What Does It All Mean? builds on the wisdom, accessibility, and insight of popular author Richard Leonard's previous writings in this down to earth exploration of a life of faith, narrated through stories and human experience.
I can agree with much of what he says, but believe that we are all saints if we believe that Jesus is the son of God. "Sainthood" is not just for those we think meet human criteria for goodness, but the expectation when we commit our life to Christ.
This is an excellent book but a few times over my head. I read a chapter at a time to let it sink in during Lent. I have so much more to learn about my faith and the Catholic Church.
2 ☆ Finished reading … What does it all mean?: a guide to being more faithful, hopeful and loving / Richard Leonard SJ ... 03 August 2021 Sub-title variant: Faith's Big Questions ISBN: 9780809106417 … 209 pp. incl. Notes, Index
I found this book a mixed bag. The first section, The Case for Faith, is mostly very good. It uses language and ideas that anybody could take on board and used if ever asked why they believe in God. Parts of the last section, on prayer, are also quite good. The rest isn't great.
I have two specific gripes. First, in addressing the problem of sex abuse in the Church, Leonard highlights that sex abuse happens everywhere, and goes on a bit in that vein. Frankly, until the churches in general and Leonard's Catholic Church in particular, clean up their own house, however true his criticisms of others might be, his raising of them merely serves to add to the Catholic Church's denial, minimisation, and ducking and weaving of responsibility.
Second, as an Australian reading a book by an Australian, it is extremely irritating to read Mom instead of Mum, and ranch instead of farm or station. Are USAmericans so ignorant or incapable of understanding that across the globe there are spelling and word alternatives in the English language?
I recommend the first section of the book but the rest not so much.