Peter Steinfels raises some interesting points here about the future of Catholic identity, especially as it pertains to education, health care and charities. For a long time, it was the priests and religious who sustained these institutions and imparted an identity to them. But what do we do today as religious vocations are experiencing such a sharp downturn in the United States? How, he asks, will the faith be passed on to the next generation? One of the big problems, he notes, is a widespread religious ignorance among younger Catholics. He quotes one Notre Dame student who said he liked being Catholic but wasn't really sure what it meant to be Catholic. Steinfels asks some pertinent questions here, thoughtfully and with intelligence, although I'm not sure I'd agree with all his premises or conclusions. But I do think he's right in saying that Catholics need to talking to each other about their shared future, and they need to do it in a real spirit of dialogue in order to listen together to the ways that God's spirit is speaking to the Church today. He may not have all the answers, but I think that asking questions is at least a step in the right direction. Well written and engaging.
There are many, especially those in conservative circles, who would dismiss the book as just another example of "Catholic-bashing." After all, the author is a writer for THE NEW YORK TIMES and was previously editor of COMMONWEAL. However, critics anxious to dismiss the book as just so much silliness would be foolish and short-sighted.
Peter Steinfels examines many of the major issues confronting the Catholic Church today with and depth, clarity and thoughtfulness rarely found in an era where thoughts are measured in ten-second sound bites and Hardball volleys from talking heads. A PEOPLE ADRIFT: THE CRISIS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AMERICA addresses the current scandals and long term issues facing the Church today. It explores the nature of the Church in society and the clash of the institution with secular influences.
The author also presents a number of "solutions" to the current crisis and it is in many of these recommendations that there will be a wide divergence of opinions and perhaps continued acrimonious debate. Ultimately however, this debate is important in that major issues will be explored and the concerns of Catholics will be given appropriate articulation and consideration. Whether or not one agrees with the author, it is important for all to understand these issues so that one can properly understand Church teaching on such matters. The issues will remain out there and it is important to deal with them.
