In this collection of articles, Gerry O’Hanlon SJ explores the connections between faith and real life, at a time of crisis and darkness. Drawing on the rich resources of Christian humanism, he examines a wide range of contemporary issues – economic recession, crime and punishment, health and sickness, European Union, equality, dialogue with Muslims – in a way that will interest both believers and non-believers alike.

Theology in the Irish Public Square is published by The Columba Press. Gerry O’Hanlon SJ is a staff member of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Milltown Institute.

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Even as the global economy shows signs of recovery from the financial and economic shocks of the past two years, worrying questions remain. Just how robust is the recovery: is it possible we may yet face a ‘double dip’ recession? How long until economic growth translates into a fall in unemployment? How severe will be the social, as well as the economic, impact of governments having to deal with the public debt incurred in order to prevent a deeper recession?

More fundamental questions are also emerging. The word ‘recovery’ implies a return to a desired state. However, it is increasingly being argued that resumption of a consumption-driven and environmentally-damaging form of growth is neither feasible nor desirable. Commentators coming from very different starting points are drawing attention to the need for radical change in our thinking and policies if we are to achieve just and sustainable development.

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into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin

Like everybody else in Ireland, the Jesuits are deeply shocked and saddened at the revelations in the Dublin Commission Report. We offer our sympathy to all survivors of abuse and pray that they will find healing through the publication of this Report and through their difficult stories being heard.

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Click on article titles below:

Issues of Justice, Leadership and Authority in the Church

The Challenges Facing the Church in Ireland in the Aftermath of the Ryan Report

The Contradiction of Justice

Acknowledging the Pain of Reality

Gerry O'Hanlon, 'Ireland's nettles that need to be grasped: The Irish church post-Murphy report', The Tablet, 13 February 2010, pp. 4-6. www.thetablet.co.uk

Gerry O'Hanlon, 'The Murphy Report – A Response', The Furrow, Vol. 61, pp. 82-91. www.thefurrow.ie