Catechism of the Catholic Church

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Summary: A must have for all catholics
Review: If you are a Catholic, this is the first time that the church has made all the beliefs with evedence all in one book. Every belief that catholics hold sacred with biblical facts to show that we truly do know the bible and what it stands for. This book actually tells of factual basis of our faith. This comes from the church, and not from word of mouth. If you think you know your faith or if you think you know about the Catholic church you need to read this book and be educated in what the church REALLY says...

Rating:
Summary: A Testimony to Biblical Truth
Review: Being a Christian who recently chose to be a member of the Catholic Church, I found this book to be most helpful. This book contains scriptures to support the faith and worship of the Church. The Catholic Church is a valid Christian and Biblical church. Consider the following verses from the Bible:"...make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you"(Matthew 28:19,20) "the Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.(John 14:26), "...the Spirit of truth will guide you to all truth.(John 16:13), "There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written."(John 21:25) "stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or a letter of ours."(2nd Thessalonians 2:15) From what the Bible says it is clear that in addition to the written Scriptures of the Bible the Church has an oral tradition that has continually been passed on from Jesus and the early Christians and bishops to the Church today. This Catechism gives testimony to those truths stated in the Scriptures. This is an excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: Wow! It is all here. Tradition, Scripture, logic and reason, everything! A must have! If non-Catholics are trying to put words in your mouth, just open the catechism and see what the Church really believes.

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Summary: Just what I needed
Review: I found my answers to my questions about my Catholic faith. Most of it is easy to read and understand. One of the things about the book I like it that it goes in detail about the 10 commandments.

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Summary: Essential reading for Catholics
Review: Having come from a traditionally strong Catholic family, it was at times difficult to understand the "whys" of Catholicism. The "traditions" or "teachings" were simply handed down. The meaning or explaination for catholic rituals and beliefs are sometimes lost and new generations have difficulty understanding catholic traditions. This book clearly outlines what the Catholic faith is about and where the basis for the teachings originate. It is a must have book for all Catholic families in order to better understand and fully embrace the Faith.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for thought and review
Review: Being a catholic i find that overall this is one of my favorite books to read regarding the faith, despite what people may say about the church during these post vatican 2 times, this book has the tradition of the church spelled out with accuracy and understanding, recommended for protestant and orthodox.

Rating:
Summary: An Array of Awsome Religous Splendor
Review: The true meaning of the Roman Catholic Church is truly expressed in this magnificent testament. I think no one should dare judge the Church before reading the Catechism. This is a must for all those who are Christian, Protestant or Catholic. Buy it!

Rating:
Summary: Of course an infinite number of stars.
Review: This most recent edition of The Catechism of The Catholic Church has been and certainly will continue to be an absloutely invaluable and indispensible resource for me as a baptised and confirmed Catholic in the process of returning to the Church. To clear up a possible misconception that could result form a review I read here (which has, I think, been addressed by another reviewer as well, but I want to say this too) "This Catechism aims at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic Doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the Church Tradition"(Prologue, p.9). And again on page 11 of the Prologue, "This catechism os conceived as an organic presentation of the Catholic faith in its entirety." Aside from thatm I'd like to add that, although the Glossary, as has been correctly pointed out here "is faithful to the language of the text of the Catechism, it does not participate in the approval of the text of the Catechism given in the Apostolic Constitution Fidei depositum of Pope John Paul II" although it "is an additional instrument by which readers may find assistance in their use of the Catechism itself" (p.864), its definition of FAITH is " Both a gift of God and a human act by which the believer gives personal adhereence to God who invites his response, and freely assents to the whole truth that God has revealed. It is this revelation of God which the Churh proposes` for our belief and which we profess in the Creed, celebrate in the sacraments, live by right conduct that fulfills the twofold commandment of charity (as specified in the ten commandments), and respond to in our prayer of faith. FAITH IS BOTH A THEOLOGICAL VIRTUE GIVEN BY GOD, AND AN OBLIGATION WHICH FLOWS FROM THE FIRST COMMANDMENT OF GOD (caps mine-p. 879, however the reader of this definition in the Glossary is referred to specific sections of the Catechism: 26,142, 150, 1814, and the one I found especially helpful-2087- which says in part, " St. Paul speaks of 'the obediance of faith " as our first obligation. he shows that 'ignorance of God' is the principle and explanation of all moral deviations. Our duty is to toward God is to believe in him and to bear witness to him...The first commandment requires us to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilence, and to reject everything that is opposed to it. The are various ways of sinning aginst faith, p. 506 ). Also, in the text of the Catechism under The Natural Moral Law " The natural law, present in the heart of each man and established by reason is univeral in its precepts and its authority extends to all men. It expresses the dignity of the person and determines the basis for his fundamental rights and duties: For there is a true law: right reason. It is in conformity with nature, is diffused among all men, and is immutable and eternal; its orders summon to duty; its prohibitions turn away from offense....To replace it with contrary law is a sacrilege; failure to apply even one of its provisions is forbidden; no one can abrogate it entirely." I do not think that any baptised Catholic should be without this book, nor should anyone else who is interested either. I am glad this it is available at this site, and in paperback, and that I was able to find it here and buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Five stars for usefulness-- not for content!
Review: I give this book 5 stars because it is, hands down, the best tool for a fundamentalist Christian soul winner to use when dealing with Roman Catholic laypeople. This way, you aren't arguing with Karl Keating or Paul Kreeft or some other "unofficial" apologist for Rome-- you are taking your views of Roman dogma straight from the top!

Do you meet someone door-to-door who says Catholics don't believe in salvation by works? Take them STRAIGHT to the CATECHISM! Or how about the Church's position on Mariolatry? Forget the Protestant tracts and go to the CATECHISM! I could go on, but you get the picture. Suffice it to say that every humble Bible-believer should own a copy. (Just do your conscience a favor and try to find it used.)

Rating:
Summary: Harden not your hearts
Review: This book is an extremely important volume for those who would like to know what the Catholic Church teaches. Anyone claiming to be a Catholic must hold these teachings as their own. I find it an invaluable measure. There is not an ill-formed thought within its pages. Of course Readers who have a pre disposition against the Catholic Church will make an effort to twist the Truth contained within the book. However anyone with a heart of flesh will see it for what it is, the fullness of the faith and the seamless garment which is the Catholic faith. I will pray for those with hate in their hearts. Who use this forum to propagate their misguided and hate filled bias against the Church.