Description: Living the Catholic Social Tradition combines four essays from leading scholars with eight concrete case studies based on community social justice projects across the country. This unique combination of theory and reflective practice provides university students and adult lear...
Brief description: Thomas Massaro, SJ, is professor of moral theology at Fordham University. Previously he was dean of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, where he was also professor of moral theology. He is a regular contributor to America magazine and often leads parish and community workshops on social justice and Catholic social teaching. He is the author of several books, including Mercy in Action: The Social Teachings of Pope Francis (R&L, 2018), U.S. Welfare Policy: A Catholic Response and coeditor of American Catholic Social Teaching.
Review Quotes:
"Some books are written to be read. Living the Catholic Social Tradition is written to engage. It doesn't tell you about the Catholic Social Tradition, it draws you to it. Its analysis is so essential you wonder how you did without it. And its case studies give you not only reason to hope, but all the more reason to join in the current of hope." --Suzanne Toton, Ed.D., Theology/Religious Studies Department and staff member at The Center for Peace and Justice Education, Villanova University
"Living the Catholic Social Tradition presents Catholic social ethics in its most practical light. Instead of repeating well-known principles, the editors gathered authors who are immersed in the practical world and familiar with Catholic social teachings from the "grassroots" level. The pedagogy offered in this book breaks new ground. Readers will be enlightened by the early overview chapters, and find new ways in which the principles of love and justice make practical demands of believers today. This book is a "must read" for anyone concerned with the "faith that does justice."" --Stephen J. Pope, Boston College "An indispensable resource for illuminating Catholic Social Teaching, this volume instructs and inspires people of faith to meet the intractable problems of poverty, injustice, the violation of human rights, and environmental degradation with confidence that the world not only must but can be made better. The insightful commentaries and practical case studies inform the intellect, excite the imagination, and resonate deeply with a passionate faith that yearns to be lived out in the world." --Kerry A. Robinson, Director of Development, Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel & Center at Yale University "Living the Catholic Social Tradition is a valuable addition to the sparse literature of American Catholic social thought and action. The introductory essays are masterfully done by some of our best scholars; they will be useful on their own. The case studies are well chosen and broadly representative of the remarkable spectrum of Catholic social engagement across the United States. Teachers and activists and pastoral ministers will all find this book inspiring and suggestive of projects for schools, parishes and people." --David J. O'Brien, Loyola Professor of Roman Catholic Studies, College of the Holy Cross