Publisher's Synopsis
Vatican II Renewal, Path to the Future of the Church is a prophetic call for change in the Catholic Church today. It presents the 1962-65 Second Vatican Council's revolutionary vision of renewal/reform of the church as the sure path to her restored credibility and promising future for her members today. Readers will find a clear treatment of its seven most important documents and the critical evaluation of their varied implementation in today's church valuable in understanding Vatican II. The book is also a rich source of information on the contemporary Catholic Church. Individual chapters treat Christian ecumenism, moral theology questions, the developing Catholic social thought, the church as people of God and a mystery, current liberation theologies, American women religious "nuns," contemporary spiritualities. Issues treated are church governance, celibacy and married priests, women deacons, church polarization, sexual morality, dialogue with other Christian churches and world religions, and Vatican II's renewal of liturgy and of the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation and marriage. The author discusses with 'utmost honesty' church problems and challenges as well as her rich tradition and values. Early Christianity Scholar Professor Hamilton Hess, University of San Francisco, writes: "A marvelous book. Joseph Eagan has provided us with a masterly exposition of the problems facing the Catholic Church today and of the ecclesial renewal mandated by the Second Vatican Council. Thoroughly researched and clearly expressed for a variety of readers, this book comes at the ideal time of the beginning of new papal leadership." Maureen Bennett, teacher and housewife, comments: "Catholics saw in the decrees of Vatican II an exciting vision of the future Church. For many, that promise remains unfulfilled. Fr. Eagan restores our hope for change still to come and illustrates the path to achieving that bright future." Dr. Harvey Egan, Boston College, states: "Clearly written, concisely and with nuance . . . a great aid for those teaching students or for anyone interested in contemporary Catholicism." Some readers' comments: "We treasure the book and find it so exciting, courageous and compelling. Francis, bishop of Rome, should keep it at his bedside." "An enormous contribution to forming a foundation for our faith today." "Optimism and hope permeate the pages." "It has given me hope again." Both young and older Catholics, students and parish discussion groups, and fellow Christians will find this book stimulating and full of hope.
