Christian Proficiency Author:Martin Thornton "In his well-known book Pastoral Theology: A Reorientation, Martin Thornton urged that the "faithful remnant" should have priority in any pastoral organization. He was writing then mainly for parish priests and theological students; now he addresses members of the "remnant" and those who aspire to that status--the always-to-be-counted-on Churc... more »hmen of the average parish who are, or ought to be, proficients rather than beginners. The author believes that such people are more numerous than is generally supposed, that they hold the key to Christian influence in the world, and that their needs have been grievously neglected. While they may consider themselves quite ordinary Christians, the author thinks that they are looking for something a little more systematic and exciting than just simple teaching and something a little more solid than vague devotion. They are the good people for whom Fr. Thornton has written this book--a book of sound, practical instruction for those who desire to understand their faith and to make an honest, workman-like job of living the Christian life in the modern world. Although primarily a book for laymen, Christian Proficiency is not without appeal to parish priests."« less