Rating: 
Summary: The timeliness of this book could not have been better...
Review: ...and for that reason, I was worried that the quality of the work would not be up to par. Fortunately my concerns were ill-founded and the work being reviewed here can be given four and a half stars for content and a half a star for its timeliness. My only real criticism is that George Weigel almost seems to fall into the trap of equating "Catholic" with "Latin rite". Thus when he speaks of the celibacy of the Catholic priest - and while giving a cursory mention of the eastern tradition - he does not do full justice to the complexity of the eastern and western traditions on this subject. (He is right though that celibacy of the western clergy is not the problem that many of the contemporary ignorant portray it to be.) But I am getting a bit ahead of myself here.George Weigel starts off by identifying the crisis under four headings: 1) The three-headed monster of pedophilia, priests having illicit sexual relations with women - including some minors, and "homosexually oriented priests, seemingly incapable of living the celibacy they had promised to God and the Church, and abusing teenagers and young men committed to their care" (cf. Weigel). 2) Crisis of Priestly Identity 3) Crisis of Episcopal Leadership 4) Crisis of Discipleship He then goes on to highlight what the crisis is not and deals well with the red herrings of (i) Celibacy (ii) the "authoritarian Church" model (iii) a "failure to implement Vatican II" - according to its so-called "spirit" (iv) the crisis being "a pedophilia crisis" - as it is much more then that (v) the "problem" being the Catholic Sexual Ethic itself. From there he delves into the problems of dissent from magisterial teaching which started with Humanae Vitae in 1968 and continues today by both "liberals" as well as so-called "traditionalists" and how the Vatican ended up hamstringing American bishops in 1968. The fear of creating a schism was of course legitimate but the results of the policies to address the problems have created in essence an implicit schism in the American Church at many levels. Weigel deals well with how the aforementioned dissent filtered down from not a few theologians to the faithful, influenced the seminary development of a generation of priests, problems with certain psychological attempts to fix the problem, and the Vatican's moves under the pontificate of Pope John Paul II to reverse this trend which started turning around in 1984. (And how more recent seminarians have benefitted from the changes made thus far.) Weigel also identifies well the culture of dissent that has developed and points out how it in all of its manifestations - from liberal to self-styled "traditionalist" - have played a role in the deepening of this problem. The lie of "faithful dissent" is not detailed as well as it could have been but Weigel sought to cover a lot of subjects so in that respect can be pardoned for only covering the above subject in a brief overview manner. From there, the author goes on to examine in detail the reasons why the bishops failed in their ministry, the role of Rome in the Crisis, the beginning of reform in the Seminaries - starting with the 1985 Apostolic visitations, the elements that go into priestly reform (here he touches on the rich teaching of the Council and Pope John Paul II on the priesthood), and the selection of bishops - including an idea for some lay participation. (Hardly the "novelty" that many Catholics may presume that it is.) Weigel sums the work up with a call to renewal by being authentically Catholic and not "Catholic Lite" - the latter being what is sadly not uncommon today with the cafeteria Catholicism of picking and choosing what the individual likes and disregarding the rest: for it is that very element that was the genesis of this crisis and what has prolonged it. It therefore is a mentality that needs to be killed and buried and Weigel outlines in this book a good program for doing that that is in essence "back to basics". In short, this is a good book that all Catholics concerned with the problems in the Church today should read. Crises after all are only cured by a renewed fidelity and that is of course what George Weigel means by "the courage to be Catholic" - and this is something that all Catholics need to take into account and strive to do.
Rating:
Summary: Authentic Reform
Review: A brilliant diagnosis of the current decadent state of American Catholicism ande a moving plea for authentic reform----one in which we are summoned to become more Catholic, not less.
Rating:
Summary: the truth...and courage...will set you free!
Review: A refreshing analysis of current affairs in the Church. Written with brevity, clarity, and honesty. Not pandering to the "politicized" conservative or liberal "factions" of special interest groups within or outside the Church, he sets the picture in the framework of orthodox theology. He writes in simple language to express the complexity of the current crisis, avoiding "knee jerk" solutions. Time and again throughout the book he returns to the "bottom line": a return to fidelity is the only real reform to be made. He charges both the laity and the episcopate to not "shy away" from their responsibility...that includes teaching and living the fullness of Truth found in the classic Catholic Tradition. If one looks at the Church as an "Administration" a "Corporation" or even a "Denomination", then one has missed the essential truth of what the Church is, Who a Priest is, and the relationship of the faithful to each other and Christ through the Church. Mr. Weigel demonstrates the differences succinctly and incisively. Yes, every Bishop, Cardinal and Priest should read this book as well as Seminary and Catholic University Rectors and Faculty. A very timely and thoughtful look at what can be done to "re-form" the Church if "we" only have the "courage" to try. Only the "Truth" will set us free. To Quote his opening: "For all those who will contribute to the genuinely Catholic reform of the Church in the United States. You know who you are. Be not afraid."
Rating:
Summary: Written with charity
Review: All of us Catholics are disgusted by both the priests who destroyed hundreds of lives and the bishops who enabled these monsters. However, we should be equally disgusted by groups both inside and outside the Church who shamelessly exploit victims of sexual abuse to advance political causes and theological extortion. In the midst of this chaos, George Weigel provides a refreshing ray of light with his honest critique of the Church heirarchy and his committment to the truth of the Catholic faith. This book was written with intense charity and loving concern for the Catholic faithful. Mr. Weigel uses his extensive first-hand knowledge of the Church, including the papacy, to outline a cohesive, competent, and comprehensive study of the causes, effects, and solutions to the current crisis facing the Church. In this book, Mr. Weigel plays the honest centrist, even though he usually fits more comfortably in the traditionalist camp. There is no pitiful blaming of "media hype," a claim common among traditionalists. Also, there is none of the tired "us-them" or "noble laity vs. the evil heirarchy" silliness of the Catholic left. Instead, Mr. Weigel's essential thesis of the Chruch is the same as Christ's - a family of believers, each with his or her own role in the plan of salvation, and each called through his or her own baptism to a life centered on Christ. Mr. Weigel's assertion that seminarians must first be mature disciples of Christ seems intuitive, but is unfortuantely quite revolutionary. Similarly, his call for bishops to be apostles instead of managers should be equally obivious. The fact that Mr. Weigel is compelled to rebuke the Church leadership on these points shows the true crisis in the Church today. The book ends with a cause for hope - the culture that created this tragedy is on the wane. . .an assertion that has been proven recently in the surge of new seminarians over the past few months. Thank you, Mr. Weigel, for giving us an excellent plan for true reform!
Rating:
Summary: Courage.........not easy, but necessary
Review: An area of common agreement, regardless of whether one is a conservative or liberal, is that the current sexual abuse scandal in the church needs immediate attention and reform. In what can best be described as an extended essay, George Weigel, theologian and columnist, analyzes the present crisis and presents a clear, cogent and concise analysis of the causes of this crisis and proposes a number of simple, yet surprisingly elusive (to many) reforms to eliminate this corrosive cancer within the church. Mr. Weigel examines the issues with a clear understanding of what the Catholic Church is, and what it is not. The author identifies a number of reasons for the current crisis: the culture of dissent in the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council; deficiencies in the episcopate where many bishops view themselves as corporate CEO's rather than apostles of Christ; lack of focus on ascetic priestly lifestyles; and the cafeteria Catholicism of many of today's Catholics. The solution lies in the book's invitation to a deeper faith and fidelity to the teachings of the church, the courage to address the crisis within the context of Christ's essential teachings. And this courage applies to all aspects of the church: the episcopate, the clergy and indeed all members of the church, to stand firm for what is right. Most of the author's opinions will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with his other books and his column, The Catholic Difference. However, Mr. Weigel's gift is that he explains his positions with wit and clarity, analyzing complex issues in simple understandable terms. One may not always agree with George Weigel. However, the book is thought provoking and provides much food for thought on the current affairs and future direction of the church. COURAGE TO BE CATHOLIC reminds us that the future of the Church depends upon the commitment of each of us to the fidelity of the Gospel and the teachings of the church.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Essential
Review: Arguably the most important book that has so far emerged from the current Church crisis. Highly recommended, but there is a caveat. George Weigel occasionally "argues" by fiat. For example (p. 104): "No serious person doubts that psychology and psychiatry can be of help in handling problems of clerical sexual abuse." Implying what? That only the frivolous would have the temerity to so doubt? Weigel's assessment may very well be correct, but since when is dismissiveness an acceptable replacement for argumentation and reason (except of course for those who subscribe to Catholic Lite)? This kind of "argumentation" is unworthy of Weigel, and is indicative and symptomatic of rushed aspects of the book, though his desire to get his prescriptions for reform out as soon as possible is understandable and laudable. The bottom line is that "The Courage To Be Catholic" is extraordinarily cogent and inspiring. I very much hope that Weigel has sent a copy to every bishop, archbishop and cardinal in the country. And, certainly, this book is a must-read for every Catholic.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read For the Discerning Man
Review: As one who has spent the past two years serious discerning my vocation, I found this book key in what to look for in dioceses and seminaries. It provides several questions that should be answered both by the potential seminarian and by the seminary/diocese. As well, it gives a good historical and political basis for the situation the Church has come into. I highly recommend this book to all discerning their vocation. The only drawback is that I believe the book is a little expensive for the quantity of material presented. Onto this book, I would also suggest a tape series by Bishop Sheen, "Called and Chosen" which was made out of a retreat weekend for priests. It was one of his last works, make well into the post Vatican II era, giving insights into our Church today.
Rating: 
Summary: Courage?
Review: Author's idea of Courage to be Catholic is to Live in the Past and not face the burning reforms needed to help Church be all it can be.
This book is an invitation to yesteryear.
Rating:
Summary: Visionary Truth - A Layman Challenges the Catholic Hierarchy
Review: George Weigel has a done a great service for the Catholic Church. His cogent and eloquent evaluation of the 2002 sexual abuse crisis confronting the Catholic Church and its hierarchy in the United States (and Rome!!) is right on the money.
As a deacon of the Catholic Church ordained in 1986, I can personally attest to the accuracy of his assessment of the crisis of fidelity, which is one of the major root causal factors of the cowardice with which too many dioceses and seminaries have dealt with the issue of agenda-driven, active dissent from the received teachings of the Church. This applies also to those ordained priests who support the agenda of those who choose to be active in a homosexual lifestyle by celebrating "sub rosa" Masses for them. For too long now, we have tolerated too many who do not teach "with the Church" and who have tried to foist off on us their twisted versions of "loyal dissent" - - priests, deacons and many consecrated religious women and men included. The greatest gift we have received in the last ten years is the magnificent "Catechism of the Catholic Church" - - Unfortunately, in some dioceses, this splendid Catechism is neither recommended nor praised - - Weigel correctly identifies these inauthentic dioceses as those who sadly embrace "Catholic Lite" and tolerate "loyal dissent"!! There is no substitute for fidelity to the received teachings of the Church and the call to holiness for all its adherents.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Overview of the Current Situation
Review: George Weigel has again provided us highly informative and reliable commentary on the Catholic Church. He does not hide in ambiguities and forthrightly places blame for the current scandals on the dissent so long tolerated by some American bishops. The good news is that the domination of Catholic academia by dissenting theologians is beginning to wane. The brigades of "Catholic Lite," Weigel's term for those who advocate dissent, are aging and raging against the demise of their liberal program for the Catholic Church. As the so-called "progressives" angrily fade into irrelevance due to their state of denial, the Church will march forward true to her countercultural prophetic call.
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