This volume explores the historical, theological, sociological, and ethical dimensions of the current issues threatening the two thousand-year-old Roman Catholic Church. The interdisciplinary analysis contained within the volume exposes the destructive convictions and actions of the Roman Catholic clergy that has produced the current institutional crisis while suggesting options for moving forward. Documenting the cases that constitute the many crises currently surrounding Catholicism, the volume aims to provide clarity and conscience. At the same time, with a constructive vision of an ethics and religious practice rooted in integrity and transparency, the authors offer a path towards holistic and holy reformation by and for Catholics.

This volume explores the historical, theological, sociological, and ethical dimensions of the current issues threatening the two thousand-year-old Roman Catholic Church. The interdisciplinary analysis contained within the volume exposes the destructive convictions and actions of the Roman Catholic clergy that has produced the current institutional crisis while suggesting options for moving forward. Documenting the cases that constitute the many crises currently surrounding Catholicism, the volume aims to provide clarity and conscience. At the same time, with a constructive vision of an ethics and religious practice rooted in integrity and transparency, the authors offer a path towards holistic and holy reformation by and for Catholics.

Today's Catholic Church faces a major decline, and a dramatic renewal is needed to facilitate positive change.

In "Wake Up, Lazarus " author Pierre Hegy documents the most important issues facing modern Catholicism and presents a convincing argument for renewal in the Catholic Church.

"Wake Up, Lazarus " examines three general factors that contribute to the spiritual decline of all mainline churches and three factors that are special to the Catholic Church. Hegy describes the inner workings of two successful parishes-one evangelical and the other Catholic-to illustrate the strategies used that contribute to vibrant and growing church communities. He also reviews various renewal plans and then presents his personal, long-term plan for renewal in the Catholic Church, with practical implementation suggestions included in each step.

Hegy communicates that the strategy and principles of Catholic renewal must lead passive Sunday church-goers to become active participants; it must help active participants to become involved in parish life; and it must inspire all involved to become committed disciples.

This book presents research in three new areas: Sunday liturgies, homilies, and pastoral concepts. First it presents to the readers the major Latin American document, "Disciples and Missionaries of Jesus-Christ," which sets the course of the Church in Latin America for the next decade. Next I present the findings about the Sunday liturgies in 100 churches, 50 in Guatemala and 50 the U.S. The following chapter analyzes 100 Sunday homilies in comparison to lay talks, homilies by Fr. Robert Barron, and evangelical sermons. In one more chapter I discuss basic concepts for pastoral research. Chapter 6 discusses the consequences of papal centralization for church renewal. The last chapter outlines ten basic paths of renewal. What is new in this book is the research on Sunday liturgies, homilies, and pastoral concepts.

Many people believe that the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on marriage is clear and consistent: marriage is a sacrament, the marriage contract is indissoluble, divorce and remarriage are forbidden.
In this book, theologians, historians, and sociologists overhaul the church's teaching and practice on divorce and remarriage, as well as personal testimonies from a number of persons who have gone through the annulment process.
'A real joy...full of wisdom... will be most helpful to Catholic individuals and families who have suffered the trauma of marital breakdown... (they) will find comfort in this book' Sociology of Religion

Patriarchal ideals have long played a major role, even decisive role in the Christian church and in its understanding of its scriptures, community, ministry, and mission. This reality, and women's often creative response to it, for the subject of this collection.

Written by experts in church history, the articles take a close look at women's status in ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary Christianity. Contributors explore such themes as women's role in early Christian communities, their role models in the Roman Empire, Elizabeth I's exploitation of women's cultural disadvantages, the relative autonomy of women in Catholic and Protestant churches, and their evolving roles in marriage and the ministry today.

This fascinating history of women's response to sexism in Christianity is an ideal text for courses in women's studies and church history. Lively, clear, and jargon-free, it will also appeal to anyone with a special interest in this wide-ranging subject.