Kenneth Woodward

Kenneth Woodward served as Religion Editor at Newsweek magazine for 38 years, establishing himself as one of America's leading journalists covering religious affairs and spirituality. During his tenure from 1964 to 2002, he wrote over 1,000 articles and produced nearly 100 cover stories for the magazine. His most notable works include "Making Saints: How the Catholic Church Determines Who Becomes a Saint, Who Doesn't, and Why" (1990) and "Getting Religion: Faith, Culture, and Politics from the Age of Eisenhower to the Era of Obama" (2016). The former provided an unprecedented look into the Vatican's saint-making process, while the latter examined religion's role in American public life. Woodward's career spans significant shifts in American religious culture, from the Second Vatican Council through the rise of evangelicalism and into the modern era of religious pluralism. His work has earned multiple awards, including the National Magazine Award and the Pulitzer Prize nomination. Beyond journalism, Woodward has taught at various institutions including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Lake Forest College. He continues to contribute to publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Commonweal Magazine.

Readers praise Woodward's insider knowledge and journalistic approach to religious topics, particularly in "Making Saints." Many note his ability to explain complex Catholic processes with clarity and detail. One Amazon reviewer called it "a fascinating look behind the curtain of Vatican politics." His 2016 book "Getting Religion" receives positive feedback for its firsthand historical perspective, though some readers find the personal anecdotes overlong. Multiple reviewers highlight his balanced treatment of controversial religious topics. Common criticisms include: - Dense writing style that can be academic and dry - Occasional tendency toward lengthy tangents - Some dated cultural references in earlier works Ratings across platforms: Making Saints: - Goodreads: 3.9/5 (216 ratings) - Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 reviews) Getting Religion: - Goodreads: 3.8/5 (48 ratings) - Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 reviews) Professional publications consistently rate his works 4/5 or higher, citing his thorough research and credibility as a religion journalist.

Getting Religion: Faith, Culture, and Politics from the Age of Eisenhower to the Era of Obama (2016) A personal history of religion in postwar America through the lens of Woodward's experiences as religion editor at Newsweek magazine from 1964 to 2002.

Making Saints: How the Catholic Church Determines Who Becomes a Saint, Who Doesn't, and Why (1996) An examination of the Vatican's process for canonizing saints, based on Woodward's direct access to the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam (2000) A comparative study of miracle accounts across five major world religions, analyzing their historical contexts and theological significance.

Americans and Religions in the Twenty-First Century (2001) An analysis of changing religious trends in American society at the turn of the millennium, incorporating demographic data and cultural observations.

Perfect Victims: Slaughter, Sensation and Serial Killers - An American Criminal Odyssey (1991) A study of notorious American murder cases and their cultural impact, co-authored with Tom Schultz.

Peter Steinfels covered religion and ethics for the New York Times and writes about American Catholicism and its intersection with culture and politics. His analytical approach to religious institutions mirrors Woodward's work at Newsweek.

Martin E. Marty examines American religious history and the development of modern Christian movements. He focuses on similar themes as Woodward regarding the evolution of faith in contemporary society.

Robert Wuthnow studies religion's role in American social movements and cultural change through sociological research. His work explores the transformation of religious practice and belief in ways that complement Woodward's journalistic perspective.

Garry Wills writes about Catholicism and American religious history with an emphasis on institutional change and leadership. His examination of church authority and reform connects with Woodward's interest in religious power structures.

Gustav Niebuhr reports on American religious diversity and interfaith relations as a journalist covering religion. His focus on how different faiths interact in modern America aligns with Woodward's coverage of religious developments.