August 24, 2015
Gehring, Catholic director at the advocacy group Faith in Public Life, presents a well-researched work that features dozens of Catholic voices driving the conversation about Pope Francis and his universal call for a radical embrace of the Gospel. Gehring is a veteran journalist who digs for the nuances at the heart of a story; in a media climate often filled with suspicion and polarization, it is refreshing to read something with true journalistic integrity. While not afraid of offering criticism, Gehring is most interested in finding common ground. The book focuses on the consistent, challenging message that Pope Francis proclaims regarding care for the poor and the resonance of faith in all aspects of life. This message has transformed many faithful who felt disenfranchised by the Church's sex scandal, and injected new and vital energy into Catholicismâa progression the author describes in a punchy style. Gehring is able to cover numerous topics that are accentuating Francis's effect on the worldwide church, including LGBTQ rights, Catholic identity of institutions, religion and politics, and the necessity of stemming the tide of millennials exiting the Church in droves. Anyone curious about where the Catholic Church is headed in the 21st century will be fascinated by Gehring's take.
Starred review from October 1, 2015
With this book, Gehring (Catholic program director, Faith in Public Life) has created a thoughtful response to the papacy of the first man to take, as his regnal name, that of Francis of Assisi, the medieval saint renowned for the radical simplicity of his life and message. In Gehring's view, Francis's ascendancy has both global implications and meanings particular to the West, specifically the United States. Pope Francis has already provoked discussion of the most divisive issues facing the church such as those related to marriage and family life, encouraged the revival of Liberation Theology, and been an outspoken advocate for action on climate change. VERDICT A thoughtful, important study of an ever-evolving and exciting time in the Catholic Church.
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