Try to define a layperson without using the word not: cannot preach or say Mass, is not in a leadership position in the church. The Second Vatican Council, with its emphasis on the priesthood of all believers rooted in baptism, changed all that. Yet, writes Paul Lakeland, "many of our bishops and not a few of the lay members of the church are attracted to a dangerously incomplete vision of Catholicism...one that sidesteps the major themes and key insights of Vatican II." Teasing out ideas first developed in his prize-winning The Liberation of the Laity, Lakeland develops "ten steps toward a more adult church."
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
If only US Bishops would read this book!:
We are reading and discussing this book in our VOTF Affiliate We particularly love Mr. Lakeland's vision of the Church modeled on the Trinity where all: Laity, Priests and Bishops, have different but equal relationships to God and each other. We serve our communities in different capacities, empathize on service not authority and power. We the laity are not children, and should not be "infantilized". This is a hopeful, nurturing book for those discouraged by the rampant clericalism in the Roman Catholic... more info
Fine Analysis:
This book gave a good description and analysis of the role of the laity in the church today; as well as several helpful points to further develop their growing involvement as ministers in the 21st century. I would strongly recommend "Catholicism At The Crossroads" be read by anyone interested in furthering the dialogue and conversation regarding the mission of today's Church.
