To Believe or Not Believe
examines the faith of young adults in a society that struggles to grasp the nature of truth or the transcendent, to appreciate the deep compatibility of faith and reason, and to encounter the mystery of the divine due to a truncated vision of salvation in contemporary culture. Furthermore, while young adults are generous and willing to listen, a religious milieu is often missing.
This book addresses young people, many of whom are formed by social media rather than a liberal education, who seek a sense of God's presence in their lives. It also addresses those who work with them—teachers, pastors, or parents—in our post-truth society. The concluding reflections offer practical suggestions.
Endorsements
"Thomas Rausch has brought his profound theological and pastoral acumen to bear on Catholic young adults' frequent ignorance of, indifference, or hostility to Catholicism's profound grasp of truth and transcendence. He builds a solid theological basis for analyzing this phenomenon as well as offering helpful suggestions for pastoral practice."
—Harvey D. Egan, SJ, professor emeritus of systematic and mystical theology, Boston College, and author of
Rethinking Catholic Theology: From the Mystery of Existence to the New Creation
"To Believe or Not Believe
expertly addresses the challenges young adults face in grasping truth and the transcendent in a post-truth society. This essential guide provides practical insights for teachers, pastors, and parents, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and reason in today's complex world."
—Sr. Rosalia Meza, VDMF, senior director, Office of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Rev. Thomas P. Rausch, SJ
, is the Emeritus T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. A specialist in ecclesiology, he has published twenty-six books and received seven awards from the Catholic Press Association. He is a member of the Anglican/Roman Catholic Consultation USA and co-chairs the Los Angeles Catholic/Evangelical Committee for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
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