Written by a practicing Catholic who is focused on his faith and its application to daily life,
The Catholic Challenge: A Question of Conscience is a thought provoking text that challenges the reader to take a critical look at the issues faced by Catholics, and the Church as a whole, today. Topics include:
Why the U.S. Bishops are clearly wrong in their statement regarding "Catholics in Political Life";
Why Catholic Social Conscience Requires Catholics To Vote For What Is In The Best Interest Of The Community As A Whole;
Why Priests Should Be Able To Marry;
Why The Celibacy Scandal Has Not Been Resolved;
Why The Governance Of The Church May Not Be In Keeping With What Christ Would Like To See For His Church;
Why Accountability Cannot Be Guaranteed Without Lay Participation At All Levels Of Decision Making Within The Church;
Why The Church Must Change In Order To Prevent A Possible Major Division Within It;
...plus many more issues facing Catholics today.
Thomas Rezanka's work is both profound and thought provoking. His positions, supported by scripture and Catholic teaching, will not easily be controverted. However, it is by no means an uncontroversial piece of literature. As a practicing Catholic, Thomas Rezanka does not pull any punches; he looks at decisions made by the bishops within the United States in recent times and over the last century. Although not critical of all clergy, he is concerned about those who stand in the way of what Christ likely wants for his Church on Earth. According to Thomas Rezanka: "If those of us who follow Jesus do not confront the most controversial topics within the Church and within society, then nothing will change. This book attempts to motivate Catholics to bring about that change."
Thomas Rezanka also reaches out to those members of the clergy who in his words "are the many wonderful priests within the Church who have truly responded to their calling in life. They have unselfishly committed themselves to ministering to Christ's people; often accepting a vow of poverty, dedicated only to preaching the word of God and helping whenever and wherever God's people." For those members of the clergy this book can be a godsend because broad readership of it within parishes will bring parishioners to a closer understanding of their relationship to God, which can occur through bible study, stewardship, daily living, prayer, and commitment. In addition, it teaches Protestants that Catholics are not the enemy and can serve as a means within the Church by which to provide reconciliation to those who have been injured or offended, intentionally or inadvertently, by a member of the clergy. It also establishes the foundation by which those hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions who have left the Church, can be welcomed back.
Thomas Rezanka is an active practicing Catholic who has served as a Men's Club President, Parish Council Chairman, and Director of Stewardship within his parish.
The significance of this book is in its Catholic approach. It is not some book about the Catholic Church which is way out in left field. On the contrary, it examines the failings of the church and suggests how the mistakes of the past can be prevented. It is a constructive and uplifting resource which some reviewers have even termed a "page-turner". An unusual acclamation for a religious book.
