Why the Catholic Church Must Change

April 15, 2013

With orderly precision, Ralph (pastoral studies, Lexington Theological Seminary, KY; And God Said What?) presents a substantial discussion guide on major issues of debate within the Roman Catholic Church today: contraception, women's ordination, homosexuality, abortion, marriage/annulments, social justice, and ecumenism. Long a diocesan leader in religious studies, she here quotes both scripture and official Church documents to show changes over time in magisterial teaching, given the emergence of new scientific knowledge and cultural shifts. She explains that inconsistency between word and action among some Church authorities has produced a credibility gap for the faithful today that continues to get a great deal of attention, and diminishes the greater good produced by the Church and its members. VERDICT Fair, well documented, and contextually based, the book is a convincing, succinct review of moral issues broadly impacting Catholic laity and is offered as a way toward reasoned dialog and respectful understanding within and without the Church. Ralph argues for needed changes while affirming the Church's core teachings. Recommended for those involved in today's Catholic Church and informed lay readers.--Anna Donnelly, St. John's. Univ., Jamaica, NY

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 15, 2013
Its title suggests another philippic against an intransigent Catholic Church, but the book is something much better. Ralph is concerned to show readers that the present-day church can change, not just that it should change. Ever so refreshingly, she draws only on scripture and official church documents to make her case and names names only as sources. She establishes the grounds for change via papal pronouncements on biblical interpretationthe church reads the Bible contextually, not fundamentallyand on observing the proper domains of different methods of learning; for example, theology deals with spiritual reality, whereas the sciences deal with physical reality. She makes cases for change in three chapters on issues that concern both non-Catholics as well as Catholics: contraception, discrimination against women, and the civil rights of homosexuals. Four chapters focus on the effectiveness of Catholic teaching and practice about abortion, marriage and annulment, social justice (especially in Catholic workplaces), and Christian unity. She writes straightforwardly, in common language, with the love of Paul (1 Cor. 13:48a), which is not irritable or resentful, but endures all things. Simply invaluable.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)