Why the Catholic Church Must Change

Reviews / Votes

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 interpretation-the church reads the Bible contextually, not fundamentally-and 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. 13:4-8a), 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, women's 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 Church's core teachings. Recommended for those involved in today's 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, women's 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