For the Love of God: The Faith and Future of the American Nun

Rating:
Summary: An interesting paradox?
Review: "For the Love of God" is written from the perspective of social liberal who, raised without religion, provides a perspective on Catholic nuns that makes this book truly unique. Much of this book defends views (pro-abortion, pro-birth control) out of sync with orthodox Catholicism. But, who but orthodox Catholics cares about the future of the nun? It is an interesting paradox, and leads one to wonder what sort of people will buy this book. The answer is probably Catholics who hold liberal views. However, this population is in decline--much like the religious communities that Ms. Kaylin investigates.

What Ms. Kaylin failed to recognize in her otherwise expert research is that religious orders that have renewed their commitment to traditional Catholic views (i.e. views that would be categorized as politically conservative) are actually growing in number. I think this book would have been enriched by an examination of this phenomenon, and of the reasons for why religious communities on the whole are in decline.

Despite this oversight, the book is very good, very readable and quite compelling. It is fascinating to look into the view of religious communities for whom public relations is not generally a strong-suit. Ms. Kaylin's ignorance of religious orders, Catholicism, and religion in general gives a fresh and unique perspective. Furthermore, her socially liberal perspective allows for "forbidden" topics to be discussed. A book written by an orthodox Catholic could never have treated these subjects as directly and honestly.

Nevertheless, after finishing the book, my overriding question was: "Do these people realize they are contributing to their own demise?" This book tells of nuns who actively campaign for abortion rights. It is fine that these people support abortion rights, but isn't it a rather disingenuous to do so as a nun? To consider such a view Catholic is to beg the question, "Exactly what is Catholicism, then?" It is not surprising that this loss of identity has lead to fewer vocations--both because it undermines Catholic values, and because people who hold such views will *always* find more fulfillment outside of a religious community.

I recomend this book, but do not be surprised if you find yourself asking questions similar to the ones I have. For what it is worth, an excellent follow-up work would be for Ms. Kayling to explore those religious communities (including ones for men) that are not, in fact, in decline--and the reasons why.

Rating:
Summary: For The Love of God says it All
Review: Although I was not raised Catholic my Father was kind enough to do what was needed to get me into an excellent Catholic boarding school in Seattle in the early 60's and I have such fond memories.

Altruistic is what the Nuns who choose to enter the calling for the Love Of God are all about. A word we do not hear nearly enough. Not because they want to be center stage or rebels like many of the modern nuns we see.

This book shows what cloistered Nuns are and also explains why the number of women seeking to enter the convent has dropped a good 70%. How ironic that women wishing to become Buddhist nuns have grown in number. Why the difference? Each is a calling to deny the self and serve a higher calling.

Fond memories is all I have. And the book simply reminds me that it is just memories. Will we ever return to an era of denial of self?

Rating:
Summary: Affirming
Review: As a "cradle Catholic" who is often embarrassed by the goofy portrayal of religious women in our media (From the Flying Nun to Sister Act with Whoopie), I found this dignified, fair and revealing portrayal of American nuns very interesting and affirming. These are wonderful women among us; kind, intelligent, spiritual and generous in service to others. Sure, we've all heard about Mother Theresa, but the more common nuns who serve communities through self-less effort and prayer are also to be respected and admired. Kaylin's view of these women in some ways seems to surprise herself...a person raised without religion. She is a curious outsider who seeks to understand, explain and demystify American nuns and the lives they lead. She does it with intelligence and respect, and an amazing understanding of the faith based traditions they follow. I was very surprised and often enlightened by her observations and understanding.

Rating:
Summary: A slice of religious life
Review: I was excited to find this book as I am researching for a book I am writing about my experiences as a resident at St. Agatha Home, in Nanuet NY. This facility dates back to 1884 and was run by the Sisters of Charity, now owned by NY Foundling Hospital. For The Love of God gave me some insight into the nuns and what they were experiencing at the very time I was at St. Agatha, 1965-1968. I lived in cottages with these nuns, and Lucy Kaylin gave a good view of their various goals, personalities, and approaches, as well as the various duties and pressures of the sisters. For us, there were housemothers, teachers, and social workers. The most important part of the book came towards the end when she illustrated that the breakdown in the communities, which Lucy so aptly described, joining for prayer and spiritual communion, is the greatest threat to the Sisterhood. I very much enjoyed this book.

Rating:
Summary: Some quite insightful, some gross inaccuracy
Review: Overall, "For the Love of God" is an interesting exposition of various Sisters' approaches to their vocations, and Lucy Kaylin illustrates a surprising respect and recognition for the religious life for one who is not a believer (much beyond many who are!) Perhaps because Lucy is totally new to "the topic," and not a Christian, she cannot be faulted for taking at face value some Sisters' impressions which are far from a univeral picture of the attitudes of religious women.

Though Lucy obviously has interviewed many Sisters, and indeed attempts to include comments from a cross section, the majority of in depth space is given to two extremes of the spectrum: a cloistered, very traditional Benedictine, and radical feminist nuns who are intensely bitter towards the clergy. Many Sisters (and I know hundreds) have much experience in extremely fruitful, enriching contact and work with priests, and Lucy's depiction of a nun's motherly attitude as one of protecting children from (supposedly) clergy who are a mass of paedophiles is beyond inaccurate - it is slanderous.

Though Lucy seems to have respect for the Sisters' dedication and conviction (even if sarcasm intrudes now and then), there are times when one must shake one's head at her attitudes. For example, the specific mention of her wondering whether some nuns (who are overweight... a condition that I had thought existed in all classes of society) found shelter in religious life from the abuse that society gives heavy women indicated a confused and condescending stereotype.

I'm sure many readers will find this material fascinating or enlightening, but it is far from a comprehensive look at the attitudes of religious women.

Rating:
Summary: An odd and honest book
Review: The author takes an exceptionally close look at all aspects of a nun's life, from her sexuality to her work to her psyche. As a child, and even now, I've been fascinated by women who would literally give up their lives to prayer. The author traces the changes that nuns have gone through, such as changing their cloistered nature and their covered habits. The only problem for me was that I did not leave this book with any better understanding of the choices women make to become nuns....I had a better idea, but not a complete understanding. The book is really well written. One would think a book about nuns might be horribly boring, but in fact, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds nuns as mysterious as I do.

Rating:
Summary: for the love of god: the faith and future of the american nu
Review: This is an amazing book -- and I have to applaud Lucy Kaylin for not only her clear writing style but the thoughtful way she approached a complex topic. I believe that she was touched by these surprising modern nuns that she met and wrote about -- and I learned a lot, too. If you enjoy the work of Kathleen Norris, you'll love this book, too. I read this book in a day -- could not put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Expose most timely
Review: Very accurate portrayal of the monastic life, fraught with pedophiles and homosexual men. Read Nuns and Priests, the Great Divide by Marian O'Mara, a book comparable, but funnier and sexier.