Rome Has Spoken . . . A Guide to Forgotten Papal Statements, and How They Have Changed Through the Centuries

By Maureen Fiedler

Book Overview

Will the Roman Catholic Church ever change its position on women's ordination, contraception, clerical celibacy, or even infallibility itself? Is change possible, or are all teachings etched in stone?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824517741
• ISBN13: 9780824517748
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Crossroad Publishing
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic Source Book

This is a well researched, well written book that exposes much of the hypocricy of some of Vatican thought, and puts a lie to the phrase that often comes out of Rome, "As we have always taught..." It definitely shows how Church doctrine has, as Rome says, "developed," over the years. It is also a very very instructive and accurate source on many of the issues that are of real importance to the People of Godde. It is written in clear and consice language, is easy for just about anyone to understand, and is worth every penny.

Hope for Catholicism

Contrary to those who have criticized this work (probably without even reading it), 'Catholic bashing' is anything but the point to be pressed. This work was written by two Catholic women who strongly believe in their faith.The two authors attempt to point out how the Catholic Church has evolved it's teachings over the years from often times corrupt to a much more compassionate and liberating theology. In many ways this work gives hope to liberal Catholics who are troubled by what seems to be stagnant doctrine and seek change in their faith.The contents include papal words and laws on: infallibility, scriptural interpretation, religious freedom, slavery, women in the clergy, science and much more. Each chapter goes through early church teacings to modern. After reading this work (as a non-Catholic), I have a new found respect for Pope John Paul II and his courage.To those who find 'change' as a threat, I suggest reading the early church teachings and conduct and ask yourself 'Would I honestly wish to live in this realm of thought?'I think we both know the answer.

Worth buying!

Rome Has Spoken is a great book and definitely worth having on the shelf. The commentaries are especially enlightening. It is true, as some of the other reviewers have pointed out, that the documentation could be better (example, the sections of the documents are often not given). Just the same, any church history buff should appreciate this book.

Finally....the other side

Wonderful source material presenting both sides of the story! I do get more than a little offended by the insecure, weak: my church right or wrong, and the intellectual morons who can't distinguish criticism from rejection. As a lifelong, practicing Catholic, I find it appalling that Gorbachev and communism can confront and embrace the reality of their past while the "best" my church could do was admit they and Gallileo were both in the wrong. How insipid. ONLY the truth makes you free... and stronger. Nicely researched book. Would love to have see a more in-depth discussion of each topic, but there is a place for a high-level view and NOW the opportunity to intelligently search for answers.

A wonderfully written, well researched and LONG OVERDUE book

While reading this book I was reminded of an old anecdote about Harry Truman and the election of 1948. While speaking at a rally someone from the crowd yelled out "Give 'em hell, Harry" and Truman immediately came back with, "I'm not giving them hell I 'm giving them the truth. It's just that to them the truth is hell!" That's what the authors of this book do, give them hell in the form of the truth. In "Rome Has Spoken" the authors set out to show that, despite what the Vatican claims, many official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church have changed over the centuries. That means that all the controverial issues now facing the church, such as women's ordination, mandatory celibacy and contraception, cannot be swept away with the claim that church teaching is "unchangeable." The author's let contradictory statements from the official church documents, and members of the Roman Catholic hierarchy make their case for them. In each chapter an expert on the particular issue explains in a clear and understandable manner the historical and theological context of the given church teaching and how it has changed over the past 2,000 years. A very enjoyable and very interesting book. A must read for any thinking Catholic!