Loyal Dissent: Memoir of a Catholic Theologian (Moral Traditions series)
"To some Fr. Curran is a radical progressive; to others, and angry dissident. The truth is that he is neither... Read the book." --National Catholic Reporter"For an intellectually gifted young man like Curran, there could be no going back to a time when theologians simply submitted to ecclesiastical censorship. Whether one ultimately agrees with Curran or not, his story is a reminder that when ideas lose their intrinsic power to command assent, authority can only do so much." --Commonweal"An inspiration. It is the story of a man totally dedicated to his vocation as theologian and priest, one who was treated harshly and unjustly and harbors no slightest touch of bitterness... His book is entertaining, enlightening, challenging and hope-filled." --Doctrine & Life"Readers here encounter both an autobiographical work and a reflective memoir chronicling Curran's evolving moral reasoning. He adroitly confronts established moral tenets with the brilliance of a scholar and the sensitivity of a seasoned pastor." --Library Journal"Curran is a clear and engaging writer, andLoyal Dissentintroduces us to many compelling personalities in the American Catholic Church, in its Roman guard, and in Catholic higher education, even as it provides us with a familial invitation into the lives of priest-professors from the 1950s to the present time." --Journal of Religion"[Curran] thinks laypeople ought not to be powerless within their own church. In short, he believes in freedom of thought and speech within his own religion." --Fort Worth Weekly"As this newly released memoir recounts, at a relatively young age Curran became, by choice and circumstance, the most infamous American Catholic theologian of his time." --America"A compelling look into the machinery of one of the world's largest religious communities. Curran reflects on both his ongoing commitment to the church that condemned him and his responsibility to challenge its positions." --Science & Spirit"The book deserves a wide readership, if not for learning about a critique of US Catholicism after Vatican II, then surely for drawing inspiration from the narrative of one moral theologian's fidelity and commitment to the best in the Catholic tradition." --The Jurist"Charles Curran's memoir is a perfect expression of who he is: a mature, well-balanced person, without a trace of self-importance or rancor, a deeply committed Christian, and a first-rate, exceedingly productive Catholic theologian. This book deserves a wide readership not limited to theologians and students of theology. It will be of particular value for those seeking to understand more about the Christian moral life and the tensions and complexities of post-Vatican II Catholicism." -- Crowley-O'Brien Professor, University of Notre Dame"Engrossing, enlightening, salted with humor, poignant, and profoundly inspiring, this memoir recounts the journey of one of the leading theologians of the Catholic Church in this country. Curran has been at the center of historic events. His own account of things, especially the gracious charity with which he views opponents, is stunning. His stories of personal, intellectual, and spiritual choices are linked, quite unselfconsciously, with the mantra 'for truth and for the good of the church.' To borrow the title of a best-selling book, this is a heartbreaking work of staggering genius -- not just human talent, but the genius of a faith-filled life. A powerful read for anyone who is active in the church today." --Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ, Distinguished Professor of Theology, Fordham University"In this memoir, the reader discovers the intellect of a scholar, the clarity of a teacher, and the heart of a pastor. With the realistic sense of history, saving sense of humor, acute intelligence, and love of the Church for which he is known, Charles Curran gives witness to the meaning and cost of being called to a stance of 'faithful dissent.' His commitment to Christian discipleship and to his vocation as a Catholic theologian and priest remains an inspiration for the Church in the 21st century." --Mary Catherine Hilkert, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame"In his clear, direct style, Curran tells the story of his struggle with the Vatican over the legitimacy of dissent in the Catholic Church and with the Catholic University of America over academic freedom. His exploration of this history and the developments in theology since offers wisdom, understanding, and hope to those who struggle with their church and their own faith. It is a book for every thoughtful Christian, not just for theologians." --Sheila Daley, codirector and cofounder, Call To Action