American Catholics: Gender, Generation, and Commitment

by William V. D'Antonio, Katherine Meyer, James D. Davidson, et al.

Book Overview

How much do American Catholics still identify with the Catholic Church? Do they agree with the Church's teachings, and how often do they participate in its sacraments? What do they think it takes to be a good Catholic? What do they consider to be the Church's core teachings? How do they believe issues of faith and morals should be decided: by the hierarchy, the laity, or some combination of the two? How are they coping with the priest shortage, and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0759100411
• ISBN13: 9780759100411
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: Altamira Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Are American Catholics Worshipping Fate?

Since entering the new millennium American Catholicism has been in a state of accelerating free-fall. A large majority of Catholics have arrived at negative judgments about the ethical and pastoral teachings of their church's leadership on a wide range of important issues. Most Catholics believe these teachings are not merely wrong, but morally wrong. And most Catholics are finding it increasingly difficult to "pass on" their cherished Catholic heritage to their children as they come to adulthood. Will they watch their large, resourceful, generous, and tolerant faith community, which is of service in so many ways to American society and the world-wide Catholic church, collapse because of a small, very conservative, well intentioned, authoritarian minority (that happens to include most bishops and all but a few cardinals)? Those who care about the answer to this question should read this book about young adult Catholics by a team of distinguished scholars & researchers---then see, judge, & act.