Roman Catholicism in America

Roman Catholicism in America is an essential text for any thorough study of Roman Catholicism: it examines the religion within the context of American culture, with scholar Gillis examining the major religious concepts, individuals, and principles of Roman Catholics. An interdisciplinary approach allows for the consideration of various Catholic experiences and influences.

Is there a Catholic equivalent of a Pulitzer Prize? If so, I nominate Chester Gillis' book for serious consideration. Gillis has done a masterful and complete study of his subject, offering a wealth of detail, with inside information and insights which could be given only by one thoroughly at home with his topic. Personal glimpses of the powerful and the not-so-powerful people in the church flesh out the statistical data, making the account as real, as vital, as conversations with Catholic neighbors down the block. The author explains religious doctrines and practices in a clear, concise style; he has a no-nonsense approach to even debatable matters; and his logic, rhetoric,and organization are impeccable. Any pastors, pastoral ministers, or directors of Adult Study Groups take notice: if you disregard this excellent book, you miss an opportunity for an enriching, unparallelled experience!

This is the kind of book ordinary people will like. It is complete, but not so detailed that the reader would lose the main thought. Mr. Gillis poses questions the "man or woman in the street" has pondered, but never had answered before; and he doesn't try to evade or white-wash problems or controversies. He gives credit to the simple, ordinary people who try to live their lives in accord with the laws of God, in simple faith and in caring service to their neighbors. The book makes me feel good about all the truly good people out there--people who work and struggle to find meaning in their lives. Mr. Gillis has done us all a great favor in showing the difficulties others have gone through, yet still kept trying.

Author Gillis has done a masterful job in presenting the fruits of scholarly research in an unbiased format which makes for informative and enjoyable reading for an inquiring general audience. This should be a standard text in the hands of serious students and all readers desiring to know more about the history and people of the Catholic church in the USA.

Chester Gillis has favored us with an engrossing account of one of the world's leading religions with this account of Catholicism, yesterday and today, in America. Using reader-friendly text, suitable for the general public, he delineates the history of American Catholics, their beliefs and practices, over the last four centuries. Yet the account is by no means sterile or dry; instead, the author uses anecdotes, letters, and attributed quotes to give the text an immediacy and relevance which is most refreshing. Gillis covers such disparate topics as the Black Experience in the Catholic Church,Hispanics and their influences, ethnic groups of all kinds; controversies surrounding abortion, homosexuality, women's rights--including ordination, clerical misconduct, academic freedom, etc. In all, he is thorough and insightful. He traces the rise and fall of parish life in metropolitan areas and the state of religious life among vowed and unvowed members of the church. In fact, it is impossible to think of an area he hasn't covered. Photographs, charts, and graphs strengthen the statistical data; notes containing bibliographical material serve for further research or corroboration; a valuable glossary of terms, an impeccable index, and an offering of modern Internet sources will satisfy students or curious readers desirous of more information about specific topics. This book is suitable for Christians and non-Christians alike, for it presents a valuable insight into the lives and beliefs of a people who continue to influence the world and shape the policies of nations.