What makes us Catholic

Publishers Weekly

Groome, a theology professor at Boston College, has written this book at a time when his church is reasserting its beliefs through publication of the catechism and pronouncements on such polarizing issues as the ordination of women. He appears to be trying to assure Catholics who are disappointed with the state of their church in the wake of the reforming Second Vatican Council of the 1960s that it's still okay to be Catholic, even if they don't like the present pope and his vision for Catholic Christianity. What really makes people Catholic, he argues, are such thematic elements as sacramentality and the Catholic view of "society's function as serving the common good." Groome's vision of Catholicism seeks to reveal a more palatable side of the church as an advocate of such social values as inclusiveness and concern for the poor. He also downplays the hierarchy's teaching role by saying this function requires the participation of everyone, "not a small group doing all the teaching." Groome's reputation as an author of several Catholic school texts could make his latest book a popular resource for adult educational programs, since each chapter includes questions suitable for group discussion. However, despite the author's claim that he writes for Catholics "who span the spectrum," his views may alienate more conservative members. (Mar.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

In his latest work, noted Christian educator Groome (Boston Coll.; Christian Religious Education) eloquently contends that all Catholics be they faithful adherents or lapsed members share eight distinctive qualities, e.g., sacramentality, community, social justice, and reverence for tradition. To each Groome dedicates a skillfully written chapter, which opens with an anecdote from his own experience that concretizes its theological subject. Readers will find themselves pausing and engaging in the text with questions for reflection and conversation (in fact, ample room is left for making notes). This format makes the book adaptable to small faith-sharing groups for private inquiry but might compromise it in a circulating collection. To increase its usefulness, Groome kept complex religious jargon to a minimum, allowing his simple stories to resonate in the heart. For the scholar or pastoral leader, five pages of notes complete the text. Recommended for public libraries. John-Leonard Berg, Univ. of Wisconsin, Platteville Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Therese Borchard

"Groome courageously attempts and succeeds to define and explain the curious breed of people called Catholics."

Michael Leach

"Tom Groome's celebration of what is beautiful and lasting in the Catholic tradition is a kiss of peace."

Lawrence S. Cunningham

"This crisply written and passionately presented work eloquently demonstrates why Tom Groome is considered one of our finest religious educators."

Richard P. McBrien

"In a vivid and vibrant style, Thomas Groome portrays Catholicism as a rich, multi-faceted reality."

Eugene Kennedy

"As refreshing as the Beatitudes in revealing the essentially spiritual and sacramental nature of being Catholic."