American Catholics Through the Twentieth Century

While many classical spiritual teachings emphasize the beauty of contemplation, lay Christians must live "in the world", making practical judgments every day in private and public spheres. The author shows how this is a complex vocation that requires far more guidance than the Church has provided. Faith can seem far removed from the everyday. Amid American pluralism and the ambiguities of social action, always there is the temptation to retreat into a privatized or compartmentalized spirituality. Yet, to be Christian and public is the distinctive task of the layperson, one that should not be neglected.