bookreviews_07_28

BOOK REVIEWS

“For over two thousand years the Catholic Church has housed an unruly family of saints, sinners, and ordinary folks.” This quote from the introduction effectively captures the tone of this book by Dr. Alfred McBride, a work that presents the high profile sinners and the saints while not ignoring what may be the greatest thread of continuity in the church — that nameless sea of humanity whose faith is known to God alone.

The strongest feature of this book is its rather unique organization. Though its chapters follow a temporal sequence (including a helpful sectional time line which depicts critical events in church history parallel to “secular history”), it is a best seen as book about issues and people. In other words, the author uses history as a literary vehicle rather than a primary focus. Unlike many books that follow a set pattern of organization, McBride has allowed himself the freedom to accommodate the structure to the content; for example, the chapter on the Crusades is largely about the morality of war and is devoid of some of the more lighthearted features of other chapters (such as mock interviews and short plays).

Though there is a “stand alone” quality to the book, it is perhaps best seen as a resource for leading discussions and instruction. Because of the author’s use of a wide range of writing genres, discussion leaders will be able to use those elements of the text which best meet the needs and backgrounds of the participants. The questions following each chapter are helpful pedagogical tools; however, some discretion will be needed in their use. While most are constructed so as to help the student connect his/her own lived experiences with the textual material, others require the application of extensive background knowledge.

Like all human beings, the author is not without his biases. At times his commentary seems to be an apologia for American foreign policy (for example, pointing out how America has played a role in establishing democracies without acknowledging the less palatable aspects of such policies). McBride vacillates in his views on the morality of armed conflict — he justifies it on the basis of Jesus’ being friendly with soldiers and the perception that “Too many people enjoy a fight.” Yet one chapter in the book is introduced by the words of Catherine of Siena as she exhorts the pope not to “come with a military escort, but . . . with the cross in your hand like a gentle lamb.”

McBride clearly writes from the perspective of one who is able to acknowledge the scandals and failings of the church while maintaining a firm faith in the Holy Spirit’s providential guidance. The church that emerges from this book is one that is evolving toward ever increasing fullness of understanding and practice of the Good News. The author’s presentation of church history has the potential to instil hope that the church’s leavening function will continue to move society in the direction of increasing compassion, justice and unity.

Originally from the St. Brieux district, Buettner is a retired educator living in Winnipeg. He is a member of the Secular Franciscan Order.