Beyond Modernity: Reflections of a Post-Modern Catholic

I remember when I was a kid my parents would take me into New York City to attend the Latin Mass given by Father Rutler at the old St. Agnes's church. I was very young, and didn't really appreciate then what a brilliant man he is. I've rediscovered him now, and I'm glad I did so. In this work Father Rutler discusses a number of issues related to the modern world, focusing primarily on political and social issues but also discussing art, history, and the Catholic Church's role in the world today. He delivers some excellent criticism of the state of Catholic politicians in America today, who ignore every moral teaching of the Church by simply saying that it is a matter of "personal conscience". It is about time that more Catholic figures openly condemned such people. This book examines the modern world from many angles, and Father Rutler's criticism is insightful and accurate. Probably the thing I like best about this work is its extreme relevancy, it balances more abstract ideas with concrete discussions of the world today. The writing style is in many ways reminiscent of Chesterton. Some parts of the book can be difficult to follow, and most of the book is in the form of a homily, but it is well worth the effort to read this book. Five Stars!!

What a marvellous mind this man has! And an even better heart. Written in a rather homiletic style (which makes sense, when you have an eternal perspective), Rutler's reflection on modernity and its pomo successor outlines the only real answer to today's intellectual and moral chaos.

Without a memory you wouldn't know the difference from a river ,a lake or an ocean. Read the book.....two times.