The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 2) [Paperback]

Bennet Kelley (Author)

Book Description

Series: St. Joseph Catecisms

This Catechism retains the text of the Revised Baltimore Catechism, Number 2, but adds abundant explanations to help children understand the difficult parts of each lesson along with pictures to aid in understanding. Intended for grades 6-8.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing Company; 2 Revised edition (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089942242X
• ISBN-13: 978-0899422428
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some things should NEVER change, March 21, 2001

By 

NYJ (Atlantic Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 2) (Paperback)

Such as dogma and doctrine of the Faith. And we see this mentality reflected in the Baltimore Catechism. While "outdated" in the sense that this book was compiled before Vatican II, which was almost 4 decades ago, this book is still entirely relevant for Catholics today. The book is assembled as a series of questions and answers to a number of matters as it pertains to the faith of Catholic Christians. This is the second book, which is targetted to children from middle school and up. I am an adult (i.e.: over 18) and I still enjoy reading this Catechism. The answers are simple and straightforward, and I've found that working as a catechist (R.C.I.A. - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) that this book becomes a wonderful resource. In addition, since this book has not been modified post-Vatican II, this is a favorite resource of traditionalist Catholics. Overall, I think the book is a good resource for Catholics, the pictures break up what could be tedious reading (sorting through Q&A) otherwise and add a unique "flavor" to this book that it would not otherwise have.

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confused no more !, December 10, 2004

By 

Mack R. (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 2) (Paperback)

The Baltimore Catechism is the "grand slam" of Catholic instruction that should have NEVER neen removed from Catholic Schools. This book is written for 6th to 8th grade students of the 1950s and 1960s but is perfect for adults because of it's simplicity, clarity, completeness and doctrinal soundness. The only thing outdated about this book is the artwork (so what?). It is a must own for anyone who wants to firm up their understanding of Catholic teaching. This is "old school" Catholicism at it's finest.

This catechism even teaches about Hell, Purgatory, Indulgences, Penance, Devotions (how to pray) and even "MORTAL SIN". Yes, the church still teaches these things, we just don't hear about them anymore because modern catholic educators don't want anyone to be..... heaven forbid.... "uncomfortable".

None of this "feelgoodism" and "new age" confusion that has permeated some catholic schools in the last 30 years.

This book is perfect for anyone who grew up in the confusing "Post Vatican II" era and wants to learn their catholic faith the way it should have been taught all along. It is also perfect for catholic parents who want to instruct their children in the fundamentals of catholicism.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Catechism, May 7, 2006

By 

David Bennett (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 2) (Paperback)

The Baltimore Catechism was first issued in 1885 as an American Catholic Catechism and was used extensively from 1885 until the 1960s, when (unfortunately) American Catholics moved away from using catechisms. With the advent of the amazing Catechism of the Catholic Church (ISBN: 0385508190), and the brand new Compendium of the Catechism (ISBN: 1574557203), fewer and fewer people are using the Baltimore Catechism. While I love both the new Catechism and the Compendium, I believe that the Baltimore catechism still has an important place.

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 is an edition of the Baltimore Catechism intended for older children, but I have used it frequently as an adult. It is arranged in a useful question and answer format, and the answers are classically Catholic. There is no fudging in any way; the Baltimore Catechism clearly and concisely explains what Catholics believe. While the theology of the Baltimore Catechism is essentially the same as post-Vatican II Catholic Theology, some Catholic discipline has changed since it was written, so it is always helpful to compare what is written with current canon law. At the end of each section are questions and scripture readings related to what was discussed. At the very end of the book is a glossary, excerpts from the Mass, an essay on "why I am a Catholic," the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, and photos of the Holy Land. These make the Baltimore Catechism a helpful Catholic reference.

There may be a few potential drawbacks to this book. First, the photos look like they are straight out of another (past) era. While I like them now, when I was a sixth grader, I would have thought they were silly. I know this is superficial, but unfortunately, teens and pre-teens often put a big emphasis on these sorts of things. Second, the biblical names used in the Baltimore Catechism come from the Vulgate / Douay-Rheims translations of the Bible. While I have copies of both translations, most kids and adults these days are not familiar with them. For instance, we refer to Noah, not Noe. Of course, these are minor drawbacks only.

Overall, I highly recommend the Baltimore Catechism. While the recent official catechisms are excellent, and should be the foundation of Catholic catechesis, there is still a place for the Baltimore catechism. When I have children, I am going to make sure they are raised on the Baltimore Catechism as well as the official ones. Also, I think that adults, especially those in the RCIA program, could use to hear the clear and concise answers the Baltimore Catechism provides.