Purple Culture [Hardcover]

Stephen Boehrer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

What happens when those we trust most commit the most egregious acts of b betrayal? It's a scandal that has sent shockwaves throughout the world. Sexual abuse committed in the place where we-and our children-should be safe: the church.As three bishops stand trial in Federal Court, charged with conspiracy for protecting abusive priests, prosecutor William Goulding and defense attorney James Kobs prepare for the trial of a lifetime.As Goulding presents a litany of damning evidence, Kobs is forced to take an unorthodox route. But Kobs' toughest battle will be persuading the jury. From expert testimony about power, aristocracy, narcissism, and addiction, to the innermost thoughts of the trial's spectators and participants, this extraordinary courtroom drama unfolds as Kobs presents his startling case.An intelligent, provocative story about power and human nature, The Purple Culture is not a book about shame, guilt, finger-pointing, or lurid details. Part legal thriller, part psychological drama, The Purple Culture demystifies the majestic and intriguing traditions of the Roman Catholic faith.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen L. Boehrer was ordained as a priest in Rome. He and his wife live in Wisconsin.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Oceanview Pub (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933515244
• ISBN-13: 978-1933515243
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,074,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars profound legal thriller, May 6, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Purple Culture (Hardcover)

The three Bishops Robert Courteer, Vincent Barieno and Wilbur Sandes stand trial in Federal Court for concealing the pedophile activities of the priests by constantly relocating them before the trouble can surface. The eyes of the world are upon this trial especially victims and their families who want justice in what looks like a sure shot for the prosecution.

The lead attorneys from both sides know how the evidence stacks up and who is looking over each of their shoulders. Prosecutor William Goulding has all the proof on his side so will stick to the facts though he plans to make some of the truth melodramatic and emotional. On the other side defense attorney James Kobs knows he must punch holes in the facts that overwhelming goes against his clients as he must find a way to persuade the jury to acquit though everything affirms they are guilty.

Although a profound legal thriller that extrapolates from the headlines, THE PURPLE CULTURE is much more. Stephen Boehrer enables his readers to look deep at the motives that drove the three Bishops to conceal the sexual predatory nature of some of their priests towards their flock. The author also provides a glimpse of how the victims have fared as well as their families. However, it is the intense scrutiny that lays bare the souls of the three Bishops that make this a brilliant tale that answers why the cover-up.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY.. the TRUTH BEHIND the SEX ABUSE in the Catholic Church!, February 19, 2010

By 

De Omnibus Dubitandum. (Latin America) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Purple Culture (Hardcover)

Finally! Someone is brave enough to tell the truth that Roman Catholic Bishops and Priests have been trying to hid from you for centuries.

It is told in the form of a Novel (fiction) but it is all true and I think I could put names to some of the "fictional" characters in the book.

Well written and a great read!

Shocking to those who are only Sunday Church goes.

A confirmation of what we all suspected and whispered about for we who spend most of our lives involved with the Church.

Every Catholic should read this book!

Maybe the truth will finally set us all free?

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The cacoon of the purple culture, May 22, 2009

By 

R. Marzolf (New Berlin, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Purple Culture (Hardcover)

The Purple Culture was very thought-provoking! Steve Borhrer suggests that many members of the Roman Catholic clergy live and operate within a purpe culture and are somewhat out of touch with reality. His characters are fictional but the situations are very real! His premises are so believable!

Marilyn Marzolf