Customer Reviews

Catholic Dictionary

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Fully indexed to the Cathechism of the Catholic Church, Our Sunday Visitor's "Catholic Dictionary" is like a miniature encyclopedia. It's a great resource for any Catholic home.

Though not a work of apologetics, it isn't afraid to tackle controversial subjects where the Church's teaching is clear. Under the entry "Women, Ordination of" the following definition is given: "The exclusion of women from ordination is found in the expressed will of Christ, Who called men alone to be His Apostles, and it has been the constant tradition and teaching of the Church that women are ineligble to receive the Sacrament of Orders. This is not a reflection on the dignity of women, but rather because of the relationship between Christ as Spouse and the Church as Bride. In 1976, the declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 'Inter Insigniores', dealt with this matter in a detailed and authoritative manner, followed by the irreformable document of Pope John Paul II, 'Ordinatio Sacerdotalis', in 1994. CCC 1577-1578"

Celibacy, much in the news in recent years, also is given thoughtful treatment: "The discipline of the Latin Church that forbids the ordination of married men. Celibacy is perfect continence and is meant to foster imitation of Christ, Who gave up all, including the right to marry and have children, to serve His father. A married man may be ordained to the diaconate but generally cannot remarry if his wife dies. Jesus Himself (Mt 19:11-12) and St. Paul (1 Cor 7:32) encouraged celibacy, as did the Council of Elvira (306). The Eastern Church allows deacons and priests who are married before ordination to remain so; however, bishops are required to be celibate. CCC 915, 1579-1580, 1599"

This catholic dictionary is a definite help when taking religious courses. It is up to date and thorough. There is a link to the Catholic Catechism for Catholics.

I purchased this dictionary because of its length (800 pp). But I find it too simplistic and it gives a phonetic pronunciation of every single entry, which seems unnecessary, and is very distracting. Words or phrases such as "Faith, Rule of (ROOL uhv Fayth)" and "God, Attributes (A-trih-byoots uhv GAHD)". They need to limit this feature to unusual, uncommon or Latin words and phrases.
I recommend the Catholic dictionary by John Hardon.

Now when a word comes up that my class is not sure of the meaning. This book is another one for them to reference.
Making class time more timely.