George G. Higgins And The Quest For Worker Justice: The Evolution Of Catholic Social Thought In America

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Summary: Concise account of American Catholic social justice history
Review: John O'Brien has produced a labor of love in which he concisely recounts the history of the American Catholic church in the pursuit of economic and social justice through the writings and deeds of its most articulate and tireless advocate, Msgr. George G. Higgins. O'Brien discusses the movement from civil religion to public theology, the historical development of American Catholic social teaching, and Higgins' work in the social apostolate both as a labor mediator and public commentator. O'Brien presents a careful study of the latter role through analysis of Higgins's syndicated column, The Yardstick, for 1945-1994, and the annual Labor Day Statements for 1946-2001. This study is a fitting tribute to a great man and a great resource for scholars, students, and the general public. The appendices are especially good though one wishes that a selection of photographs were included.