5/17/2019

Book highlights diverse group in development of moral theology since '50s

"Diverse Voices in Modern U.S. Moral Theology" by Charles E. Curran. Georgetown University Press (Washington, 2019). 264 pp., $104.95 hardcover; $34.95 paperback. Once an "ABC person of the week" and a New York Times "man in the news," Father Charles E. Curran is not much of a household name these days. To be sure, he is still remembered for his dissent during the long-running debate over Catholic moral issues. And some will recall that Father Curran was dismissed from the theology faculty at The Catholic University of America in 1986.

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5/10/2019

Books take different approach to study of Catholic sacraments

"The Sacraments: Discovering the Treasures of Divine Life" by Father Matthew Kauth. St. Benedict Press (Charlotte, North Carolina, 2018). 145 pp., $27.95. "Honest Rituals, Honest Sacraments: Letting Go of Doctrines and Celebrating What's Real" by Joseph Martos. Resource Publications (Eugene, Oregon, 2018). 156 pp., $20.

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5/3/2019

Among three new books on papacy, one stands out

"The Papacy: What the Pope Does and Why It Matters" by Stephen K. Ray and R. Dennis Walters. Ignatius Press (San Francisco, 2018). 164 pp., $15.95. "The Pope: Francis, Benedict, and the Decision That Shook the World" by Anthony McCarten. Flatiron Books (New York, 2019). 233 pp., $26.99.

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4/26/2019

Surprising facts can deepen Catholics' understanding of Bible

"101 Surprising Facts About the Bible" by Rick Rotondi. Tan Books (Charlotte, North Carolina, 2019). 120 pp., $19.95. This book will provide Catholic readers, including the young, with an excellent introduction to the Bible. A number of its facts are indeed surprising and will inspire and deepen the understanding even of those who are reasonably well versed in biblical studies. Each of the facts is richly illustrated, in color, with relevant Christian art works from over the centuries which adds to the reader's pleasure.

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4/19/2019

Comprehensive biography provides many insights on first American saint

"Elizabeth Seton: American Saint" by Catherine O'Donnell. Cornell University Press (Ithaca, New York, and London, 2018). 508 pp, $36.95. Most Catholics have probably heard of or read about St. Elizabeth Seton, the first American-born citizen to be declared a saint, as following her canonization in 1975, it was not uncommon for new or merged parishes and schools to be named in her honor.

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4/12/2019

Pope, youth minister offer ideas for bringing back young Catholics

"God Is Young: A Conversation with Thomas Leoncini" by Pope Francis. Random House (New York, 2018). 128 pp., $26. "The Art of Forming Young Disciples: Why Youth Ministries Aren't Working and What to Do About It" by Everett Fritz. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, New Hampshire, 2018). 115 pp. $14.95.

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