Résumé

fOREWoRD

Easter 2011

When Alex asked me to review this book and write a Foreword, I had no idea what to expect. We have been friends for a decade, but I had never read his work. Of course I knew of his struggles with Catholicism, which he saw as caused primarily by the institutional Church, however, I had no idea of the depth of his feelings and the lengths he would go to find answers.

He thought that my experience of over fifty years as a Catholic priest, both in parish work and 24 years as a military chaplain, qualified me to comment.

Since my ordination in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey I have tended to focus on the Biblical and pastoral care aspects of Catholicism. To me God’s statement that “I Am Who Am,” is the beginning and end. Alex wanted to do more; he wanted to explain the philosophical, historical and mystical aspects, in addition to the sacramental nature, of our shared faith. He has succeeded. He has not shied away from the blemishes that have inevitably marred the Church’s messengers, but which have never changed the message.

The true value of this book is that it puts the Old and New Testaments into historical contexts. The Scriptures, commentators and philosophers are often long and tedious and written in archaic styles. As a third-grader called Jennifer wrote to God, “Dear God, In bible times did they really talk that fancy?” Not many have the ability or time to interpret these sources and to share their relevance with others who seek. Alex has made the philosophers, the prophets, the Messiah, the papacy, the mystics and theologians accessible in a changing world. But the intrinsic message, “In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas,” remains unchanged: in necessary beliefs Catholics are unified; in uncertain things freedom of interpretation is permitted; but in everything compassion.

He wrote this book for himself and his family. In fact all people need it. It is an important and efficient summary for any who believe, seek or doubt. It brings the Catholic Faith to life and will encourage people to seek out even more.

May every blessing be yours.

Reverend John Krozser

Chaplain-Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired)

Alex Terego.com