Commentary on the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Rating:
Summary: Still one of the finest commentaries on the Catechism
Review: Among the various introductions, companions, and aids to studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church, there have been few substantial commentaries. This is one. The back cover describes this as the "first major study" of the Catechism. I am not aware of another commentary of this depth and substance since then.

This is not an introduction for the beginner, but a scholarly commentary for a serious student of the Catechism. The book consists of a collection of 25 essays, each addressing a section of the catechism, and each by an author with expertise in that area. At 512 pages, this book delves deeply and critically into the contents of the Catechism.

Shortcomings? I discovered a certain uneveness in this commentary. With 25 authors, I suppose this is to be expected. For example, the essay on the Holy Spirit describes the contents in detail, comments on each subsection, discusses the sources, and identifies strengths and weaknesses. Meanwhile, the essay entitled "More than Law and Precept: Commandments 1-3" provides an assessment of the overall theological approach of that section of the catechism, but gives little attention to particulars - to the extent that it does not even address the 3rd commandment. Each essay is useful in its own way. But I think this overall uneveness is a weakness.

Nonetheless, for anyone seeking a substantial commentary on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this is one.

Rating:
Summary: Still one of the finest commentaries on the Catechism
Review: Among the various introductions, companions, and aids to studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church, there have been few substantial commentaries. This is one. The back cover describes this as the "first major study" of the Catechism. I am not aware of another commentary of this depth and substance since then.

This is not an introduction for the beginner, but a scholarly commentary for a serious student of the Catechism. The book consists of a collection of 25 essays, each addressing a section of the catechism, and each by an author with expertise in that area. At 512 pages, this book delves deeply and critically into the contents of the Catechism.

Shortcomings? I discovered a certain uneveness in this commentary. With 25 authors, I suppose this is to be expected. For example, the essay on the Holy Spirit describes the contents in detail, comments on each subsection, discusses the sources, and identifies strengths and weaknesses. Meanwhile, the essay entitled "More than Law and Precept: Commandments 1-3" provides an assessment of the overall theological approach of that section of the catechism, but gives little attention to particulars - to the extent that it does not even address the 3rd commandment. Each essay is useful in its own way. But I think this overall uneveness is a weakness.

Nonetheless, for anyone seeking a substantial commentary on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this is one.