Catholics and American Culture: Fulton Sheen, Dorothy Day & the Notre Dame Football Team

Utilizing irony, humor, and a breadth of knowledge, Dr. Massa's latest opus is excellent from cover to cover. And though his academic credentials may seem daunting, Massa writes with an easy lucidity that makes his subject matter interesting and enjoyable. As a non-Catholic who had no prior knowledge of what "BVMs in a bathtub" were, I nonetheless was able to relate to the uncomfortable assimilation process experienced by his second and third generation American Catholics.Massa's interdisciplinary approach expands this work beyond mere religious or cultural history. The chapter on JFK ranks with some of the best political writing I've seen, and the section on the results of Vatican II contains superb theological analysis. The truths revealed in this chapter alone have serious implications for Christians of all traditions.A must-read for all those interested in American culture during the latter half of the twentieth century.

This lucid, learned, enlightening study shows that what old-time Catholics miss did in fact have a real value, and yet losing it is an invitation from a God who, throughout sacred and profane history, has been noticeably discontent with stasis and status quos. Using the metaphor of the changes at Notre Dame University, "the epicenter of American Catholicism" is brilliant. We've won a few, lost a few, and ironically neither our losses nor our gains were entirely one or the other. A masterful piece of work.

Whether you are a baby boomer like me who experienced the pre-Vatican II changes, or the post-conciliar church is all you've ever known, this book will help you understand how we got where we are now. Even if you are a bemused observer of American Catholicism and its Catholics, this nuanced approach to a complex history identifies specific events or influences that caused a revolution in the 2,000 year old institution, and more specifically in the American Catholic Church and culture.It doesn't have all the answers, but it helps gives the reader something to hang his or her hat on--tools to comprehend the church's identity and maybe even help Catholics to see where they could go from here.Very readable, but challenging and highly informative

Mark Massa is a former teacher and a marvelous writer. The book is fascinating and well worth it!

Mark Massa's study of twentieth century American Catholicism is a first rate analysis of the more recent life of the nation's largest Christian Church. I consider it an essential book for students and scholars of American culture. -David J. Hackett n.S.J.