Catholic Catechism

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Resource
Review: Father Hardon has blessed the Church with this excellent catechism. Father Hardon writing style is conversational, and he is very thorough in his treatment.

Father Hardon strikes on the major topics (i.e., commandments, sacraments), but refrains from an overabundance of detail. In his treatment of the various subjects, Father Hardon frequently cites scripture and the early church fathers. His treatment of the early fathers and the general councils, as they relate to certain topics, is astounding.

In comparison to the new catechism, Father Hardon's catechism is much easier to understand and read, but it lacks the detail of the new catechism. If those two qualities suit you, purchase this catechism before diving into the new catechism. Father Hardon's presentation of the Catholic faith is orthodox.

Any person who reads this catechism will come away with an informed appreciation of the Catholic faith. As compared to some catechisms, Father Hardon explains the faith by demonstrating why the Church professes what it does, not just what it professes. I'm sure that was Father Hardon's goal, and he achieved it marvelously.

A fine catechism written by a fine Catholic gentleman!

Rating:
Summary: Doctrinally correct but tedious
Review: Fr. Hardon, I am glad to say, is a model of orthodoxy. This book is well-organized, and the sections on abortion and the Virgin Mary are particularly good. The writing, however, is very wordy and sometimes ornate; after 570 pages, it gets to be a bit much. Worse is his tendency to dismiss serious objections to the faith with little more than hand-waving, saying in effect, "Now let me just inform you of a few facts and your objection will vanish." For an overview of the basics, though, it is reliable.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, and very reliable.
Review: I remember, more than 20 years after the fact, reading this book cover to cover while in college, and realizing for the first time that the whole thing made deep sense. I have recommended this book as a basic adult introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church many times since, and continue to do so today.