Earthly Mission: The Catholic Church and World Development

Explore the complex and often contradictory role of the Catholic Church in global development with Robert Calderisi's insightful book, *Earthly Mission: The Catholic Church and World Development*. This hardcover edition, published by Yale University Press, delves into the Church's multifaceted impact across Africa, Asia, and Latin America over the past six decades, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges conventional wisdom and sparks critical reflection. With a global reach of 1.2 billion adherents, the Catholic Church wields significant influence, particularly in developing nations where it often serves as a crucial provider of education, healthcare, and social services. However, the Church's stance on issues like contraception, gender roles, and clerical celibacy, along with the devastating child abuse scandals, has fueled criticism and eroded trust, especially in Western societies. Calderisi navigates this complex terrain with sensitivity and intellectual rigor, seeking to understand the Church's successes, failures, and the intricate factors shaping its engagement with the world's most vulnerable populations. *Earthly Mission* isn't just a historical overview; it's a critical examination of the Church's evolving role in a rapidly changing world. Calderisi goes beyond simplistic narratives of selfless aid or oppressive dogma, delving into the historical context, theological underpinnings, and economic realities that influence the Church's actions. He explores the legacy of colonialism, the impact of liberation theology, and the challenges posed by poverty, inequality, and political instability. Calderisi, drawing on his extensive experience in international development and economics, offers a unique perspective that blends historical analysis with contemporary relevance. He doesn't shy away from addressing difficult questions, prompting readers to consider the ethical implications of the Church's policies and practices. Is the Church primarily a force for good, or are its contributions outweighed by its shortcomings? How can the Church best serve the needs of the poor and marginalized in the 21st century? This book will appeal to a wide audience, including those interested in social issues, missions, Christian life, Christianity, religion, Christian church history, the Catholic Church, and church work with the poor. Whether you are Catholic, non-Catholic, or somewhere in between, *Earthly Mission* offers a thought-provoking exploration of one of the world's most influential institutions and its ongoing efforts to shape the destiny of humanity. Calderisi's exploration of international affairs, development economics, humanitarian concerns, history, and theology, renders his work a truly interdisciplinary read. It's a meticulously researched and engagingly written work that invites readers to grapple with the complexities of faith, power, and social justice. This insightful book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church's impact on the developing world.