American and Catholic: A Popular History of Catholicism in the United States [Paperback]

Clyde F. Crews (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1992

A complete and balanced presentation of the story of the American Catholic people.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a superb account of the American Catholic experience. Father Crews is a master storyteller and a careful historian. This book is easy to read. History comes alive. Catholic people are presented with all their holiness and warts. Crews tells the story of the people of God, demonstrating his sensitivity to the diversity of the ethnic, religious, and theological tradition. It will be especially useful in college and seminary courses as well as in adult education. -- Patrick W. Carey, Chair, Theology Department,Marquette University

About the Author

CLYDE F. CREWS is a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky, and professor of theology and church history at Bellarmine University in Louisville. He received a Ph.D. in the history of Christian thought at Fordham University and is the author of numerous books and articles. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 167 pages
• Publisher: Saint Anthony Messenger Press and Franciscan (December 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867161752
• ISBN-13: 978-0867161755
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,394,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A quick read, August 3, 2000

By 

Earl Weisenhorn (West Des Moines, Iowa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American and Catholic: A Popular History of Catholicism in the United States (Paperback)

Clyde Crews outlines the history of the Catholic Church in American in broad strokes and major events. He does not include the details or the rationale for church direction and development. You can read this book in one sitting and get an overview of the American Catholic Church.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "Popular History", May 8, 2005

By 

Lisa M. Hendey "Mom, Blogger, Podcaster, Author" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American And Catholic: A Popular History Of Catholicism In The United States (Paperback)

I greatly enjoyed my reading of this book in the spirit in which it was intended, not as a definitive historical textbook, but as the author described it in his introduction:

"The brief account within these pages attempts to present many of the major personalities, movements, spiritualities, conflicts, changes and constancies within the American Catholic community."

I enjoyed this book for its sweeping overview, the delightful photographs and illustrations that complimented the text, and the interesting discussion questions peppered throughout the various chapters. Surely the story of Catholicism in America is one that can be told from countless perspectives, as is true with any wonderful story. I enjoyed my reading of this account and learned many new and interesting things along the way.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Paced, Fact Filled, February 14, 2005

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: American And Catholic: A Popular History Of Catholicism In The United States (Paperback)

Crews, a priest who holds a Ph.D. in history of Christian thought, presents major personalities, events, "changes and constancies" within the American Catholic community. This rendering might not be the most comprehensive of its kind, but it is imminently readable and refreshingly concise. Crews' hope is to "show this ancient faith in its rich complexity as it lives within and influences-and is influenced by-the American nation." The text itself is supplemented by photos, drawings, newspaper articles, statistical tables, letters, and discussion questions, which make this a good resource for small groups.

Each chapter focuses on a specific time period, beginning with America before the revolution and ending with the present. The final chapter covers Vatican II, the first Catholic U.S. president, and the increasing number of Catholics in influential positions in all walks of life. That chapter also looks at the decrease in priests in contrast to the increase in laypeople, the "just war" theory in relation to both Vietnam and Iraq, and the sexual abuse scandal.