I have a book by Father James Martin

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FiveLinden said:
Why on earth would you not read a book because of the views of the writer?
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It depends on what the book is for and why you are reading it.

If I need a book on how to place tile for my kitchen backsplash, then the religious beliefs of the author don’t matter.

If I’m trying to learn about history or theology in general, I need to know the biases of the author. I’ll still read the book, however.

If I’m trying to learn about the orthodox Catholic view on X subject, I’m not going to read a book by some envelope-pushing malcontent.
 
cmac2 said:
Has anyone else read it and what are your thoughts?
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Why read something you are not sure you should read? He is a controversial priest. IMHO he walks very close to the line of disobedience to the Church and gives others the impression they can walk close to disobedience or even disobey also. There are so many great books out there on spirituality. I would definitely look elsewhere. As others said Fr. Pacwa has great books written. Many saints have great books to read also.

So many books by great saints and so little time.
 
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Because my time is limited.
I have no time to loose to read a book that I don’t like or that does not bring any happiness, or does not make me a better person.
 
I read this book back in 2010 and very much enjoyed it. People are free to agree or disagree with Fr. Martin’s later teaching on homosexuality, but this book is not about that subject, and it comes well recommended. Also, Fr. Martin is no rogue priest. He always publishes with the permission and blessing of his Jesuit superiors. The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything has the Imprimi Potest, or permission from Very Rev. Thomas Regan, S.J. Since you already have the book, why not start reading it? If it’s not to your liking, you can always set it aside. I have many books like that in my library, with a perpetually placed bookmark waiting for the day when I return to finish reading them 😉.
 
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I’d be very cautious with him. Look, while an orthodox Catholic could easily read his books, take what is good, cast aside the bad, and remain untouched in their faith, why bother? Especially when there are so many rock-solid alternatives to read. If Jesuit spirituality appeals to you - and there is much to recommend it - why not read some of the other authors mentioned, like Fathers Pacwa or Schall or Fessio? And don’t forget Fr John Hardon, possibly the best of the bunch.
 
Bixby said:
I’d be very cautious with him. Look, while an orthodox Catholic could easily read his books, take what is good, cast aside the bad, and remain untouched in their faith, why bother? Especially when there are so many rock-solid alternatives to read.
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Exactly. And if the appeal is Jesuit spirituality, why not go directly to the source?
 
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings”
2nd Tim. 4: 3
 
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cmac2 said:
I’ve heard that he’s supportive of the LGBT community, which I can only assume means he supports same-sex marriage.
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Old news, but he is on record saying he looks forward to the day when a man can kiss his partner or soon-to- be “husband” at Mass.
He is also a passionate supporter of same sex “married” and pro- abortion candidate Pete Buttigieg.
 
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His book My Life With The Saints is absolutely fabulous (and faith enhancing), and I really enjoyed the parts of the Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything that I’ve read (I need to get back to it). I’m a big fan of his.
 
I’ve seen things like that on his Twitter. I would stay so far away from anything he has written. Even if it was a while back.

If people continue to support what he says he will just continue down that same road. we would do better to pray for him.
 
Happy to report that my middle school Religion class lessons on marriage and family, when they occur, will be informed by Humanae Vitae, Guadium et Spes, Theology of the Body, etc. and never by Martin’s teachings.
 
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He preaches to his own choir on FB and Twitter, hence he is bolder there.
 
@CatholicELATeacher, don’t you think you have done enough Fr. Martin bashing for one day? Your first 4 posts were pretty much on-topic, and I enjoyed them, but the last 4 have fallen into detraction and virtue-signaling. The itching ears one is particularly offensive as it seems to strike hard not at Fr. Martin, but at those like me who look for the good in his work. Could you ease up a bit?
 
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And here is another, specific recommendation for you, cmac2: Man and Woman He Created Them (aka A Theology of the Body) by Pope Saint John Paul II. The Waldstein translation is superb.

Why bother with books written by those who dissent from Church teachings, regardless of when such books were written, when you can read a majestic work by a Saint and a work which someday, I believe, will be integral to Pope St. John Paul II being made a Doctor of the Church? And it’s not “just” a book about human sexuality, marriage and family. That would be like saying The Imitation of Christ is “just” about how to be a good monastic.
 
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It is indeed the influence over others that is most disturbing.
 
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