Customer Reviews

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism (No. 2)

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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 While "outdated" in the sense that this book was compiled before Vatican II, which was almost 4 decades ago, this book is still entirely relevant for Catholics today.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.

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 The only thing outdated about this book is the artwork (so what?).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.

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.

I first bought this book because it was so cheap and also that one of my bible study friends in college had it, and we used it occasionally to answer theological questions we came up with. When I joined a different bible study group I started bringing it to those meetings, and it helped us to answer questions a lot, especially with a lot of curious, non-Catholics in the group.

The formula is simple: the writer asks a question on anything from marriage to the afterlife, and then explains the answer in clear, easy to read terms. I was able to read through the whole book in one night, and it continued to hold my interest the entire time. The pictures, though somewhat outdated, do provide relief from the text and occasionally aid in explaining it.

I continue to use it as my girlfriend and I seriously consider marriage - it helps to answer our questions on the theology side of marriage.

Though often dismissed as "pre-Vatican II" and therefore obsolete, the New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism is a terrific way to teach children the Faith. Since the book covers basics like Creed, Commandments, Sacraments and Prayer, the fact that it's pre-conciliar is largely irrelevant. When was the last time you discussed the nuances of Lumen Gentium with an eight year old?

Each of the thirty seven chapters covers a topic like "Trinity", "the Eucharist" or "Incarnation" with a reading from Scripture, an explanation of that reading, a Q&A "catechism" and then a series of questions on what the student has just learned. The chapters are about four pages long, so they are perfect for reading to children nightly.

(Parents can brush up on their own catechesis by reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church and reflecting on how its passages elaborate on what is contained in the Baltimore Catechism.)

Book no. 1 is ideal for first through third graders, while the three subsequent volumes are useful for instructing older children.

A number of myths surround the Baltimore Catechism, Vatican II, and Church teaching. Here are three of them:

MYTH NO. 1: "Before Vatican II, Catholics were told not to read the Bible."

REALITY: Each lesson from the New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism, released prior to Vatican II, begins with a reading from Scripture and ends with additional suggested readings.

MYTH NO. 2: "We're not supposed to use catechisms anymore."

REALITY: "In fulfilling its educational role, the Church, eager to employ all suitable aids, is concerned especially about those which are her very own. Foremost among these is catechetical instruction, which enlightens and strengthens the faith, nourishes life according to the spirit of Christ, leads to intelligent and active participation in the liturgical mystery and gives motivation for apostolic activity." -- Vatican II's Declaration on Christian Education, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965.

MYTH NO. 3: "Before Vatican II, all anyone did was memorize the Baltimore Catechism."

REALITY: Each lesson of the New St. Joseph edition includes discussion questions to stimulate the imagination of learners.

It is great to see this book is available again. Some
of the most basic Catholic Teachings seem to get left
behind in todays - social service age - this brings
back the basics of Catholic Religious education. Great for recent converts who need specific details. Great reference.

I originally thought that this book was too old (Pre-Vatican II) to use for study. But after reviewing many other books, I returned to this time-tested standard. It is perfect for Confirmation students with some very good discussion questions after each lesson.
The illustrations are pretty old and almost childish but the material is excellent.

I was given a copy of this by my RCIA sponsor. What a wonderful book. While aimed at adolescents, it conveys the truths of God in a uncomplicated and friendly way. No mumbo-jumbo. No modernist equivocation or hand-wringing. Just the truth.

Now that it has been a year since I came into the Catholic church, I find that what I remember about this book are the pictures. The pictures in the context of what they are trying to teach. A boy calling to friend that he is going to confession. The ship with the sails of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That is how I remember these. The images, and the memories they produce, are priceless and will have ETERNAL benefits!

You are not too old, too well read or too well catechized NOT to open this up and read it from time to time.

Excellent text for personal study. Brief, succient, and broad based. Quickest way to get a grounding in basic Catholicism. Readable at Junior High level and up. Good for Home schooling.