This is a well written book, but I think David Gibson is a little naive about certain issues. Several years ago I was on a panel with David at an academic conference, just prior to the release of his book. He was talking about the book, which was written in response to the sex scandals that racked the Catholic Church in 2002. I thought him earnest but naive. In talking about the journalists who uncovered the Boston scandals, he argues that many of them were doing what they were doing because they were sincere, devoted lay people seeking to bring about change in their Church. God knows they needed to be uncovered, but I don't agree with this viewpoint. Maybe some were, but I think most were simply trying to find a way to sell newspapers, period! In his conclusion he offers the hope that a more enlightened (read "liberal") pontiff will come along after John Paul II and put an end to clerical tyranny. As I read this, I thought "This is nothing new! We've been hearing liberal Catholics say the same thing for the last twenty or more years!" Again, just a little naive. There's no denying that there's been a crisis in the priesthood, but in a Church that's centered on the Eucharist, you can't just write off priests, no matter what their sins have been. Again, this is a well written book, but ultimately it offers little more than the same old tired formula, albeit from the hopeful pen of an enthusiastic convert.

I found this book wonderfully thought-provoking. I agree with the author that the church needs change, and he presents the obstacles and challenges we as church will face in the coming years. Should be required reading for the laity in America, as well as our bishops, priests and seminarians.