ebooks American Political History: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Donald T. Critchlow in History

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Roman Catholicism stands at a crossroads; a classic ''best of times; worst of times'' moment. On the one hand; the Catholic Church remains by far the largest branch of the worldwide Christian family; and is growing at a remarkable clip. Yet the Church has also been rocked by a series of scandals related to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy; and; even more devastating; the cover-up by the Church hierarchy. The decade-long crisis has taken a massive financial toll; but the blow to both the internal morale and the external moral standing of the Church has been even steeper. Today; the Church has enormous residual strength and exciting future prospects; but also faces steep internal and external challenges. The question of ''whither Catholicism'' is of vital public relevance; for believers and non-believers alike. In The Catholic Church: What Everyone Needs to Know; John L. Allen; Jr.; one of the world's leading authorities on the Vatican; offers an authoritative and accessible guide to the past; present; and future of the Church. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI; the election of Pope Francis; and his extraordinary tenure thus far.