The Faithful: A History of Catholics in America

by James M. O'Toole

Shaken by the ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandal, and challenged from within by social and theological division, Catholics in America are at a crossroads. But is today's situation unique? And where will Catholicism go from here? With the belief that we understand our present by studying our past, James O'Toole offers a bold and panoramic history of the American Catholic laity.

O'Toole tells the story of this ancient church from the perspective of ordinary Americans, the lay believers who have kept their faith despite persecution from without and clergy abuse from within. It is an epic tale, from the first settlements of Catholics in the colonies to the turmoil of the scandal-ridden present, and through the church's many American incarnations in between. We see Catholics' complex relationship to Rome and to their own American nation. O'Toole brings to life both the grand sweep of institutional change and the daily practice that sustained believers. "The Faithful" pays particular attention to the intricacies of prayer and ritual--the ways men and women have found to express their faith as Catholics over the centuries.

With an intimate knowledge of the dilemmas and hopes of today's church, O'Toole presents a new vision and offers a glimpse into the possible future of the church and its parishioners. Moving past the pulpit and into the pews, "The Faithful" is an unmatched look at the American Catholic laity. Today's Catholics will find much to educate and inspire them in these pages, and non-Catholics will gain a newfound understanding of their religious brethren.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, American History

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2008

Reviews

[Dan Mccormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had I been one of Dr. O'Toole's history Ph.D students, instead of one of the many archivists to learn from him, I suppose this would have represented the content of one of his seminars. As it is, this is a readable, well-researched account of the past and present of American Catholicism leading to a church that will resemble something quite different in the future. O'Toole, a professor of history at Boston College is particularly strong at uncovering representative examples to illustrate a time, place or practice, and he does this quite vividly in The Faithful. This is one of those works that readers will want to refer back to as the church continues to evolve in its uniquely American environment.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a year since I read this, but from what I remember, it was superb! I really enjoy reading about background of what goes on during the Mass (why we do what we do), and I love history. This book did a wonderful job of combining those two aspects.

[BJ Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. . .better in the earlier chapters; flip and dismissive when he gets to the mid-20th century.

[Nicole]

I couldn't finish this audiobook. The narrator's voice is so monotone and droning, it puts me to sleep. The information is quite interesting and I do look forward to actually reading it sometime, but I couldn't get over the audiobook narrator's voice.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 80 pages about put me to sleep (no, actually did!) with lots of repetition, but the rest was very interesting. Like a walk down memory lane. Not much discussion of the Native Americans, and the missionary work done in the west and southwest, however.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a very interesting read about the development of Catholic life in America. As a new Catholic, it was very enlightening to see the changes that have taken place, even in the last 50 years.

[Sbugsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Being a catholic all my life, I wanted to learn about the history. I learned a lot!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a really well-done look at the history of the Catholic church in America. I enjoyed learning more about how things envolved.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful rendering of the little known history of the Catholic Church in America.