Catholic Customs & Traditions: A Popular Guide

by Greg Dues

This newly revised, expanded edition answers the questions most commonly asked by both Catholics and non-Catholics. Dues outlines traditional Catholic religious history, gives an engaging overview of the rich variety of customs associated with Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, and Lent, and provides a thorough understanding of why Catholics practice their faith the way they do.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology, Reference

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Maxwell Thornton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short, but somewhat sketchy book.

Specifically, the author makes recurring claims about supposed pagan connections and origins of Christian practices, despite citing no sources. Keep in mind that scholars have largely disregarded these supposed pagan connections and claims as well.

For all of the trivia that you could learn in this book, you could learn the sane from other places like www.catholicanswers.com .

I would not recommend reading this book.

[Peter Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of the 1989 edition, not the updated and revised edition. Despite it being a very intriguing subject, I was not impressed by the book which felt like it was written in the 80s (e.g. no real mention of the TLM and traditional calendar) and generally lacked documentation, especially for discussions which are controversial (e.g. the exact date of the birth of Christ). Perhaps the updated version may be useful for people unfamiliar with Catholic traditions and who want a general overview, but for Catholics who already living many of these customs and who want a better understanding of them and to even learn about "new traditions" of their faith I think there are other resources that are better suited to the purpose.

[Mike Cross · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's really hard to call this a "book", it's more of a collection of definitions, descriptions, textual illustrations, and very short histories organized by subject. Hence it is almost more of a reference book than a nonfiction. It reads very well and provides great information, however it helps if you have a base understanding of Catholicism (which I don't). Nothing really wrong with it, I just don't really consider it nonfiction.

[Andi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t bother, it is likely the worst written book I’ve seen in a long time. Filled with bias against our Muslim brothers and sisters, bias against our Jewish Brothers and sisters, mischaracterizations of Catholic beliefs, shoddy research and little) precious little) documentation of sources this book should not be trusted or used in instruction or parish libraries.

[Chels S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some good stuff, but sells outs to the Jews by replacing AD with "CE" and BC with "BCE", and naming "Hannukah " as a Catholic or Catholic compatible tradition. Also other Liberal bits here and there.

[John Teske · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed through this - about half the things I was aware of, and half I was not.

Will pass this along to my Parish Priest.

[Jacquie Stricklind · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book in the R.C.I.A class I am taking with a friend who is coming back to the Catholic religion. This book was very informative.

[Mauro Colabianchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer but a bit outdated. The author sees a lot of traditions through a lens of Vatican II which should be updated given the traditionalist movement and developments since the 1980s.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly comprehensive for such a small book.

This book provides significant detail not only on current, modern day Catholic practices but additionally details historical practices and how those involved into our current traditions. I wish that the book provided a longer list of popular saints, but overall I am very impressed.

It is a good read for current Catholics, aspiring Catholics, or those who simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith.

[Chaffee Viets · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't remember much about this but found it helpful.

[Natalie Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to understand, clear, concise explanations of Catholic customs. I was given this book in RCIA class and have found it very helpful and informative.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, clear & concise guide to the history and meanings behind Catholic customs and tradition. Extremely helpful and great for a quick reference guide.

[Nicky Uerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I'll be glad to have this on my shelf as a reference for years to come!

[Chris J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine book.

[Ron]

Great book! If you want to see how paganism entered the Christian beliefs, this is the book to read.

[Jason Mesiarik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insights into one's faith minus all the dogma.

[Stevie Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new Catholic, I found this to be an invaluable guide to understanding all of the symbolism and traditions that I see all around me in the church.