Roots & Branches: Grounding Religion in Our Human Experience

Kenneth Overberg has written a gem of a book that is greatly needed both in introductory courses in theology and in parish renewal programs. In attempting to explore the complex relationship between human experience and organized religion Overberg begins with an appreciation of the transcendent depths of human experience with the realization that there is more there than meets the eye and moves skillfully on to the ways in which modern people can reflect and articulate their experience of depth. He then draws upon both Jewish and Christian roots expressed through the experience of Moses and Jesus to demonstrate how our experience can be clarified challenged and enlarged through encounter with these traditions without the tired apologetics. In addition as he develops the communal nature of such traditional religions he does not shy away from their attendant problems and constant need for reform. Overberg writes with disarming clarity. He has taken the jargon of the theological vernacular and has put it into words we can both understand and use. Indeed this is essential if we are ever to renew the churches from the roots up. Highly recommended for parish renewal programs introductory courses in theology and for private explorations. --Good News 17.1 (January 1990) Roots and Branches is clear concise challenging toward reflection with enough theological references to make it stimulating to the parish audience without being overbearing. In particular what caught my attention was the chapter on Corrupting Trends. --Jane Myers Director of Faith Formation Father Overberg presents contemporary theology incisively and yet with a simplicity that can be understood by the average reader. His approach begins where people live in the experience of love loss sorrow and joy: in the highs and lows of everyday events. He demonstrates that it is in such human experience that one can meet the Beyond within the mysterious God for whom so many of us search. This book will prove useful in adult religious education in the many growing renewal movements and in the RCIA. --Brennan Hill author of Jesus the Christ and Exploring Catholic Theology: God Jesus Church and Sacrament Kenneth R. Overberg SJ received his PhD in social ethics from the University of Southern California and is professor of theology at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Among his books and articles are seven national award-winners including Conscience in Conflict (now in its third edition). His most recent books are Into the Abyss of Suffering and AIDS: Compassion and Justice in Global Crisis.