Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9932 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 928 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first new edition of the catechism in 400 years. Catechism means "instruction" and this text will remain the standard reference for Catholics for many future generations. It is the authoritative summary of Catholic belief regarding the Church creeds, sacraments, commandments and prayers. To get some idea of the level of detail with which the Catechism engages Catholic doctrine, consider that 17 pages of explanation accompany the opening words of the Apostle's Creed ("I Believe in God the Father"). The book is exceptionally well organised, with line-by-line explanations of every conceivable aspect of orthodox Catholic belief. Extensive cross-referencing, indexing and footnotes and "In Brief" summaries of each section further ease the project of finding the precise answers to any questions a reader might have. Even the layout of information on the page is easy on the eyes, with wide margins for readers who wish to make notes. Furthermore, the back cover features a true rarity in the annals of world literature: a blurb by the Pope. --Michael Joseph Gross

Customer Reviews

A Dependable Resource
The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" is the definitive source for anyone interested in the teachings of the Catholic Church on almost any topic on which the Church has taken an official position.

The catechism, the first in four centuries, is divided into four parts. Each part is divided into Sections, Chapters, Articles and subordinate divisions. The principles of each article are summarized in a conclusion entitled "In Brief".

The Catechism is well indexed. The footnotes provide citations to sources including the Bible, the writings of the Doctors of the Church, documents of Ecumenical Councils and other authoritative writings.

Part One- "The Profession of Faith", begins with the sources of Revelation, followed by Man's Response to God's Revelation. It concludes with a clause by clause analysis of the ancient Creed of the Church.

Part Two- "Celebration of the Christian Mystery" explains Church teachings on the liturgy and the sacraments through which God touches and nourishes the life of man.

Part Three- "Life In Christ" presents the Church's teaching on Christian morality, including a study of each of the Ten Commandments.

Part Four- "Christian Prayer" examines man's communication with God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking the know the truths which the Catholic Church teaches. For the Catholic, it is a guide to a deeper understanding of the truths which we profess. For one investigating the Catholic Faith, the Catechism is a reliable presentation of the teachings from the highest ecclesiastical authority. Whether read in its entirety or consulted for a specific question, The Catechism of the Catholic Church deserves a place in every Catholic home as well as in the home of every seeker of truth.

Excellent. Especiall insipring for the established Catholic
This book is a must have reference manual for every Catholic. It provides a clear, well laid out version of Catholic beliefs and acts to provide rationales for the beliefs. For the newer Catholic, you may find this book a little daunting, perhaps purchasing an accompanying more simple book would be helful.

I wish that I had purchased this item whilst I was studying theology at school, and before I was confirmed. In the short space of time I have owned the book it has served several times as a point of reference and clarification. Excellent value for money, well written and include footnotes. The preface from Pope John Paul II was an excellent and inspiring read.

Should be sold as part of a set with the Holy Bible!
This is much easier to read than it's critics make out. Every Confirmation student should have one! Every RCIA student should have it. Any one who wants to know what the Church REALLY teaches should have one. Great synthesis of Scripture, Official church documents, writings of the saints. Many cross-references. The christian faith in one book! Especially useful for those raised in the "kumbiya" catachetical era.