Roman Catholicism in America (Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series)

Who are American Catholics and what do they believe and practice? How has American Catholicism influenced and been influenced by American culture and society? This book examines the history of American Catholics from the colonial era to the present, with an emphasis on changes and challenges in the contemporary church. Chester Gillis chronicles America Catholics: where they have come from, how they have integrated into American society, and how the church has influenced their lives. He highlights key events and people, examines data on Catholics and their relationship to the church, and considers the church's positions and actions on politics, education, and gender and sexuality in the context of its history and doctrines. This second edition of Roman Catholicism in America pays particular attention to the tumultuous past twenty years and points toward the future of the religion in the United States. It examines the unprecedented crisis of sexual abuse by priests—the legal, moral, financial, and institutional repercussions of which continue to this day—and the bishops' role in it. Gillis also discusses the election of Pope Francis and the controversial role Catholic leadership has played in American politics. From First Edition: "Employing a multidisciplinary methodology using history, sociology, and theology, Gillis describes and analyzes the experiences of Catholics in America from the seventeenth century to the present. With quotations from ordinary believers, theologians, historians, bishops, and other authorities woven throughout the book, he deftly explores the interplay between worldwide Catholicism and its diverse national and local expressions. In particular, Gillis elucidates the persistent tension between Rome and the American church, which has been shaped by a thoroughly modern, dynamic, and secular culture." "Offering a wealth of information about church membership and ethnic and geographical makeup, the book explores how Catholic views on issues such as human life, abortion, poverty, and American culture have profoundly affected political and moral discourse in the United States. A chronology, glossary, profiles of prominent American Catholics, annotated bibliography, and a list of electronic resources are also included."-- "Chester Gillis chronicles the history of American Catholics from the colonial era to the present, with an emphasis on changes and challenges in the contemporary church. This second edition of Roman Catholicism in America pays particular attention to the tumultuous past twenty years and points toward the future of the religion in the United States."-- Back cover. From First Edition: "Employing a multidisciplinary methodology using history, sociology, and theology, Gillis describes and analyzes the experiences of Catholics in America from the seventeenth century to the present. With quotations from ordinary believers, theologians, historians, bishops, and other authorities woven throughout the book, he deftly explores the interplay between worldwide Catholicism and its diverse national and local expressions. In particular, Gillis elucidates the persistent tension between Rome and the American church, which has been shaped by a thoroughly modern, dynamic, and secular culture." "Offering a wealth of information about church membership and ethnic and geographical makeup, the book explores how Catholic views on issues such as human life, abortion, poverty, and American culture have profoundly affected political and moral discourse in the United States. A chronology, glossary, profiles of prominent American Catholics, annotated bibliography, and a list of electronic resources are also included."-- Provided by publisher