The Catholic Labyrinth: Power, Apathy, and a Passion for Reform in the American Church
"InThe Catholic Labyrinth: Power, Apathy, and a Passion for Reform in the American Church, [McDonough] compels a close examination of not only what has inhibited a certain level of change in the past but is likely to do so in the foreseeable future. In doing so he strikes at the heart of the argument that, guided by the Holy Spirit, laity and clergy will come together to "take back" their church." --Douglass McFerran, Los Angeles Pierce College"McDonough's acute understanding of institutional structure and organizational dynamics is at work throughout....For those invested in the American church's future, it is a sobering and valuable read, though not an especially heartening one." --America"McDonough s book...provides significant insights into the internal dynamics of contemporary American Catholicism...Recommended."  --CHOICE"With an especially good summary and critique of conservative doctrine... McDonough's work will appeal to anyone interested in American Catholic history or the state of the church." --Library Journal"Peter McDonough brings the perceptive eye of a social scientist and a broad and deep knowledge in many areas to his very significant study of the fractured cultural and intellectual landscape that today is the 'Catholic labyrinth'. Not all will agree with his analysis, but everyone in the Catholic Church-conservatives, liberals, and radicals-will be enlightened and challenged by this book." -- Charles E. Curran, author ofThe Development of Moral Theology: Five Distinctive Strands"Peter McDonough creatively and constructively analyzes the 'Catholic labyrinth' that is his familiar cultural home and his scholarly preoccupation. His subject is a 'paradigm shift in the politics of Catholic belief ' which he mines from multiple perspectives. He helps us understand why Vatican II reformers have not prospered, conservatives are doing only a bit better, and the outcome will most likely feature a not very inspiring 'betterengineered if not altogether accommodating hierarchy.' Catholics and their church are important, and so is this book." -- David J. O'Brien, Professor Emeritus and Loyola Professor of Roman Catholic Studies, College of the Holy Cross"Social scientist Peter McDonough explores the activities of some major organizations and individuals currently calling for change in the Catholic Church in the United States, and presents voices from right, left, and center that sound a common chorus: reform. Just about anyone will find something provocative on a walk around the 'Catholic labyrinth.'" -- Phyllis Zagano, Senior Research Associate-in-Residence, Hofstra University