The Catholic Church at the End of an Age: What Is the Spirit Saying? (Paperback)

~ Ralph Martin (Author) "We are passing through a difficult transition time..." (more)
Key Phrases: new evangelization, charismatic renewal, separated brethren, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, L'Osservatore Romano (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 309 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089870524X
• ISBN-13: 978-0898705249
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,074,615 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for the concerned Catholic., February 2, 1997

By A Customer

This book takes a serious look at what is going on today in the world of Catholicism and Christianity from the perspective of a devout Roman Catholic who loves Christ and His Church. It gives an overview of the problems faced by the Church in many parts of the world and what the Spirit is calling us to do to help

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Summary, October 7, 2000

By A Customer

Martin has hit a bullseye with his analysis of the Church's situation as she enters the third millenium. Martin reveals the 'pre-Vatican II' versus the 'post-Vatican II' Church for the false dichotomy that it is, and the rends in the Church that such false a false dichotomy creates. The Church is ever-ancient, ever-new, the Faith has not changed. The split in the Church is not a chronological one - it is a crisis of Faith. The Church is filled with infallible 'teachers' of false Faith, who never seem to question what will become of those in the flock who subscribe to their teaching. As far as the reviewer who calls Martin a 'loyal dog' of the hierarchy, his bitterness and angst is sad and prophetic. The Church has a hierarchy, locations of employment have a hierarchy, every government has a hierarchy, and the only alternative is chaos and cruelty. This bilious anti-authority streak is shared by many Church dissenters, who pretend to barf at being included in anyone's flock of sheep. Boredom is the sentiment most often evoked by those who can not put aside childish ways and become men (or women). Martin's book is excellent, and should be read by all who are concerned about the attack on the Faith and the faithful. What an exciting time to be in the great Chariot of the Ages!

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tendentious, February 12, 2002

By A Customer

Despite an erratic and often clumsy writing style, Ralph Martin manages to make some key points regarding the Church in crisis. Indeed, giving credit where it's due, Mr. Martin is notably successful in getting many of these points across through the use of statistics -- no easy task.

My main probem with this book is Mr. Martin's true agenda. His primary objective is to engage in charismatic apologetics. The charismatic movement within the Catholic Church remains highly controversial -- and, in the interests of full disclosure, is not at all to my taste.

A much better book on the Church (and the West) in crisis is Father Rutler's "A Crisis of Saints."