Mass Confusion

Why I Rejected the Church for So Long and What Changed

By: Susan R. Dolan

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

Illumination Book Award 2023

IndieReader Book Award 2023

Shelf Unbound Indie Best Award 2022

Dread going to church? Feel restless and bored during mass? Cringe at the hypocrisy often found in organized religion? This book offers a fresh perspective for those seeking answers. a quick and compelling book for anyone who daydreams in the pew and can't wait until mass is over; resents or is confused by a rigid list of out-of-touch dos and don'ts; has been hurt or alienated by their church; and believes that church is irrelevant for real people with real problems. Mass Confusion reveals how an unlikely pilgrim—a corporate attorney turned hospice nurse—was finally able to grasp the life-changing truths of her faith. After 40 years of drifting in and out of the church, Susan Dolan experienced a life-transforming event that led her to renew her spirituality, return to her faith, and rediscover joy and peace—in the midst of the Catholic Church's ravaging sexual abuse crisis that caused untold thousands to reject the Church. Discover what happened to Susan and how it can impact your life, too.

Author Bio:

Susan R. Dolan is a nurse, attorney, and healthcare consultant specializing in issues surrounding end-of-life care. She is co-author of the award-winning book The End of Life Advisor: Personal, Legal and Medical Considerations for a Peaceful, Dignified Death.

©2021 Susan R. Dolan (P)2021 Susan R. Dolan

Critic reviews

"Veteran narrator Susan Bennett has recorded audiobooks for a number of best-selling writers—Charliane Harris, Diane Chamberlain, Jude Devereaux—and she reads Mass Confusion with a sense of majesty and wonder, which is perfect. To listen to this book is to imagine oneself in a lecture that is equal parts intellectually stimulating and personally comforting. Anyone who is on a similar journey of self-discovery, even if it isn't a religious one, will derive inspiration from Dolan's plain-speaking, yet artful memoir." (Anthony Aycock, IndieReader)

Lovely reminder

This personal faith story offers a lovely reminder that God’s mercy is available even after we drift away. As the saying goes, if you no longer feel close to God, guess who moved.

Dolan touches on a number of things that influenced her own journey from and to her Catholic faith. She begins with the evident faith of her parents as they lived it out in imperfect authenticity. Their walking testimony was a foundation for her return after decades of looking for spiritual fulfillment outside her historical roots.

She shared how her husband’s rekindled faith inspired her to reconsider her decision to walk away from Catholicism.

Finally, Dolan allowed herself to listen to leading Catholic writers and speakers. Finding connection in their words, she found herself becoming a dynamic Catholic, devoted to Jesus and working out her faith in the Church.

Her journey, while specifically Catholic, will resonate with anyone who walked away from a childhood faith, Catholic or Protestant. She had some wonderful quotes throughout the book, most of them about the need to prepare in advance for Church services and to take notes throughout in order to hear the words that God has at any given time. Come to the feast hungry, she says. And Jesus replies,” Blessed are those who hunger and search for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Unique and well read

This is a nice and short read that even people who don’t like to read can get through with ease! The writing is approachable and uses language that makes it easy to get absorbed in and keep moving right along. It’s easy to see why it’s become a popular read for book clubs and the like.
It features a unique perspective/story and is worth a read for people looking to gain viewpoints of other people on this sort of topic.

The audiobook is a breeze to listen to! Very well read. I did speed it up a bit but found it pleasant to listen to. It went by very quickly and is great to listen to on a short drive.

Spiritual Odyssey: Trembling and a faith journey

Susan R. Dolan's Mass Confusion: Why I Rejected the Church for So Long and What Changed is a thought-provoking and deeply personal exploration of the author's complex relationship with organized religion. In this memoir, Dolan takes readers on a journey through her life as she grapples with her long-standing rejection of the Catholic Church and the transformative events that ultimately led her to reconsider her stance. Her narrative is not only a compelling account of personal spiritual evolution but also a reflection on the broader issues of faith, tradition, and the pursuit of meaning in the modern world.

Dolan's storytelling is candid and self-reflective. She shares her experiences, doubts, and emotional struggles while questioning her faith. Through her honest introspection, readers gain insight into the multifaceted reasons behind her rejection of the Church, which include historical and theological considerations. Dolan's journey of rediscovery is marked by personal growth through turbulence.

The book also engages with broader themes related to religious identity, the evolving nature of faith, and the relevance of institutionalized religion in contemporary society. Dolan's narrative addresses the complexities of navigating one's faith in a world of increasing secularism and shifting cultural values. Her memoir serves as a valuable contribution to the discourse on spirituality and the challenges individuals face when reevaluating their beliefs, making it a compelling read for those interested in religion from a theological, anthropological and theological perspective.

I loved it!

Mass Confusion: Why I Rejected The Church For So Long And What Changed is a really good book with many parts that are similar to my life, so it resonated with me. I grew up in an extremely religious family and fell away for quite a while, only to return to the church as an adult when I had a son of my own. This book brought back many memories and is well written, almost immediately catching my undivided attention. The narrator also helps bring it to life, making the words even more powerful. I wouldn’t have minded if it were a little longer, especially as an audiobook.

I recommend this book to anyone who has fallen out with the church and people who like reading a good, heartfelt story.

Short Yet So Impactful

I resonate strongly with Susan R. Dolan's Mass Confusion: Why I Rejected the Church for So Long and What Changed. Though short, this audiobook was impactful. Although I'm not a Catholic, I have been raised a Christian. Like most people raised in the church, I have often found myself rejecting the church, its traditions, and abandoning my relationship with God altogether. Attending church was out of expectation and not out of love for God.

Dolan highlights how she was raised a Catholic, left, and later came back with renewed enthusiasm. I loved how vulnerably she shared about her personal life and journey towards renewing her faith. The author also shares a heartwarming tale of what she experienced during her mom's illness, death scare, and subsequent recovery. Drawing inspiration from the scriptures of how Jesus slept from the storm, the author shares how she was able to rely on God for strength even as she witnessed her mother's deteriorating health.

Furthermore, I loved how she gives practical examples of how to pray and encourages us to use prayer to draw closer to God and not only when we need to ask Him for stuff. Furthermore, she highlights a challenging issue in regards to the church and those who taint its image. Dolan helps us see that the church is us and not a separate individual. The author also shares that the church has, and will continue to go through tribulations. She shares how she began to understand that she needed to be the change she wanted to see in the church. The author further encourages Christians to be doers and not hearers of the word.

Lastly, in a world that is full of distractions and different voices, she encourages us to learn to sit in silence. The only time you can hear God's word is when you're in silence. I found this insightful because in today's world there is so much that's fighting for your attention. To truly hear God's voice, you have to be intentional about carving out time to meditate and pray in silence.

As a struggling Christian with more questions than answers, this audiobook was very impactful. It has certainly given me a lot to think about. Furthermore, I loved Susan Bennet's voice as the narrator. Her narration is clear, well-paced, and emotive. This is a book I'll listen to again and again to help renew and strengthen my faith.

A Perfect Fit For Anyone On A Faith Journey

Mass Confusion by Susan R. Dolan is a moving memoir.  Dolan shares her experience with the Catholic faith in a straightforward, honest, and charming way.  She begins by exploring her background of being raised in a religious home and tells of her struggles with the faith in which she was raised.   The heart of the memoir is her reflections about how she eventually came back to faith as an adult going through personal trials.

She shares her experience of returning to the faith of her childhood later in life with a rare frankness and openness in this type of memoir.  As Dolan experiences the trials and tribulations of life, including her mother's extremely difficult illness, she leans on her newfound experience of faith.  The power of prayer also sustains her.

On audible, the narration is perfect for the book.  Susan Bennet's calm voice and tone match the subject matter perfectly.

This book is a perfect fit for anyone who feels lost in their spiritual journey and would like a friendly voice to guide them as they continue their search.

From Doubt to Divine

Mass Confusion: Why I Rejected The Church For So Long And What Changed by Susan Dolan, is a captivating journey of rediscovery that unfolds through the enchanting voice of Susan Bennett. In an era where the Catholic Church faces unrelenting scrutiny due to a myriad of scandals, Susan Dolan's compelling narrative takes center stage. With eloquent apologetics, she artfully lays bare her reasons for distancing herself from the Catholic faith.
As a devoted hospice nurse, Susan has dedicated her life to helping others find dignity in their final moments. Yet, she couldn't find that same sense of fulfillment within her own Catholic identity. For four decades, she remained distant from the church, but in this transformative audiobook, she embarks on a profound journey of rediscovery, unveiling the profound truth that the yoke of faith is easy, and its burden light.
Susan's words paint an unflinchingly real portrait of the modern Catholic Church, with all its flaws and imperfections. But instead of turning away, she extends a heartfelt invitation to fellow Christians: to persevere, for we are all God's people, regardless of our faults. Through her words, Susan offers solace and encouragement, reminding us that every sinner has a future, even those who, like her, had once been disillusioned.
Her religious upbringing failed to solidify her convictions, leading her to believe that religion was a scam. She chose to focus on what truly mattered rather than confining herself to what she termed "Swiss cheese Catholicism." However, a deep yearning within her remained unfulfilled, despite her successful career, an adoring daughter, and the quintessential American dream.
Within the audiobook, you'll find a tapestry of Bible verses that illuminate Susan's journey and profound quotes that beckon listeners to reevaluate their perspectives on religion. One such quote, "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence," underscores the diligence required in following Jesus, treading the less-traveled path, and embracing concepts like loving your neighbor and turning the other cheek.
Susan's path to faith was filled with periods of attending church but feeling distant. It was in silence that clarity emerged from the cacophony of the world. She even gave up on the prospect of marriage, with her focus shifting to her ailing mother, her work, and finally, Steve.
In this audiobook, Susan urges us to make prayer a daily habit, transcending the superficial to delve deep into silence. She reminds us that 'busy' is not our friend and that great intention can bring our lives into sharp focus. The author encourages us to refocus our lives, do the next right thing, read a book, and draw inspiration from the life of Matthew as we seek to fulfill God's purpose.
Intriguingly, Susan addresses common misconceptions, touching on the confusion she felt during Mass and the complexities of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy within the Catholic Church. Her term, "Swiss cheese Catholic," provides a thought-provoking metaphor that resonates throughout her narrative. Listen, and let her powerful words inspire your own path to rediscovery and faith.

Grace, Acceptance and Love for God

A wonderful read about sticking with our faith through all the doubt and noise in the world.

Authentic personal account on claiming your faith

The opening of the book, starting with the preface, was very well-written and set the stage for what was to come next. The preface connected with the audience and tied into the title immediately, so the reader or listener would be immediately prepared with the tone of the religious message that would be delivered by the author. I purchased the audiobook version. As a listener, the preface resonated with me right away. Not only did I feel a deep connection with the author’s personal message which was very forthcoming and authentic, her writing was very well done. It was clear that the text version of the book would also be a compelling recommendation. It was apparent to me that the narration was professionally done. The narrator paused at all the right moments and truly brought the excellent writing of the story to life. This made for excellent storytelling and a gripping share. The author was able to build rapport right from the start and I was certainly intrigued to continue listening to the end. I could feel her personal account taking shape and each subsequent chapter shared lessons for listeners to grow one’s faith more and more. I personally enjoyed the emphasis on developing a meaningful prayer life. Prayer here is achieved by going deep into “the classroom of silence” where we embrace silence and solitude to sit with God. This and the prayer of transformation were my favorite recommendations for receiving insight and growing in humility. If you are looking to strengthen your faith, gain clarity on christian perspectives, and learn new habits to build a relationship with God your creator, then this book will provide you with a genuine account touching upon various facets as inspiration for renewing your own faith too.

A Worthy Read

Mass Confusion by Susan Dolan is a book that focuses on religious values and emphasizes on the importance of religion as a way of life. The book explains how she got back to her faith after spending forty years, staying away from it.

Her journey from ignoring religion to pursuing it reflects a story of dedication, faith, belief and reason. The author herself believes she found peace and satisfaction within herself after finding solace in religion. She credits her turnaround to finding her faith in a higher power.

This read is very useful especially for people who seem stuck in life, and are unable to figure out a way forward. The writers credit her life changing around to a higher power, and this book will be good for people who are interested in a path of salvation and repentance.