Best Review at the Catholic Press Association Convention Studies of young American Catholics over the last three decades suggest a growing crisis in the Catholic Church: compared to their elders, young Catholics are looking to the Church less as they form their identities, and fewer of them can even explain what it means to be Catholic and why that matters. Young Catholic America, the latest book based on the groundbreaking National Study of Youth and Religion, explores a crucial stage in the life of Catholics. Drawing on in-depth surveys and interviews of Catholics and ex-Catholics ages 18 to 23--a demographic commonly known as early "emerging adulthood"--leading sociologist Christian Smith and his colleagues offer a wealth of insight into the wide variety of religious practices and beliefs among young Catholics today, the early influences and life-altering events that lead them to embrace the Church or abandon it, and how being Catholic affects them as they become full-fledged adults. Beyond its rich collection of statistical data, the book includes vivid case studies of individuals spanning a full decade, as well as insight into the twentieth-century events that helped to shape the Church and its members in America. An innovative contribution to what we know about religion in the United States and the evolving Catholic Church, Young Catholic America is the definitive source for anyone seeking to understand what it means to be young and Catholic in America today.

This is a science book for First Grade students.

Winner of a 2018 Catholic Press Association Award: Popular Presentation of the Catholic Faith. (First Place). With atheism on the rise and millions tossing off religion, why would anyone consider the Catholic Church? Brandon Vogt, a bestselling author and the content director for Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, shares his passionate search for truth, a journey that culminated in the realization that Catholicism was right about a lot of things, maybe even everything. His persuasive case for the faith reveals a vision of Catholicism that has answers our world desperately needs and reminds those already in the Church what they love about it. A 2016 study by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 25 percent of adults (39 percent of young adults) describe themselves as unaffiliated with any religion. Millions of these so-called “nones” have fled organized religion and many more have rejected God altogether. Brandon Vogt was one of those nones. When he converted to Catholicism in college, he knew how confusing that decision was to many of his friends and family. But he also knew that the evidence he discovered pointed to one conclusion: Catholicism is true. To his delight, he discovered it was also exceedingly good and beautiful. Why I Am Catholic traces Vogt’s spiritual journey, making a refreshing, twenty-first century case for the faith and answering questions being asked by agnostics, nones, and atheists, the audience for his popular website, StrangeNotions.com, where Catholics and atheists dialogue. With references to Catholic thinkers such as G. K. Chesterton, Ven. Fulton Sheen, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and Bishop Robert Barron, Vogt draws together lines of evidence to help seekers discover why they should be Catholic as an alternative. Why I Am Catholic serves as a compelling reproposal of the Church for former Catholics, a persuasive argument for truth and beauty to those who have become jaded and disenchanted with religion, and at the same time offers practicing Catholics a much-needed dose of confidence and clarity to affirm their faith against an increasingly skeptical culture.

The relationship between the Catholic Church and science is one of the most misunderstood stories of Western civilization. Merely repeating the mantra that there is no ultimate contradiction between faith and reason has not solved the crisis for millions of Catholics, many of whom have abandoned the Faith over perceived discrepancies between the religious and scientific world. In Pursuit of Wisdom moves beyond polemical and surface-level approaches to glean a more accurate picture of the historical relationship between scientific inquiry and the Catholic Faith. Beginning with the earliest days of the Church, proceeding through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and beyond, Catholic history author Phillip Campbell tells the stories of brilliant individuals, challenging controversies, and awe-inspiring discoveries that form the tapestry of the Church's rich engagement with science. When we understand people and perspectives of the past, we can better understand how we arrived at our current situation — and be prepared to respond to the questions of those both within and outside the Church who believe that faith and reason are incompatible.

This book carefully explores the claim that young adults (18 to 35) are leaving Catholicism in the United States. According to primary empirical research, many young adults stay and do so living their faith in engaged ways. Most, however, do not do it in the traditional context of the parish. Young adult Catholics are living their faith and spiritual life largely in small faith communities, ecclesial movements, faith-based affinity groups, at home, and through individual practice. The description of research findings is supplemented by commentaries from leaders in evangelization and young adult ministry, from both a theological and a sociological perspective. In a church that is more culturally diverse and increasingly Hispanic, this book offers key insights to better understand the spirituality of young adult Catholics today. Contributors include Mark M. Gray, Michal J. Kramarek, Claudia Avila Cosnahan, Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Hosffman Ospino, Darius Villalobos, Patricia Wittberg, SC, and Thomas P. Gaunt, SJ.

The Handbook of Applied Developmental Science is the only work to comprehensively present the latest theory, research, and application from applied developmental science (ADS) and the positive psychology movement. It summarizes and synthesizes the best scientific knowledge from ADS to help readers understand the efforts being made around the world to ensure that all children and adolescents develop into healthy adults who contribute positively to society. The Handbook is also the first resource to organize and integrate both the prevention and promotion approaches to programs and policies for children, adolescents, and families. In addition, the Handbook provides a detailed road map for future research and for actions that will promote positive child, youth, and family development. Published in four volumes, the Handbook features 95 chapters by more than 150 contributors, many of who are renowned leaders in the field. Volume 1 describes the foundation of applied developmental science, its historical development, and current scientific and professional efforts to develop policies and programs that promote positive child, adolescent, and family development. Volume 2 examines public policy and government service systems. Volume 3 discusses community systems for enhancing citizenship and promoting a civil society. Finally, Volume 4 outlines methods for university engagement and academic outreach. Feature and Benefits - Four comprehensive, topical volumes - Approximately 2,200 pages - 95 chapters - More than 150 contributors, many of whom are world-renowned leaders in applied development science from the academic, professional, and policy and political arenas - Forewords for each volume written by well-known authorities, including Edward Zigler, co-founder of the Head Start program; US Congressman Elijah E Cummings; David Bell, International Youth Foundation; and Graham Spanier, President, The Pennsylvania State University Designed for a wide audience the Handbook will be an important addition to your library collection. It offers a single source for information about fostering generations of healthy children and families. It is designed specifically to meet the needs of: - Faculty and students in the fields of psychology, human development, family studies, policy studies, nursing, allied health, and education - Staff and volunteers working in non-governmental organizations - Members of local, state, national, and international government organizations and personnel involved in policy and program development and funding - Directors and staff at foundations that administer programs aimed at promoting positive your and family development