The Church and Abortion: A Catholic Dissent

by George Dennis O'Brien

This provocative book takes a critical look at what is increasingly viewed as the central political issue for Catholics_abortion. From pro-choice politicians being denied communion to Democrats being called 'the party of death,' for some of the most vocal Catholic leaders, the abortion issue often trumps all others. The author, a practicing Catholic who is against abortion in principle, believes the Church is on the wrong course with this issue, with grievous results for the Church and American society more broadly. He gives a brief history of abortion legislation, then explores the issue from legal, moral, and Christian perspectives, presenting compelling reasons why Church leaders and Catholics should stop trying to overturn Roe v. Wade and reconsider the issue.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2010

About the author

George Dennis O'Brien is an American philosopher who served as the eighth President of the University of Rochester. He also served as president of Bucknell University.

Reviews

[Katie McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much reading this book, and I'm very grateful for it. I will be meditating on this for a long time.

We are all harmed by a public discourse on abortion that is somehow painfully un-serious despite all the loud and violent shouting about the lives at stake. I had serious spiritual questions about both sides, but especially about the way that my church's weekly bulletin has a special page for "pro-life" ministries but no other ministries are thus included. I wanted to understand more and to somehow begin to locate myself within this strange context.

There is a lot more I could maybe say, but like I said, meditation feels required after reading such a work. I'm really grateful for the author for taking on what has probably felt like a thankless (or reviled) position on such a dreaded subject. I'll probably be indebted to his work a long time, as now I can begin to see a way forward for myself in my words and my spiritual life.

"Religion is grounded in mystery, which certainly suggests caution about drawing conclusions. The 'mystery' at the heart of religion is not mumbo-jumbo; it is like the mystery of the self. Abortion goes to the core of a woman's sense of self, the mystery of the human heart. Those who would speak about the mystery of God and his care for the human heart should speak with care and compassion, not ready censure and condemnation. Amen."

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien.

[David Doel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely difficult subject that seems to have no middle ground. George Dennis O'Brien stakes out that middle ground and provides the basis for a reasonable discussion that sadly will not happen. I imagined the 3-star rating for this book consisting of half 1-stars and half 5-stars, but all sides will find their ox gored in this book.

[Mark Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for Catholics, regardless of their views on abortion.