Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church

by Christoph Schönborn, Pope Benedict XVI

This is a valuable introduction to the Catechism by the general editor of the Catechism (Schonborn) and the head of the Bishops Commission for the implementation of the Catechism (Ratzinger). Providing helpful insights on how to read and study the Catechism, this book includes a prehistory of the Catechism, an overview of its structure and contents, the major themes and methods in it, a special introduction to the four parts of the Catechism, and specific advice on how to use the Catechism. Ratzinger and Schonborn illuminate the Catechism's teaching on faith, morals, prayer and sacraments, and how a Catholic lives those teachings in today's world.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Catholic

97 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

Christoph Maria Michael Hugo Damian Peter Adalbert Graf von Schönborn, O.P.
is a Bohemian-born Austrian Dominican friar and theologian, who is a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He serves as the Archbishop of Vienna and President of the Austrian Bishops' Conference. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 1998. He is also the chaplain of the Order of the Golden Fleece (Austrian branch), of which he has been a member since 1961. He is a member of the formerly sovereign princely House of Schönborn, several members of which held high offices of the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors wrote in the Foreword to this 1993 book, "The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which Pope John Paul II solemnly presented to the Church on December 7, 1992, has only just begun its career. In a short time it has unleashed a ground swell of approbation around the world. In the countries where it has appeared so far, high sales figures attest to the interest in this work... there are, in fact, numerous positive, even touching testimonials of joy over its publication and of the gratitude of many ... who have found in the Catechism help for their faith...

"This slim volume brings together various introductory presentations of the Catechism given by the authors since its appearance. Their written formulation here serves the same end as the original spoken versions. Their intention, in fact, is not to offer a comprehensive history of the text or an exhaustive commentary on it but elementary aids to reading and study."

They explain, "As early as March 1966, the Dutch bishops' conference... had published its catechism [as A New Catechism: Catholic Faith for Adults], which was eagerly received in many parts of the world as a renewed form of catechesis, but which immediately raised serious questions as well. The Pope thereupon appointed a commission ... to investigate the matter. Their statement... did not take issue with the 'praiseworthy originality' of the Dutch catechism but found it necessary to render more precise, indeed to correct altogether, its affirmations regarding certain fundamental points. At the time, the question arose spontaneously whether the best response to the difficulties connected with this volume might not be to compose a catechism for the entire Church." (Pg. 11-12)

They explain, "Since the aim of the Catechism... is to present an organic exposition of the entire Catholic faith, it must be read as a unity. The cross-references, indicating relevant parallel passages, which are located in the margins of the text help to do so. A given theme often becomes easier to understand when these complementary numbers are consulted." (Pg. 61)

They conclude, "The main concern of this Catechism is not the problem of transmission, of methods, or transposition into various situations, but catechizing the catechists. It is intended to be a manual of faith for the communicators of the faith, a help for all those who wish to improve their understanding of their faith. The meditations on the petitions of the Our Father are catechesis in this contemplative sense." (Pg. 97)

This book will be useful "introductory" material for anyone proposing to study the new Catechism.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third volume the Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI is an excellent resource in and of itself, it serves as an introduction not only to the history of the Catechism and the Catholic views on truth it also has excellent short introductions to each of the four sections in the Catechism.

These three volumes are essential for any serious Catholic scholar and together they would be amazing resources in any Christian home, or person’s office.

(First Published in Across the Creek the St. Jerome's Students Union newspaper column 'Book Look' March 2006)

[Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little treatise in part about the history and formation of the Catechism and in part showing how the sections work together in unity. It was definitely a little long, which is a weird thing to say about a book under 100 pages. But it had its moments.

[Linda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the catechism.

[Hayden Lukas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like how both of them write. Clear, and not afraid to show who they're battling and why. Explains the CCC structure and function well.

[sch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jan 2024. Chaser to Fr Mike's podcast. Very helpful.

[Tiago Agostinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resumo claro e bem feito

Pensamento bem estruturado

[Evan Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helps to understand why the catechism came about when it did and why it is structured the way it is.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summary of the nature and purpose of the Catechism.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is to serve the guardianship and the transmission of the deposit of faith. The Church has the duty, but also the right, to express the fullness, the riches and the beauty of the "faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3; cf. CCC 171). For this task, the universal Church provides the CCC, "a uniquely authoritative doctrinal data-bank" (E. d'Arcy). Doctrine is not opposed to life. How can we love without understanding? Faith education must also be an education of the intellectus fidei. The understanding of faith deepens the trust in this faith and so the confidence in the way of life faith teaches us.

Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church p. 57

[Brett Salkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful little introduction to the history and structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church feautriong pieces by Ratzinger and Schonborn, two of the people most responsible for the production of the Catechism. An excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.