WHEN—Questions for Catholicism
Women, Homosexuality, Ecumenism, and Non-Ordained
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Theology
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
Jesus calls the church to be a sacrament to the world. Sadly, many women, LGBTQ persons, people of other faiths, and lay persons experience suffering due to certain words and actions of the Catholic Church. At times, the language and practices of the church leave some people feeling as if their voices have been silenced, their roles limited, and their vocations impeded. Some often feel underappreciated and disrespected. This work explores a vision for the future church which faces these challenges and illuminates possible solutions. Every person has gifts given by God for the building up of the church. Through a thorough exploration of biblical and church teachings, alternative views of these issues provide a path to inclusion for all. This book is intended to bring comfort, hope, and healing to those who have been marginalized. It also offers a map for the church as it journeys to be more of what Christ calls it to be. In a manner faithful to the gospel, reforms for the church are considered that open it to what the Spirit might be saying. When is the time for all persons to be valued, welcomed, empowered, and respected? Now.
Endorsements (4)
“Tkacik is bold here in his claims and backs them up with sound reasoning and a compassion for the disenfranchised. . . . In faith that the Holy Spirit is guiding the church, he prayerfully and respectfully challenges long-held traditions and shares with us a dream for the future of God’s church that many hope to experience soon.”
“Solidly researched and academically sound—fellow Catholic theologians and academics will be impressed with Michael’s command of a wide-ranging field of texts and encyclicals . . . There is no sense in this manuscript of ‘controversy for controversy’s sake’—every chapter makes a clear case for why the changes described and argued for are necessary if the Catholic Church is to fulfill its expressed role and mission in the world.”
“Michael combines his knowledge of Catholic and Protestant theology with his own personal life as a ‘cradle Catholic.’ Michael writes with conviction, persuasion, and emotion, sprinkled with a dash of humor, making this book a pleasure to read. . . . I feel entirely comfortable recommending Michael’s proposed book to readers of all stripes, regardless of their religion or denomination. In closing, apropos of this book, I am reminded of the Latin phrase optime exsecutum, or ‘extremely well done.’”
“Tkacik reminds us that hierarchy, monopoly, marginalization, and duplicity are not simply problems of the larger contemporary culture but also the Catholic Church. With logic, love, and life examples, Tkacik lights a way forward for all by providing a path that invites us to embrace our God-given dignity, as well as democratic principles, as we help lead the church to be the best that it can be.”
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