Practicing Catholic: The Search for a Livable Catholicism

Ryan (theology, Fordham U.) charts a path for educated adults who are trying to reconcile their modern lives with the teachings of an often conservative religion. She deals frankly with such difficult issues as papal infallibility, women in the priesthood, celibacy and the priesthood, birth control, abortion, annulments, and homosexuality in the church. Ryan takes a hard stance on some issues ("Don't baptize them if you won't ordain them" referring to women's exclusion from the priesthood), and also educates readers about changes that have already occurred. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

More than a few Catholics who find themselves questioning their church conclude that there are only two options open to them: follow official Catholic teachings in all respects or leave the church. Ryan takes a different tack. She argues people can embrace Catholicism as a way of life without necessarily accepting official church teachings on issues such as artificial contraception, the ordination of women to the priesthood, divorce and homosexuality. Ryan uses personal anecdotes, offering insights into her own struggle to be a practicing member of a church she loves in a changing world where many of the church's dogmas fail to speak to social issues.

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Contentious issues such as papal infallibility, celibacy and women in the priesthood, birth control, divorce, and homosexuality have increasingly challenged the Catholic Church. Ryan, a practicing Catholic and religion professor at Fordham University, looks at the historical background behind the most troublesome teachings of the Catholic faith, calling for dialog and change if the Church is to survive and grow. While Ryan clearly articulates the sense of alienation felt by many in the Catholic community, she never loses sight of the positive elements that anchor believers to their faith. A careful and insightful analysis of controversial issues concerning Catholics today; highly recommended.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.