Why the Catholic Church Must Change: A Necessary Conversation

(Paperback)

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Why do a third of the people raised Catholic in the United States no longer worship as Catholics Why has the Catholic Church lost a credible teaching voice for many young people Does the fault lie entirely with those individuals and with the secular culture In Why the Catholic Church Must Change, Margaret Nutting Ralph first affirms that Catholics are called to seek the truth and to follow their well-formed consciences, not simply to submit mind and will to the teachings of the Magisterium. She then argues that the Catholic Church, which has been open to change in the twentieth century, must continue to be open to change in the twenty-first century: change in some of its teachings and in some of its practices.The Catholic Church has changed in the past and is being called to change in the present. Before that change can occur the Church must enter into respectful dialogue about pertinent issues, such as contraception, womens ordination and homosexuality, and present practices. Ralph contends that Catholic culture, not just secular culture needs a critical examination.

Why the Catholic Church Must Change engages the reader to enter into a necessary yet reasoned conversation about pertinent issues, such as contraception, womens ordination and homosexuality, and present practices surrounding the Catholic Church. Margaret Nutting Ralph critically examines pertinent topics of not just the secular culture, but the Catholic culture, that affects both families and culture as a whole, and presents a model for how to discuss difficult issues in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Ralph successfully discusses the issues surrounding the Catholic Church with awareness that the church is not the whole body of Christ.

Reviews

Its title suggests another philippic against an intransigent Catholic Church, but the book is something much better. Ralph is as concerned to show readers that the present-day church can change, not just that it should change. Ever so refreshingly, she draws only on scripture and official church documents to make her case and names names only as sources. She establishes the grounds for change via papal pronouncements on biblical interpretationthe church reads the Bible contextually, not fundamentallyand on observing the proper domains of different methods of learning; for example, theology deals with spiritual reality, whereas the sciences deal with physical reality. She makes cases for change in three chapters on issues that concern both non-Catholics as well as Catholics: contraception, discrimination against women, and the civil rights of homosexuals. Four chapters focus on the effectiveness of Catholic teaching and practice about abortion, marriage and annulment, social justice (especially in Catholic workplaces), and Christian unity. She writes straightforwardly, in common language, with the love of Paul (1 Cor. 13:48a), which is not irritable or resentful, but endures all things. Simply invaluable. * Booklist, Starred Review *
With orderly precision, Ralph (pastoral studies, Lexington Theological Seminary, KY; And God Said What) presents a substantial discussion guide on major issues of debate within the Roman Catholic Church today: contraception, womens ordination, homosexuality, abortion, marriage/annulments, social justice, and ecumenism. Long a diocesan leader in religious studies, she here quotes both scripture and official Church documents to show changes over time in magisterial teaching, given the emergence of new scientific knowledge and cultural shifts. She explains that inconsistency between word and action among some Church authorities has produced a credibility gap for the faithful today that continues to get a great deal of attention, and diminishes the greater good produced by the Church and its members. VERDICT Fair, well documented, and contextually based, the book is a convincing, succinct review of moral issues broadly impacting Catholic laity and is offered as a way toward reasoned dialog and respectful understanding within and without the Church. Ralph argues for needed changes while affirming the Churchs core teachings. Recommended for those involved in todays Catholic Church and informed lay readers. * Library Journal *
Ralph argues that church teaching has evolved in the past and that it should again. For many contentious issues, Ralph uses scripture and church history to explore how teachings could change. * U.S. Catholic *
[Margaret Nutting Ralph] tackles natural law, womens ordination, civil rights for gays, contraception, marriage and annulments, and abortion. ... This stimulating book deserves an audience. * Voice of Reason *
Ralph's latest book offers a compellingly readable discussion of several hot-button issues facing the church. . . the book is balanced, engaging and informative. * National Catholic Reporter *
In Why the Catholic Church Must Change, Margaret Nutting Ralph wrestles with the magisterial church while the many other dimensions nip at the edges of each chapter. She writes from inside the Roman Catholic Church as a critical member and not as an outside critic. ... All in all Ralph does a good job of opening up topics that have been discussed for years by those both in and outside the Roman church. ... The book would make a good selection for a reading circle or readers forum. * EqualwRites *
Throughout the book and in a most articulate conclusion, R. presents a well-structured summary of reasons why the Church, in the United States and elsewhere, continues to struggle to regain credible teaching authority among many of its people. * Theological Studies *
Margaret Nutting Ralph has done the living body of Christ a valuable service by pointing out how we can remain faithful to essential principles, while applying them in changing contexts. * St. Anthony Messenger *
Why the Catholic Church Must Change is not primarily a book for scholars, but a convincing and heartfelt plea from a biblically inspired, well informed, and committed Catholic to the hierarchical leadership of the Church that for the good and future of the Church the leadership should change its teachings and strategies on seven hot button issues in the Catholic Church today. It deserves the widest possible readership. -- Charles E. Curran, Scurlock University Professor of Human Values, Southern Methodist University
Seldom have I read such calm, compelling, and well-reasoned theological reflection on very contentious church issues. Yet the ordinary layperson can remain informed and engaged here! I think Margaret Nutting Ralph goes well beyond any too easy progressive or conservative dualisms, and authentically searches for authentic Catholic Tradition and teaching. You will find both spiritual intelligence and comfort here. -- Richard Rohr, OFM, author, ecumencial teacher, and founder, Center for Action and Contemplation
Margaret Nutting Ralph has written a smart, accessible guide for those of us living through the ongoing challenges and changes that have become a central reality of Catholic life today. This is the kind of informed discussion, grounded in Scripture and tradition, that transforms what some perceive as threat into the conversation essential for this era. -- Tom Roberts, editor at large, National Catholic Reporter

Author Bio

Margaret Nutting Ralph is the director of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree program for Catholics at Lexington Theological Seminary and teaches in the Permanent Deacon Program for St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. She has given numerous presentations on biblical topics to parish, diocesan, state and national groups throughout the United States, in Nassau and in Canada, including the East Coast Conference; Anaheim Conference; National Conference of Catechetical Leaders; Chief Administrators of Catholic Education; National Catholic Education Association; Gather Me a People Conference. She has published many books and articles on religion and the church, including A Walk Through the New Testament: An Introduction for Catholics (2009) and bestseller And God Said What An Introduction to Biblical Literary Forms (2003).