Church and revolution
Book Description
How does a centuries-old institution transform from guardian of tradition into a catalyst for social change? Thomas Bokenkotter explores this remarkable evolution in his comprehensive examination of the Catholic Church's journey toward progressive activism.
Spanning two centuries of tumultuous history since the French Revolution, this work reveals how the Church gradually embraced its role as a voice for social justice and human dignity. Rather than presenting dry institutional analysis, Bokenkotter brings this transformation to life through vivid portraits of extraordinary individuals who dared to challenge both secular and religious establishments.
Readers will encounter the courageous Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, who spoke truth to power in the face of violence. They will discover Daniel O'Connell's relentless fight for Irish emancipation, Dorothy Day's radical commitment to serving society's most vulnerable through the Catholic Worker movement, and Lech Walesa's inspiring rise from electrician to champion of Polish freedom.
Through these compelling human stories, the book illuminates how personal conviction and spiritual calling can reshape entire movements. Each figure demonstrates how faith, when coupled with courage and compassion, becomes a powerful force for societal transformation.
This extensive 580-page exploration offers readers insight into how spiritual principles translate into concrete action for justice. It reveals how individual believers, guided by conscience and conviction, can influence both their religious communities and the broader world around them.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~16 hours)
📄 Length: 580 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Histoire
- ✓ Explore Aspect religieux
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Christianisme
- ✓ Explore Église catholique
- ✓ Explore Catholic Church
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects of Democracy
- ✓ Explore Politiek
