Prophetic and Public: The Social Witness of U.S. Catholicism
By Kristin E. Heyer. Georgetown University Press (Washington, D.C.). 228 pp. $26.95
Kristen Heyer's "Prophetic and Public: The Social Witness of U.S. Catholicism," is a fascinating exploration of the ways Catholics live out their faith in the public arena.
Though it is an "academic" book (Heyer teaches Christian social ethics at Loyola Marymount University), its usefulness extends to those involved directly in social action organizations and advocacy, and those involved in ministries in which social action is not primary. Rather than merely intriguing intellectual engagement, this book serves to affirm the importance of living out our Catholic identity in a practical, responsible and prayer-based manner.
Besides the questions it poses, the book prompts questions in the reader's mind --- such as, how does one resolve the tension between the fact that, by virtue of our baptism, we are "co-creators" with God, and the theological understanding that God has already redeemed creation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ? What is the link between faith in God and our role in bringing about the alleviation of suffering? What is our responsibility in caring for our neighbor, loving our enemy, and taking care of God's creation? And, most to the point of the book, how are we to make this happen?
Such discussion, carried throughout the book, brings up other intriguing questions. How does an individual or group engage in collaborative (i.e. with inter-faith and/or "secular" organizations) efforts for social action without watering down the Gospel message? Conversely, how does a more sectarian, prophetic approach work without risking the inclusive nature of the New Testament? Does working within the system necessarily denote compromise, a watering down of the Gospel message?
Chapter four is relevant for anyone wanting to consider how best to engage in social justice issues. Heyer states that lobbying groups NETWORK and PCUSA "work out of more prophetic strains of the Catholic tradition and understand part of their mission as calling the church itself to accountability," and at times place themselves outside the structure in order to be prophetic to it.
The USCCB, meanwhile, is "…more engaged in promoting the totality of the Catholic reality," in Heyer's words. However, all of these groups have the same challenge --- working for fair and just legislation within the "compromise" attitude of Washington, D.C., while remaining true to Scriptural and Catholic social principles.
In chapter five, Heyer proposes her own approach to practicing our faith in the public arena, advocating a "both/and," not an "either/or" approach. Her methodology encourages all organizations to a set of principles: to strengthen correct embodiment of theological beliefs and advocacy; to have legitimate forms of self-critique; and to engage in a wide range of issues.
"A Catholic understanding of public theology," she writes, "will inherently encompass some pluralism of modes and strategies, because as the U.S. bishops assert in 'A Place at the Table,' government and business, faith-based organizations and families and individuals all have important roles to play in countering poverty and working for a more just society."
---Allis Druffel
An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It
By Al Gore. Rodale (Emmaus, Pa., 2006). 325 pp., $21.95.
Among people of faith, heads are likely to nod in agreement with the title of Al Gore's book --- "An Inconvenient Truth." Often it's easier to turn away than face the facts about pressing issues such as poverty, injustice, war and more.
The text is apt to make readers squirm, clear their throats, shift in their seats --- it's as much "uncomfortable" as it is "inconvenient."
Gore is nothing short of blunt in the introduction, where he writes: "Not only does human-caused global warming exist, but it is growing ... at a pace that has now made it a planetary emergency."
Calling the subject matter --- essentially global warming caused by excesses of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases --- a "moral issue," the former U.S. vice president asserts that the world community has moved from denial to despair where the problem is concerned.
In the 300-plus pages in paperback that first hit bookstore and library shelves in 2006, Gore's presentation is graphically dramatic; he wraps together impressive four-color photography, informative graphs and easy-to-read charts with hypotheses offered by experts from academia such as John Mercer, Roger Revelle and Lonnie Thompson. Gore holds the reader's attention by weaving in family vignettes that add human emotion and support to the otherwise textbook-style writing.
Alarming before-and-after photos, such as the drastic changes in glaciers over the past 50 years, are compelling. And captions in oversized fonts give the reader pause. For example, a photo of the havoc in New Orleans taken in the August 2005 aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is matched with the following statement: A major study at MIT in July 2005 "supported scientific consensus that global warming is making hurricanes more powerful and more destructive."
Global warming is a searing subject, making filmmakers, scientists and senators alike sit up and take notice. Undeniable facts, such as the 35,000 killed a few years ago in a European heat wave along with the documented steady rise in global temperatures since 1860, are cause for a meltdown among those who would refute Gore's claims.
This book might well be recommended for students from advanced junior high through university level studies and certainly the general adult reading population.
Readers might be justifiably disappointed that the Tennessee native regularly injects partisan politics and takes frequent jabs at the present administration, placing blame and responsibility squarely on the shoulders of legislators who sit on the aisle opposite his party of choice.
Nevertheless, the message outweighs the distraction of political affiliation. And if you're ultimately swayed by the author's assertions, he has saved the best for last. The final 15 pages at the conclusion of the text are a composite of individual and collective action responses to the thickening of the atmosphere that has trapped infrared radiation from the sun, adversely affecting air, land and water.
---Mary Breslin The Reviewers:
---Allis Druffel serves as director of community services at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena.
---Mary Breslin is editor/general manager of the Catholic Explorer, newspaper of the Diocese of Joliet, Ill. |