Faith of Our Fathers: Reflections on Catholic Tradition

by Eamon Duffy

Professor Eamon Duffy is an outstanding scholar who has revolutionised late medieval and Reformation studies through the publication of such books as The Stripping of the Altars (Yale UP). But Duffy has always had a deep pastoral concern, especially with the countless students who have passed through his care and supervision in the University of Cambridge. In his more popular writings, Professor Duffy has wrestled with the problems of being a Christian and a Catholic in the modern world and in this new book, he sets out the key issues to his mind, for any intelligent person who needs to make sense of being a Catholic today. Books of this kind are rare and any new publication from Professor Duffy is eagerly awaited and very widely reviewed.

Genres: Religion, History, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity

187 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Eamon Duffy is Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge, and former President of Magdalene College.

He describes himself as a "cradle Catholic" and specializes in 15th to 17th century religious history of Britain. His work has done much to overturn the popular image of late-medieval Catholicism in England as moribund, and instead presents it as a vibrant cultural force. On weekdays from 22nd October to 2nd November 2007, he presented the BBC Radio 4 series "10 Popes Who Shook the World" - those popes featured were Peter, Leo I, Gregory I, Gregory VII, Innocent III, Paul III, Pius IX, Pius XII, John XXIII, and John Paul II.

Reviews

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a resolute Protestant this might sound strange but of all of the books on the Roman Catholic tradition I have ever read, this is the one I would most recommend to outsiders like myself. Many of the books and figures that seek to explain (or defame) Catholicism are extremely partisan, aggressively simplistic, and uncharitable to "the Other," whether that be Taylor Marshall and other "Rad Trads" from the Catholic side or the fundamentalist James White from the Protestant side. Many are led astray by their bluster into vilifying their "religious cousins" and admitting no sins on their own part but in 'Faith of Our Fathers: Reflections on Catholic Traditions,' Eamon Duffy, one of the most renowned church historians of our day, muses in an irenic, empathetic, historically-informed, and nuanced fashion on Catholicism's theology, history, and practice.

Much of Duffy's book is rooted in his own childhood experience of growing up Catholic in Ireland. He addresses a wide array of Catholic concerns such as Marian devotion, the priesthood, praying for the dead, church scandals, the papacy, and hierarchy and authority. Duffy is a close reader of history and the liturgy, lamenting the losses that come with change while pointing out situations where what has often been considered immutable tradition has in fact been innovation itself.

'Faith of Our Fathers' was released in 2004, in the waning days of Pope John Paul II's papacy. Much has changed in the nearly two decades since then, particularly the polarizing papacies of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Still, I highly recommend this book as an informative foray into Catholic history, theology, practice, and tradition.

[Kevin de Ataíde]

An interesting book, well written and a sort of commentary on Catholicism as the author sees it in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the great changes that followed it. His descriptions of the popular Christianity of Ireland in the 50s are very good to read, for they are similar to my own native Goa. There are a boy's description of indulgences, popular devotions (he describes the Sacred Heart Treasury to the letter), the devotion to Mary and the Saints, etc. Throughout the book, which comprises individual articles stitched together as chapters, there is a sense of the confusion that followed the rapid changes to traditional Catholicism, a Catholicism that was built on the Mass, pious acts and devotions that were either changed or swept away. Trying to take a more or less observational stance, the author laments the passing of the old Art of Dying (p.107-112) for example, the theology of the old funeral Mass with its presentation of various human emotions as expressed in the sentiments of the Dies Irae (p.119); while at the same time accepting that these things are now past.



The author's synopsis is that all the organisational structures and institutions of the Church are constructs of a certain time and need updating. As these constructs were products of a certain time, they couldn't last forever: the change in or fall of Tridentine models was inevitable. Among these, he lists the papacy and the priesthood. The author certainly knows a lot about the history of the Church, the papacy and the priesthood (he is an excellent historian who *has* written highly-rated books on the protestant revolution in England and the history of the papacy).



It's not surprising then, that three whole chapters are given to the papacy and episcopal control. Ultramontanism, mentioned overmuch, is not the way, says the author. The entire system before Vatican II is labelled the 'Ultramontane Church.' (p.86) Authoritarian structures must fade and the role of the papacy must be a symbol of unity and a guiding or teaching role rather than as a supreme commander of the Church. I'd never thought that HH John Paul II was an ultramontane, but the author describes his numerous trips abroad as expressions of his understanding of his own 'immediate authority and responsibility for every Catholic in the world,' (p.66) a demonstration of a 'disabling paternalism and interventionism.' (p.77) In the past, the power of the Pope could be checked by the State, or States, today 'there is noone to bind the Pope's hands.' (p.76)



There are good essays on the recent history of the church in England, the issue of scandal (especially clerical scandal based on the tridentine model of a holy and sinless priesthood, which model made offences appear so much larger) and the great argument of the Inquisition. All considered, an interesting traipsy through Church traditions with a master historian. I find it intriguing that he finds himself groping behind Vatican II, towards traditions he grew up with in his native Ireland, while insisting that there is no turning back. We are all turning back, in a way. That's what belonging to a historical Church is all about.

[Will Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent theological and historical review of Catholic tradition from a unique perspective that acknowledges the goodness and renewal of the Vatican II reforms, whilst also being conscious of the good things left behind from the Pre-Conciliar tradition. Being first and foremost an historian, Duffy’s insights are borne out factually and objectively, making this work free from the theological jockeying of liberal and conservative that so often consumes Christian writing today. The style of the book is engaging and easy to follow, with 19 distinct chapters running the broad length of Catholic faith (though the largest chunk - around 4 chapters - is dedicated to the role and history of the papacy). A follow-up would be interesting to review the developments in the 20 years since the book’s publication, though Duffy’s prophetic insights regarding the necessary linkage of ritual, symbolism and belief, ring true today. A brilliant ledge to inspire a deeper dive into Church history.

[katieㅤ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book was far too dense and wordy for me to fully understand the text, which led me to skim through everything. Probably not such a great idea considering I have to write an essay on the book. Whoops.