The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism

by Bob O'Gorman, Mary Faulkner M.A.

How can the Catholic Church be both hugely popular and widely scorned? How can it hold onto its ancient roots and be forever changing? This updated guide tells the story of being Catholic as Catholics themselves live their faith, every day of their lives. More than ever before, this edition speaks to interested outsiders, non-clergy, and practicing Catholics, as well as to religious professionals and members of the clergy. This book
• The various stances within American Catholicism today
• Recent Catholic history, most notably, the death of John Paul II and the succession of Pope Benedict XVI
• The seven sacraments
• The present state of Catholic education, Catholic identity, and Catholic social teaching

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

432 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2000

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, first, I'm not Catholic. This book, however, was really enjoyable. I learned some stuff, and even the stuff they gloss-over is not to onerous. Do I feel there are things not being answered? Yes. They don't talk about the Old Catholic Church, Who split off during Vatican 1, They sort of gloss over the Mary issue (perpetual virginity, and Jesus not having siblings)---they do point out they don't know if he did or not, playing it safe---They do acknowledge the schisms (both with Orthodox and Protestant). While at the same time barely mentioning inquisition other than to say it was the secular governments fault. Same with the Crusades. Still overall this is a book I think people should read, whether they're Catholic or not.

[Gary Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th book read in 2015.

Number 264 out of 432 on my all time book list.

Follow the link below to see my video review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHyTp...

[Giovanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, while well organized and covering a LOT of ground, does not seem to be fully in line with the actual teachings of the Catholic church. For example, Catholics believe that Mary was an actual virgin (never had sex), and this book asserts that the word "virgin" meant something else entirely in the past so we shouldn't get too hung up on the modern-day meaning. Maybe more recent editions have fixed this. But either way, the liberal pandering was just all over the place. Any teachings that are difficult are softened as much as possible. I have a hard time recommending this book to anyone, other than to help them become more familiar with the practical stuff like the parts of a mass, the liturgical calendar, etc. When it comes to the actual moral teachings of the church, stick to the catechism.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although outdated with some minor errors and omissions, I found it a delightful read, nonetheless.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned some things I didn't know by reading this book, and the format is enjoyable. However, I felt it had more of what Catholics do and less of why they do it which was more what I was looking for. If you're looking for more in depth biblical explanations, I'd recommend www.catholic.com which I found by doing a web search for a particular topic I was interested in.

[Mariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I'm Catholic. Full confession: I didn't grow up going to mass regularly and still have a lot to learn. That being said, I liked this book. Helpful overview without making you feel like...well...an idiot.

[Bridget Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, didn't help much.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was very good, but it did not awnser all of my questions. however it did help me understand more about the catholic church.