Catechism of the Catholic Church

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Summary: Helpful Reference, But Only if Used Wisely
Review: As far as being a compendium of invaluable reference material for the pastoral minister, the student of theology or anyone interested in learning about Roman Catholic history or doctrine, this book is a good resource. It offers reference aids which can make any student of the subject appear to be an expert and it offers notes which can lead one in many directions for further research.

The problems associated with the publication are major, though they are not a product of the text itself. Instead, the problems associated with the use of this catechism are a result of the manner in which it is being used by many. This document is a reference and a guide; it is not the sum total of Roman Catholic doctrine. It simply cannot be thus because such a project is far too big for any text of this size. Also, as its editors have pointed out, it is not a textbook and should not be used as one. (Unfortunately, this is exactly what is occurring in many parochial schools today.)

The document is being misused and abused in abundant ways. For many who are excessively conservative or traditionalist in their ways, this has been hailed as the definitive and final edition of Roman Catholic doctrine. These persons often fail to realize that in catholic theology, doctrine is always in a state of development. There can be no final say in doctrine, because Christ is alive and active in the Church and God's people are always involved in a process of reform and development of new insights.

Perhaps one of the greatest problems being faced by the Church today is the reality whereby our greatest theological minds no longer hold positions of leadership in the hierarchy as was the case in early Christianity. Church leaders, because of a lack of theological competency or perhaps from a desire for advancement, falsely believe that the only correct formulations of doctrine are those which come directly from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Even Church documents these days all refer back to this catechism as if the final word has been spoken and no new insights are available. Those who boldly offer their new theological insights are investigated and condemned and we are losing the best minds of the Church because of short-cited leadership both in Rome and in local dioceses.

For those with a myopic vision of how the Church used to be and who desire to return to that, this text will seem to be a God-send. Before the changes of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), religious education was seen not as an act of giving freedom and assisting a person to grow in faith, but was understood as a strictly cognitive exercise of indoctrination. The "right answers" were repeated and repeated until memorized. The emphasis was on orthodoxy, but no concern was placed on orthopraxy. I, for one, do not wish to return to that vision of Church. It was a vision that borders on the cultic and it smacked of an ecclesiastical fundamentalism that was unhealthy and unrealistic.

There are many who are entirely uncomfortable with the Roman Catholic Church since Vatican II. A strong and vocal movement is afoot in the Church to repeal the vision of that Council. When used in a poor manner, this catechism is a tool for the repeal of that vision. Many educators and diocesan officials are buying into the repeal of the vision of Vatican II when they insist on using textbooks which are entirely built upon the outline of the new Catechism. There is no reason for this reaction and it portends disaster for the future of religious education and catechesis.

For those who may share these concerns, I recommend that you also read Francoise Darcy-Berube's little book entitled, *Religious Education at a Crossroads.* You may find it listed here on Amazon.Com, along with my review of her book. I also invite you to contact me directly by way of the email address listed on this site for further dialogue.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book did not hold up to the test of time ....
Review: Although the book is an excellent theological study, it presents the teaching of the church in a well organized manner, it litterally fell apart in my hands. As I was reading, page after page detached itself from the binding.

I teach and have at time lost my page, but always managed to find it again in my book. With this edition, I could literally loose my page and have it be in a different location.

I would loose my job if this were the quality of my work. (Can you tell I am mad?)

If you are going to buy this book, get the hard bound version.

Rating:
Summary: Authoritative Teaching of the Catholic Church
Review: At last the English version of the definitive and revised text of the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" has published. For anyone interested in what the Catholic Church teaches about any given topic, this work must be consulted for its official teaching. The revisions are made in light of the changes approved by Pope John Paul II, especially on the matter of capital punishment, and of the many minor corrections introduced into the text. The new index and glossary of terms make this version even more reader friendly than the original. This "Cathechism" belongs in every academic library as well as in rectories, religious houses and the homes of those interested in Catholicism. It is a rich, compelling and fascinating source of Catholic teaching. Two thumbs up!

Rating:
Summary: essential
Review: This is the correction of the New Catechism. The English translation has now been brought into conformity with the official Latin version. This is essential for a Catholic library, even for those that already have the 1994 version of the Catechism.

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Summary: ...From a Converting Protestant
Review: Guys, if you are a cradle Catholic, a Protestant, or, like me, someone coming home, this book is ESSENTIAL to have.

With every page I read in this book, I feel myself drawing closer to Mary, the Church, Christ, and the Saints.

Incredible peace here in awaiting my homecoming next Easter. I truly feel that with this new work of the Church is going to bring many people home to the Truth. I'm getting the best spiritual food next to the Eucharist with this book. Very nice.

Rating:
Summary: From a young Catholic
Review: I am a 19 year old college student and bought the Cathechism to learn more about my faith and what we Catholics believe in. I started reading the Cathechism and couldn't put it down for hours. It provides a clear, concise, easy to follow explination to just about every question one would have about the Church. I recommend this to Catholics and all other Christians who want to learn about our Church and her beliefs.

Rating:
Summary: A good explanation of the Faith
Review: Let me first state I am a Protestant and study the Eastern Orthodox church quite a bit (just so you guys know :), but I have to say this is a good catechism for anyone to understand the Christian faith. While there are parts I do not agree with theologically (Assumption of Mary, etc) I do find the book to be very concise and informative. For Catholics this would have to be the book to get to understand one's faith. And for protestants it would be good to read to get the facts before they bash.

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Summary: Faith & Reason
Review: Fulton Sheen once wrote that there are only a handful of Americans who hate the Catholic Church, though there are millions who hate what they think the Church is. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to speak intelligently about the Catholic Church and the faith it proclaims.

Never polemical or overly didactic, the Catechism of the Catholic Church succinctly explains the Christian faith with clarity and charity.

Even Protestants and non-Christians will find the Catechism well-documented, with copious notes and citations to Sacred Scripture, the writings of the early Christian Fathers, and other sources of impeccable authority.

Perhaps the most useful aspect of this book is its accessibility. The Catechism was written with the laity in mind. Students, laymen, and the average reader alike will find it easy to read and understand. At the same time, those interested in serious scholarship will discover a treasure trove of theology, history, and doctrine. Without the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no Christian library is complete. Whether you are a cradle Catholic, a convert, or simply have questions about the Church, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

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Summary: What do Catholics believe?
Review: Why base your opinion of Catholicism on hearsay, rumor, or stereotype? If you have any question whatsoever about what Catholics really believe, read this book.

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Summary: Catechism of the Catholic Church
Review: It was suggested to me by my priest to get this book to help answer some questions that I had. I have been a Catholic my whole life and it seems there is always something else to learn. This book really clarified things for me and I recommend it to anyone, even if you think you know all there is to learn about the Church. Fantastic reference and guide.