Catholicism - An Introduction: Teach Yourself

by Peter Stanford

This is a complete guide to the oldest institution in the Western world - the Catholic Church. Explore the essential beliefs and practices of the religion and delve into its long and fascinating history. From the significance of Rome and the importance of the Papacy, to current issues such as science, contraception and new movements within the faith, learn what it means to be Catholic today.
NOT GOT MUCH TIME?

One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
AUTHOR INSIGHTS

Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.
TEST YOURSELF

Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of psychology.
FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER

Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
TRY THIS

Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity

208 pages, CD-ROM

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting read and the perfect book I needed coming into learning more about Catholicism as a general overview. Loved that they focused a lot on history and the hard line aspects of the church, while also lightly touching on some more contemporary debates.

[Brian Want · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise and reasonably comprehensive overview of Catholicism directed at a general audience. I read it specifically for a brief review of Church history (before diving into some other more detailed history books), but I found the other sections to be informative as well. As an introductory text, this book provides a sound and straightforward jumping-off point.

I suspect some of the lower ratings and negative reviews are from people who were looking for something on how to *be* a Catholic, whereas this book is really a more of a basic, neutral-toned reference on Catholicism as a religion: history, major figures, core beliefs and practices, structure, current issues, etc.

[Kat]

I finished this book in a few days. It was a great overview of Catholicism. It was unbiased and gave me a better understanding of Catholicism as a whole. It covered every area that I still had questions about.

[Shaun · Rating 1 out of 5]

Painfully, and woefully secular slanted. Now I completely understand why the book doesn't bear the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. If you are a Seeker this is NOT the book for you.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a good account on what Catholicism is. Does exactly what the book says.