The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 2)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Guide!
Review: I first bought this book because it was so cheap and also that one of my bible study friends in college had it, and we used it occasionally to answer theological questions we came up with. When I joined a different bible study group I started bringing it to those meetings, and it helped us to answer questions a lot, especially with a lot of curious, non-Catholics in the group.

The formula is simple: the writer asks a question on anything from marriage to the afterlife, and then explains the answer in clear, easy to read terms. I was able to read through the whole book in one night, and it continued to hold my interest the entire time. The pictures, though somewhat outdated, do provide relief from the text and occasionally aid in explaining it.

I continue to use it as my girlfriend and I seriously consider marriage - it helps to answer our questions on the theology side of marriage.

Rating:
Summary: Catholic Educators This is a Must
Review: It is great to see this book is available again. Some
of the most basic Catholic Teachings seem to get left
behind in todays - social service age - this brings
back the basics of Catholic Religious education. Great for recent converts who need specific details. Great reference.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, systematic way to teach children the Faith
Review: Though often dismissed as "pre-Vatican II" and therefore obsolete, the New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism is a terrific way to teach children the Faith. Since the book covers basics like Creed, Commandments, Sacraments and Prayer, the fact that it's pre-conciliar is largely irrelevant. When was the last time you discussed the nuances of Lumen Gentium with an eight year old?

Each of the thirty seven chapters covers a topic like "Trinity", "the Eucharist" or "Incarnation" with a reading from Scripture, an explanation of that reading, a Q&A "catechism" and then a series of questions on what the student has just learned. The chapters are about four pages long, so they are perfect for reading to children nightly.

(Parents can brush up on their own catechesis by reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church and reflecting on how its passages elaborate on what is contained in the Baltimore Catechism.)

Book no. 1 is ideal for first through third graders, while the three subsequent volumes are useful for instructing older children.