Summary
One in four Americans is Roman Catholic, and the beliefs, practices, structures, and loyalties of this large faith community are important to the political, social, and religious life of America. This book explores the dynamic and sometimes difficult relationship that Catholics have with American culture and society. It describes Catholics' history, contributions, unique characteristics, and participation in American life from the beginnings of the nation to the present.
Catholic Faith in America portrays key figures and events in the life of American Catholicism, clarifies topics that may be commonly misunderstood by those who are not Catholic, and offers Catholics an objective look at their faith. With strong opinions and a widely diversified population, the American Catholic community remains one of the most visible in the nation.
Coverage includes:
- The building of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City
- The impact of Vatican II on Americans
- John F. Kennedy, the nation's first Catholic president
- Pope John Paul II's visits to America
- Catholic schools
- Catholic impact on motion picture content
- The Catholic press: newspapers, books, television, radio, and the Internet
- Capital punishment
- Bioethics
- Dorothy Day
- Prominent church leaders
- Madonna
- Catholic impact on American literature.
Specifications
Black-and-white photographs. Bibliography. Glossary. Chronology. Index.
About the Author(s)
Chester Gillis is one of America's leading experts on the Catholic Church in America. He is head of the religious studies department at Georgetown University and has written many books on Catholicism and other faiths.