The Vows of Religious Life in a Secular Society - by Judith A Merkle (Hardcover)

About the Book

Explores the personal impact of religious vows and their potential to foster a sense of completeness within wider society.

Book Synopsis

This book investigates religious vows, shedding light on the type of faith that can sustain humanity in secular times. It examines the personal impact of religious life as well as its potential to foster a sense of completeness within society at large.

Unbelief in today's society can be partially rooted in the shallowness of the sort of religion that the secular can abandon. Such a religion, characterized as magical, shallow, illusory, or rooted solely in external rituals, lacks the depth required to thrive in a secular society. It fails to address the profound aspects of human existence, the authentic freedom of the spirit, and the enduring obedience of faith.

This study of religious vows uncovers their deeper meanings in light of these challenges. It invites us to consider whether religious life, despite contemporary criticisms, can be seen as "touching wholeness". This book does not only delve into the theological foundations of these vows but also key areas which impact their understanding and living in new contexts. It surveys sociological landscapes and goes beyond to encompass shifts in science, psychology, theology. Religious life in this sense is part of the renewal of the church, as well as an agent in it.

By focusing briefly on each vow, Judtih A. Merkle illustrates how religious life serves as a bridge connecting the secular and the sacred. It is a life focused on love of God and service of others which is a witness to the coming of Kingdom of God, and values which truly matter in contemporary society.

Review Quotes

Drawing from a wide variety of disciplines from Psychology and Sociology to Theology and Philosophy, Merkle analyzes the challenges of modern secular society, where religion is simply one choice among many others. This "contingency," she says, leaves a void, a hunger to touch and be touched by a wholeness beyond the competing plethora of transitory goals. Religious virtuosity in every faith tradition throughout the ages has thrived when it answered the particular hunger(s) of its society. Vowed religious life, too, will thrive through its witness that "something real is there."
Patricia Wittberg, Indiana University Indianapolis, USA

Thisis an illuminating reflection on the meaning of vowed religious life in our contemporary world. Drawing on rich experience, personal reflection and a wide range of contributions in theology, philosophy and sociological and psychological theory, it offers a profound understanding of how religious vows make possible a life of wholeness and service.
Robert Gascoigne, Australian Catholic University, Australia.

What are the prospects for a renewed engagement of vowed religious life and secular society today? Merkle trains a keenly perceptive eye upon the contours of consecrated religious life today, including key challenges relating to the themes of autonomy and pluralism, as well as vocation, charism and mission. In the search for a renewal of integral wholeness in religious life today, the abundant resources within this volume will surely be decisive.
Thomas Massaro, Fordham University, USA

About the Author

Judith A. Merkle recently served as Professor of Religious Studies at Niagara University, USA. She is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.