The Reform of Renewal

by Benedict J. Groeschel

This clear and unequivocal call for personal reform as the basis of authentic renewal in society and in the Church is rooted in several sources. The work of an internationally recognized Biblical scholar (Rudolph Schnackenburg) is woven in with the observations of contemporary social critics as well as behavioral scientists. The author does not spare anyone's feelings in an attempt at a critical and objective analysis of the serious problems of the Catholic Church and "mainstream" religious denominations in America. This book definitively places the onus for reform on the individual Christian striving to follow the Gospel in our materialistic and selfish culture. Because of its roots in Scripture and in the long history of reform in the Church, this book offers the reader a well-founded hope that the first signs of real renewal in the Church are beginning to appear. Includes index.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Catholic

232 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

About the author

Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R. (July 23, 1933 – October 3, 2014) was an American Franciscan friar, Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and television host. He hosted the television talk program Sunday Night Prime broadcast on the Eternal Word Television Network as well as several serial religious specials. He founded the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. He was Associate Director of the Trinity Retreat House for clergy and executive director of St. Francis House. He was professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia. He was one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and among his close friends were Mother Teresa, Mother Angelica and Alice von Hildebrand.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fr. Groeschel is much more interesting on tv than in print, but he had some great pointers in this book. It just wasn't all that exciting to read.

[Nathan H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Groeschel speaks of some timeless truths about the need for personal reformation and repentance leading to wider institutional renewal. This is true of all times and eras, with personal holiness being the best answer to cultural decadence. However, this particular piece seems very bound by its time in the 90s and this context weighs heavily on the book. Some timeless truths here, wrapped up in some language and trends of the day that softened some of the impact of what Groeschel conveys.

[Patrick O'Hannigan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Father Groeschel is an engaging speaker, but on paper it's difficult to catch the humor or the good-natured abrasiveness with which this New York monastic seasons his otherwise-dry common sense.