The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Catholic Catechism: The Core Teachings of Catholicism in Plain English

by David I. Fulton, Mary DeTurris Poust

Operating instructions for being a Catholic.

The Catechism is an amazing collection of Church teachings and rules that cover everything from the basics, like honoring God, to more unusual subjects, such as paying just wages and respecting animals. Perfect for students, lay teachers, Catholics, and readers of other faiths, this guide is the key to understanding the daily life of Catholics and gives readers an appreciation for what Catholics believe.

? Provides information and explanations without a conservative or liberal slant

? Co-author is a clergyperson expert on the teachings of the Catechism

? Companion volume to The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Understanding Catholicism, Third Edition

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Catholic

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2008

Reviews

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: Personal edification.

Comments: After making sure the book had an Imprimatur (which declares the book free of doctrinal error) I was eager to read this book. I have been a convert for one year now and don't see myself reading the official Catechism from front to back anytime soon, though I do intend to tackle that project one day. I have also never purchased a "Complete Idiot's Guide" to anything before but the general good reviews convinced me to purchase the book.

The book follows the same order of the Catechism and has all the numbers referenced and actually quotes from at times. The book is written in an easy to understand layman's voice but that doesn't stop it from getting into some deep theological issues. I often read some parts over more than once to truly grasp the truth.

I feel like I have learned so much just by reading this book. I'm certainly much more informed, am able to answer non-Catholic's questions, have much more insight into the commandments, the apostle's creed and the Our Father. Many of my questions were answered and many things I wasn't quite sure what exactly the Church meant when it said something I would have big light bulb moments. I've also had some truths brought to my attention that I hadn't considered before and feel greatly rewarded for that alone. The book can be read quite quickly but I spent some time with it, reading a chapter at a time, taking it slowly. A fabulous book for details on the teachings of the Church.

[Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent review of the Catechism to understand the beliefs, practices, and social philosophy of the Catholic Church. Well done theological explanations of prayers, The Commandments, The Mass, and the relevance to issues ranging from sexuality to social justice. This book is for anyone who wants to appreciate the reasons regarding the practices of the Catholic Church. A must read for the adult who has never read the Catechism and the someone who is about the participate in the sacrament of Confirmation.

[Seth Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still not Catholic but a decent explanation of some of their doctrines.

[Nathan Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine for what it was. I'd rather have read the full book text, but this was assigned reading.

[Jeremy Bonnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned quite a few things that I didn't know already by reading this book. This is a good reference book for the actual Catechism, which is not necessarily something that you might read through from cover to cover. I'm glad to own a copy because I can refer back to it at any time as a refresher.

4 out of 5 stars

[Ellen C · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read/reference

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read and a great way to tackle understanding the Catholic Catechism. This books makes me feel like I can actually read the Catechism to help my faith journey.

[Melanie Steina · Rating 4 out of 5]

great easy way to grasp the subject