Rating: 
Summary: Infinitely Better than the "Idiots" Book
Review: "Catholicism For Dummies" towers above the similar sounding book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism". The Dummies book actually teaches authentic Catholicism, whereas the Idiots book is rife with errors and vacuous fluff. If you're trying to decide between these two books get "Catholicism For Dummies".
Rating: 
Summary: Left looking for more
Review: "Catholicism for Dummies" was very informative on Catholic beliefs and practices, but it left me looking for more on the spirituality of being Catholic. It describes beliefs and practices well, but did not show how they affect or are affected by our realtionship with Jesus. It satisfies questions about the Catholic church, but will not answer the question, "Why should I become a Catholic?". I did not get a sense of just how important and central in a Catholic's personal relationship with Jesus is the Catholic belief of Jesus being present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist. For a deeper understanding of a faith based on and shaped by an intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist, I would recommend reading Mother Teresa's "No Greater Love". p.87 "Believe that Jesus and Jesus alone is life, and sanctity is nothing but that same Jesus intimately living in you." "Catholicism for Dummies" is like being at a wedding enjoying all of the flowers, music, clothing and ceremony, but without really realizing that all of it is there due to the deep love of the couple being wed.
Rating:
Summary: Left looking for more
Review: "Catholicism for Dummies" was very informative on Catholic beliefs and practices, but it left me looking for more on the spirituality of being Catholic. It describes beliefs and practices well, but did not show how they affect or are affected by our realtionship with Jesus. It satisfies questions about the Catholic church, but will not answer the question, "Why should I become a Catholic?". I did not get a sense of just how important and central in a Catholic's personal relationship with Jesus is the Catholic belief of Jesus being present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist. For a deeper understanding of a faith based on and shaped by an intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist, I would recommend reading Mother Teresa's "No Greater Love". p.87 "Believe that Jesus and Jesus alone is life, and sanctity is nothing but that same Jesus intimately living in you." "Catholicism for Dummies" is like being at a wedding enjoying all of the flowers, music, clothing and ceremony, but without really realizing that all of it is there due to the deep love of the couple being wed.
Rating:
Summary: Better to be a Dummy than an Idiot
Review: 'Catholicism For Dummies' is far superior to the 'Complete Idiot's Guide to Catholicism'. The former gives you objective data on what Catholicism officially teaches, how it worships and how it works as an institution. The latter dressess up opinion as if fact and dishonestly injects dissident theology where readers are actually expecting and deserving accuracy and authenticity. I found CFD lightyears better than CIGC in content and layout. The book is not supposed to be about aberrations and deviations among renegade Catholics, rather it is supposed to present and explain a two thousand year old religion which presently incorporates a billion members. I found this book easy to read, enjoyable and informative. Had I wanted to read politically-correct, opinionated and hidden-agenda propoganda, then I would buy the Idiotic version.
Rating:
Summary: Flawless and magnificent summary of Catholicism
Review: Although page 13 (not 14) says "all men and women have been saved by Christ and are adopted children of God," page 11 also says that "grace is necessary for salvation" and "a person can accept or reject it. If accepted, it must be cooperated with." This is the teaching of Saint Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Trent, and the Catechism. Trigilio and Brighenti show the continuity of faith, from the universal salvific will of God (sufficient and efficacious grace) to the universal call to holiness and living a saintly life. I and my family find this book to be the perfect companion to the Catechism for the ordinary laymen, be they Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim or otherwise. It is not a replacement for the Catechism nor is it meant to be anymore than it is a substitute for the Summa or the Catholic Encylopedia. Yet, for the typical person, it is goldmine, in my humble opinion.
Rating:
Summary: It's all there in plain english!
Review: Amazing book, was instrumental in converting me! The authors now need to write a "Dummies" book on Church History so EVERY Christian will convert to Catholicism! Now that I read what is in this book it all makes sense, thank you to the authors.
Rating:
Summary: Necessary Reading on Both Sides of the Fence
Review: As a retired college professor and as a former Director of a Pontifical Center for Catechetical Studies, I fully endorse and highly recommend this book to both non-Catholic and Catholic alike. Long ago in the seminary, we referred to a few indispensable books as VADEMECUMS, from the Latin "vade" (to take) "cum" (with). In other words, a 'vademecum' was any book which you wanted and needed to "take with you" wherever you went since it was so helpful. "Catholicism for Dummies" can and will be a vademecum as many people who read this will hopefully dispel erroneous ideas, prejudices, false conclusions, myths, fears, lies, and misinformation on Catholicism yet prolific in our time. While dispelling the wrong data, "Catholicsim for Dummies" also presents the true and authentic beliefs, practices, prayer & spirituality as well as moral and institutional dimensions to this ancient, worldwide Christian religion. It is a wonderful introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and it acquaints the non-Catholic with a one BILLION plus member church while reaquainting the Catholic to his/her roots and heriage.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Introduction/Foundation
Review: As with other "Dummies" titles, "Catholicism for Dummies" gives the reader a good introduction to the topic at hand. It doesn't get pulled down by extensive, excessive theological arguments or apologies that can confuse or bore the average reader. Instead, it offers a brief but thorough explanation of all things Catholic. From rosaries to charismatics to papal infallibility, it's covered here. The information is presented in an easy to read, easy reference style. You learn why Catholics do certain things and why they don't do others. You get the Church's stand on certain major issues such as abortion, homosexuality and family planning. This is a good book to introduce any non-Catholic to the beliefs of the Church. It also gives cradle Catholics a refresher course on their faith. I highly recommend this book for RCIA candidates and catechumens because it offers the Church's teachings in a quick-read format and can answer many questions for interested people. I wish I knew about this book when I was going through the RCIA process. Another good introductory book to the Church is "Why Do Catholics Do That?" It's written by Kevin Orlin Johnson and is available here on Amazon. If books don't provide enough answers, attend RCIA classes, talk to Catholic friends, or talk to the local parish priest. These are all good resources for answers about the Church. However, if you want a full explanation of the Church and her flock, get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It can be difficult to read, especially if you are not familiar with many Catholic terms, but it provides an extensive and concise description of the Catholic Church. Reading the Catechism with the Bible will give you an even deeper understanding of the Church. In summary, get this book as a starter. You can pick a topic of interest and read about it, or read the book from beginning to end. Either way, this book will answer most of your questions about Catholicism.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Introduction/Foundation
Review: As with other "Dummies" titles, "Catholicism for Dummies" gives the reader a good introduction to the topic at hand. It doesn't get pulled down by extensive, excessive theological arguments or apologies that can confuse or bore the average reader. Instead, it offers a brief but thorough explanation of all things Catholic. From rosaries to charismatics to papal infallibility, it's covered here. The information is presented in an easy to read, easy reference style. You learn why Catholics do certain things and why they don't do others. You get the Church's stand on certain major issues such as abortion, homosexuality and family planning. This is a good book to introduce any non-Catholic to the beliefs of the Church. It also gives cradle Catholics a refresher course on their faith. I highly recommend this book for RCIA candidates and catechumens because it offers the Church's teachings in a quick-read format and can answer many questions for interested people. I wish I knew about this book when I was going through the RCIA process. Another good introductory book to the Church is "Why Do Catholics Do That?" It's written by Kevin Orlin Johnson and is available here on Amazon. If books don't provide enough answers, attend RCIA classes, talk to Catholic friends, or talk to the local parish priest. These are all good resources for answers about the Church. However, if you want a full explanation of the Church and her flock, get a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It can be difficult to read, especially if you are not familiar with many Catholic terms, but it provides an extensive and concise description of the Catholic Church. Reading the Catechism with the Bible will give you an even deeper understanding of the Church. In summary, get this book as a starter. You can pick a topic of interest and read about it, or read the book from beginning to end. Either way, this book will answer most of your questions about Catholicism.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction to the Catholic Faith
Review: Both of the authors of this book are internationally recognized experts on the Catholic faith. They have managed to create a clear and approachable introduction to the complexities of this 2000 year old faith without compromising the official teaching of the Church. If this book leaves you wanting more, then it has accomplished it's purpose. I highly recommend this book for those who wish to know more about the Catholic Faith without being overwhelmed and for those who wish to revisit and review their knowledge.
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