GOD MOMENTS: Why Faith Really Matters to a New Generation

In Langford's debut book, many different talents are on display. His scholarly bent is evident as he writes accessibly about the work of thinkers such as Augustine, Nietzsche and Bonhoeffer. His skill as a motivational speaker comes through as he gently encourages his peers to reconsider faith. And as an experienced editor, Langford perfectly balances analysis, anecdote and exegesis. Ostensibly a book encouraging 30something Catholics to revisit the church, this speaks to a much larger audience. As Langford tells stories from his own life, including an account of his parents' divorce, his stint as a minimum-wage worker after having graduated from Notre Dame and his ambivalence about faith, he understands that, despite his dislike of the term Generation X, he is, in many ways, its Everyman. Not surprisingly, he accurately and beautifully articulates the paradox of this "puzzling and unorthodox" generation that nonetheless has "passion for the sacred." He challenges readers to, for example, eschew the easy "spiritual but not religious" label and discover how meaningful, satisfying and life-changing religion can be. While Langford's love of the Catholic Church is touchingly evident, his book is not an apologia. Rather, he highlights aspects of the church sure to appeal to 30-somethings (e.g., Catholic social teaching and the Church's embrace of mystery), while also affirming and celebrating thinkers from other traditions as well as agnostic friends. Langford's is a humble, authentic and intellectual voice that readers of all ages and faith traditions will appreciate. (Nov.)