James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus

People of God

by Jon M. Sweeney

2021 Catholic Media Association Award first place award in best new religious book series 2021 Catholic Media Association Award third place award in biography Fr. James Martin, SJ, is one of the most recognized Catholic priests in the United States. His book My Life with the Saints introduced hundreds of thousands of readers to many saintly heroes. More recently, Building a Bridge called the Catholic Church to more respect and compassion for the LGBT Community—and made Martin not only a friend to LGBT people but a lightning rod for some “traditionalist” Roman Catholics. His articulate and winsome personality has endeared him to millions inside and outside the Church. Now it is time to tell the story of his own life, to explore the experiences that made him the person he is today.

And there’s no better narrator for the story than Jon M. Sweeney, an award-winning and highly accomplished writer in his own right. In James Martin, In the Company of Jesus, Sweeney probes Martin’s early life, his experiences as a corporate executive, his call to religious life, his ministry and spirituality, his feelings about both the adoration and the criticism he receives from so many, and much more. Readers will come away with a much better understanding of one of today’s most interesting and influential Catholics.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2019

About the author

Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and writer of popular history. He is married, the father of three, and lives in Montpelier, Vermont. He has worked in book publishing for 25 years: after co-founding SkyLight Paths Publishing, he was the editor in chief and publisher at Paraclete Press, and in August 2015 became editorial director at Franciscan Media Books.

He has written more than 20 books, seven about Francis of Assisi, including "When Saint Francis Saved the Church" and "The Complete Francis of Assisi." HBO has optioned the film rights to "The Pope Who Quit."

Jon's first 20 years were spent as an involved evangelical (a story told in the memoir "Born Again and Again"); he then spent 22 years as an active Episcopalian (see "Almost Catholic," among others); and on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in 2009 he was received into the Catholic Church. Today, Jon is a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. He would never say that he's "spiritual but not religious."

In all of his writing, Jon is drawn to the ancient and medieval (see "The Road to Assisi," and "Inventing Hell"). Many of his books have been selections of the History Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, and Quality Paperback Book Club.

Reviews

[Jim Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bio of the popular priest and writer that also serves as a succinct introduction to his many books.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written story of Father James Martin's life through today. It follows him from the business world, through becoming a Jesuit and now a commentator on the Catholic Church in our turbulent times. You can learn a lot about him by reading his own books, but this one brings it all together.
More importantly it explains his compassion and caring to all people, not just one particular group. There are so many that only see him in one light that really need to see the whole picture. If you were ever touched by his writing, you will enjoy getting to know him a little better through this book.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweeney has written an interesting biography of Jesuit priest James Martin who, according to Sweeney, is the most well-known priest in the United States today. While Fr. Martin is certainly a prolific writer on a variety of topics, I confess that I found my thoughts straying to another prolific clerical scribe, Andrew Greeley, on more than one occasion and wonder why he merited nary a mention when so many other names (like Stephen Colbert, Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, and Philip Seymour Hoffman) are dropped at regular intervals. Now I look forward to reading at least a couple of Fr. Martin's books with an open mind and heart.

[Jim Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a style similar to that of Fr Martin the author has presented a well told and interesting biographic profile. There are also many important lessons woven into the book. Anyone seeking further development of their better self will benefit from reading the description of the process by which Fr Martin discovered, accepted and then embraced his call to the priesthood. Each one of us who sees room for improvement in our daily life will appreciate the many efforts of Fr Martin to encourage compassion and care for all humanity as informed by a living spiritual relationship with our Creator. I am grateful for this book.

[Fr. Edward Looney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a firm believer that biographies help us understand people whom we agree with or even disagree with. They help us to see the person behind the personality. Such is the case with Sweeney’s biography of Fr. Martin, loved and disliked across many subsections of Catholicism. I appreciated insights gained and respect Fr Martin more, despite some differing opinions I may have.

[Philip Chircop · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like walking with a soulful companion. Well, let me revise that, "It feels like walking with a soulful companion." James is the kind of guy I would love to break bread with as we share stories.

[Regina Davala · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a James Martin fan, this book provides fed great background on who James Martin is and how his thinking and writing has evolved. I found the book interesting, inspirational, and intriguing.

[Jill M Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple glaring errors but an ok overview of Jim Martin. I'd recommend his book Work in Progress if you want the real Jim Martin.