Description
At the beginning of the twentieth century, American intellectuals grew increasingly sympathetic to Pragmatism and empirical methods in the social sciences, which challenged the dogma and "absolute truth" of the church. Defenders of the faith opposed this new public philosophy, instead insisting on the uniqueness of the Catholic Church and a sound philosophy of humanity. Neither capitulating to the new creed nor retreating into self-righteous isolation, they formed an economic and political philosophy based on natural law, appropriated what good they could find in progressivism, and encouraged Americans to embrace Catholicism. Thomas E. Woods's provocative study shows how American Catholics attempted to retain their identity in an age of pluralism and laid the groundwork for a half-century of intellectual vitality.
About the Author
Thomas E. Woods Jr. is senior fellow in American history at the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama.
Reviews
Precociously wise... magnificent. -- Paul Gottfried The American Conservative A lucid and accessible book -- Eugene McCarraher A Christian Review This book will be a valuable resource...Highly recommended. -- P. J. Hayes Choice The Church Confronts Modernity is provocative, well-written, and deserves to be read. -- Margaret Mary Reher Catholic Historical Review It is written with great clarity and fluency, making the complex philosophical and theological concepts approachable... This is a very important book which will be indispensable reading for scholars interested in the history of religion. -- Frank Lennon Journal of American Studies It moves briskly and gracefully through the thorny issues confronting the Church during the first two decades of the 20th century... An effective and detailed examination of Catholic intellectual life during a little studied period. -- Thomas G. Guarino Theological Studies This book is well worth reading. It is well written, well researched, and the thesis put forth is well argued. -- Patrick W. Carey Journal of American History Provocative... Woods thoughtful study casts new light on the Catholic response to the culture of progressivism. -- Michael J. Lacey American Catholic Studies Well written... Worthwhile contributions to the literature. -- Deirdre Moloney American Historical Review
Book Information
ISBN 9780231131872
Author Thomas Woods Jr.
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press