The Faithful

Shaken by the ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandal, and challenged from within by social and theological division, Catholics in America are at a crossroads. But is todays situation unique? And where will Catholicism go from here? With the belief that we understand our present by studying our past, James OToole offers a bold and panoramic history of the American Catholic laity. OToole tells the story of this ancient church from the perspective of ordinary Americans, the lay believers who have kept their faith despite persecution from without and clergy abuse from within. It is an epic tale, from the first settlements of Catholics in the colonies to the turmoil of the scandal-ridden present, and through the churchs many American incarnations in between. We see Catholics complex relationship to Rome and to their own American nation. OToole brings to life both the grand sweep of institutional change and the daily practice that sustained believers. The Faithful pays particular attention to the intricacies of prayer and ritualthe ways men and women have found to express their faith as Catholics over the centuries. With an intimate knowledge of the dilemmas and hopes of todays church, OToole presents a new vision and offers a glimpse into the possible future of the church and its parishioners. Moving past the pulpit and into the pews, The Faithful is an unmatched look at the American Catholic laity. Todays Catholics will find much to educate and inspire them in these pages, and non-Catholics will gain a newfound understanding of their religious brethren.