Soul Survivors
Intimate Perspectives of Two Priests on the Catholic Church as the Ultimate Abuser
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Formats
Softcover
$19.62
Softcover
$19.62
Book Details
Language :
Publication Date :
28/09/2005
Format :
Softcover
Dimensions :
5.5x8.5
Page Count :
187
ISBN :
9781413494730
About the Book
Soul Survivors offers an unprecedented look behind the scenes for both Catholics and non-Catholics who can only wonder and guess at the mysteries of life in a Catholic seminary and the priesthood. These two priests pulled out all the stops in describing, step by step, their reasons for choosing the priesthood and the physical and emotional trauma that made them leave the institutional priesthood in order to survive.
There is clarity and candor in their statements, and their revelations and concerns for their fellow priest, the laity, and the future of the Church show such depth and sincerity that their words ring true with surprising beauty and power.
Both are serious, erudite, and deeply believing in the need for enlightened changes if both priests and laity are to thrive. Their journeys’ penetrating analysis reveals an insider’s view of what must be done if the Church is to remain bearable for priests and laity. A realistic and revitalized Catholicism can end the practices that have unwittingly created the emotional cripples who have, both historically and recently, plagued and demeaned the Church.
Their final dialogue assesses what their lives as priests have taught them. It ends in an interview with a confessed pedophile priest, in an effort to shed further light on the emotionally stunting, dehumanizing practices meant to make saints of mere men. Their suggested remedies offer Catholics hope for their own survival in an institution that often causes them needless pain and confusion.
For me, a non-Catholic, there was enlightenment about a religion that had always inspired wonder, but I found a windfall of wisdom that these two men hardly intended. Over and above their description of what meaningful religion can and should be, I delighted in their honest unburdening of adolescent fears, their willingly confessed ambiguity about that pillar of mystery, Woman. I experienced with them their first timid steps, then gloried in their discoveries and couplings, some of which failed, but all of which ultimately led to fulfillment.
This is a book about relationships and emotions as much as it is about the practice of Catholicism. It is an unexpected primer for both men and women who are able to handle stark truth about human needs. To read it and take its revelations to heart is to lead an enriched life.
Marcia Camp, author and friend