By Massimo Faggioli. Published by Bayard, 2021. Reviewed by Peter Hassan

In Joe Biden and Catholicism in the United States, Massimo Faggioli applies his considerable skills in history, political science and religion to analyse the complex relationships in the United States between Catholics, the Vatican, political parties and other influences over its 230-year history up to the election of the second Catholic president.

Faggioli depicts a polarised Catholicism after the Trump presidency, and describes “a growing rift … between a hierarchy generally close to neoconservative, neo-traditionalist culture and a laity divided between a theologically and politically ‘liberal-progressive’ majority and a very active minority … whose theological positions are significantly different from those of Pope Francis.” But Joe Biden offers Faggioli some hope, offering an example of Catholic practice that is “animated by values of solidarity, compassion, and human dignity” and who considers his office “a lay vocation”.

Though lost at times in the many “-isms” in his analysis, I found Faggioli’s book insightful and thought-provoking. I would recommend it for anyone interested in studying the influences at work in the US and globally and I would also recommend it to anyone wanting to make connections between their faith and the practical business of transforming society, so that every member can thrive and we all can be better for it.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 260 June 2021: 27