Catholics

Rating:
Summary: Faith in Modern World
Review: This book is a short but vivid sketch depicting a situation in the Catholic Church after the Second Vatican Council which so swiftly and profoundly altered liturgical, ritual and spiritual life of the faithful that many of them - both among a hierarchy and common priests, monks and laymen - were thrown into confusion. However, these changes were positively necessary in order not to clone the former mistakes of negation of the modern world reality that several centuries ago had led to appearance of 'that righteous prig nailing in Wittenberg his defiance to the church doors' who reformed the Church and the history of humankind. The novella does not pretend to a wide scope of theological problems, the characters of cynical church 'generals' are rather schematic and satirical, but the delineation of different kinds of catholics - new 'enlightened' libertarian generation, old generation who preserved their faith and also the hesitating type of believer who is loosing his/her faith - and their intricate interrelations in Time of Spiritual Troubles is really excellent.

Rating:
Summary: A heartrending story of the inner battle of religious faith
Review: This has to be one of Moore's best. I ached with grief for the old Abbot at the end of the book. And I am an atheist...

Catholics are coming from all over the world to celebrate the old Latin mass at an obscure spot in Ireland. Some see it as a religious revival. Some see it as a sign of the endurance of "hard core" Catholicism. However, the Pope, and other modern highly place ecumenical figures, see it as trouble. A rebellion against the new, populist church, and a flagrant disobedience.

A young, modern, American priest is sent to deal with these old-style upstarts. But can he help but share the genuine sincerity of the isolated monks - living in utmost modesty on the Island of Muck - who have innocently begun the furor? And it comes down to belief in miracles versus the mundane need for the common good. The brash young American priest comes hard up against the solid old Abbot of Muck. Dependable, honest within and without, the Abbot is the only one that knows that his faith is a tenuous thing.

The facts of the plot matter little. The excellent character portrayals, and the understanding of the internal workings of such different minds is uniquely Moore. As only he can, he makes the anguish of the Abbot your own, and brings you with him through the trials of his decision.

Outstanding.

Rating:
Summary: A jewel of a novella
Review: This is my favorite Brian Moore work. It's briefness doesn't detract from the hugeness of the story. This is a story which touches on faith and how fragile it can be and does it in a simple and elegant way. I love it.

Mr. Moore's "Cold Heaven" is also a wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: A jewel of a novella
Review: This is my favorite Brian Moore work. It's briefness doesn't detract from the hugeness of the story. This is a story which touches on faith and how fragile it can be and does it in a simple and elegant way. I love it.

Mr. Moore's "Cold Heaven" is also a wonderful book.