Ryan (theology, Fordham U.) charts a path for educated adults who are trying to reconcile their modern lives with the teachings of an often conservative religion. She deals frankly with such difficult issues as papal infallibility, women in the priesthood, celibacy and the priesthood, birth control, abortion, annulments, and homosexuality in the church. Ryan takes a hard stance on some issues ("Don't baptize them if you won't ordain them" referring to women's exclusion from the priesthood), and also educates readers about changes that have already occurred. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.