Catholic Social Teaching and Movements

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 475 pages
• Published by: Twenty-Third Publications
• Edition: 1st Edition October 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 089622936X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0896229365
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Weighs: 1.4 pounds

Reader Reviews
Oh Lord, what a mixture here of profound, profound value, heart and beauty ... and a frequent dogmatic, polemical tone that disserves the author's sincere, heartfelt intent. Let me begin with the gold. The author cares, the author *obviously* cares. Thus his book can serve to open one's heart to the terrible, terrible suffering the victims of third world poverty, war, racism and other contemporary evils, really experience - every moment of our lives. Mich's compassionate concern for those who really suffer commands the deepest respect. Joined to this, is his most thorough, well researched account of the last hundred and fifty years of Catholic response. Mich's expansive, inclusive approach embraces both the Vatican's official teaching - and the many great figures of the lower clergy and laity who have often served to inspire the Popes. His vivid writing brings a long forgotten history of heroic souls alive, while his consideration of the future is often penetrating. Moreover his grasp not only of the horror of the global crisis - but also his grasp of the economic, political, cultural , environmental dynamics at its root, is often acute. One can learn a great deal indeed from this book. It is with deep regret then, that I turn to a less commendable aspect of Mich's otherwise very fine effort. I have in mind here, an editorializing tone that is frequently disingenuous. Basically a set of opinions Mich holds about the Vatican - which of course he has every right to hold - are here subtly presented as though they were not *opinions*, but rather as facts - plain, straight facts, without nuance, without ambiguity. To me, there seems to be little consciousness here as to why Catholics of a different persuasion might come to different conclusions to Mich. Thus, if the more traditional approach of the Vatican falls foul of Mich's view, its various efforts amount to `useless', `a crass violation' and so on - and are reduced to Vatican power politics and `phobia'. And like many, Mich speaks of these matters as though they were simply facts to be accepted. One particularly disingenuous example of what I mean occurs in the treatment of liberation theology. In a discussion question at the end of his chapter, Mich encourages readers to ponder `Why did the Vatican controlled leadership [of a Latin American conference] reject the experience based method of liberation theology and substitute a method that begins with the ... official ... teachings?' But this is disingenuous, inasmuch as throughout the chapter, Mich has not allowed any other view than his own to surface. The reader who does not know better can only answer the question the way Mich has done. And Mich's answer boils down to this: the Vatican acted as it did out of fear and power-hunger. And apparently nothing else. But there *are* other possible explanations. After long consideration of the matter, I am convinced of the aching heart of John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger who, like Mich, really cared. And I am convinced they were certain that third world agony would not be helped by throwing out the baby with the bathwater ... That liberation theology would be stronger with a living mystical Catholicism, rather than without it. This is not the place for further consideration of these matters, but further indications along these lines can be found elsewhere in my Amazon reviews. My point is that the facts deserve deeper consideration than simply writing the Vatican off as if it were just power-crazed. As if that was all there was to it. Although I sadly suspect this is what Mich sincerely believes - as do millions of other sincere, caring Catholics who haven't penetrated the hearts of figures such as John Paul. Yes, it is also true that Mich has many fine things to say about present Vatican policy - WHEN he agrees with it. Thus, for example, he deeply commends the Vatican's condemnation of modern capitalism and war. It is only where he disagrees, that nuance, ambiguity and discussion disappear. When Mich disagrees, the Vatican is suddenly reduced to an ogre. Or so it seems to this reader. This is sad, indeed. But it does not diminish the fact that this book is also filled with real heart, admirable scholarship, comprehensive documentation of the world's suffering and the response of the entire Catholic Church. So, again: five stars. This is a great book.Very highly recommended.