Brave New Church: From Turmoil to Trust (World According) [Paperback]

William J. Bausch (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Twenty-Third Publications (February 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585951358
• ISBN-13: 978-1585951352
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,908,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars At Times Hopeful, At Times Critical, But Always Interesting and Informative, August 25, 2006

By 

Timothy Kearney (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brave New Church: From Turmoil to Trust (World According) (Paperback)

William Bausch has earned an esteemed fan base in Catholic circles for his writings. After reading some of his books, it's easy to see why. His writing style is comfortable, he's a firm believer in Catholic traditions as one should expect from a priest, yet he's also realistic about the current situation the Church is facing and what needs to be done as far as reform is concerned. Therefore in reading his pages one sees a belief in an empowered laity along side of the hierarchy. He sees the distinct role of the priest but also believes that ordination should be available for a wider group of people. He understands society today, but espouses the call of Vatican II to transform society. In short, he's very much like the majority of faithful Catholics clergy and lay who love the Church and know it's important to work for its survival.

BRAVE NEW CHURCH was published in late 2001 but received most of its acclaim in early 2002 when the sexual abuse scandal in Boston became national news. Since that time many books have been published that deal directly with the current issues facing the Church, including a volume by this author, but for many readers, Bausch's volume was the first available and one that offered great hope. The book begins by identifying twelve areas of challenge for the church. He looks at the secular society, the changing ways of some Catholics, the priest shortage, lack of catechesis, a distrust of institutions, and scandal overall (he includes sexual, financial, and misuse of trust). He then looks at the strengths of the Church and offers suggestions as to how the issues should be addressed. My guess is that some readers may not agree with all of his solutions, but what he has to say does have merit and is on solid Biblical, theological, and pastoral foundations.

I had thought of suggesting this book as a selection for our parish book club, but wondered about its relevancy. Even though many negative revelations have been unearthed since the book's release, it's not outdated. The issues the book addresses have not gone away, and it would make an excellent guide for a discussion group of where we are as Catholics today and where we want to be as a healthy, whole Church.