David Hartline of CatholicReport.org has written a book called "The Tide is Turning Toward Catholicism" that is a very good read. As the title implies it is an optimistic look at the current indicators as to the state of the Catholic Church in the world. Though his optimistic look is not of the Pollyanna variety.
He combines indicators along with history and apologetics to make his points. I found a lot of interesting details that I was not aware of as I read the book especially on history within the last 40 years regarding the Church. Especially nice is that he backs everything up thoroughly with footnotes for each chapter and an extensive references in the back of the book for points made in the various chapters. He also includes several interviews he made for his site CatholicReport.org such as his one with Gene Robinson which is quite amazing.
Despite the fact that I often concentrate on punditry in regards to individuals and groups within the Church I also think that there are a number of positive indicators that are quite hopeful as far as the Church is concerned. Despite the priestly abuse scandals which are often rooted in previous decades there are a number of signs that can be viewed optimistically. I think talking about as the tide is turning is a good simile. The tide will always ebb and flow throughout the history of the Church of which anybody reading Church history will be quite aware of. As I have said before the Church takes a lickin’ but keeps on tickin’ and one of the greatest proofs of the Church is that it survives despite her members.
David looks at the growth of predominantly lay groups defending the faith, youth embracing Apostolic tradition, increase of Eucharistic Adoration, and some of the hopeful signs in Catholic education among some schools, and the Church in culture. He also addresses several other topics such as the decline of liberal churches, the Catholic Vote, and other subjects of a more apologetic nature. His discussions and examples mostly apply directly to the Church in the United States, but some of it can be applied world wide. He doesn’t make the mistake of seeing everything with Rose colored glasses. Catholic education obviously has a long way to go and their will be increasing conflicts with the culture in regards to Catholic truths. This book is both an enjoyable and informative read.
10 comments
Jeff,
I too read this gem of a book a couple months back. I agree on many points and recommend it for those wanting to read more of the renewal of faith in the Catholic Church.
In Christ,
Tito
I’m starting to lose hope, I better get this book. I’m in one of the “bad bishops” dioceses and was hanging on to the Church waiting for the Motu Proprio. Now it’s out and nothing but hostility and negation in my local area. If I don’t get the option of going soon to the Extraordinary form, I no longer consider myself obligated to attend weekly masses full of abuses, offensive music, sloppy rubrics, ignorant priests, etc. Surely God does not expect this many years of suffering from the faithful. The tide may be turning, but will it be fast enough not to lose thousands of souls?
Cathy: I think while God does not will the abuses-He does expect many years of suffering from His faithful. The Arian heresy went on for years-with much suffering and persecution.
And unfortunately, if you look at history, it is the bishops who cause the most trouble in the Church.
We must be in solidarity as we each suffer these abuses. If we continue to hope and bombard Heaven with prayers-our suffering will help seed the “Springtime”. (Oh yes, easy for me to say-it is harder to suffer these things in practice.) Pray for me too.
On the tide book: You see the following as hopeful signs?? youth embracing apostolic tradition, increase in eucharistic adoration??
Is that what you mean? that these are hopeful signs??
The ultimate “proof” of the church – it’s real estate. Cf. Henry VIII.
Jim,
I concur. I can’t imagine how it must have been when Pope Alexander VI was in charge.
This ship has a lot of holes in it, and it does take on water, but the Holy Spirit, and Christ’s promise that she shall prevail no matter what will keep her afloat.
Cathy, I don’t mean this as a slam. I empathise w/you and feel your pain. I am lucky. I have two parishes in my area that are rock-solid orthodox. My girlfriend, from another diocese has even commented on how much my parish is “with the program.”
My question is, as the expression goes, the camel’s nose is under the tent, if not the whole camel is IN the tent. How will we get the camel out? I know the camel won’t go quietly. We can already hear the whining now, and the “course correction” has only just begun.
It is the peculiar property of the Church that when she is buffeted, she triumphs. –St. Hilary
This is the difference between us and those who do not know God: they complain in adversity; but difficulties do not draw us away from virtue or from the true faith. On the contrary, our virtue and faith are reinforced in affliction. �St Cyprian
I concur. I can’t imagine how it must have been when Pope Alexander VI was in charge.
Hey! Alexander VI ruled ok! And besides, without his goofy treaty dividing up the new world, we wouldn’t have cool pirate films. Arrrrrr! 🙂
Jeff, I read this book earlier this spring, and I was able to see the positive trends to which David Hartline refers. You were too modest; he mentioned bloggers like you as one of the greatest signs of hope for renewal in the Church.
I hope the premise of the book is correct but right now I don’t see too much to cheer about.
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