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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
A slightly different, more politically progressive take on the typical Catholic conversion story. Chris' life story shows a remarkable dedication to social justice, especially in his current ministry in Camden, NJ. His book is a well-researched and annotated apologia pro vita sua, citing modern philosophers and ancient theologians. Much of it seems directed at his evangelical former compatriots, assuring them he has not sold out by embracing liturgy and papal leadership. He's very honest about what he dislikes in his new Catholic Church("On Belonging To A Terrible Organization"), but also profoundly reflects on how its teachings grappling with the meaning of suffering and pain in the world. If you liked Jennifer Fulweiler's Something Other Than God, this provides an interesting counterpoint.
Short review: Chris Haw traces his movement from cradle Catholic to teen Willow Creek to radical poverty ministry at Eastern College (with Shane Claiborne) to Sacred Heart in Camden NJ. Part two of the book deals with the intellectual and emotional adjustments of all of that movement. There were some frustrating points, I would deal with the movements differently, but in the end many of the questions raised I appreciate even if I come to different answers.
Click through for a longer review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/chris-haw/
Click through for a longer review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/chris-haw/
I’ve spent the last year really struggling with my Catholic faith, to the point where I’ve debated leaving the Church altogether. This book, particularly the last three chapters, was helpful in, as the subtitle says, rekindling a love for the Catholic Church. There are points I would push back on, for sure. But there are points that gently pulled me back towards the Church. There was never a feeling that I was reading Catholic propaganda, designed to convert me into the most devout Catholic. (In fact, the opposite is true; Haw demands critical thinking about the Church from those within it, his self included.) Haw’s ethos as an author, the way he has walked the walk and the journey he’s gone on, contribute to this feeling.
Since the pandemic started, my Catholic identity crisis has been put on hold as more pressing issues arise, so I anticipate returning to this book later, when the most pressing issue in my life is whether or not I should attend Mass each week. That being said, the themes of loving what is broken, of fixing a broken institution through love, of being critical of while still enjoying a tradition, of changing your mind, and of forgiveness (amongst others) are still very helpful at this moment in time.
Since the pandemic started, my Catholic identity crisis has been put on hold as more pressing issues arise, so I anticipate returning to this book later, when the most pressing issue in my life is whether or not I should attend Mass each week. That being said, the themes of loving what is broken, of fixing a broken institution through love, of being critical of while still enjoying a tradition, of changing your mind, and of forgiveness (amongst others) are still very helpful at this moment in time.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced