The Frontiers of Catholicism: The Politics of Ideology in a Liberal World (New Directions in Cultural Analysis) [Paperback]

Gene Burns (Author)

Book Description

Series: New Directions in Cultural Analysis | Publication Date: August 17, 1994

Why does the Catholic Church take a politically conservative stance on some issues, such as abortion and birth control, while on others, such as social programs and nuclear policy, it resembles the left? Why do some Catholic groups reject the legitimacy of Church hierarchy and yet choose to remain within its fold? To explain these apparent contradictions, Gene Burns examines the origins of contemporary diversity and conflict in the Catholic Church as well as the processes of ideological change.
With valuable insights into the American Catholic Church, the modern papacy, and the Latin American Church, The Frontiers of Catholicism is as much a political study of ideological dynamics as it is an institutional study of religious change.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A solid analysis of tensions in Catholicism and the nature of ideological change. Of interest to students of religious history and the interplay of religious and cultural forces." -- Charles H. Lippy, Choice

"Burns has written a work of sociology, but with a broad historical sweep." -- Peter Hebblethwaite, Times Literary Supplement

"Shifting policies on abortion, birth control, peace and war, the economy, social doctrine and liberation theology are the meat of the book. Mr. Burns even finds a place for the truly unpredictable spiritual element." -- John M. Todd, New York Times Book Review

"The importance of The Frontiers of Catholicism goes far beyond its ostensible topic. . . . Burns has used his topic to develop a conceptual framework that has wide-ranging applications to other instances of ideological development and change. . . . An excellent work, one which will be of interest to anyone studying the intricacies of ideological formation and development." -- Patricia Wittberg, Contemporary Sociology

About the Author

Gene Burns is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Princeton University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (August 17, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520089227
• ISBN-13: 978-0520089228
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,742,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Historical Study for Progressive Catholics, May 26, 2000

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B. Lapadat "boo-radley" (twincities,mn) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Frontiers of Catholicism: The Politics of Ideology in a Liberal World (New Directions in Cultural Analysis) (Paperback)

This book gives a thorough yet reader-friendly history of the struggles that Rome has had with the modern liberal world. Burns examines--in depth--the conflicts between Rome and American bishops as well as the role that the American laity has played throughout it all. Burns also addresses the Church in modern Latin America, and concludes with his views on the future of the Church for liberals and progressives. This is a necessary book for anyone wanting to understand the history behind the current schism between conservative and progressive American Catholics.