With great passion, Camosy reminds our Catholic brothers and sisters what it means to be the body of Christ, even in our diversity. As a Protestant, I take the unity Christ calls is to a few steps further, but deeply appreciated this book's approach. Using historical and practical examples, Camosy calls out our man-made idols (like politics) and social media, and encourages readers to come together in Christ.

I had high hopes for this book and agreed with the main premise that we need to talk to each other and get a fuller picture of "opposite sides" of issues, so I was very disappointed to see the complete ignoring of one side of the pro-life/pro-choice issue. I got the impression that the author might even not consider me a Catholic because I didn't agree with his pro-life position. It's rather disingenuous to "thicken" one side of an issue and completely ignore the other, especially when you have gone to great lengths to show both sides of many of the other issues addressed and in conflict in the church today. I gave the book 3 stars because it is a good way to approach the conflicts that we have.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

An important read, but not an easy one. It's not that the writing style or subject matter is particularly complex or scholarly, but rather that the material hits home in a way that's sometimes uncomfortable. Dr. Camosy examines a number of stereotypes in Church life (the boomer, the millennial trad, the "Christmas & Easter Catholic," and others). After describing the "thin caricature" he goes on to deepen the discussion by examining what is in the heart of the person fitting the stereotype, what gifts and truths are proclaimed, and opportunities for unity in diversity. The author plays no favorites throughout the book, but treats each of the represented groups fairly, with continued reminders that everyone brings something important to the Church as a whole, and that stereotypes rob people of their dignity. A must-read for anyone who serves the Church, in particular.

"Peace when possible, truth at all cost." - Martin Luther
Where we leave the truth out, there will be chaos!!!

*I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review..

I received a free copy of, One Church, by Charles C. Camosy, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, Covid did hurt the church and Catholics, not being able to go to mass, and celebrate mass with fellow Catholics. A lot of people fell away from the church, this is a great book on why Catholicism has been around for so ;long, and how to keep it around.

It is a thought provoking piece that invites to reflect on the history of division that the Catholic Church has lived since it was founded. Camosy begins his illustration by explaining in a simple yet profound way how the two most influential apostles had great differences in the way they interpreted how we need to live our love for our Lord Jesus Christ and moves on to providing us with more detailed explanation of the many ways we have differences while trying to live our faith. It invites the self reflection of those who find a belonging to the church being challenging by so many ways of division rather than unity.

I know this book will be a gift to the Church! Camosy's book is essential reading for anyone wanting to overcome internal ecclesial divisions and help facilitate the unity Christ wills for us. - Michael R. Heinlein.