Publisher's Synopsis
All Are Welcome At My Table explores why Catholic America is "The Land of Cafeteria Catholicism." The tipping point began in the 1940s and firmly took hold in 1968. Moreover, it should particularly resonate with folks born from 1930 - 1955. If like many, you think of God as just the Man upstairs: Hopefully, this book will encourage open-minded folks to consider that the "Man upstairs" also pitches His tent in all hearts and souls, (when invited) at the same time. Of the 67.3 million recorded Catholics in the United States, 68% and growing are in fact Cafeteria Catholics. The term is a reference to cafeteria style dining, in which people thoughtfully select the foods they want. They are Catholics who in good conscience, choose not to totally adhere to or agree with every dogma and rule of the Church. Of those Americans who say they are Catholic, only 24% attend Sunday Mass (CARA Catholic Poll.) An ABC News/Washington Post poll of American Catholics conducted in March, 2013 found that 60% of Catholics described the church as hopelessly "out of touch" with the views of Catholics in America.The major conflict within the Church today has manifested through a number of facets. First, there is a conflict between papal authority and an individual's Catholic conscience. Secondly, there is the conflict between the authority of the Pope and the bishops-the Magisterium (which is the teaching authority of the Church) - And then, there is the authority of the majority of Catholic theologians who are not part of the Magisterium.Clearly, these areas point to the emergent storm within the American Catholic Church. It pits the reformers against a conservative front. Barring a sea of change, the American Cafeteria Catholic phenomenon shows no signs of letting up. It will only continue to widen the schism and increase the ongoing turmoil within and exodus from the Church.Hopefully, this book will encourage all Christians to recalibrate their God concept as distinct from Institutional Religion.All Are Welcome At My Table is recommended for everyone that: Is Confusing "Churchanity" with Christianity Is confusing religion and rules with spiritualityHas rejected the church and therefore GodIs seeking to re-connect to a personal GodKeep an open mind, keep the faith, and God bless.
