Pocket Catholic Dictionary [Abridged] [Mass Market Paperback]

John Hardon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 1985

Incorporating the changes in the revised Code of Canon Law, this pocket edition of an important religious reference presents over 2,000 clear and concise definitions of the Catholic Church's teachings on faith, worship, morals, theology, history, and spirituality.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Incorporating the changes in the revised Code of Canon Law, this pocket edition of an important religious reference presents over 2,000 clear and concise definitions of the Catholic Church's teachings on faith, worship, morals, theology, history, and spirituality.

From the Inside Flap

Incorporating the changes in the revised Code of Canon Law, this pocket edition of an important religious reference presents over 2,000 clear and concise definitions of the Catholic Church's teachings on faith, worship, morals, theology, history, and spirituality.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Image (September 4, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385232381
• ISBN-13: 978-0385232388
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fullness of Catholic Teaching, May 21, 2003

By 

Oswald Sobrino (Traverse City) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pocket Catholic Dictionary (Mass Market Paperback)

As in his many other works, the late Father Hardon did not hesitate to present Catholic teaching in its entirety. The pressures of cultural correctness did not keep him from presenting the whole truth of Catholic teaching. Unlike other writers, he did not engage in artful ambiguity about some of the teachings of the Church.

In the Pocket Catholic Dictionary, he manages to provide insights in a small abridged dictionary that others can't or won't communicate in much larger works. One example from my own research will illustrate the value of Fr. Hardon's pocket dictionary as a jumping off point for further research.

In researching the canon law issue of whether contraceptive intercourse was sufficient to consummate a marriage, I found several specialized reference sources and commentaries full of ambiguity and even one that was ideologically slanted in its presentation. For Catholics, this particular issue of canon law is important because a marriage becomes indissoluble only after consummation. One of the few sources that addressed the issue forthrightly was Fr. Hardon's Pocket Dictionary and related works, while other lengthy reference works specializing in canon law were of no help. Without mincing words, Fr. Hardon states in his definition of "Consummated Marriage" that "contraceptive intercourse does not consummate Christian marriage."

Thus, on an issue of great importance to Catholics, this small pocket dictionary opened up an avenue for further research where larger and more specialized works failed to enlighten. I am sure there are other issues out there for which Fr. Hardon's Pocket Catholic Dictionary would turn out to be a good and reliable starting point.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Complete Catholic Resource, January 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Pocket Catholic Dictionary (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is an incredible tool. As a Catholic, with thousands of questions, this book has thousands of answers! It is truly the best Catholic resource I have encountered!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very handy reference, December 10, 1999

By 

D. M. Childs "ignatiusdmc" (Central Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pocket Catholic Dictionary (Mass Market Paperback)

Just one of the handiest references I've used. Packed with information on terms commonly used but often misused or misunderstood. Clears up alot of "Semantic" problems. This will help people of all faith understand the "Catholic" meaning of certain words that may mean something different to someone else. Very concise and comprehensive. Convenient size.