ordinary Catholic, An

By Thomas Arthur Nelson

Book Description

At eighty-two years old, Thomas Arthur Nelson offers a deeply personal examination of faith, institutional loyalty, and the courage to question long-held beliefs. Writing as someone who continues to attend Mass and receive communion each week, Nelson presents the perspective of countless Catholics who find themselves caught between devotion to their faith's core teachings and profound disappointment with their church's actions.

Nelson's transformation from unquestioning believer to reform advocate emerged through witnessing what he describes as church-inflicted injustices, particularly those affecting the LGBTQ+ community. His critique stems not from rejection of Catholic spirituality, but from a conviction that the institution has strayed from its foundational message of love as taught by Jesus.

This candid memoir speaks to the internal struggle many believers face when their spiritual home seems to contradict the very values it claims to uphold. Nelson argues for a return to Christ-centered compassion while acknowledging the complex emotions of those who remain within the church despite their frustrations.

Written in an accessible voice that reflects the author's identity as an "ordinary" Catholic, this work offers validation for current members grappling with similar conflicts, as well as those who have left but still hold affection for the church's moral framework. Nelson demonstrates that faithful dissent and spiritual growth can coexist, even in the most challenging circumstances.