The crisis of religious life in the Western world deeply concerns everyone interested in preserving a precious heritage of our faith. The lack of vocations, the failure to live simply and the continuing loss of professed women and men even after many years of vowed living, are only the symptoms of the malaise. Arbuckle once again faces the crisis squarely, honestly and creatively, For those charged with leadership roles in religious communities, this book is "must" reading. Whether or not one agrees with his assertion that "refounding persons" are the only hope for the survival of religious communities, Arbuckle provides the reader with a wealth of research and insight that can- not be ignored. Rev. John Rathschmidt, Provincial Superior, Capuchin Franciscan’s of New York /New England.
Gerald Arbuckle is harshly realistic about where religious communities are coming from: chaos. But he is also excitingly optimistic about the future, ff leadership will foster true creativity. Chaos is that from which God fashioned the world. Using examples from salvation history, American history, and the business world, Arbuckle shows how chaos is the low point from which great things can begin to happen. What are needed are "regenerative people" to keep alive the myth of the founder and bring it to life again in new and dynamic ways. These people are the "pathfinders"; but they need the active support of those in leadership. Wilfrid F. Dewan, CSP, Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church in New York City, and former President of the Paulist Fathers.