Overview

The Catholic social tradition is one of thinking and acting. Within this tradition stand the social encyclicals as unique manifestations of the Church's ethical intuition and commitment to the Gospel as lived in society. From the Heart of the Church provides a view of the social encyclical tradition within a broader understanding of Catholic theology. The social encyclicals provide a vision of social life which is more than a policy derived from any secular organization. rather, the vision of the integration of faith and life contained in this tradition arises from the logic of the Church's own life and practice. In From the Heart of the Church, Judith Merkle, S.N.D., de N., examines the social teaching of the Church since Leo XIII from the perspective of its links to the Church and its life. While the social encyclicals of the popes since Leo XIII form a key expression of the social teachings of the Church in the last century, this book also explores the roots of these teachings in the life and theology of the Church today.

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9780814651117

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Reviews

. . . capably identifies the factors of that real world that both influenced and was influenced by social Catholicism.Louvain Studies Judith Merkle's excellent book will prove an important seed for a future renewal of community and for a recovery of the Catholic Social Tradition in U.S. Catholicism, a renewal that will resist the colonization of church and family by what many see as the ecological, social, and spiritual bankruptcy of late modern bourgeois culture.The Journal of Religion Her book now assumes a premier position in terms of introductory texts in this area. She has deftly combined a critical presentation of the major social documents together with a comprehensive treatment of the theological foundations of such teaching.Catholic Library World This is a most satisfying book . . . Those looking for an excellent text for undergraduates and master's candidates need look no further. Thomas A. Shannon, Worchester Polytechnic Institute Judith Merkle writes not only for Catholics but for all those who are interested in a spirituality that does justice.Theology Digest This book will help pastors, theologians, and laypersons come to a more informed understanding of Catholic social thinking and acting. It should also stimulate and encourage Lutheran efforts to participate in the ongoing and essential struggle for human justice in our time. That is an urgent and unavoidable task for us, as it is for all Christians.Trinity Seminary Review . . . one of the best works on the Catholic social thought that I have had the privilege to read. . . . I enthusiastically recommend From the Heart of the Church for college and seminary courses on Catholic social thought. Ordained and lay ministers would also benefit immensely from a careful perusal of it.Catholic Studies A splendid analysis of the rich heritage of modern Roman Catholic social teaching! Judith Merkle's carefully-argued interpretation traces the historical development, reception, and theological underpinnings of the Church's social tradition. Such teaching, she argues, springs from the very heart of the Church's prophetic mandate to proclaim 'Good News to the Poor' in every generation (Lk. 4:18ff.). Her lucid and insightful contribution will be welcomed by scholar and student alike. Bill O'Neill, S.J., Georgetown University

Her book now assumes a premier position in terms of introductory texts in this area. She has deftly combined a critical presentation of the major social documents together with a comprehensive treatment of the theological foundations of such teaching.Catholic Library World Judith Merkle's excellent book will prove an important seed for a future renewal of community and for a recovery of the Catholic Social Tradition in U.S. Catholicism, a renewal that will resist the colonization of church and family by what many see as the ecological, social, and spiritual bankruptcy of late modern bourgeois culture.The Journal of Religion . . . capably identifies the factors of that real world that both influenced and was influenced by social Catholicism.Louvain Studies

A splendid analysis of the rich heritage of modern Roman Catholic social teaching! Judith Merkle's carefully-argued interpretation traces the historical development, reception, and theological underpinnings of the Church's social tradition. Such teaching, she argues, springs from the very heart of the Church's prophetic mandate to proclaim 'Good News to the Poor' in every generation (Lk. 4:18ff.). Her lucid and insightful contribution will be welcomed by scholar and student alike. Bill O'Neill, S.J., Georgetown University . . . one of the best works on the Catholic social thought that I have had the privilege to read. . . . I enthusiastically recommend From the Heart of the Church for college and seminary courses on Catholic social thought. Ordained and lay ministers would also benefit immensely from a careful perusal of it.Catholic Studies This book will help pastors, theologians, and laypersons come to a more informed understanding of Catholic social thinking and acting. It should also stimulate and encourage Lutheran efforts to participate in the ongoing and essential struggle for human justice in our time. That is an urgent and unavoidable task for us, as it is for all Christians.Trinity Seminary Review Judith Merkle writes not only for Catholics but for all those who are interested in a spirituality that does justice.Theology Digest This is a most satisfying book . . . Those looking for an excellent text for undergraduates and master's candidates need look no further. Thomas A. Shannon, Worchester Polytechnic Institute Her book now assumes a premier position in terms of introductory texts in this area. She has deftly combined a critical presentation of the major social documents together with a comprehensive treatment of the theological foundations of such teaching.Catholic Library World Judith Merkle's excellent book will prove an important seed for a future renewal of community and for a recovery of the Catholic Social Tradition in U.S. Catholicism, a renewal that will resist the colonization of church and family by what many see as the ecological, social, and spiritual bankruptcy of late modern bourgeois culture.The Journal of Religion . . . capably identifies the factors of that real world that both influenced and was influenced by social Catholicism.Louvain Studies

A splendid analysis of the rich heritage of modern Roman Catholic social teaching! Judith Merkle's carefully-argued interpretation traces the historical development, reception, and theological underpinnings of the Church's social tradition. Such teaching, she argues, springs from the very heart of the Church's prophetic mandate to proclaim 'Good News to the Poor' in every generation (Lk. 4:18ff.). Her lucid and insightful contribution will be welcomed by scholar and student alike.Bill O'Neill, S.J., Georgetown University

Author Information

Judith A. Merkle, S.N.D. de N., Ph.D., is an associate professor of religious studies at Niagara University, New York. She writes and lectures in the area of church and society, religious life and Christian ethics.

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