K. D. Whitehead (1930–2015)

This book, written nearly 50+ years after Vatican II, is a compilation of papers delivered at the 2006 convention of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars. Dealing with all aspects of the place of the Liturgy in the Mass, some of them were interesting. Many seemed to be in reaction to Feminist Theology and Liberation Theology. While extremes of all sorts flourish among some groups at some times, everyone who espouses reform and change should not be disparaged in such a wholesale manner.

I picked up this book originally to better understand my sister's difficulties with the changes brought about by Vatican II. I finished it without truly understanding the arguments except to think that each of these writers is confused. While criticizing, often harshly, innovation and change, they seem to bow before his holiness Pope Benedict XVI to an extreme extent.

Is this because they fear to criticize him? Is it because they expect him to repeal the changes made by Vatican II? Is it because, less than one year into his reign, they don't want to burn bridges?

The bottom line is that I am much less inclined to see the spirituality of Roman Catholics as a true search for God and more inclined to see it as a power play by a few men. I am sure the book and its authors will fade from memory rather soon and I will think less often of the patriarchal system and more of the people of God who worship in this manner.… (más)