Roman Catholicism in America

Columbia Contemporary American Religion

by Chester Gillis

Who are American Catholics and what do they believe and practice? What is distinctive about the expression of Catholicism in America and how have Catholics influenced and been influenced by American culture and society? What different types of Catholics make up the church today? Chester Gillis offers a cogent survey of U.S. Catholic history, emphasizing the post–Vatican II era, and goes on to explore the various roles and missions of the church in education, health care, charity, and more.

One of the themes running through the narrative is the persistent tension between Rome and the American church, which is shaped by a thoroughly modern, dynamic, and secular culture. Also discussed is the changing role of authority and how Catholic notions of authority have changed over the past forty years and why.

Genres: Christian, History, Christianity, Nonfiction, Catholic

366 pages, Hardcover

First published January 5, 1999

Reviews

[Susie Meister]

This book describes what it is like to be a Catholic in America today and throughout its history. Much of this narrative is driven from their position as outsiders in the American religious landscape. Gillis agrees with Dolan who believes the last two decades have created a pluralism within Catholicism that has come to define it in America including "cafeteria Catholics" in contrast to the pious, strict, devout Catholics of yesteryear. While they do not "pray, pay, and obey" like they did in the 1950s, they are still fiercely loyal. Of the Catholic immigrants, some wanted to be "Roman" Catholic, while others wanted American Catholicism (which the pope did not approve of). They learned, however, that they could certainly be a good Catholic and a good American. What do Catholics believe vs. What the church teaches = very different. Notes Colleen McDannell's observation that Catholics want to see, hear, and touch religion. The church has a problem of clergy recruitment (in part because the position does not hold the allure it once did), and are now relying on the laity to perform many tasks that have previously been reserved for priests.

[Ramon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was easy to read and packed with alot of information. I can say most of the information was correct but throughout the book I had that nagging feeling that the author was somewhat cynical or just trying to show he is unbiased. I am not a fan of this type of book and just didn't get a warm fuzzy feeling. Some of the descriptions were unfair such as a he described the devotion to the saints as a "cult." He also referenced Fr. Greeley alot. I am sure he could have found a more respected sociologist that could have given far better insite. Overall it was an aveage read and mostly information I was familiar with over the years.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers 400 years of Catholicism in America. The author does a good job of being detailed and clear. The book is scholarly without scaring off the ordinary reader. This book is one that could be helpful to both practicing and non-practicing Catholics as well as those of other faiths.

I found this book very helpful in my effort to brush up on a couple of points; now I'm off to find a book that covers that last 20 years (where this books leaves off).

Highly recommended.