Rating: 
Summary: Controversial guide to rethinking Catholicism¿s essence.
Review: With the publication five years ago of his bestselling first book, 'God Is Near', Australian priest Michael Morwood demonstrated a rare awareness of the confusion about the contemporary Catholic Church experienced by many in our parish churches. While passionate about the need for change in the church, indeed radical transformation, he proved himself a sensitive guide for those struggling with the changes that have occurred since the Second Vatican Council.After a period of study in the United States, but obviously still in touch with the concerns of those in the pews, Morwood is back with a new book unlikely to give much comfort to those traditionalists who considered 'God Is Near' anathema but welcomed by the many who have benefited from his pastoral vision. (Indeed, the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne has recently banned 'Tomorrow's Catholic' from schools and churches.) 'Tomorrow's Catholic' is a very readable presentation of a Catholic theology and spirituality that does not presume a worldview in which the Church is at the centre of our society and its authority unquestioned. Morwood is tackling the thorny issue of how to preserve the essence of the gospel and Catholic tradition without the 'packaging' of the past. He explains the changing worldview in which we are now immersed, and shows how we can understand God, revelation and Jesus in such a context. He also makes insightful proposals for spirituality and the exercise of leadership in the Church. Like its predecessor, 'God Is Near', Morwood's book is suitable for personal or group use. It includes questions for reflection, suggestions for further reading, a bibliography and index. [Book of the Month Selection, John Garratt Catholic Book Club.]
Rating:
Summary: Controversial guide to rethinking Catholicism?s essence.
Review: With the publication five years ago of his bestselling first book, `God Is Near', Australian priest Michael Morwood demonstrated a rare awareness of the confusion about the contemporary Catholic Church experienced by many in our parish churches. While passionate about the need for change in the church, indeed radical transformation, he proved himself a sensitive guide for those struggling with the changes that have occurred since the Second Vatican Council. After a period of study in the United States, but obviously still in touch with the concerns of those in the pews, Morwood is back with a new book unlikely to give much comfort to those traditionalists who considered `God Is Near' anathema but welcomed by the many who have benefited from his pastoral vision. (Indeed, the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne has recently banned `Tomorrow's Catholic' from schools and churches.) `Tomorrow's Catholic' is a very readable presentation of a Catholic theology and spirituality that does not presume a worldview in which the Church is at the centre of our society and its authority unquestioned. Morwood is tackling the thorny issue of how to preserve the essence of the gospel and Catholic tradition without the `packaging' of the past. He explains the changing worldview in which we are now immersed, and shows how we can understand God, revelation and Jesus in such a context. He also makes insightful proposals for spirituality and the exercise of leadership in the Church. Like its predecessor, `God Is Near', Morwood's book is suitable for personal or group use. It includes questions for reflection, suggestions for further reading, a bibliography and index. [Book of the Month Selection, John Garratt Catholic Book Club.]
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