George G. Higgins and the Quest for Worker Justice

The Evolution of Catholic Social Thought in America

By (author) John J. O'Brien

Publication date:

01 December 2004

Length of book:

416 pages

Publisher

Sheed & Ward

Dimensions:

235x177mm
7x9"

ISBN-13: 9780742532076

George G. Higgins and the Quest for Worker Justice: The Evolution of Catholic Social Thought in America is a comprehensive and fascinating examination of the Catholic Church's involvement in social issues from the late 19th to the end of the 20th century through the lens of the life, career, writings, and ministry of the legendary Monsignor Higgins. Inspiring to both the clergy and laity, Msgr. George G. Higgins put a human face on the institutional commitments of the Church, advocated the role of the laity, remained loyal to the vision of the Second Vatican Council, and took the side of the working poor in his movement with organized labor. Much more than a limited biography, author John O' Brien offers a sweeping history of the 'social questions' facing America over the past 100 years, the thought behind one of the leading figures in the worker justice movement, and a moving application of the rich heritage of Catholic Social Thought.
This book is a masterpiece and passionate gift. O’Brien uses Monsignor Higgins’s career and compilation of his witty and polished prose to produce an encyclopedia of how Catholic Social Teaching challenged the jurisdiction of American businesses over working conditions, the meaning of work and the status of the worker. Here, we have a book to remind us of how the Church provides us with profound guidance regarding the foundational source of justice—justice for workers.