Struggle, Condemnation, Vindication: John Courtney Murray's Journey toward Vatican II

No American Catholic has had greater impact on the doctrinal beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church than Fr. John Courtney Murray, SJ. With almost no power to wield and not much more fame, Murray influenced Catholic doctrine on religious freedom in a dramatic and almost unparalleled way. He did this through his careful scholarship, courage in the face of powerful opposition, and a delicate balance of faithfulness to tradition with theological creativity. In Struggle, Condemnation, Vindication, Barry Hudock tells a true-life theological adventure story, from Murray's silencing by church authorities to his ultimate vindication at the Second Vatican Council.

"This is an extraordinarily important book - arguably the most important study of the thought and influence of John Courtney Murray in 40 years.... A must read."

- Mark Massa, SJ, Professor of Church History, Boston College

"Barry Hudock's account of the life and work of John Courtney Murray shows that the development of Catholic teaching on religious liberty cannot be reduced to abstract, numbered paragraphs in an encyclical or catechism. It is a riveting story of clashing personalities, impossible possibilities, and hope against all hope. It is the story of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church."

- M. Cathleen Kaveny, Boston College

"Barry Hudock expertly narrates the intriguing and tortured history of the arguments of John Courtney Murray, S.J., for religious liberty that led directly to the council's 'Declaration on Religious Freedom'.... Hudock captures the intellectual fervor and the huge stakes in the battle. He lifts the curtain to reveal some of the machinations during the council to derail the effort."

- Patrick Howell, SJ, America magazine

"A lively, fast moving narrative.... This is a valuable book for anyone interested in Murray, but I think it will be especially so to readers new to the man, for whom it will serve as a good introduction. I can see it working well in undergraduate courses, for example."

- William Gould, Journal of Jesuit Studies

"This book represents a substantially fresh perspective on Murray's archival record.... It is a treasure trove of information about Murray and his opponents.... A remarkably lucid introduction to the life and work of the most influential American Catholic theologian.... A resounding success."

- Thomas O'Brien, Catholic Historical Review

"The accessibility of Hudock's account ensures that a new generation of Catholics in the U.S. will more likely become familiar with Murray's contribution to Catholic theology, and how that contribution overcame obstacles of the first order before becoming an accepted development of doctrine."

- Michael Sean Winters, National Catholic Reporter

"Barry Hudock's book provides readers - and especially American Catholics - with a valuable contribution for the understanding not only of the issue of freedom, but also of the key role of theology and theologians for the Church and for our society at large."

- Massimo Faggioli, University of St. Thomas

"Barry Hudock's book offers a much-needed retrieval and a clear synthesis of the distinctive American contribution that John Courtney Murray's ideas on religious freedom made to the church and to the global community of nations.... A must-read."

- Miguel H. Diaz, PhD, US Ambassador to the Holy See, Ret.

"Barry Hudock breathes new life into the legacy of John Courtney Murray.... Hudock is at his best when synthesizing the complex details of theological arguments for a non-specialist audience. Making dense scholarly debate so smooth and accessible a read is no small feat. His ability to be clear and succinct is a rare gift among scholars.... For all those interested in Murray's fundamental ideas about church-state relations, this is the new go-to primer."

- Chris Staysniak, Journal of Church and State