In Catholic Perspectives on Reform, Michael Seewald uses a historical-theological framework to establish a moral, theological, and practical space for self-reflection and change. In its multi-millennial history, the Church has clarified teachings, modernized worship, and embraced ecumenism. Yet, the Church remains stalwart in its adherence to fundamental dogma. Dogma and the Gospels have been the source of the Church's strength in an ever-changing society. Seewald builds a case for how the Church can respond to the needs of the faithful without diminishing its sustaining theological core.

Reform by any name is inevitable for social groups, and religion is not exempt from challenges that require careful evaluation and action to remain viable. Change has risks when members view it as arbitrary or countervailing to fundamental principles. Social researchers like James Wellman find that adherence to essential dogma and execution of faith in practice is vital to continuity within the group. That is, the laity and the leadership must come together to commit to church teachings expressed through action.

Seewald's essay begins with a discussion of the magisterial structure of the Church and the belief that assent to Church authority is assent to Christ's teachings. Thus, teaching and rulings on human action are infallible when derived from revelation but not infallible when derived from temporal or material views. From dogmatic and principled frameworks, the Church has space to deliberate moral issues and apply foundational teachings. Seewald's theological discourse is highly detailed. Further critique of the theological thrust of Seewald's arguments is beyond the scope of this reviewer. However, having established the space for modernity and reform in the Church, Seewald conceptualizes reform. He also contends that effective reform is not authoritative but emergent through participation and action by the members who deem them credible. Thus, reform in the Catholic Church is possible when discerned with validity and sensitivity to the context of the message.

Seewald demonstrates that the Church is not immutable, and the members need to know this. Church is a living and dynamic. It is responsive to change, challenges, and evolving perspectives but can improve. Maintaining identity and relevance is critical in times of increasing secularization. Further, the Church diminishes its mission by inattention to delivering the message and reception. Seewald's essay is uniquely relevant because it conceptualizes reform and outlines the Church's capacity to change. However, the heavy theological framework better suits academic audiences. While the magisterium may do well to discern avenues of reform in Seewald's analysis, the laity would also benefit from understanding them.