A burning theological and pastoral issue of our times is that of vocation - not only priestly and religious vocations (or the lack of them) but also marriage and singlehood. In Called by God, Francis Kelly Nemeck and Marie Theresa Coombs offer an invigorating theology of the mystery of vocation and lifelong commitment from an evolutionary and relational perspective. They first reexamine the mystery of God's will as it bears on vocational discernment. Next they explore several biblical notions converging on that theme: chosen, called, and consecrated. The authors then discuss at length the development of vocation and the unfolding of vocational consciousness necessary for a lifelong commitment. Lastly, Nemeck and Coombs present insights into further vocational progress, once mature commitment has been established.
