Rating: 
Summary: Handy, useful, and easy to read
Review: I've been Catholic for more than thirty years, but my wife just converted six years ago. When she started going through RCIA there were a ton of questions from her, her family, and our friends about Catholicism. I was stunned to find that I didn't know the answer to quite a few of those questions.Catholicism For Dummies is the very best of the reference books I've found on the topic. Most of the other books I've used to help answer questions about holy days, rituals, and of course Mary were hard to read, or assumed that the reader had quite a bit of prior knowledge. But this book, just like it says on the cover, truly is "the reference for the rest of us!" I'd recommend this book to every Catholic, as well as to anyone considering joining the church.
Rating:
Summary: Handy, useful, and easy to read
Review: I've been Catholic for more than thirty years, but my wife just converted six years ago. When she started going through RCIA there were a ton of questions from her, her family, and our friends about Catholicism. I was stunned to find that I didn't know the answer to quite a few of those questions. Catholicism For Dummies is the very best of the reference books I've found on the topic. Most of the other books I've used to help answer questions about holy days, rituals, and of course Mary were hard to read, or assumed that the reader had quite a bit of prior knowledge. But this book, just like it says on the cover, truly is "the reference for the rest of us!" I'd recommend this book to every Catholic, as well as to anyone considering joining the church.
Rating: 
Summary: This Book Is Unreal
Review: If anyone wants to read about what Catholicism teaches, this is an excellent book to start with. It's written on a level that both scholar and "Average Joe" can appreciate. It attempts to explain and defend Catholicism without trying to tear down others. As a convinced Protestant, I understand this religion much more now than I once did, as reading this book will take away many misunderstandings people have about the Catholic faith.
Rating:
Summary: An Everyman's Catechism of the Catholic Church
Review: If I were asked to pick one book for a new or would-be Catholic to read, "Catholicism for Dummies" would be my choice. It's essentially an everyman's catechism, explaining the pillars of the Faith--Creed, Sacraments, Commandments, and Prayer--in clear, often humorous prose. The familiar "Dummies" format is useful because each chapter can more or less stand alone from the others. So if you want to focus right away on, say, Baptism, you won't necessarily be at a disadvantage going to that section or chapter first. I recommend this book to all of the candidates and catechumens in my parish RCIA program. Cradle Catholics are guaranteed to learn new things about their faith as well, including aspects of Canon Law, Church history, and overall catechesis that are often skipped or skimmed over by others.
Rating:
Summary: Typically Hypocritical
Review: If you want to read a book that shows you what it is like to be a Catholic than get "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism". If you want a book on straight Catholicism, then get the "Catecism of the Catholic Church".
"Catholicism for Dummies" is TYPICALLY HYPOCRITICAL and written by some Priests of the Catholic Church. It is funny how so many get so caught up in the Dogma of the Church and FORGET COMPLETELY the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Wouldn't it be nice if we all could be perfect Catholics? Sorry, but I just don't think it has ever happened outside of Jesus and Mary.
I prefer "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" because it shows that Catholics ARE HUMAN BEINGS and that we don't think we are the only one's going to Heaven and that we are not so "Holier than Thou" and that, yes even we make mistakes and the Church forgives us any way. And "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" shows how we as Catholics come in ALL shapes and sizes, not to mention ethnicities, colors and backgrounds.
"Catholicism for Dummies" is one size fits ALL and of course doesn't take ANY of our backgrounds ethnicities or anything else into consideration, IGNORING as usual our humanity as members of the Church. The ONLY view that matters is THEIR view. "Do as I say, not as I do" attitude. Again, very TYPICAL of some in the Church.
One book "Dummies for Catholicism" is written by Priests. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" is written by non-clergy who have been on the other end like most of us. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" is far superior than "Dummies for Catholicism."
I liked "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" OVER "Catholicsim for Dummies" just because it is a much better book. "Catholicsm for Dummies" is that HYPOCRITICAL, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT, JUDGEMENTAL attitude so many of us got from our Parish Priests and Nuns that some of us have encountered along our walk in life and have found these people to be unbearable. And those are the Priests and Nuns who have driven so many AWAY from the Church. Please buy "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" instead of this book.
Rating:
Summary: FOR CATHOLIC's & Prostant's alike- EXCELLENT BOOK
Review: Thank U Fr.Trigilio for this most wonderful & fascinating book. I am married to a prostant & have had a hard time in the past in explaining Catholicism, but now it is possible w/your book. Basic layman's terms! This book gives insight to all Catholics to renew their faith and tradition. A must read for prostants to understand why Catholics do & believe as they do. I have learned more now than I ever did in catechism. A get off the fence book. I am honored to have a copy of it. This book says what today's priest are afraid to speak out and say to the congregation.Read, Learn & Become more a part of our Catholic faith. Follow Jesus & love everyone! May God Bless You!
Rating:
Summary: Great Beginner's Book
Review: This book is a great read for anyone. If your thinking about becoming Catholic, know someone who is, or you just want some more information on the Catholic religion in general then this book is for you.
I found this book to be very informational and easy to follow. If you're looking for more information on the general traditions and guidelines of Catholicism, this is a wonderful starting point for that. Overall, it's a great addition to your library.
Rating:
Summary: Very Informative
Review: This book is really easy to understand and is helpful in explaining about the church to other Christians. I would recommend this to anyone interested in finding out more about the Catholic church. This book gets it right, unlike the Idiots Guide! Do not purchase that book; get this one instead!
Rating:
Summary: This Book Is Unreal
Review: This book was a real disappointment to me. It is clear that it's written by the clergy and goes on as if everyone does exactly what they're supposed to do. Of course we know this isn't true for us lay people and it sure isn't true for the clergy either! To live up to our ideal is the goal, but everyone knows this isn't possible all the time Faith is a struggle. Catholics know this perhaps more than anyone--reconciliation is a sacrament! I recommend the Comnplete Idiot's Guide to Catholicism as it portrays the Catholic culture, what Catholics believe and what they do about their beliefs. It even covers places of disagreement among Catholics. Many people don't realize that Catholics don't all beleive the same way. The Idiot's Guide presented Catholicsim in all its lively fullness.
Rating:
Summary: A must have! Orthodox, accurate, helpful and fun too!
Review: WARNING! ONCE YOU START READING FATHER JOHN AND FATHER KEN'S BOOK YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP!!!!
This book is essential for ALL Catholics and for anyone who wants to learn more about Catholicism. Next to THE Bible, this will be considered the "bible" for anyone who has a question about the history, doctrine, dogma and practice of the Catholic faith. It is well written in clear, concise and "readable" language. "Catholicism For Dummies" is an excellent learning tool, as well as a super reference and research source.
This book will make excellent gifts for your family members and friends, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Buy extra copies at Amazon.com ...
For Catholics, here's another chance to spread God's word as we are called to do, and an opportunity to draw in those who are curious, but hesitant to take the next step towards conversion to Catholicism. For non-Catholics, you will not find a better book to learn the basics and much more about our faith. Go ahead, jump on this one! You will not regret purchasing this awesome book!
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