Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs

by Alan Schreck

It contains the answers you need. It is a readable and concise summary of commonly misunderstaood Catholic beliefs --the teachings and pratices that often don't get much attention in Sunday sermons and in religious education.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology, Christianity

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1984

Reviews

[John Mellody · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book for those who love the scriptures and want to know how catholic beliefs are compatible with the bible. Answers about the pope, mary and why we believe what we do. As Catholics we believe we are on a journey to heavan, and have not arrived and need the sacraments to help get us there.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian who doesn't know a lot about Catholic-specific doctrines and beliefs, this was an incredibly helpful book. Schreck does an excellent job of outlining "controversial" Catholic beliefs and explaining them without getting bogged down in the details.

While I can't say I agreed with all the Catholic beliefs presented, it did give me a deeper appreciation for all that Protestants and Catholics share. We agree much more than disagree, and often just use different approaches, tones and vocabularies in expressing our faith.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone with a Christian background who wants to know more about Catholic-specific beliefs.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is alright - and probably best for people who are teaching RCIA (i.e., people who are already Catholic) rather than people who are attending RCIA sessions (i.e., people considering whether they want to become Catholic).

I think perhaps my judgment of this book is skewed because of my opinion of the book I read prior to this (Why Do Catholics Do That?) that seems more accessible and understandable to the average layman.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have resolved to learn more about the Catholic faith which I profess to believe in and this book was a great place to start my education. As a convert from a Bible quoting denomination, this book was valuable in giving me the biblical background for the beliefs we hold. I am finding the truth and now I can't get enough of it. The answers lie in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The same church that Jesus founded. The same church that the apostles lead and their followers carried on. "To know history is to cease being a Protestant." I believe it.

[Laura Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been having problems with my faith recently, but this book really helped. I realized that I fully support everything the church teaches. I'm so glad I read this.

[Daniel Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25/5

I find theology books exhausting to read. It's very easy for me to get caught up in differing arguments for a particular doctrine and getting frustrated trying to analyze with my framework of understanding. However, I've come to appreciate these books more by stopping myself from grinding my beliefs against books that, when written in earnest IMO, are just trying to provide understanding.

In terms of providing understanding, this book is an excellent resource. Alan Schreck excels at explaining Catholic beliefs that are often misconstrued by other denominations. Schreck has a quotation or reference for everything he mentions (this message is sponsored by the Second Vatican Council), which I find comforting and necessary for a book of this nature. While this book does not go in depth into some concepts as much as I would have hoped, it at least leaves the reader with places to look if they wish to explore further.

I realize that this book is tailor-made for me as the audience - a non-Catholic Christian - which is why it was so effective for me. I personally feel very enriched by this book and appreciate it for helping me internally develop a better understanding and distinction between what I considered fundamental and what I now can appreciate as belief. Very glad to have finished this book.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, this book was fairly comprehensive look at Catholic theology and how it may differ from Protestant Christianity. I think it would be an interesting read for all Christians. I've been Catholic all my life, and there was so much learned that I didn't know about my own religion. I appreciated the emphasis in the beginning of the book on Christian unity; that "what we have in common-our common Christian beliefs, heritage, and mission-is much greater and more important than what divides us". I think that message of respect and understanding is so important, especially in today's polarized and divided world.

There were some passages that were a bit dense and wordy, and could have been more concise. Yet there were other passages and explanations that I felt were a bit incomplete, using circular logic such as "it is this way because that's the way it is and has always been," and were therefore a bit unsatisfying. Overall, though, a very worthwhile and edifying read!

[Brian Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very comprehensive of the Catholic faith. It provides a thorough foundation of the church's teachings and explains, in brief, why such concepts are core teachings. This is a good book for someone who is new to Catholicism and for those who may not have had proper catechisis earlier in life.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long wanted a good book that explained the Catholic position on beliefs that many Protestants find controversial, so I could make my own decision after hearing properly from both sides. [Tried asking locally but that didn't work out.] This book comes highly recommended.

Schreck's book answered a number of my questions, but not all of them. I would like to have seen all the sacraments listed and discussed. Also the basis for the Queen of Heaven thing. Did not agree with all arguments, but I was happy to see much more support for my continued belief that Catholic doctrine is - mostly - the same as most Protestant positions on the points that matter most.

[Ben Wenzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful (and I'm not a real avid supporter of very much religious literature and writings on spirituality). Respectful of protestantism and faithful to Catholicism. Really enlightening for those coming from a protestant background.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, really solid explanation of Catholic views on issues where there is debate with other Christian denominations. Not the usual aggressive or triumphal apologetic fare.

[Claudio Laferla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seems to be a 'companion' to the other book by the same author 'the catholic challenge'. Written with the same simplicity and clarity, but at the same time, presenting the challenge.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second half.

[Cassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helped me understand the reason behind certain things. A great read for anyone that wants to know more unbiased info.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are wanting one book that just walks through an overview of Catholic beliefs, this is your book. It's a quick read in easy language.

[Jeepster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this a lot. The author answered the most asked questions in a beautiful and tactful way.

[Michael Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If any non-Catholic wants to have their questions seriously addressed about the beliefs of the Catholic Church, this is an excellent place to start!

[Bellatuscana Bellatuscana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, where to begin with Catholic and ? It’s a summary of some common Catholic beliefs with very brief explanations of them. One thing I learned was that the Catholic Church believes that they’re the holy Catholic Church because of their superior organization skills. I also learned that the Catholic Church doesn’t really have any real explanation for why priest have to be celibate other than the fact that it helps them listen to God more but also that it’s not actually requirement for the eastern because that’s “their culture.” In addition, apparently Catholics did not take part in the Eucharist of other churches because they believe that the unification only comes from them, denying the Eucharist to other churches of which they believe cause “division” (Which makes no sense - only vague references to CS Lewis here). I also learned that the Catholic Church does not consider Mary Magdalene to be an apostle and that’s the reason why they don’t have female priests. Marion doctrine is also explained with it being partly due to confusion on whether or not Mary was assumed into heaven as well as confusion on the precise definitions of how Mary herself was a disciple. Catholics even belief Mary was a “perpetual virgin.” Apparently Martin Luther believed so too? I don’t really care - you have no evidence of this. It seems so unhealthy to have had women believe this for years without any evidence. All in all if you can look past the rhetoric, it’s a very clear explanation of Catholic beliefs, but it just leaves a lot to question that makes me feel like I probably would never be able to make it through the RCIA class.

[Marcia Otting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many non-Catholic Christians have distorted or outright false views of what Catholic Christians believe. I was among them until I read this book. It is unfair and bears false witness to our Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ to continue to perpetuate these views. This book gives a reasoned and measured view of Catholic beliefs and also where they originate. A great starting point for those wanting an introduction to the Catholic faith. You may be surprised, as I was, at how many points of commonality there are between Catholic Christian beliefs and those of non-Catholic Christians.

[Dr. Chad Newton, PhD-HRD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that Alan's text is an extraordinarily insightful, informative, thorough, and rich set of chapters that fully validate the most commonly misunderstood practices of Catholics. If any Protestant desires fuller understanding about Catholic doctrines, history, beliefs, practices, or church designs, then he or she should absorb this book's contents. However, a nonbeliever or a non-Catholic Christian should heed the following caveat: beware thy beliefs which thou currently hold as true. You may walk away deciding to convert from the denominational versions of Christ to the historical one!

[Noah Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. For Catholics it will be a wonderful gift for anyone starting RCIA, particularly converts. For non-Catholics and even non-Christians it's a great read to enhance your understand of Catholic beliefs and erase many common misconceptions. Schreck wrote this book in such a way as to be accessible for people just starting to read religious works and still captures the attention of those more experienced. If you're looking for a quick read on the most common sticking points for those looking into the Catholic faith, this is it.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative book. I am Catholic, but found it difficult sometimes to explain the scriptural basis for some of my beliefs on the spot. I found out about Church history as well as solid scriptures which can help anyone understand the Catholic Church; and I have had my faith enriched by reading this book. The author has put together a very cohesive and easy-to-read and well-researched handbook on Catholicism.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfectly fine explanation of a number of specifically Catholic beliefs, but not as detailed as I would have liked.

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that helped me understand the scriptural and theological bases for Catholic teachings when I was entering the Catholic Church.

[Danita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still my favorite short summary of Catholicism and why it is so different and wonderful.

[Chris Theule · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Dianne Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for a Catholic to review certain beliefs.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written book that overall gave a very balanced perspective of the Catholic faith. The book is not meant to be objective; however, my impression was the Catholic author worked hard to be fair when examining non-Catholic perspectives.
With that said, I would say this is a fairly mediocre book overall. It covers the material in an approachable way, but that is about it. To really understand the topics discussed, I would recommend readers look through the Catholic Catechism. It is more of an "official" source, and it is written in a clear and concise manner.

[Oliver Schnusenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was highly impressed by both the use of scripture and logic to explain some of the not easily understood Catholic beliefs. For example, the analysis of Mary's unique position in the Catholic faith was particularly thorough and well-expounded. This book should be required reading for all Catholics and is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Fantastic!

[Brett Linsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Protestant exploring the Catholic faith. this was a really great read. Unexciting prose, but the material is wonderful. Would highly recommend to others who know nothing about Catholicism and would like to.