Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church [Paperback]

Benedict XVI (Author), Christoph Cardinal Schonborn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1994

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 97 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (June 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898704855
• ISBN-13: 978-0898704853
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #887,735 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A former publishing executive, John F. Thornton is a literary agent and co-editor of Tongues of Angels, Tongues of Men: A Book of Sermons. He lives in New York City. Susan B. Varenne holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago Divinity School and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. She is a New York City teacher and a freelance writer specializing in religion.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource, March 13, 2006

By 

Steven R. McEvoy "MCWPP" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paperback)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very detailed introduction into the Catechism, September 22, 2007

By 

Rebecca Parker (Regensburg, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a requirement for a class on the CCC. Both Ratzinger and Schoenborn give very detailed information on the Catechism, from its early history to how it is built up.
Though the book is titled as an "introduction", I would only recommend this book to those, who have a deeper interest in the Catechism, or those with prior knowledge of its content. It is not always an easy read and I had to read many things more than once.
All in all, you cannot get a better duo writing a book on the Catechism than Ratzinger and Schoenborn.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful and brief introduction to a masterful work, January 12, 2007

By 

CDS "C" (Boston,MA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paperback)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a beautiful work which seeks to break open the Catholic faith both for believers and those with questions about Catholicism.

This book which is a collection of short essays by then-Cardinal Ratzinger and then bishop Schönborn now Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Schönborn,serves as a backdrop to the Catechism, it explains the development of the Catehchism, the rationale for its construction, why certain things were included and others weren't. Then it goes on in a very brief but insightful manner to give a thumbnail sketch of the Catechism.

It's a short read, and very useful in doing what the title claims.