In Ethics of the Word beloved priest and author James F. Keenan, S.J., discusses the power of the Word in the Catholic Church. In the ongoing wake of the priest abuse scandals, Father Keenan argues that we need new ways to build trust and open communication in the Church on all levels—from bishops to parishioners. Keenan's engaging style blends stories, Scripture, and theology to show readers the importance of both speaking and listening. The book covers topics ranging from difficult confrontations to apologies to the language of faith, hope, and love.

"Keenan, S.J. (theology, Boston Coll.) has written a splendid book examining the how and why of human discourse within Catholicism today. Keenan masterfully incorporates the complexities of the recent sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church from the perspective of what was said and what remained unspoken. His goal is not to place blame but to seek an avenue of dialog that can facilitate both healing and reconciliation. While using the recent moral crisis as a springboard to effect a more honest conversation, the whole book could best be summed up as a theology of communication or a spirituality of the spoken word. Keenan posits a Christian model of sharing words with one another that is fundamentally based on the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. His writing style is fresh, while the narrative is peppered with an abundance of pastoral anecdotes that truly manifest the ethical principles of the text. VERDICT Recommended for public and church libraries collecting in the area of ethics and pastoral theology; a fine title for private reflective reading or small group discussion." - Library Journal, April 2010

"Keenan breathes life into his thoughts by illustrating them with examples from his personal history and relationships. . . . Keenan has given readers much to consider and makes a convincing case that all of us, regardless of faith tradition, could benefit from an 'ethics of the word.'" - Publishers Weekly, April 2010

"Written in narrative style, each short chapter contributes to the ultimate goal of increasing understanding and transparency in our interactions. Integrating both memoir and moral instruction, the book draws the reader into profound reflection on appropriate words related to everyday experiences like absorbing the meaning of family relationships, learning to live with loneliness and grieving for the deaths of parents....Threaded into the engaging personal narrative of each chapter are powerful moral challenges....Ethics of the Word is a helpful and instructive book, given the many experiences of loss and suffering, misunderstanding and scandal that characterize much of our everyday lives. Whether among family and friends or church and civic community, Keenan enables the reader to see the impact of his or her words—both comforting and cutting words, the positive and the negative. Our choice of words affects everyone we encounter. Choosing them conscientiously, consonant with the word of God, the author demonstrates, makes for a world that is whole, sacred and intact." - America: The Jesuit Review of Faith & Culture, August 2010