis and renewal.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~11 hours)
📄 Length: 389 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Conservatism
- ✓ Explore Hervormingen
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Catholic Church
- ✓ Explore Church renewal, catholic church
- ✓ Explore Doctrines
- ✓ Explore Kirchenreform
- ✓ Explore Rooms-Katholieke Kerk
