Being Catholic Now: Prominent Americans Talk about Change in the Church and the Quest for Meaning

I knew by reading the reviews that this was a controversial book and that I must read it. As a practicing, fulfilled, and lifelong Catholic and ex-seminarian, I found this book profoundly moving. It is NOT theology, as some critics have complained, but rather a narration of many individual life experiences within the Church covering both the positive and the negative. Instead of disturbing my Faith, it reaffirmed that my Church is filled with searchers of all kinds and that there is a place for us all. Some writers, sadly, have been embittered by bad experiences with bad clergy. Others have been moved to passionate love and loyalty to the Church. Reading of others' Faith journeys has strengthened my belief that the Catholic Faith is bigger than us all and that there is a place for us all. Those readers angered by this book equate questioning of the humans who lead the Church with rejection of the God who founded the Church. This is a must read for anyone who has ever thought about what it really means to be Catholic.

As a Catholic, I've grown tired of relentless monotone stereotyping of Catholics. Being Catholic Now has been needed for a long time. Kennedy brings a more honest look at the rich spectrum of Catholic experience. The book affirmed that my experience growing up Catholic, thoughtful, curious, open, and responsible (not guilty) was not an anomaly as so many would suggest. In fact, my experience seems normal. What a joy!

For "On Being Catholic," by Kerry Kennedy... Every person I know - especially women - are conflicted about the Catholic faith. What Kerry Kennedy did in these sensitive probing interviews is show that you can be conflicted but still love your faith. Her interviews give you permission to see how others make peace with some of the sexism and backward policies but simultaneously still care about the traditions and one's deep love of God. And most importantly, her own stories show her deep abiding love of Catholicism which makes her such a credible person to explore the contradictions and joys of the faith.

As a non-Catholic dating a fervent one, I have always found myself a tad reluctant to wade into any kind of debate about this rich faith and its teachings. I guess I harbored a sense that Catholics are terribly doctrinaire. (Reading some of the reviews of this book might reinforce that view ;}) `Being Catholic Now' taught me something new, and sometimes made me laugh along the way. What I found so engrossing about Ms. Kennedy's effort is that it really shows the broad interpretations that all co-exist under the same tent. Sure some of those interviewed have left the church, but it still stamps their identity. The overall impression the book left me with is that there are all kinds of ways to be a Catholic. Just consider for a moment that when her uncle was running for president, the whispering campaign was that the Vatican would run America through a special pope-line to the White House. It did not turn out to be true, of course. Now, several generations later, Ms. Kennedy shows that if American Catholics want to fervently follow the Pope, that is fine. But they can still be strong Catholics and strong Christians while disagreeing with some of the directives from Rome. Both the light and darks sides of faith and the Catholic Church are discussed, so I find myself less reluctant to talk about the faith now. Also some anecdotes are priceless, worth the cost of the book alone! Like Susan Sarandan as a little girl thinking that she was about to have a vision because her rosary beads were illuminated under her blankets, not realizing that her aunt bought her a glow-in-the dark set!

I was riveted by this book. I am a practicing Catholic struggling to make peace with some of the Church's teaching. Kennedy presents her own journey, as well as those of other Catholics - practicing, non-practicing & somewhere in between. The book's contributors vary widely in their experiences, as we all do. This book is for all Catholics - and those interested in Catholicism. It is a great way to begin to understand how & why Catholics believe what they do & act as they do. Don't dismiss this book as anti-Catholic or pro-Catholic. Nothing could be further from the truth. The author presents many views, many journeys; and, the book challenges each of us to look at the Church and determine if it is truly following the teachings of Christ. If you're a devout, practicing Catholic, don't be afraid to try reading this book. If you have left the Church, don't be afraid to try reading this book. It may open your mind to a better understanding of others (and isn't that one of the basic teachings of Christ?). I read the book. It is especially insulting to read a review from someone who hasn't even read the book. This is a terrific and timely book.