Book Description
This wide-ranging examination of the origins, rise to power, and present-day role of the Catholic religion has now been updated to include a behind the headlines look at the recent abuse cases within the church, as well as explanations of rituals, beliefs, and sacraments practiced by countless millions around the world.Download Description
The Complete Idiot's Guide To Catholicism explores the world's largest religious denomination and introduced you to the Catholic practice. It offers you a new approach to learning Catholicism, covering the rituals and symbols of the religion, such as Mass, the Seven Sacraments, and the holy days and their meaning. The authors tell you how Catholicism has spread throughout the world, its roots, and how it has grown and changed over the course of this century. It's a valuable tool for anyone interested in examining--or reexamining--this large and complex religion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (99)

This Book Contains Serious Errors
This book contains serious errors regarding Catholic dogma and discipline. For a book which presents Catholicism accurately, read "Catholicism for Dummies."

An example of a serious dogmatic error is the section on the perpetual virginity of Mary on pages 164-165. This book does not explain at all that the Church clearly teaches that Mary never had sexual relations. Rather, it presents a vague and historically-conditioned virginity which has little to do with historical fact. This is coupled with the book's gravely flawed "historical context" regarding the Church's thoughts on the relationship of the body and the soul. The book makes it sound as if the Church up until very recently considered the body to be sinful and as if the Church taught a radical dualism of body and spirit. On the contrary, the Church battled many heresies which taught these false doctrines.

Perhaps the most serious dogmatic error in the area of morals is the statement from page 273 on abortion, "However, the official teaching remains that the only time abortion is permitted when it is necessary to preserve the mother's life, which is covered under the concept of the lesser of two evils." This is not the Church's position. The Church's clear teaching is that abortion willed either as a means or an end is intrinsically evil.

An example of one error regarding Church discipline is on page 12 where it says, "Many spiritual practices--such as fasting before receiving the Eucharist and Lenten fasts--that once were mandatory are now optional." This is incorrect. Fasting before the reception of Holy Communion is still obligatory as is fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

This book is not useful to anyone who understands the Catholic faith, and it will be very misleading to anyone who wishes to learn more about Catholicism.

Not for Idiots
Concise.Funny. Insightful. Irreverant. A good quick introduction. Buy it for everyone in your RCIA program.

STOP BEING SUCH A COMPLETE IDIOT AND ACQUIRE FAITH IN ACTION: READ ITA FORD AND DOROTHY DAY
If you claim to be Catholic but fail to subscribe to the Catholic Worker newspaper you are not Catholic. (available here)

If you claim to be Catholic yet support directly or indirectly the Iraqi war, you are not Catholic (read Gaudium et spes, Pacem in terris, Father John Dear)

Forget this externalist formalist farcical treatment of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

To know what it is to be Catholic in the flesh and heart and spirit, study the writings of Sister Ita Ford, or her bio by Sr. Noone. Study Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister, or Monica Hellwig.

Be a true (not just practicing) Catholic and study deeply the great American CAtholic theologian and scholar, the Rev. Father Richard McBrien's comprehensive tome: Catholicism, well received and respected for a generation.

Continue with other great Catholic and American theologians and scholars and saints and contemplatives such as Jesuit Fathers Daniel Berrigan and Father John DEar who dare ask the hard questions with intelligence, insight and spiritual orthodoxy to the Gospel of Jesus. In particular illuminating is Jesus the Rebel by the Rev. Father Dear, and the commentaries on the Old Testament prophets such as Job and Ezekial by the Rev. Father Berrigan.

Then neither Dummy nor Complete Idiot shall you be, but Catholic in mind, heart, spirit and soul. Continue with the great Saint, MArtyr and Confessor of the Faith, Archbishop Romero, and of course the other Salvadoran martyrs and confessors like Fr. Ellacuria and the still living (when last seen) Father Jon Sobrino.


Such a telling shame cornerstone Catholic texts such as Pope John XXIII's PACEM IN TERRIS and Pope PAul VI's POPULORUM PROGRESSIO or even the US Conference of Catholic Bishop's ever-more-important treatise on Just Cause/Just war entitled GOd's Challenge and Our Response are out of print and no longer available, as they truly call us to put our faith into concrete action for Christ. As the great St. James wrote: Faith without works is dead.

Please check my other reviews for further excellent sources as well as warnings about the ill sectarian and shallow observances.

My gosh -- are we talking about the same book here?

I am perplexed by the many negative reviews that have been posted about this book.Not only are they negative, they practically vilify the authors.

As a cradle Catholic who has read volumes (and I mean volumes!) about Catholicism, I find this book to be absolutely right on target with where the Church is today.Those of you who excoriate this book are clinging to notions of what you want the Church to be, not what the Church actually is.Do you really believe that Catholics don't have premarital sex, use birth control, get divorces, and have abortions?In actuality, statistics within the Catholic church closely mirror those of the general population.To ignore the fact that, everyday, Catholics are faced with these same moral dilemmas and make the same mistakes non-Catholics make is to be living in some kind of Polyanna world.Sure the Church takes a stand against these things, but the Church also recognizes that these things can and do occur.The authors merely point out the reality that exists.

Consider this quote from another reviewer regarding abortion: "The Church isn't simply 'against it.' The Church teaches that abortion is a grave evil and that, if done with the requisite understanding and consent, it is a mortal sin...a sin that will separate the sinner from God for eternity. And this is not simply my opinion, this is formal Church teaching." ---> True, this is the Church's "official" position, but how many of us can imagine our parish priest refusing to hear our confession of this sin and telling us, "I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do for you.You're going directly to Hell."I can't imagine any priest not willing to listen and sincerely help reconcile the sinner to God.In theory, it's one thing.In practice, it's another.

I find this book to be one of the most enlightening I have read recently.As one who has gone through a Diocesan-approved Catholic Biblical Institute Program, I find nothing in this book that disagrees with what I learned in the seven courses I have taken.There is a danger when people cling blindly to narrow precepts -- this is exactly what Vatican II has tried to discourage.Perhaps people should read some of the latest research and Catholic biblical scholarship before they go blasting this work.You might just find that the Church's thinking is very much in alignment with what the authors have written.

I would excommunicate this book from your library...
...because as others have stated, it does have incorrect information in it, most glaringly that the Catholic Church is okay with abortion under certain circumstances. If you are a convert or just want to know the facts, pick up Triglio's book "Catholicism for Dummies" and the "Catechism of the Catholic Church." ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

UT UNUM SINT
The idea that keeps recurring in this book is unity. Henri de Lubac brilliantly draws the theme of unity out of the sacraments, the Church, Dogma, etc, etc. What is refreshing about this book even though it is 60 years old is that unity is to be found within the Mystical Body of Christ, not like some heterodox theologians of today who believe unity is achieved by adhering to some pseudo progressive liberal political ideology.
An added bonus is a 75+ page appendix of excerpts from various works of famous Church Saints & Fathers.

Towards the [Roman] *Catholic*
I am only beginning my studies in *Roman* Catholicism, but this book has certainly opened my eyes to some of the great riches and insights of a "catholic" way of thinking.

For de Lubac, people are fundamentally *social* beings and the saving work of Christ is a saving work of humanity first, individuals second (hence the subtitle).The point of the Church is to be a witness to the common, shared humanity of man by bringing us all together into the body of Christ.The [Roman] Catholic church embodies this intention of God - that all would be one - more so than any other ideology, religion or church.

Interestingly enough, for de Lubac unity does not mean uniformity but, instead, presupposes difference.De Lubac does believe that the Holy Spirit continues to speak through the Pope today just as the Holy Spirit spoke through the Apostles; given this, any notion of catholicity that denies the primacy of the the Papacy would not fit into de Lubac's vision.Although it is too easy and too common to place the community over and above the individual, de Lubac places the individual within the community by recognizing that the difference between individuals is what allows unity-within-difference to exist.The individual communes with God and with others; the point of the Church is to bring the people together, before God, and therefore also face to face with one another.

This, however, is also the first limitation of de Lubac's vision: it does not get into the *reality* of the divisions between the Churches that are Catholic - Anglican, Orthodox and Roman Catholic - and does not really engage the reality of Protestantism/s/s/s/s/s/...De Lubac gives a beautiful vision of the Church as pure, undefiled and united.The reality of brining together the broken church is never explored, however.

The second problem with this book is the utter *lack* of translated footnotes!The book is probably half footnotes, many of which are simply left in Latin.It makes for a fairly maddening read at points, especially since it is obvious that de Lubac really knows his stuff.He is deeply rooted within the spirituality of [Roman] Catholicism; not being able to read who he thought was worth citing keeps the reader from being able to grasp the full depth and breadth of his thought.

De Lubac's writing is a fresh engagement with the Fathers of the Church, primarily, but he also engages Scripture and the Scholastics.He has a nearly 70-page appendix of citations from various works of the Fathers (and yes, they are all translated into English), which helps the reader understand better his view of the Church.Catholicism: Christ and the Common Destiny of Man is a brilliant synthesis of ancient and new theology and ecclesiology that will help the reader gain a far greater insight into what it means to be an individual that is a part of the community called the Catholic (universal) church.

Rich, Eye-opening
Although not an easy read, this rich, beautifully translated book illuminates the nature of the "catholic" Church. De Lubac's thesis of the Church, that it should not simply be "a" religion, but the repository of "all" religion that inspires the human spirit, challenges the narrowness that stunts most religiosity these days. His fervent defense of orthodoxy, at the same time, rejects the watered-down pantheism or spiritualism that leaves spiritual seekers walking in circles. If all you know of the Church are the clinic protests and the nun gags -- especially if you're Catholic yourself -- read this book and expand your mind. ... Read more

Book Description
What is Catholicism? And where is the Catholic Church headed in the third millennium? These two questions provide the structure for Thomas Rausch's Catholicism in the Third Millennium. Here Rausch combines a faithful presentation of the tradition with a critical theological reflection and interpretation of where the Church is today and where it might be moving.

Catholicism in the Third Millennium offers an appreciation of the forces and movements that have shaped, and continue to influence, the ongoing change and development of Roman Catholicism. Chief among these is the influence of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) in reshaping Catholicism.

This revised edition includes updated text from Rausch's Catholicism at the Dawn of the Third Millennium, particularly the final chapter on "The Unfinished Agenda" of Vatican II. Each chapter concludes with focus questions developed by Catherine E. Clifford of St. Paul's University, Ottawa. This experience of guided reading provides readers with a broad survey of Roman Catholic faith and practice in its contemporary context.

For readers who wish to compare particular passages of this volume with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an outline is provided in an appendix, with references to the appropriate sections of the Catechism. A second appendix offers a glossary of terms used in the book, while a third appendix lists a number of basic works for further investigation of Catholic faith and life.

Chapters are "The Church and the Council," "Faith and the Believing Community," "A Visible Church," "A Living Tradition," "Sacraments and Christian Initiation," "Christian Life and Discipleship," "Sin, Forgiveness, and Healing," "Sexual Morality and Social Justice," "Prayer and Spirituality," "The Fullness of Christian Hope," and "The Unfinished Agenda." Includes Appendix I: Outlook of Book, with References to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Appendix II: Glossary of Terms, and Appendix III: Basic Reference Works on Catholicism. An Index of Names, and an Index of Subjects are also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good and Insightful Book
I first encountered this book in a causal theology discussion group and found it to be a nice read.While it is hardly original, I do believe that it provides a good foundation for a discussion about Catholicism, Religiosity and secularity in the modern world.I have not read the older version of this book, so cannot comment on the changes in this edition.I would recommend this book for anyone engaged in religious education or the professional or casual study of Christian theology.

Good but not much changed
This book is a new edition of Catholicism: At The Dawn Of The Third Millennium. It is a great book for one raised in the Catholic tradition or someone who is curious about it. It looks back over the past thirty-odd years at the goals of Vatican Council II, and how the church is doing at living up to the expectations from that event.

This revised edition does not, at first look, appear that different. Yet the few differences make it well worth it. There is major revision of chapter 2, section two, which has gone from being `The People of God' to `God and God's People'. There are also discussion questions at the end of each chapter. That will help the reader digest the material, or help a group study the book together.

All in all, in a new edition written seven years after the first, I was hoping for much more. There was an expectation of newer and fresher analysis of the material. Yet, even with that letdown, the book is worth an examination by a member of the catholic community or the casual scholar. ... Read more

Book Description
Throughout its history, Christianity has adapted to contemporary society and culture in order to reach people effectively and have an impact on the world. This process often evokes controversy. Certainly this is the case in the current century, and so it was in the sixteenth. Robert Bireley argues that early modern Catholicism, the period known more traditionally as the Counter Reformation, was both shaped by and an active response to the profound changes of the sixteenth century-the growth of the state; economic expansion and social dislocation; European colonialism across the seas; the Renaissance; and, of course, the Protestant Reformation. Bireley finds that there were two fundamental, contrasting desires that helped shape early modern Catholicism: the desire especially of a lay elite to lead a full Christian life in the world and the widespread desire for order and discipline after the upheavals of the long sixteenth century. He devotes particular attention to new methods of evangelization in the Old World and the New, education at the elementary, secondary, and university levels, the new active religious orders of women as well as men, and the effort to create a spirituality for the Christian living in the world.

This book will be of great value to all those studying the political, social, religious, and cultural history of the period. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

More Life Than Previously Believed
This is an interesting introduction to an era that traditionally bears the name "Counter Reformation." Bireley, a Jesuit Professor of History at Loyola University of Chicago, argues persuasively in his opening remarks that the term "Counter Reformation" has outlived its usefulness in the study of Catholic history. In fact, he observes, nearly all of what we would call today post-Tridentine reform not only has roots in the fifteenth century but in many cases was in full bloom and inspired the council to do what it did. Trent, in his view of things, was the institutional crest of a wave that had been building for a century. Moreover, Bireley's global view-geographic, political, scientific, theological-invites the reader to view the Church against the backdrop of forces it could not control and critique the many accommodations made by the Church to the world of the seventeenth century.

Why 1450? One reason was geographic exploration. The exploits of DeGama and Columbus reflected a growing sense of the cosmos, later amplified by Galileo and others; a new economic world order, so to speak; and the increasing sense of nationalism and centralization of governments, later abetted by formalized "confessions" of religious doctrine and worship after Luther. Another reason for this new delineation of Catholic epochs was the Renaissance and the humanistic philosophy it nurtured, which the author maintains had significant impact upon many major Catholic leaders of the time, including Ignatius Loyola and Francis de Sales. At the other end of the chronological spectrum, Bireley designates 1700 as a marker because of the impact of Cartesian rationalism upon official Catholic thought in the bigger context of the Enlightenment itself.

Without ignoring the contemporary problems of the "Catholic confession"-papal excesses, poor training of priests, etc.-Bireley is remarkably upbeat about the condition of the Catholic Church at the time of the Reformation and the Council of Trent in the sense that the need for reform was widely recognized and in many places being addressed already. Popular piety throughout Europe was strong in pockets, and the printing press, so often termed a tool of Protestant reformers, was cranking out thousands of copies of "The Imitation of Christ." The author notes that in the late fifteenth century the existing religious orders, or at least many of them, were distinguishing themselves by excellent preaching, pastoral practice, and adaptation.

After 1500, however, the combined challenges of Protestant confessions, humanist demands of higher education, and missionary work, not to mention ecclesiastical reform itself, led to a veritable explosion of new religious orders. Not surprisingly, the Jesuit phenomenon is extensively chronicled. But to his credit, Bireley gives significant attention to Francis de Sales and the Salesian efforts to address the spiritual needs of the new humanized Catholic. Joined with the efforts of the new Capuchins, Ursulines, Oratorians, Hospitalers, Theatines, Oratorians, Visitandines, Piarists, Barnabites, Sulpicians, and the Christian Brothers, to cite several, these movements addressed the above cited needs in ways that have sculpted the Catholic experience to the present day.

It is probably obvious that none of the above named orders is, strictly speaking, contemplative. Bireley contends that the paradigmatic shift in Catholic thinking in this era was toward the world, not away from it. Educators, confessors, and spiritual directors and writers consciously or subconsciously picked up the gauntlet set down by Machiavelli, whose thesis broadly read argues that the marketplace is the arena of practicality, not faith. It is no accident that the curriculum of Catholic schools at every level broadened to include the best of classical thought, that Aquinas and the idea of synthesis came back into style, and the Jesuits added drama and the fine arts to their standard cursus studiorum. Theologically speaking, it was an age of "doing." Loyola himself did not impose choir upon his men to free them for mission. The case study or manualist method of moral theology was born.

Certainly no collective group was doing more than the missionaries. The work of the Church in the new worlds is complex and not without controversy on many levels. Bireley is somewhat limited by this complexity in his attempt to give an overview of the missionary situation, but in general no one can deny that it was not large scale and heroic. The argument is often made that Catholic missionary efforts were part of a larger colonization effort. Bireley implies in his overview that this accusation is probably more appropriate to those missionaries whose monarchs exercised state control of the Church in their kingdoms, such as Spain and Portugal. By contrast, missionaries working more directly with the papacy and the newly formed Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, such as the Jesuits in the East, worked with remarkably less baggage, the Malabar Rites Controversy notwithstanding.

Although only two hundred pages, this is a thought provoking work that on the whole depicts a Roman Catholicism of considerably more vigor and spirituality than is generally attributed to the Reformation era. Certainly the author's thoughts on the importance of the new religious orders, humanism, and ecclesiastical globalization call for further reading and reflection. Curiously, this work, published by The Catholic University of America, was printed in China. One way or another, Francis Xavier was going to get there. It was only a matter of time. ... Read more

Book Description
For a long time, Christians have tried to bridge the divide between Christianity and secular liberalism with philosophizing and theologizing. In The Priority of Christ, Father Robert Barron shows that the answer to this debateand the way to move forwardlies in Jesus. Barron transcends the usual liberal/conservative or Protestant/Catholic divides with a postliberal Catholicism that brings the focus back on Jesus as revealed in the New Testament narratives. Barrons classical Catholic post-liberalism will be of interest to a broad audience including not only the academic community but also preachers and general readers interested in entering the dialogue between Catholicism and postliberalism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Learned, passionate, profound
In this very ambitious book, Robert Barron tries to reconstruct Christian theology, so that it gets beyond the sterile dead ends of modernity and liberalism.The book is learned, profound and passionate.He gives a very well-reasoned analysis of modern philosophy and its limitations. That story, of course, begins with Descartes, Hume and Locke and comes down to Derrida. The problem with all of these thinkers, argues Barron, is that they focus only on the individual.Descartes, of course, argued that the only certain knowledge that we have is the self-knowledge of the thinking individual.The line of logic cuts off the individual from God, and from tradition.As the modern world developed this logic, it has essentially destroyed all knowedge and all certainty, leaving us with this postmodern mush of most educated people believing in nothing.

The problem, Barron argues, did not start with Descartes.It started with Duns Scotus and William of Occam.Scotus argued that God and creatures (us, the world) share the same type of being.God, in this view, is a bigger, better and more powerful being, but still a being, not fundamentally dissmilar to the rest of us.This view contrasts sharply with that of Thomas Aquinas, who argued that God is not just bigger and better than creatures; God has a fundamentally different type of being.

This sounds like a hair-splitting medieval argument, of no concern to modern times.Barron strongly argues to the contrary.If God is fundamentaly the same as the rest of us, he argues, we get into all kinds of difficulties.That sort of God competes with us.That sort of God tends to be a tyrant, or, alternatively, a deist, watchmaker God with no real involvement with us.That sort of God, in short, is no damm good, in alot of ways, and it is precisely these problems with the view of God that have lead us to all of the intellectual sterility of our own era.

Barron argues that we need to return to a Thomist view of God, as having a being fundamentaly different from the being of creatures.This God does not compete with, or tyrannize over, the world. Because God has a being that is entirely different than ours, God and us can co-exist.Indeed, not only do we not compete with God; we are at our best, when we are closest to God.

Barron makes a very serious argument that, as a matter of rational philosophy, we need to start with the Gospel.The New Testament, of course, makes some very radical claims for Jesus.It says that he is the way, the truth and the light. Barron argues that we need to take this quite literally, that we can not reason successfully unless we start with Jesus.(This is, of course, a return to Anselm.With Anselm, Barron argues that we do not reason, in order to find faith, but rather faith comes first; without faith, we cannot reason.)

Barron also focuses a good deal on the specific content of what it means to reason through the lens of the Christ mind.First, this is why the Universe is understandable and intelligible.The Universe was created by the divine Logos, which is Jesus and which is reason incarnate.The Universe, in short, has an intelligent pattern, which we can find, because its basic nature is to be based upon the divine logos.

Second, the divine nature is to exist in relationship, and according to the Law of the Gift.If we grasp greedily at things, we end up with nothing.If we, on the other hand, accept the gifts of God, and pass them on to others without ego, then we perpetually have more than enough.Barron discusses this in a very profound way, starting with the parable of the Prodigal Son and, along the way, discussing and refuting Derrida's attack on the idea of the gift.

I strongly urge anyone intrested in either religion or philosophy to read this book.I think it is important that this book find an audience beyond Catholics.To Catholics, of course, the book is important, as a defense of and an elaboration upon traditional Thomist and Augustinian thought.

To others, though, I think this book could give a great deal.Many of our Evangelical friends believe that being a Christian means that one is in opposition to much of the modern world and its high culture.In one sense, that is profoundly correct; the modern world is quite corrupt and Godless, in many ways, and Christians must oppose it.In another sense, however, this is not correct.Christians should not be afraid of philosophy and higher eduction.This is one of the great gifts of the Church to the rest of the Christian world; it shows how to reconcile the highest and most advanced forms of science and philosophy with the truth of the Gospel.Barron is an excellent guide to that.

On the other side, many of our athiest friends see religion as unalterably opposed to reason and freedom.It has been common, since the Enlightenment, for educated people to believe that religion enslaves men's minds and oppposes science. That view is correct, with regard to certain types of religion.It is not correct, however, with regard to the authentic Christian tradition of the Church.Even for non-believers, Barron's book is important, in that it shows that Christian though is of the utmost seriousness philosophically, and it deeply challenges other ways of thought. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent
Father McCoy sets forth authentic Catholic teaching with precision and insight. He correctly states the basis of the Church's inability to ordain women and is quite persuasive in pointing out that the modern Western view that an individual has a right to ordination is utterly off-base (p. 55). He also cogently explains the basis of the Church ban on contraception by lucidly noting how those in favor of contraception labor under the assumption that there is an "inalienable right" to sexual activity (p. 113). These are only two of the many issues discussed in the book, but these two show that Fr. McCoy is intent on explaining Catholic teaching and not on revising it as so many books penned by theological liberals do.

The best part of the book, in my view, is McCoy's discussion of the "Seven Deadly Sins" (pride, sloth, envy, avarice, gluttony, wrath, and lust). He discusses them through a masterful presentation of Christian anthropology--the Christian view of the flourishing human person. He shows how the seven deadly sins are related and how they impoverish our existence. He shows how these sins are very much alive today and do not just form an archaic list from another age.

Here is Catholicism truly presented in an intelligent manner. This book would truly be a valuable addition to anyone's library. ... Read more

Book Description
For more than two hundred years American Catholics have struggled to reconcile their national and religious values. In this incisive and accessible account, distinguished Catholic historian Jay P. Dolan explores the way American Catholicism has taken its distinctive shape and follows how Catholics have met the challenges they have faced as New World followers of an Old World religion. Dolan argues that the ideals of democracy, and American culture in general, have deeply shaped Catholicism in the United States as far back as 1789, when the nation's first bishop was elected by the clergy (and the pope accepted their choice). Dolan looks at the tension between democratic values and Catholic doctrine from the conservative reaction after the fall of Napoleon to the impact of the Second Vatican Council. Furthermore, he explores grassroots devotional life, the struggle against nativism, the impact and collision of different immigrant groups, and the disputed issue of gender. Today Dolan writes, the tensions remain, as we see signs of a resurgent traditionalism in the church in response to the liberalizing trend launched by John XXIII, and also a resistance to the conservatism of John Paul II. In this lucid account, the unfinished story of Catholicism in America emerges clearly and compellingly, illuminating the inner life of the church and of the nation. In this lucid account, the unfinished story of Catholicism in America emerges clearly and compellingly, illuminating the inner life of the church and of the nation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This has happened before....
Jay Dolan's history of the church in America makes one overwhelming point--that the crisis in the church today is part of a long struggle lasting over 200 years by the American church to define itself as part of and in opposition to both Rome and America at the same time. Dolan examines the collision between the traditional, European, immigrant, authoritarian church and the modern, American, democratic society in which it found itself from several perspectives. The issue of local control of churches has been a long-standing one, and indeed the early church in the US experimented with lay trusteeship of parishes. Immigrants coming to the US with a thirst for freedom also struggled to retain local control over the parishes they built and supported. Sometimes these arguments erupted among immigrant groups, sometimes with Rome.

Devotional practices for Catholics were also very different from those of their Protestant neighbors, used to more austere practices, who were likely to regard Catholics as superstitious and of the Old World. For a long time, a debate raged over whether one could be both Catholic and American; much anti-Catholic sentiment arose from Catholics' efforts to distinguish themselves from their neighbors. These slowly changed in the 20th century of course in response to Vatican II, but also as Americans moved away from Old World traditions. The emergence of women as important players in American society, at the same time as women argued for equality in England, also put pressures on the church still being felt to this day to an extent much greater than some more traditional Catholic countries.

Perhaps the greatest argument is a philosophical one--is the church part of or apart from society; should the church embrace or reject modernity; should the church respond to the times or remain unchanged for all time? These arguments went on at the very beginnings of the US 200 years ago and are still being argued today as the church fights off the biggest crisis in its history in this country. Perhaps these issues are more intense in a country that considers itself among the most democratic, the most open, the most modern in the world.

Dolan's work is a bit slow-going at times, and maybe a little too scholarly for the casual reader.But the points are valid, and caution against expecting an easy, prompt resolution of the current crisis. As ties to Western Europe weaken, and fewer and fewer Americans identify themselves as having two nationalities, obedience to a foreign, Roman hierarchy, which seems not to understand American culture and society, feels more and more alien. How it will be resolved remains to be seen. ... Read more

Book Description

The perfect quick resource for everything readers want toknow about the differences between Roman Catholicism and evangelicalChristianity. Noted researchers John Ankerberg andJohn Weldon concisely address the key issues:

• What are the basic tenets of the Roman Catholic faith?
• What do Catholics mean by salvation and justification?
• What does Catholicism teach about Mary?
• Does Catholic tradition add to Gods Word?

This practical guide will help readers examine one of theworlds most prominent religious institutionsand the beliefs of people whobelong to itin light of the clear teaching of the Bible. Excellent for individual or group study.

Customer Reviews (1)

not very good...
i read this for almost an hour. don't bother reading it. i've read several outlines in this vien and i'm not catholic. ... Read more

Book Description
This book invites the reader either to discover or to increase the understanding of Catholocism, on of the cornerstones of Western culture.The symbols of the Catholic Church are at once human and divine, material and spiritual, for they are the very Incarnation of the Word of God.Here Dom Robert Le Gall examines the people at the heart of the church, its saints and Biblical figures, the sacraments, songs, gestures, as well as sacred objects and the church's liturgical calendar. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The meaning of symbols
Book is very nicely printed, beautiful pictures and information about major symbolism such asd what is Tabernacle, what is sacred vestments, why they dress green or pink, what is confirmation, what is anointing, etc. etc. Nothing probably new for practicing Catholic but very informative for non catholic or non-christian.

Perfect pictures
The book has the most fabulous pictures. They're not only of high-quality but also big in size showing details. The articles are of great assistance to the Catholics as well as the non-Catholics. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a former Catholic, this book quotes 37 main Catholic doctrines from the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church, then compares each one with the King James Bible. Every time, Catholic doctrine contradicts the Word of God.

As a reference tool, this book will help you quickly find any Catholic doctrine, and Scriptures that refute it. It clearly shows that the Catholic religion forsakes the Bible to follow traditions of the Catholic Church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

A very worthwhile read...
After being a catholic for more than 40 years, my brother (a former catholic) had tried to get me to read the Bible more and rely less on the teachings of the church. This was difficult for me, because I was in a leadership position in our parish. I was a lector and an educator in the church's RCIA program, an adult education program for those wishing to convert to catholicism.

My brother bought me this book, but I put it aside and didn't bother reading it. I thought it was propaganda that twisted the catechism for the purposes of bashing catholicism.

Well, despite being a life-long catholic and despite being someone who actually was charged with teaching the catechism, I began to read the Bible and listen to a very educated Bible teacher. Many of the messages the teacher was giving me ran directly contrary to the teachings of the catholic church -- teachings I had, myself, been giving to others.

In time, through my own self-education within the Bible itself, with research into scripture, with the help of learned Bible teachers and students as well, I finally came to the conclusion that the catholic church had strayed away from the truth of the Word. While the church may have, at one time, been true to Word, it clearly no longer is.

The church taught me that my salvation was based on how I behaved, that I could be doomed to hell for my sins if I didn't seek absolution, and that is simply not the case.

It was only after I learned the truth that I turned to this book. In that context, I highly recommend this book, even though there are certain parts that may bear further investigation on the part of the reader.

My advice, particularly to those who are questioning the catholic church, is to read this book but don't take it completely on it's own. Instead, get yourself an Old Scofield Study Bible, read this book and research the material presented--then come to your own conclusions.

The bottom line is that you can develop a completely personal relationship with God, that you don't need any organized religion to filter or otherwise mold that relationship, and salvation is a free, permanent gift that requires no church affiliation to obtain. It is yours for the asking.

And remember: this is an honest review from a former life-long catholic who, after more than forty years and having been a lector and educator, found the truth in the Word. My relationship with the Lord has never been stronger, my life of worship never fuller, my happiness never greater.

Good luck!

The very best book ever exposing false Catholic teaching
This book is so good I don't know where to start. It exposes all the false teachings of Roman Catholicism simply by presenting scripture alone.The book even cites the Roman Catholic Catechism to show precisely what the RCC really believes on each topic, so there is no mistake in quoting their actual beliefs. This a great witnessesing tool, where you can easily turn to a particular section and find what you need in minutes.It gets right to the point.

terrible, a blatant lie
I was a convert from Roman Catholicism to a bible based, born again church.I fell for the lies about my faith for about two years.I decided to study the Catholic faith so that I could be a good witness to these folks.Reading this book along side the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the bible has converted me back to the Roman Catholic Church.I will not live a lie.The truth is not a somewhat or a something, but a person.And that person is Jesus Christ and His body is the Catholic Church.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 says: For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Outside of the Catholic Church this is what your dealing with.

Catholicism contradicts the Word of God, Jesus Christ....
Exposes MANY of the false doctrines of Catholicism. Jesus warned us in Matthew 15:9 - "BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN." If your worship is IN VAIN, are you going to heaven or hell on Judgment Day??? The pope won't be your judge! What happens to ALL LIARS on that day (Revelation 21:8)??? Hebrews 5:9 declares Christ became the author of eternal salvation "UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM". Does the Catholic church OBEY HIM BY DELETING HIS 2ND COMMANDMENT - EXODUS 20:4-5 - NO GRAVEN IMAGES??? If you TAKE AWAY FROM HIS HOLY WORD, your name will be TAKEN OUT OF THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE (Revelation 22:19). Pray to the Father in Jesus' name for wisdom and understanding, and study Revelation 17 & 18....

JUNK AND TRASH, HATRED.
This book is absolutely horrible scholarship. Get real.
If you want a TRUE source of true and solid teaching....go
to the teachings of the Church and not some horrible and trash,wasted writing that is present in this anti-Catholic book.
I'd recommend "Rome Sweet Home" by Dr. Scott Hahn."Upon this Rock" by Peter Kreeft.If you want solid books these two I'd recommend.

Not this book. This book is false and it lies. Spreading filth and hatred.
Disgusting.Sickening. ... Read more

Book Description

John Ankerbergand John Weldons popular Facts On books (more than 800,000 copies sold) havenew covers and updated material! Known for their extensive research and Bibleknowledge, the authors offer readers the essentialfacts they need to evaluate and discuss todays issues. The concise,easytofollow information helps readers:

• understand the basic tenets of each subject
• evaluate the teachings in light of Gods Word
• share the gospel more effectively

The userfriendly,questionandanswer format of this series gives readers the flexibility toexplore the subject fully or look up specific teachings.

Ankerbergand Weldon reveal the origins of the Catholic Church, the facts on papalinfallibility, the truth about Marys exaltation, and the central issues ofCatholic teachings regarding salvation and life after death.

Customer Reviews (13)

Good book, Wrong title
This is a great little book but unfortunately the authors have the title of the book wrong.A more fitting title would have been "The facts on a make-believe Church".The so called "facts" have nothing to do with reality.Most of their "research" it seems, has been done internet websites without much credibility.

The authors have gone as far as blatantly adding their own opinion and presenting it as a "fact".For example, the book states something like this:

"Mary may be venerated in the Catholic Church and any Catholic will tell you that worship is given to God alone, but to us it looks like Catholics worship Mary".

This is laughable and pathetic methodology.

Other places of the book has blatant lies, for example, in the section of the dogma of Papal Infallibility and the history behind it.There is not a shred of truth in the way they have presented this and if I were the authors I would be embarrassed to have such a weak straw man book out bearing their names as the authors.

The saddest thing about this book is that it is on sale and multitudes of less informed Protestant Christians will read it and accept it as "fact".

If I want the facts on Islam, I won't go to a Jehovah's Witness and likewise if you want facts on the Roman Catholic Church, don't go consulting Protestant books.Especially not this one.

Two thumbs down for this book.

Just another form of anti-Catholicism
When people are going to tracts for their information on the Catholic Church, they are begging to be misinformed. This booklet is 58 pages and it claims to present "facts" on the Catholic Church. The obvious problem with that is that 58 pages is probably not sufficient for some of the single issues dealt with in a half a page (which are about half the size of normal book pages).

The book is full of lies and half truths. Papal Infallibility is "demonstrated" false, because of what August Hassler said. The section on papal infallibility ends with the author saying the history of the Church has demonstrated that it is not infallible. That is literally what the last sentence says That is a decieving line, because any serious Catholic knows what Ankerberg and Weldon are getting at. They are implying that because the Church has acted immorally it must not be infallible. No, the Church teaches that it will not teach error, not that it's members won't sin. Beyond that, the authors do not give one example of how the history of the Church proves the pope to be fallible when speaking ex cathedra.

They also give blatant disregard to the standing of Mary in the Church. They devote about 2 mini pages to her. Volumes have been written on the topic, but we are supposed to be convinced with 2 pages. The fact that they do not understand the Church's position does not bother them either.

Basically, Weldon and Ankerberg do not know what they are talking about. They claim the Church errs, because it accepts tradition over the Bible, even though it is only through Church Tradition that we even have a Bible. Regardless of what the authors want to tell themselves, the Church established by Christ made the Bible. The Bible did not make the Church.

There is a reason they didn't write a book on the topic, only a large tract that can be read in about an hour. It is because these little books are generally not taken serious by serious Catholics, but people who know nothing about the Catholic Church will be convinced that it is not the True Church.

Only read this if you are already convinced that the Catholic Church is wrong and you will do anything to support you view. Otherwise, this is a good fire starter.

Excellent summary on the difference between C & P
I am an ex-Catholic, youngest of 11 children, went to mass every Sunday of my youth, confirmed etc.Then I was saved and learned the difference between religion and faith, fear and grace, history and truth.When Chist said "it is finished", it really was.We are justified by Christ work on the cross, nothing else, we are saved by grace, nothing else.There are good Christians in the Catholic church, but one will have a very hard time growing in their relationship with the Lord, by staying within a doctrine that places church history and papal perfection on par with the word of God.Just try and find a Bible in a Catholic church and that tells you pretty much what you need to know.This book is wonderful and absolutely accurate on revealing the false teachings within the Catholic church and how they clash with SCRIPTURE.No matter what I say, you will not understand until God has removed the scales from your eyes, and only he can do that.

Cover Description is Misleading of the book's True character
I noticed this at local Catholic College Bookstore.This book back cover leads one to believe this short book would give the facts on Catholicism in a concise manner and fair manner. Inside the authors often quote catholic sources out of context or quote selectively to show the Catholic faith is in collision with the text of the Bible. It never gives the Catholic Answer to these charges. Its fairly obvious that this book was written to dupe the less informed. The cleverly written back cover description obviously fooled some people at my local Catholic college into purchasing it. I have since brought it to attention of the bookstore manager to ensure its removal.

Great for Witnessing to Catholics
Just another Great tool to witness to the millions of catholics trapped in the false cult of "catholicism".The best tool, however, is the King James bible....... ... Read more

Product Description
This is a very comprehensive anthology of writings on Catholicism. Included are works from St. Ignatius, St. Thomas Aquinas, Pascal, several Popes,and many others. ... Read more

Book Description
Written as a companion to his best-selling This Is OurFaith (over 330,000 copies sold), This Is Our Church,by noted educator Michael Pennock, is a comprehensive, readable, andfaith-filled portrait of two thousand years of Catholic history.Highlighting important events, people, trends, and teachings, this book iscomplete with photos, charts, and chronologies, a rich resource for anyoneinterested in the history of the Catholic Church. Organized by key eras,marked by chronologies, and written in an easy-to-read style. This IsOur Church is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper understanding ofthe history of the Catholic Church. ... Read more

Book Description

The Catholic Church may be the most controversial institution in the world. Whether the question is the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the relationship of Catholicism to other religious communities, the meaning of freedom, the use and abuse of sex, the dignity of human life from conception until natural death, or the role of women, the Catholic Church has taken challenging positions that some find inexplicable, even cruel.

Customer Reviews (7)

A Solid Introduction
The Truth of Catholicism is a good introduction to some of the Catholic beliefs and issues that are most commonly misunderstood and opposed by both non-Catholics and Catholics.George Weigel provides clear explanations of the Church's positions on such hot-button issues as the all-male priesthood, contraception, abortion, euthanasia, ecumenism, and salvation.Weigel writes with wit, style, and charity, and he never dumbs down the truth of the Catholic faith, which is the great strength of his book.I would recommend this book to curious Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Clear and Succinct
Mr. Weigel is a gifted author and this book clearly explains the basis for many Catholic practices and beliefs.I highly recommend it for any Catholic, ex-Catholic or critic of the Catholic Church.

A teaching essential for students of Catholicism
Thank God someone has finally stepped up to the plate and dared to take on the questions of "What do Catholics actually believe and WHY do Catholics believe this?" in a tone that suggests there might actually be some meaning behind the doctrine of this monumental institution. From the first page, Weigel establishes exactly how he will respond to the ever-present critics and cynics who keep the Catholic Church constantly in their sight: truthfully, carefully, and without apology.What a refreshing change in a cultural climate that suggests the Church exists for something other than the mission on which its foundations were originally established.

While I ultimately love and appreciate the content of this book, especially a light but accessible treatment of the true theology behind Catholic doctrine, I give the book four stars and not five because of a specific detail that, for me, detracts a bit from the overall point of the book. Weigel's clear and undying devotion to Pope John Paul II, a figure who was also the focus of a Weigel biography, clouds any attempt at an objective treatment of problematic doctrinal issues.I think some of the problems that create such cynicsm when it comes to the Church today are glossed over in an attempt to "protect" the portrayal of this man.While I completely understand the intention, this fact does seem to taint some of his credibility in reaching the people who may be questioning some of the decisions of the hierarchy of the Church. While Pope John Paul II has been a great positive force in the Church, he hasn't been the sole positive force in the Church which is a claim that Weigel implies at times.

Overall, this is the best book I've found for answers to some very complex questions.For a faith that, at times, appears completely countercultural, often for no good reason, this book gently but surely straightens out any misconceptions and paints a reasonable picture of the thought behind the belief.

Apologetics with Panache
Weigel explains the ten "controversies" that critics of the Faith usually challenge Catholics to defend, e.g., the all-male priesthood, the Church's teaching on sexuality, and the Church as the sacrament of salvation.

In less than two hundred pages, he provides succinct, faithful explanations footnoted to official documents like the Cathecism of the Catholic Church.

This book is highly recommended to the lightly-catechized as a way to explore the Faith "from the inside", as Evelyn Waugh once put it, and to other Catholics seeking a chartitable way of explaining truths to critics both inside and outside the Church.

Truth if You Already Believe
Weigel's book is a good introductory book to Catholicism, its assumptions, beliefs and theology. On the other hand, it assumes the answers and then creates a structure and rationalization to support those answers, which in my view sums up both the major strength and weakness of religious thought. By adopting this technique religion lets men and woman step outside of themselves and judge themselves and the world more objectively. Let me suggest an analogyA friendhas a personal crises which is eating him up. You give him or her advice which you know is good advice and she knows is good advice. Indeed if the circumstances were reversed, he'd give you the same advice. The problem is that knowing the facts objectively and knowing how one should react objectively doesn't make it happen. The most difficult thing for a person to do is to step outside his or her own skin and then take action as if they were someone else. It is too hard to separate emotions and objectivity. What religion does is help someoneto do just this, to look into a mirror and see ourselves as we would see another person facing the same questions and crises. ... Read more

Book Description
What is catechism? Why do Catholics rely on the saints? What is purgatory? 101 Things Everyone Should Know about Catholicism crystallizes these and other key components of this influential, enduring faith. Whether you're curious about the symbolic meanings of Mass or intrigued by the deeper significance of the seven Sacraments, this book answers all your questions. Inside this compact yet comprehensive volume, you'll also learn about:

Customer Reviews (1)

WOW!!!
Simply the best one-volume introduction to the Catholic faith that I have ever seen.

I was first introduced to this book (and this series) when a close friend who teaches theology at my son's high school ordered a sample set.

I was blown away.There is no other way to describe this.

The book is ideal for Catholic high schools (and, for that matter, some Catholic colleges) and also for RCIA.

You can trust this book.

You can trust this series.

Very, very highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description
New Orleans culture is a fusion of secular and holy. From the earliest days of the community founded on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Catholic faith has been an influence on, and inspiration for, daily life. To be sure, religious rites such as weddings, funerals, and feast day festivals transpire elsewhere in the country. In New Orleans, however, they are celebrated with a zeal and verve that speaks to the uniqueness of the community. Earl Higgins amuses us with those quirky, sometimes paradoxical, customs that define modern New Orleans life. He humorously explains why the answer to the question "Where did you go to high school?" is a better identifying characteristic of a New Orleanian than a thumbprint. What's in a name? Many New Orleans streets and one local bayou bear the names of Catholic saints. Louisiana's civil districts are parishes, not counties, bearing testimony to the strong congregational life of the region's founding fathers. Holidays take a twist as New Orleanians observe Christmas, but just as importantly, Twelfth Night, which ushers in the Carnival season and ultimately Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Meatless Fridays and the Creole culinary tradition of Holy Thursday's gumbo z'herbes hail from religious observances connected with Lent. The term y'at is an affectionate nickname proudly worn by some New Orleanians. Higgins, a proud Jesuit High School blue jay and y'at, explains how all these Catholic customs and traditions have blended throughout history to create a unique lifestyle and shorthand language found only in New Orleans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)