Roman Catholicism in America
Product Description:
Emphasizing the post--Vatican II era, Chester Gillis offers a cogent survey of U.S. Catholic history, and explores the various roles and missions of the church in such issues as education, health care, and charity. Throughout the book, he examines the persistent tension between the faith's traditional authority in Rome and its incarnation in America, which is influenced by a thoroughly modern, dynamic, and secular culture.
Subjects: Reference works, Religion & Beliefs, Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church, Religion, Religion - Catholicism, Christianity - Catholic, Christianity - History - Catholic, History / United States / General, Reference, Reference / General, Religion / General, Catholic Church, Church history, History, United States,
Professor Chester Gillis' Roman Catholicism in America
This is one of the outstanding books on theology of the twentieth century by Professor Gillis of Georgetown University. It is not merely a description but a comparison and analysis of issues, such as Mission versus Maintenance which is an in-depth study of paradoxes between the mission of the church and the maintenance of the bureaucracy and structure. Nobody is expected to accept both sides or all sides of issues, but the reader of any religion or even no religion will come away with an understanding of unique features of Roman Catholicism such as the protection of the connection between the human and the Divine which the institution of Priests and Sisters provides. Buddhism and Hinduism have a different way of protecting this connection, and Judaism and Islam and the Protestant Faith have their own ways. Perhaps there is hope in this Amerian melting pot, that by comparing good experiences the good lives on and the evil is buried. This is why I only review good books.
An essential text for a serious study of Roman Catholicism.
Roman Catholicism in America is an essential text for any thorough study of Roman Catholicism: it examines the religion within the context of American culture, with scholar Gillis examining the major religious concepts, individuals, and principles of Roman Catholics. An interdisciplinary approach allows for the consideration of various Catholic experiences and influences.
Excellent
Chester Gillis delights readers with his historical thoroughness and timeless ancedotes on Catholicism in America. As a former student of his at Georgetown, I am not suprised. Thank you, Professor Gillis.
A valuable compendium of information about Catholicism.
Is there a Catholic equivalent of a Pulitzer Prize? If so, I nominate Chester Gillis' book for serious consideration. Gillis has done a masterful and complete study of his subject, offering a wealth of detail, with inside information and insights which could be given only by one thoroughly at home with his topic. Personal glimpses of the powerful and the not-so-powerful people in the church flesh out the statistical data, making the account as real, as vital, as conversations with Catholic neighbors down the block. The author explains religious doctrines and practices in a clear, concise style; he has a no-nonsense approach to even debatable matters; and his logic, rhetoric,and organization are impeccable. Any pastors, pastoral ministers, or directors of Adult Study Groups take notice: if you disregard this excellent book, you miss an opportunity for an enriching, unparallelled experience!
A thorough, yet not too academic summary, suitable for all.
This is the kind of book ordinary people will like. It is complete, but not so detailed that the reader would lose the main thought. Mr. Gillis poses questions the "man or woman in the street" has pondered, but never had answered before; and he doesn't try to evade or white-wash problems or controversies. He gives credit to the simple, ordinary people who try to live their lives in accord with the laws of God, in simple faith and in caring service to their neighbors. The book makes me feel good about all the truly good people out there--people who work and struggle to find meaning in their lives. Mr. Gillis has done us all a great favor in showing the difficulties others have gone through, yet still kept trying.
