First published 2019
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput delivers a sharp analysis of contemporary American society and offers practical guidance for Christians navigating a post-Christian culture. He argues that America has fundamentally changed, not merely evolved, pointing to the breakdown of family structures, technological disruption that deepens economic inequality, declining religious participation among youth, demographic transformations, shifting patterns in sexuality and identity, expanding federal authority that disregards religious liberty, and the increasing disconnect of elite leadership from ordinary citizens. Rather than stopping at diagnosis, Chaput provides a constructive path forward. He reflects on the person of Jesus Christ, examines the nature of the Church, emphasizes the need for radical faith commitment, and explores how beauty can serve redemptive purposes. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 8 and the principle that God's glory manifests through human flourishing, the book equips Catholics and other Christians with tools to live their beliefs confidently and hopefully despite cultural hostility. This work offers both critique and encouragement for believers seeking to maintain their faith commitment in an increasingly secular public sphere.
Genres: christian, american, religion, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-critique, social-commentary
Period: 21st-Century
288 pages · Paperback · St. Martin's Griffin