Reviewed by Brian Welter, CNS "Great Christian Thinkers," a collection of Pope Benedict XVI's weekly audiences on central theological thinkers up to the Reformation, offers a concise, well-balanced introduction to the history of doctrine. Accessible to all, it shows not only Benedict's famously concise language, but also his pastoral side. While the pontiff is not afraid to depict the frequent, intense theological conflicts that have happened throughout Christian … [Read more...]

Reviewed by David Gibson, CNS Drought is not the true cause of either the starvation or death linked with the famines so frequently witnessed in our world, according to Thomas Keneally's "Three Famines." The Australian writer makes the case that during a famine people indeed hunger, grow sick and die because food is inaccessible to them, but that numerous political, economic and human failings ought to be held accountable for that. The rail-thin children … [Read more...]

Reviewed by Mary T. Kantor, CNS "A New Harmony," John Philip Newell's recent work, continues and broadens the trajectory laid by his "Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation," published in 2008. From pointing the way to a Christianity offering healing and renewal for humanity and the earth, Newell now explores the expansive and essential interconnectedness of all things across boundaries of race, religion and time. A theologian, poet and scholar, Newell claims … [Read more...]

Reviewed by Sister Mona Castelazo, CSJ, CNS In "The Lord as Their Portion," Elizabeth Rapley offers insights into the story of religious orders against the background of the Catholic Church's history. Beginning with the desert ascetics of the fourth century, the author describes 17 centuries of monastic and convent life, ending with the missionaries of the 19th century. Rapley's purpose is to inform modern people with either a vague memory of, or no knowledge at … [Read more...]

Reviewed by Agostino Bono, CNS Any book detailing child abuse by religious authorities or in the name of religion is a hard read for people of faith. Believers are faced with a harsh reality: Many of their cherished values and concepts have been manipulated, distorted or misunderstood for perverse or violent ends. "Breaking Their Will" is no different. It narrates stark cases of children who were abused sexually, physically, emotionally and through medical neglect, … [Read more...]

Reviewed by Daniel S. Mulhall, CNS The National Study on Youth and Religion began in 2002 by examining the faith of young people in the United States who were between the ages of 13 and 18. The research team, which has been led from the beginning by Christian Smith, professor of sociology at the University of Notre Dame, continues to follow and interview these same young people. The first book to come from the initial study was "Soul Searching." Since the initial … [Read more...]

Reviewed by Brother Jeffrey Gros, FSC, CNS Jesuit Father Norman Tanner's "New Short History of the Catholic Church" and Father Robert Barron's "Catholicism" give a fresh view to important perspectives on Catholicism. They are welcome additions for the Catholic reader interested in a brief overview either of the church's story or of the central mysteries of the faith. They are also accessible and brief introductions suitable for the interested non-Catholic reader or … [Read more...]

Reviewed by Brian Welter, CNS Two books published in October reflect on Catholic culture from quite different, unique viewpoints. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti makes the convincing point that priests are happiest when they follow traditional Catholic teachings. In "Why Priests Are Happy," he mixes basic sociological information about priests and their lives with his own theological and psychological musings to come to this conclusion. The author sometimes links his … [Read more...]